Belize, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel.... HELP.

[ajtraveler66]

Okay....February we're planning an NCL cruise that hits Belize, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel.

 

Beaches are a prime target, but I sure would hate to miss out on any excursion that featured any great inland scenery or architectural wonders.

 

Of these four sites what beaches should not be missed? What special sites need to be taken in at the expense of quality beach time?

 

Thanks.

[Poppet1964]

Okay....February we're planning an NCL cruise that hits Belize, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel.

 

Beaches are a prime target, but I sure would hate to miss out on any excursion that featured any great inland scenery or architectural wonders.

 

Of these four sites what beaches should not be missed? What special sites need to be taken in at the expense of quality beach time?

 

Thanks.

 

I think we're on the same itinerary in the same month. I've figured out Roatan and Cozumel, but Costa Maya and particularly Belize, nothing is jumping out at me. Would love advice as well!

[thescot123]

Okay....February we're planning an NCL cruise that hits Belize, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel.

 

Beaches are a prime target, but I sure would hate to miss out on any excursion that featured any great inland scenery or architectural wonders.

 

Of these four sites what beaches should not be missed? What special sites need to be taken in at the expense of quality beach time?

 

Thanks.

 

Don't miss out on Cozumel and Roatan as they all have good beaches and are good if you like snorkeling. Both also have easy off the beach snorkeling that does not require a boat. In Costa Maya, they do have a beach but the reef requires you to get a boat to reach.

 

Belize does not have nice beaches near Belize City so most people either go to the Mayan Ruins or Cave Tubing. There is the wonderful marine reserve called Hoi Chan where you can swim with nurse sharks/ray and explore Caye Caulker.

 

For me Roatan has the nicest reef which is right of the beach in West End Bay. In Cozumel, I take a cheap taxi to a place called "the Money Bar" as it has no entrance fee, and has easy access to a small reef.

[jaxfl]

In Belize we are doing the ship sponsored Altum Ha and Wallace River tour about 6 hours and then back to the ship. In Roatan we have Victor Bodden's Zip & Dip tour set up at $65 pp. In Cozumel we are still debating but Paradise Beach is getting great reviews. In Costa Maya we are just going to get a taxi to Mayachan Beach and hang out as we only have 4 hours to actually spend there.

[crewsweeper]

I dind't see your post out on the Costa Maya board, so I'll cover that here as others have done a prettygood first brush on things to see in Belize.

 

In Costa Maya, if you missed doing any Maya ruins in Belize, look up Native Choice and book one of their excursions. It's a bit different. Southern Yucatan Mayans had a slightly different culture and unlike the interesting sights in Belize, where you basically see the ruins and climb around a bit, David and Ivan try to immerse you into a bit a of the culture and at least one tour offers the opportunity to visit a small village were some Maya descendants help prepare and serve a somewhat traditional Mayan lunch.

 

If you're "ruined out", in Costa Maya, step outside the crusie port, grab a taxi and head for the malecon in Mahahual. Perhaps contact Steve at Tropicante (see the Costa Maya board for details) and reserve a lounger. He has pretty good food, not as good as Nohoch Kaye (but that's an A.I. @ $50+ pp) and not quite as good as Fernando used to make at his old place, no longer there, but at least you'll be able to avoid most of the lounger hawkers and vultures that attack you if you walked downt he malecon on your own without a reservation. but do walk up and downt he malecon just to see the variety. Up by the lighthouse is a great little place called Sak Ha, local mom and pop stand with daily fresh cauight seafood and good carnitas tacos. Also, if you arrive early, skip the ship breakfast and head to the El Caballo Blanco hotel for their delicous chilaquiles. Its a wonderful setting, you might not want to leave. Smile nicely and ask Tina if you can stay for the day.

[caissonqueen]

Ajtraveler, if you are sailing on the NCL Jewel, come join the roll call for your cruise. I will be sailing the same ports in mid Feb. So far I have booked Cozumel beach and bar hop, Roatan's Maya Key, Maya Chan in Costa Maya. I still am looking for Belize. Belize is my problem port of this cruise. :p

[DHnDWplus2]

I live on the beach so we don't typically do beaches when we cruise...but, if u r looking for an incredible day excursion in Cozumel go to the AMAZING SECRET RIVER. We always have fun in Cozumel but this one has been our all time favorite. The caves are incredible and the guides are wonderful. Small groups of 8 to 10 people. U won't regret it!

 

Sent from my PC36100 using Forums mobile app

[bguppies]

Okay....February we're planning an NCL cruise that hits Belize, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel.

 

Beaches are a prime target, but I sure would hate to miss out on any excursion that featured any great inland scenery or architectural wonders.

 

Of these four sites what beaches should not be missed? What special sites need to be taken in at the expense of quality beach time?

 

Thanks.

 

Cozumel has the widest variety of things to do while in port.

The best shopping of the four ports.

The widest choices of different beach clubs for every taste.

A little bit of historical spots. (tiny Mayan ruins on island-all day excursions to mainland-Tulum)

Mutliple Dolphin experience spots.

Every combo of snorkel, scuba, snuba and sub rides.

etc....

