More stops at Costa Maya?

[grammymarcia]

We have been to Costa Maya twice, and are going back the third time on our Thanksgiving cruise. The town of Mahuhal is about 5 minutes from the port. You can take the $3 shuttle (right at the very end of the port area) into town. There are four stops on the shuttle. The first stop is at the beginning of the town beach walk-say (Melancon). This is closest to Blue Kay. The second and third stops are in the middle-part of the town/beach walk-way, and the fourth stop is at the end. There are many beach clubs (restaurants/bars) along the beach walk-way. The shuttle driver will try to talk you into getting off at the first stop (whatever club he gets incentives for). You can research Costa Maya/Mahuhal and see which reviews/places might suit you the best. Last year we spent the day at the Krazy Lobster (second stoop). We had an ocean-front shaded table and beach chairs (no charge for this). Very lively music and good service. The drinks and food were good and very reasonable. They had free kayaks that you could use. The kids played in the sand/ocean/kayaked and we just relaxed. We did the entire day for less than 50 dollars (the cost of drinks and food all day). You take the taxi back to the dock (just $2 per person). Both years we did not make advanced reservations and had no problems getting a table/spot. There are vendors that walk by but they are very polite. We actually purchased a few souvenirs for about a quarter of the price as compared to the dock/ship prices. There are also places along the beach that you can book a snorkeling trips, etc. We are planning on going back to the Krazy Lobster this year again. We like being close to the ship, and not having to pre-book anything. Hope this helps.

We were at the Krazy Lobster last month. Great food prices, $5 bucket of beers and great service. I can see if you didn't venture past that over crowded "dirty" pool area and over priced food and beer ($6 a bottle)that you might think the port had nothing to offer.:o

[crewsweeper]

The first time I went there the beach area was nothing more than a dirt road and people had camping gear set up to cook for you. We had the best time EVER...we had our chairs by a little palm tree...had 6 buckets of beer, fish tacos and bought some hot sauce and our bill was under 40.00. It was one of my best port days ever. I have been there since now that it is built up and I love it..but not the same as when it was very "rustic"

 

Can't say I disagree with you jg. Early experiences there weren't quite as "rustic" as yours, but both pre and early post hurricane dean, Mahahual was a great time. Getting to be a little too generic tourista now but still a great place. If only Cha Chi could come back.

[OCruisers]

Seems the OP may not arrive until 3 PM.

Thinking that would be a bit late to enjoy going to Mahahaul????

Wonder how late the beach clubs there stay open?

[beargrass1]

Not so bad but most of the bars by the beach want to sell you booze and the two times we were there ship was leaving at 2 pm so who wants to drink in the morning?

 

What is this not wanting to drink in the morning you speak of? Sorry I had to say that. If I am on the beach any where I feel it is a good time to have a :whiskey-glass:.

[OCruisers]

What is this not wanting to drink in the morning you speak of? Sorry I had to say that. If I am on the beach any where I feel it is a good time to have a :whiskey-glass:.

 

We'll drink to that! :beer-toast:

[NightOne]

That port is a waste.

 

Speaking of waste ... just about every one of your posts. Pathetic :(

[Icesk8rReedy]

I am actually very excited about them adding Costa Maya. I was booked on NCL for April 1 next year but cancelled because spring break time. So I go end of April on CCL instead. Ended up paying MUCH less for same cruise. I even had reservations at Maya Chan but had to cancel. I am SOOOOO going there now. So stoked!!!!

[Saint Greg]

Not so bad but most of the bars by the beach want to sell you booze and the two times we were there ship was leaving at 2 pm so who wants to drink in the morning? Wish we had a later sail time

 

 

 

[manmachine]

Going there next month for the first time. Already reserved a spot at Tropicante. I've read the mixed reviews but I'm thinking it must be better than Progresso.

 

 

 

You are in the right spot. Great crew at the Tropicante.

 

 

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[DebJ14]

Your advice is well taken. It can apply to almost all ports, but especially those like Costa Maya, Amber Cove, Mahogany Bay, Ocho Rios and MoBay.

 

And don't forget Progreso. Lots to do in the area, but so many people don't bother to leave the pier, so they trash the port when they get back.

 

We love Costa Maya. We've been there 4 times. We have 4 cruises upcoming and 3 out of the 4 stop at Costa Maya. I actually selected 2 Royal Caribbean cruises because they went to Costa Maya and then Carnival came along and changed our cruise to an 8 day cruise and added Costa Maya. I am thrilled. We have something different planned for each cruise. On the first cruise we will go to Maya Chan, then the next cruise we will go to the ruins, and the 3rd one has an extra long time in port so we will go to Lake Bacalar.

[LouisianaCruiser4200]

I think more stops were added to Costa Maya because of Maya Chan. FANTASTIC place to spend the day at a low price, all inclusive. The owners go out of their way to make sure that you enjoy yourself.

While I'm sure Maya Chan is great, I doubt that's why Carnival is adding stops there ;p

[LouisianaCruiser4200]

Seems the OP may not arrive until 3 PM.

Thinking that would be a bit late to enjoy going to Mahahaul????

Wonder how late the beach clubs there stay open?

That is the concern I'm having. If we don't dock until 3, I'm not sure it's even worth a trip to town

[LouisianaCruiser4200]

And don't forget Progreso. Lots to do in the area, but so many people don't bother to leave the pier, so they trash the port when they get back.

 

We love Costa Maya. We've been there 4 times. We have 4 cruises upcoming and 3 out of the 4 stop at Costa Maya. I actually selected 2 Royal Caribbean cruises because they went to Costa Maya and then Carnival came along and changed our cruise to an 8 day cruise and added Costa Maya. I am thrilled. We have something different planned for each cruise. On the first cruise we will go to Maya Chan, then the next cruise we will go to the ruins, and the 3rd one has an extra long time in port so we will go to Lake Bacalar.

 

The ruins were great but boy were they hot! We went in May, and I can say, without doubt, that's the hottest I've ever been. And don't forget mosquito spray

[Saint Greg]

And don't forget Progreso. Lots to do in the area, but so many people don't bother to leave the pier, so they trash the port when they get back.

 

I see it with Progreso a lot. 45 mins from a city of 1 million people yet there's nothing to do.

[LouisianaCruiser4200]

I see it with Progreso a lot. 45 mins from a city of 1 million people yet there's nothing to do.

There's always something to do :D

[OCruisers]

That is the concern I'm having. If we don't dock until 3, I'm not sure it's even worth a trip to town

 

That is my concern for you as well!

Does anyone know how late the beach clubs (Tropicante, Maya Chan, Krazy Lobster, etc.) are open??

Thinking it would not be worth it for them....

Help! Other opinions needed. What would you do if didn't arrive there until 3 PM?

[tallyho8]

I think the main reason that Carnival added Costa Maya to the Dream out of New Orleans is to compete with Norwegian. The Dream was only going to Cozumel, Roatan and Belize City while Norwegian was going to Cozumel, Roatan, Costa Maya and their new port Harvest Cay in Belize.

 

Carnival was just cruising slower and having an extra sea day so now they will speed up a little and add an extra port. I have always liked Costa Maya, whether it was exploring ruins or beach days at Tropicante or Blue Kay or eating at Fernandos not to mention getting some cheap prices on souvenirs.