Sky616 Posted October 25, 2017 #1 Share Posted October 25, 2017 What would you do here in our case? Family of four travelling next April including 2 boys ages 17 and 9, Never been to Costa Maya, we were supposed to go there in 2007 but Hurricane Dean changed those plans. We are looking to do the ruins tour with Native Choice (one of the shorter ones, not the all day one) or just a beach day maybe a pay as you go type with beach loungers. We are already doing all inclusive at Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel and doing the Fun n Sun with Victor Bodden in Roatan on this cruise. So we do have some beach time already planned but wanted to see a little culture and history for the kids somewhere along the line. I know my wife would just rather do the beach. I know you can't put yourself in our shoes but just wanted some opinions. Are the beaches in Costa Maya not to be missed? If we do a morning ruins tour would we have time for an afternoon beach break for a few hours? We are in port 8 am to 5 pm. Thank You all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky616 Posted October 25, 2017 Author #2 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Oh I forgot if we do a beach we adults would like to get massages so what's the best place for that as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldbluff Posted October 25, 2017 #3 Share Posted October 25, 2017 One word. OK, two. Maya Chan. Best beach day we've encountered. Returning there November 24th. There are a number of threads on this forum describing cruiser's experiences there. They do fill up quickly as they get a lot of repeat business. Enjoy whatever you choose. You are making memories with your family, which will be there long after your children move out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mitsugirly Posted November 1, 2017 #4 Share Posted November 1, 2017 If you are looking for a pretty beach with clear water and nice sand, check out Blue Kay. It's the first beach on the Malecon, which is closest to the port. There's no charge to go there (but some have reported a $5 cover charge and this includes a drink or two...so basically free) and it's really beautiful. It's only a $2 ride back to the port. Check out my complete review, listed in my signature line, for TONS of pictures that will help you decide. There's decent snorkeling there too. Also...the previous poster mentioned going to Maya Chan. That's an All Inclusive and not what you are looking for...especially if you are doing the ruins for half a day. You don't want to pay for an AI and not get to use it all. I'm not even sure how you'd be able to go there because the folks at Maya Chan pick everyone up at the same time and take them there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky616 Posted November 1, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted November 1, 2017 If you are looking for a pretty beach with clear water and nice sand, check out Blue Kay. It's the first beach on the Malecon, which is closest to the port. There's no charge to go there (but some have reported a $5 cover charge and this includes a drink or two...so basically free) and it's really beautiful. It's only a $2 ride back to the port. Check out my complete review, listed in my signature line, for TONS of pictures that will help you decide. There's decent snorkeling there too. Also...the previous poster mentioned going to Maya Chan. That's an All Inclusive and not what you are looking for...especially if you are doing the ruins for half a day. You don't want to pay for an AI and not get to use it all. I'm not even sure how you'd be able to go there because the folks at Maya Chan pick everyone up at the same time and take them there. Thanks for the post. We did book the 4 hours ruins tour with Native Choice so we should be back around 1. The place you mention sounds perfect to go to for 2 hours or so. Is there a place to get some lunch there as we don't get anything on the ruins tour to eat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFerrington Posted November 1, 2017 #6 Share Posted November 1, 2017 If you're looking for a very cheap but fun day, just go to Mahahual, grab a beach lounger and have a great beach day. The food is great and the beer is cheap ($1 Corona's !). There are hammocks at some of the beaches that are wonderful. We usually go to the Krazy Lobster. I recommend you take a cab and not the tram (basically the same price) b/c the cab will take you directly to where you want to go. 2 cautions: 1. There are roaming vendors that can be very annoying but are not pushy. Just tell them you're not interested and they will move on. ....but there WILL be another one right behind them, guaranteed. 2. If you want to take advantage of the cheap ($20) 1 hour massage, do NOT allow anyone else to "find" a masseuse for you. They will double the price and keep half for themselves. Arrange your OWN massage and insist that you will only pay $20. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mitsugirly Posted November 2, 2017 #7 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Thanks for the post. We did book the 4 hours ruins tour with Native Choice so we should be back around 1. The place you mention sounds perfect to go to for 2 hours or so. Is there a place to get some lunch there as we don't get anything on the ruins tour to eat? Yes they have a restaurant there or you can order with a waiter and eat there at the beach. Within my review, there's a picture of the menu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldbluff Posted November 3, 2017 #8 Share Posted November 3, 2017 Ah ... missed the bit about the ruins. My bad. Your plans sound great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambersfamily Posted November 12, 2017 #9 Share Posted November 12, 2017 We are also doing the 4 hour Native Choice tour and will ask to be dropped off on the Mahahual. can anyone recommend a place to rent jetskis? Or have you seen jetski rentals on the beach? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvond Posted November 30, 2017 #10 Share Posted November 30, 2017 If you're looking for a very cheap but fun day, just go to Mahahual, grab a beach lounger and have a great beach day. The food is great and the beer is cheap ($1 Corona's !). There are hammocks at some of the beaches that are wonderful. We usually go to the Krazy Lobster. I recommend you take a cab and not the tram (basically the same price) b/c the cab will take you directly to where you want to go. 2 cautions: 1. There are roaming vendors that can be very annoying but are not pushy. Just tell them you're not interested and they will move on. ....but there WILL be another one right behind them, guaranteed. 2. If you want to take advantage of the cheap ($20) 1 hour massage, do NOT allow anyone else to "find" a masseuse for you. They will double the price and keep half for themselves. Arrange your OWN massage and insist that you will only pay $20. May I ask where these $1 Coronas are? :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RocketSci73 Posted December 6, 2017 #11 Share Posted December 6, 2017 The Mayan ruins of Chacchoben is probably the one you want. The ruins are located about an hour from the cruise port, which will leave some time after to lounge around. Most cruise lines also offer the Chacchoben ruin tour combined with a buffet lunch and private beach break, which sounds like just what you are asking for. The ruins at Kohunlich or Dzibeche are too far away to combine with a beach visit, but might leave some time for souvenir shopping in the Costa Maya port. One independent place I hear recommended in these forums for beach massage is the Tropicante, one of several restaurant/bar/resorts on the beach near Costa Maya. I have not been there myself. Your tour guide might can drop you off near there at the end of the tour. Here is their website. http://www.sandalsandskis.com/tropicante.html I hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky616 Posted December 8, 2017 Author #12 Share Posted December 8, 2017 The Mayan ruins of Chacchoben is probably the one you want. The ruins are located about an hour from the cruise port, which will leave some time after to lounge around. Most cruise lines also offer the Chacchoben ruin tour combined with a buffet lunch and private beach break, which sounds like just what you are asking for. The ruins at Kohunlich or Dzibeche are too far away to combine with a beach visit, but might leave some time for souvenir shopping in the Costa Maya port. One independent place I hear recommended in these forums for beach massage is the Tropicante, one of several restaurant/bar/resorts on the beach near Costa Maya. I have not been there myself. Your tour guide might can drop you off near there at the end of the tour. Here is their website. http://www.sandalsandskis.com/tropicante.html I hope this helps. Yes thank you. We are doing the 4 hour Chaccohoben ruins tour with Native Choice and then they are dropping us off at Tropicante for a few hours. It will be a full but fun day for our family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrpayroll Posted December 15, 2017 #13 Share Posted December 15, 2017 My wife LOVED the massage she got at Tropicante on the beach.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaMomof4 Posted December 15, 2017 #14 Share Posted December 15, 2017 You WILL NOT go wrong at Tropicante! Order the mini burritos - they are awesome. Steve and his staff are great and the massages are glorious! Can't wait until our trip there in February! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky616 Posted January 2, 2018 Author #15 Share Posted January 2, 2018 Thank you all for all of your great info. Can't wait to go, it hasn't been above freezing here for a week and not supposed to go above for another 6 days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marti2282 Posted January 3, 2018 #16 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Thank you all for all of your great info. Can't wait to go, it hasn't been above freezing here for a week and not supposed to go above for another 6 days. Be sure to contact Steve at Tropicante and make a reservation! They have tables, lounge chairs and umbrellas available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky616 Posted January 3, 2018 Author #17 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Be sure to contact Steve at Tropicante and make a reservation! They have tables, lounge chairs and umbrellas available. I did contact Steve and he got back to me fairly quickly. He has us down for a reservation in the afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrpayroll Posted January 4, 2018 #18 Share Posted January 4, 2018 I did contact Steve and he got back to me fairly quickly. He has us down for a reservation in the afternoon. I'm sure you will enjoy Tropicante..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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