 

Costa Maya

Has a few AI beach clubs. Almaplena and Maya Chan.

Has a bunch of beachfront bar and grills in town.

Medium sized Mayan ruins. (3 different if I remember correctly)

 

Belize

Has no beaches to offer. (other than excursions to a few keys)

World class diving, good snorkeling.

3 large Mayan ruins to be seen. (all day excursions)

 

Roatan

Most gorgeous beaches of the four stops.

Not much available history-wise.

World class shore snorkeling and world class diving.

Dolphin excursions with awesome reviews.

Extremely reasonable rates for all day drivers. (yet crazily unregulated taxi rates..:confused: )

 

Hope that gets you started.

 

Bill

[bguppies]

Here are some links I have found while doing research for our upcoming NCL Dawn cruise with the exact same itinerary.

 

Cozumel

 

Here are the links to the various beach clubs I have...

 

Nachi Cocum - my personal favorite.. AI, 100 person limit, very peaceful and quiet. (great for adult couples looking for a relaxing day)

http://www.cozumelnachicocom.com/

 

Mr. Sanchos - right next door to Nachi- AI or not, a little more lively with music playing and livelier crowd.

http://www.mrsanchos.com/mr_sanchos/home.htm

 

Playa Mia - right near Mr. Sanchos - great for kids with waterslides, large kiddie pool, adult pools, etc...

http://www.playamiacozumel.com/

 

Paradise Beach - no admission, but must buy $10 food pp to use beach chairs, pool etc.. Water toys for kids...

http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/

 

Chankanaab Park, great shore snorkeling, pool, dolphin excursions, etc..

http://www.cozumelparks.com/

 

Money Bar - free- great shore snorkeling, but no beach or other amenities.

http://www.moneybarbeachclub.com/

 

Many other beach clubs to choose from.

Literally a club for every taste and budget.

http://www.playa-azul.com/eng/beach-club.cfm

 

http://www.buceopalancar.com/index_en.html

 

http://www.playauvas.com/

 

http://www.stingraybeach.com/

 

 

A few other ideas....

 

http://www.cozumelbarhop.com/

 

http://www.cometocozumel.com/activities/atlantis.asp

 

http://www.discovermexico.org/eng/amenities.asp

 

Costa Maya

 

http://www.almaplenabeachresort.com/beachclub/costamaya-beach_break.htm

 

http://www.costamayabeachresort.com/

 

http://www.chacchobenruins.com/

 

http://www.mahahualhotel.com/costamaya/mahahual_map.htm

 

http://sandalsandskis.com/Tropicante.html

 

Belize

 

Haven't researched Belize as much, as we have decided to stay on the ship on our cruise. (been there once and that was enough, unless we do a Mayan ruin.)

 

http://www.beyondtouring.com/Maya/Altun_Ha.htm?gclid=CNi4pPXu8aoCFYp25Qod62w-VQ

 

http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/altunha.htm

 

http://www.belize-vacation.com/belize/lamanai.htm

 

http://www.pbase.com/2112/lamanai

 

http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/lamanai_belize.htm

 

http://belizex.com/xunantunich.htm

 

http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/xunantunich_belize_excursion_tour.htm

 

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Caribbean_and_Central_America/Belize/Things_To_Do-Belize-Mayan_Ruins_Xunantunich-BR-1.html

 

Roatan

http://www.roatanexcursions.biz/excursions/allinclusiveprivateislandbeachbreakdaypass.html

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92777693@N04/sets/72157632658618166/

 

http://www.mayakeyroatan.com/en/index.html

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1755846&page=15

 

http://www.boddentours.com/bestofroatan.htm

 

http://www.roatanisland.net/iguana_farm.htm

 

http://www.gumbalimbapark.com/about.html

 

A starting point for researching the 4 ports...

 

Bill

[thescot123]

Here are some links I have found while doing research for our upcoming NCL Dawn cruise with the exact same itinerary.

 

Cozumel

 

Here are the links to the various beach clubs I have...

 

Nachi Cocum - my personal favorite.. AI, 100 person limit, very peaceful and quiet. (great for adult couples looking for a relaxing day)

http://www.cozumelnachicocom.com/

 

Mr. Sanchos - right next door to Nachi- AI or not, a little more lively with music playing and livelier crowd.

http://www.mrsanchos.com/mr_sanchos/home.htm

 

Playa Mia - right near Mr. Sanchos - great for kids with waterslides, large kiddie pool, adult pools, etc...

http://www.playamiacozumel.com/

 

Paradise Beach - no admission, but must buy $10 food pp to use beach chairs, pool etc.. Water toys for kids...

http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/

 

Chankanaab Park, great shore snorkeling, pool, dolphin excursions, etc..

http://www.cozumelparks.com/

 

Money Bar - free- great shore snorkeling, but no beach or other amenities.

http://www.moneybarbeachclub.com/

 

Many other beach clubs to choose from.

Literally a club for every taste and budget.

http://www.playa-azul.com/eng/beach-club.cfm

 

http://www.buceopalancar.com/index_en.html

 

http://www.playauvas.com/

 

http://www.stingraybeach.com/

 

 

A few other ideas....

