c-leg5

LOL, I hope you aren’t disappointed! It has been several years since we were there but I have been researching for an upcoming visit and I think it is where we will go next time. Keep in mind it is not a sandy beach but “sandy” areas like Money Bar but I feel the sea access is easier. They seem to have added a lot of loungers since we were there. We would just do PAYG,with Happy Hour, but packages are available if you want them. Be sure to check out small chapel that they built just outside the entrance. Although the review is in @mitsugirly land review it is easier to find if you go to the “port” tag. Who knows you might find somewhere else new from her reviews, although she is mainly snorkeling/diving focused.

Not sure if you have seen it but @mitsugirly has an intensive photo review of Sky Reef in her recent land visit to Cozumel.( It is in the blog in her signature.) Also, not sure if it will make a difference to your decision on whether or not to buy a package but Sky Reef used to offer Happy hour 12-3, not sure if they still do.

They have cabanas of various sizes for different groups. However you need to state when booking how many in your party as you are allocated an area, which is set up for you on arrival. Some are simply two loungers and an umbrella, others have walls and palapa roof. Take a look at Tripadvisor photos to get some idea of configurations.

Just put “golf cart” into the search engine of this forum - several hits. Here is the main recent thread

It really depends on your activity level. In recent visits I have noticed more and more people walking or cycling - either because they don’t want to be enclosed in taxi, or because of fare increases. However I agree it is hot and there are plenty of taxis available and I personally wouldn’t do it. We save our walking for walking the length of the malecon when we get there, 1+ miles.

I did say there weren’t many “day reviews” in recent years. It was one if the original out of town locations. it is actually Maya Luna. https://hotelmayaluna.com/costa-maya-beach-resort/ Let us know how it goes if you try it - I am looking for somewhere new for December.

No AI as far as I know For what you seem to be looking for might do better with Sky Reef although both are more oriented to snorkeling.

Google maps tells you it will be 2 miles. You can do a virtual walk. It is safe and easy walk but very hot and probably not worth it. Easy to get an taxi there and back and they will definitely know where it is but be aware you will be dropped one road inland, as malecon is pedestrian only. Be firm on where you want to go as you will be approached as you exit taxi and they will often try to guide you elsewhere. That is why it is a good idea to study google maps in advance and be familiar with the name of cross street you want to cut through to the malecon on. You can take any access towards the beach and walk along the malecon.

They seem to be a relatively new company. I asked earlier about their beach club but got no response. Since then they seem to be offering a beach break but I was really interested in going independently and just PAYG. They do not appear to have an email contact for questions. Not sure which tour you have booked but if you go to their beach club please report back.

+1 for not something I would do independently from a cruise - save for another cruise or a land vacation in Cozumel or preferably mainland, when you can take full advantage. what other ports of call? - can’t you do zip-line elsewhere?

This would have been my suggestion too, except you are already doing Play Mia. For a budget day I would stay around the port aviary, pool, watch the dolphins and aerial show and eat lunch on the ship. If you want to taxi into Mahahual probably go to somewhere like Krazy Lobster to eat, drink, swim in calm water, play in the sand, kayak, beach bikes etc. i haven’t read particularly good reviews of Costa Maya ship beach breaks although there do seem to be two locations. I have no idea where a beach safari would go in Mahahual!

Presumably this is at Xplor on the mainland? Maybe more details there? Hopefully someone can confirm.

Usually punta Langosta, in town but occasionally International, or if there is a really heavy port load, tender.

When is the expiration?

Yes, I see 7 on one site 8 on another - that IS a heavy load IF they all remain.

OK this is Costa Maya board but I assume you do mean Cozumel? I haven’t been but I can answer more fully if you repost on Cozumel board.

You got off light then! I am assuming that was in the summer. Of course it really depends on the size of the ships more than anything.

If it works like other places we have been it will just be an up-front charge that they will then deduct food and drinks (alcoholic/non) from. Like a non-refundable pre-payment. It is to ensure a minimum payment to offset use of loungers, bathrooms, facilities etc. It is to discourage people from ordering one coke and usurping a lounger for several hours. Anything consumed over that will be charged at the end. In our experience, the prepayment is generally taken from the total check (ie not pp) but that is not necessarily a given. I am not sure if you have noticed the menus also on the website? We are not big eaters at lunchtime on a cruise ship day and $25 pp food would be a lot for us at a beach bar but sometimes you have to consider the facility too. I agree with @lifes-a-beachKrazy Lobster is cheaper and food and service are good but it is busy and huge. Whilst there are some loungers, we only ended up with a table and chairs and it wasn’t as relaxing as I like.

Yes that is the package we would take but surely you will want water or something to drink?

Just be aware YaYa may require a minimum cover charge. They may/may not have reinstated this requirement now. Unfortunately many of the beach bars in Mahahual are trying to go AI or minimum charge. Whilst we willingly pay our way for the length of time we stay at an establishment sometimes we like to walk the malecon and sample along the way without committing to staying in one area for the whole time and this is becoming increasingly difficult. Also realize the “ends” of the malecon are considerably quieter than the middle and whilst not vendor-free they are definitely less frequent.

Glad to hear your wife liked YaYa. It is high on our list of places to try next time, as we search for somewhere new in Costa Maya. I agree loungers looked to be some of the better ones when we were passing earlier this year. The menu and “model” are very similar to Malecon 21 that we have enjoyed previously but prices seem slightly lower and it looks like they don’t require an advanced deposit. Did your wife make a reservation, or just turn up? Good to know service was good as that is what we found lacking at Malecon last time we were there.

Maya Chan is obviously a different entity when it comes to fares as they obviously contract directly with taxi union to provide transport. I am sure they pay less than an individual would get a fare at the port for. Also they are very much into filling vans these days with longer wait times than in the past. We have been delayed setting off several times recently - understandable but annoying when you are waiting on people taking their time and missing out on time at destination.

Malecon21 used to be one of our favorite beach locations but were disappointed in service at the beginning of this year. It has been a difficult year all round so perhaps it was an off day. I know they were able to arrange snorkel tours previously. Also i have seen groups leaving from Hotel Luna de Plata.

Do need or don’t need? Sargassum least likely on west side. water toys. - Paradise/ Playa Mia no water toys - Any number of resort hotel day passes. Nachi Cocom. Del Mar Latino.Sky Reef. (not everywhere will have pool/ sand)

They have always been willing to sell directly when we have passed in port. Not sure if there is room for negotiation we are always en route to somewhere else!