Best Carnival Beach Excursion in Costa Maya

[IntrepidFromDC]

Those of you who have visited multiple beaches on Carnival excursions in Costa Maya, which is the best beach for pure swimming enjoyment?  Think like Half Moon Cay...  TIA

[ninjacat123]

The two times I've been to Krazy Lobster in Oct 2021 and May 2022, the taxis are a set $4.00 per person.  The massages on the beach are $10 for 30 minutes or $20 for an hour.  I did negotiate for some of the souvenirs from the vendors. 

I went to The Krazy Lobster FB page and messaged the owner Mauricio asking if they would be open the day we were in port.  He responded in a timely fashion and asked how many in our party.  I do think you could just go to The Krazy Lobster without contacting them but it gave me a sense of comfort.

Lunch of lobster, rice and corn was yummy.  Margaritas tasty and frapped up well.  

I just felt a sense of peacefulness with the breezes playing through the palm trees.  Water was protected from the seagrass with nets.

Having said that, I have read about Jamie's at The Blue Reef.  Sounds pretty nifty as well but I don't know if they have the beach massage.  I almost fell asleep, it was so relaxing.  Here are some Krazy Lobster pics:

[LatinaInTexas]

Only been to that port twice and both times also headed to the crazy lobster. The first time we overheard a group talking about it and just followed them lol. Really good margaritas and the best nachos!

[JT1962]

13 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

Those of you who have visited multiple beaches on Carnival excursions in Costa Maya, which is the best beach for pure swimming enjoyment?  Think like Half Moon Cay...  TIA

 

There is really no need for an excursion if you just want a beach day. Just get a taxi to nearby Mahahual and find one of the restaurants / bars / beach clubs along the beach that rent loungers or offer them free with food / drink purchase. Krazy Lobster is a great option if you don’t want all-inclusive. Jamie’s at the Blue Reef and YaYa Beach Club are good all-inclusive options.

 

If you want to snorkel, there are several operators along the beach. I used The Dive Center last month and they were excellent.
 

As an FYI, the beach / water in Costa Maya is not the bright white sand / blue water that you will find in much of the Caribbean. The water is clean and swimming is fine, it’s just not what many expect.

 

First photo is Jamie’s at the Blue Reef. Next 2 photos are from Krazy Lobster.

 

 

Edited November 5, 2022 by JT1962

[havanadaydreaming]

i agree with JT - water is definitely not the crystal clear postcard type.  

 

we went to place run by Ex Pat.  good service.  can't remember the name but looks comparable to the Krazy Lobster pics.  

 

 

[IntrepidFromDC]

Thanks everyone, I'm leaning toward Krazy Lobster.  JT1962, I included "Carnival Excursion" in the topic just so the thread wouldn't get moved to another forum.

[nydney1]

Has anyone been to Costa Maya recently. We go in two weeks and I was wondering how the water is looking?

 

[JT1962]

8 minutes ago, nydney1 said:

Has anyone been to Costa Maya recently. We go in two weeks and I was wondering how the water is looking?

 

I was there twice in October. The water looked fine (see one of my photos in a previous post above). There was only a minimal amount of sargassum / sea weed, since it is primarily an issue in Spring / Summer.

[Island Dog]

We have done Maya Chan and Blue Kay. Maya Chan was our favorite but seaweed was horrible when we there, and it was in winter (Feb.).

[SRQbeachgirl]

If we go back to Costa Maya in the future we will make it a "ship day." We have not been impressed with the beach clubs or the quality of the sand or water. Snorkeling has been terrible due to murky visibility. We would rather stay on the uncrowded ship and eat food we've already paid for than pay extra for average food and sit on a beach being pestered by hawkers every 30 seconds.

[luv2cruise391]

Amen - I feel the same way! But, to each his own. After you've been there and done that SO many times......................

[Jamman54]

5 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

Thanks everyone, I'm leaning toward Krazy Lobster.  JT1962, I included "Carnival Excursion" in the topic just so the thread wouldn't get moved to another forum.

You jinxed yourself! 😁

[IntrepidFromDC]

Too late, mods.  I got the info I needed from the community I love, Carnival community.

[ninjacat123]

9 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

Thanks everyone, I'm leaning toward Krazy Lobster.  JT1962, I included "Carnival Excursion" in the topic just so the thread wouldn't get moved to another forum.

Bring cash for the massage!  And the taxi ride!🤑

[ninjacat123]

6 hours ago, SRQbeachgirl said:

If we go back to Costa Maya in the future we will make it a "ship day." We have not been impressed with the beach clubs or the quality of the sand or water. Snorkeling has been terrible due to murky visibility. We would rather stay on the uncrowded ship and eat food we've already paid for than pay extra for average food and sit on a beach being pestered by hawkers every 30 seconds.

Vendors would walk by but were not aggressive.  If I said "no thank you" they would move on.