 

http://www.cozumelbarhop.com/

 

http://www.cometocozumel.com/activities/atlantis.asp

 

http://www.discovermexico.org/eng/amenities.asp

 

Costa Maya

 

http://www.almaplenabeachresort.com/beachclub/costamaya-beach_break.htm

 

http://www.costamayabeachresort.com/

 

http://www.chacchobenruins.com/

 

http://www.mahahualhotel.com/costamaya/mahahual_map.htm

 

http://sandalsandskis.com/Tropicante.html

 

Belize

 

Haven't researched Belize as much, as we have decided to stay on the ship on our cruise. (been there once and that was enough, unless we do a Mayan ruin.)

 

http://www.beyondtouring.com/Maya/Altun_Ha.htm?gclid=CNi4pPXu8aoCFYp25Qod62w-VQ

 

http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/altunha.htm

 

http://www.belize-vacation.com/belize/lamanai.htm

 

http://www.pbase.com/2112/lamanai

 

http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/lamanai_belize.htm

 

http://belizex.com/xunantunich.htm

 

http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/xunantunich_belize_excursion_tour.htm

 

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Caribbean_and_Central_America/Belize/Things_To_Do-Belize-Mayan_Ruins_Xunantunich-BR-1.html

 

Roatan

http://www.roatanexcursions.biz/excursions/allinclusiveprivateislandbeachbreakdaypass.html

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92777693@N04/sets/72157632658618166/

 

http://www.mayakeyroatan.com/en/index.html

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1755846&page=15

 

http://www.boddentours.com/bestofroatan.htm

 

http://www.roatanisland.net/iguana_farm.htm

 

http://www.gumbalimbapark.com/about.html

 

A starting point for researching the 4 ports...

 

Bill

 

Wow, great list. Have done this route many times bust must check out the websites you have posted.

 

Thanks

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[mitsugirly]

You can find several places listed in my signature line. I have done reviews on those listed and they have tons of pictures. We especially love Roatan and Cozumel. :)

[tlacabe]

Great Post Thanks!!

 

Here are some links I have found while doing research for our upcoming NCL Dawn cruise with the exact same itinerary.

 

Cozumel

 

Here are the links to the various beach clubs I have...

 

Nachi Cocum - my personal favorite.. AI, 100 person limit, very peaceful and quiet. (great for adult couples looking for a relaxing day)

http://www.cozumelnachicocom.com/

 

Mr. Sanchos - right next door to Nachi- AI or not, a little more lively with music playing and livelier crowd.

http://www.mrsanchos.com/mr_sanchos/home.htm

 

Playa Mia - right near Mr. Sanchos - great for kids with waterslides, large kiddie pool, adult pools, etc...

http://www.playamiacozumel.com/

 

Paradise Beach - no admission, but must buy $10 food pp to use beach chairs, pool etc.. Water toys for kids...

http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/

 

Chankanaab Park, great shore snorkeling, pool, dolphin excursions, etc..

http://www.cozumelparks.com/

 

Money Bar - free- great shore snorkeling, but no beach or other amenities.

http://www.moneybarbeachclub.com/

 

Many other beach clubs to choose from.

Literally a club for every taste and budget.

http://www.playa-azul.com/eng/beach-club.cfm

 

http://www.buceopalancar.com/index_en.html

 

http://www.playauvas.com/

 

http://www.stingraybeach.com/

 

 

A few other ideas....

 

http://www.cozumelbarhop.com/

 

http://www.cometocozumel.com/activities/atlantis.asp

 

http://www.discovermexico.org/eng/amenities.asp

 

Costa Maya

 

http://www.almaplenabeachresort.com/beachclub/costamaya-beach_break.htm

 

http://www.costamayabeachresort.com/

 

http://www.chacchobenruins.com/

 

http://www.mahahualhotel.com/costamaya/mahahual_map.htm

 

http://sandalsandskis.com/Tropicante.html

 

Belize

 

Haven't researched Belize as much, as we have decided to stay on the ship on our cruise. (been there once and that was enough, unless we do a Mayan ruin.)

 

http://www.beyondtouring.com/Maya/Altun_Ha.htm?gclid=CNi4pPXu8aoCFYp25Qod62w-VQ

 

http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/altunha.htm

 

http://www.belize-vacation.com/belize/lamanai.htm

 

http://www.pbase.com/2112/lamanai

 

http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/lamanai_belize.htm

 

http://belizex.com/xunantunich.htm

 

http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/xunantunich_belize_excursion_tour.htm

 

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Caribbean_and_Central_America/Belize/Things_To_Do-Belize-Mayan_Ruins_Xunantunich-BR-1.html

 

Roatan

http://www.roatanexcursions.biz/excursions/allinclusiveprivateislandbeachbreakdaypass.html

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92777693@N04/sets/72157632658618166/

 

http://www.mayakeyroatan.com/en/index.html

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1755846&page=15

 

http://www.boddentours.com/bestofroatan.htm

 

http://www.roatanisland.net/iguana_farm.htm

 

http://www.gumbalimbapark.com/about.html

 

A starting point for researching the 4 ports...

 

Bill