Sol y Mar Tabanya Beach or Maya Key

[molly361]

Which one would you choose?   It looks like Tabanya Beach is kind of far away.  I think it said 35 minute ride.  Sol y Mar is AI the other 2 include lunch

[c-leg5]

2 minutes ago, molly361 said:

Which one would you choose?   It looks like Tabanya Beach is kind of far away.  I think it said 35 minute ride.  Sol y Mar is AI the other 2 include lunch

Do you want to snorkel?

 

Maya Key is definitely the most convenient and has extra activities and areas of interest and would be my first choice for solo.

 

I liked Sol y Mar but it was a number of years ago, when it was new, and I have no idea how it is now. I didn’t like that you were escorted to a designated area depending on your server and “pass” you purchased. I didn’t do AI and reviews of it were not so good at the time. I don’t think I would go solo. Shade was a problem in our “area”.

 

I have never been to Tabyana. I think it would be fine if you want to snorkel or just want to sit on the beach. West Bay is too busy and doesn’t appeal to me in general and as you say it is a distance. 
 

If you just want a beach and ocean have you considered Turquoise Bay, which is now available through the ship, but we went independently several years ago. I would be wiling to return there since renovations. 

[molly361]

6 minutes ago, c-leg5 said:

Do you want to snorkel?

 

Maya Key is definitely the most convenient and has extra activities and areas of interest and would be my first choice for solo.

 

I liked Sol y Mar but it was a number of years ago, when it was new, and I have no idea how it is now. I didn’t like that you were escorted to a designated area depending on your server and “pass” you purchased. I didn’t do AI and reviews of it were not so good at the time. I don’t think I would go solo. Shade was a problem in our “area”.

 

I have never been to Tabyana. I think it would be fine if you want to snorkel or just want to sit on the beach. West Bay is too busy and doesn’t appeal to me in general and as you say it is a distance. 
 

If you just want a beach and ocean have you considered Turquoise Bay, which is now available through the ship, but we went independently several years ago. I would be wiling to return there since renovations. 

Thanks  no snorkeling and the Turquoise Bay is either AI (189 too much for me) or a snorkel trip than the beach.  Will probably do Maya Key.  Seems like you can go back on your own schedule as well.  I'm good to go back after 2 or 3 hours.  I live at the beach so that's enough time for me

Edited May 17, 2023 by molly361

[c-leg5]

34 minutes ago, molly361 said:

Thanks  no snorkeling and the Turquoise Bay is either AI (189 too much for me) or a snorkel trip than the beach.  Will probably do Maya Key.  Seems like you can go back on your own schedule as well.  I'm good to go back after 2 or 3 hours.  I live at the beach so that's enough time for me

Sorry i had no idea Turquoise had become so expensive. We went primarily for fishing and didn’t even stop for lunch but that  was before they got contracts with all the cruise ships.

 

I know I have read complaints from the hotel guests about cruisers taking over so perhaps not such a good idea!

 

I think you will enjoy Maya Key. I liked the pool. It has been a while since our last visit but we first went when it was new and called Fins n Flippers. It is so convenient now you depart within the port and there have always been multiple opportunities to return.

[crewsweeper]

Just adding Tabayana is technically the entire West Bay beach.  The cruise ships go to a specific section versus one of the beach resorts like Paradise Beach or Infinity Bay. Amenities for the ship excursions are only what the excursion promises, btu you can wander up and down or even take the water taxi up to West End, so long as you're back before the ship excursion's final bus/van departs.

[peach570]

Sol y Mar beach resort in Roatan was a 12minute ride from ship (Harmony). Ship excursion was $35.99pp which included transportation and lounger only. All inclusive option also available.  A beautiful, quiet beach with clear water.  No seaweed but use bug spray as there are sand fleas. Food and bar, clean restrooms. They rent paddle boards and offer snorkeling.  plenty of shade, no vendors.

[c-leg5]

47 minutes ago, peach570 said:

Sol y Mar beach resort in Roatan was a 12minute ride from ship (Harmony). Ship excursion was $35.99pp which included transportation and lounger only. All inclusive option also available.  A beautiful, quiet beach with clear water.  No seaweed but use bug spray as there are sand fleas. Food and bar, clean restrooms. They rent paddle boards and offer snorkeling.  plenty of shade, no vendors.

Did you go recently? We went when it was fairly new and lack of shade was my biggest complaint in the PAYG area so I am guessing the palm trees have perhaps matured now.

 

Good to know it is still doing well. Certainly nearer than going to West Bay although snorkeling is probably not as good. We also liked the lack of vendors and quieter atmosphere.
 

Sand fleas can be a problem at any of the beaches on Roatan on any given day. They seem to “like” some people and completely ignore others!

 

Nice for a relaxing beach day but not as much to see or do as Maya Key and lacks a swimming pool.

Edited May 21, 2023 by c-leg5

[peach570]

Was there 2 weeks ago. No umbrellas. Several trees for shade but area mostly in sun.  We snagged some shade as soon as we got off van.

[Destaw71835]

Great thread! I am currently trying to decide between these 3 excursion options as well. Shade (lack thereof) is a concern for me as well. It doesn’t appear that any of these beach breaks offer anything more than shaded palm trees.

 

[trafaelwyr]

I have been to Tabayana before and really, really liked it.  I did that excursion on a RCL ship.  The snorkeling in the area is great!  Because we were in an area for cruisers, we didn't get pestered by those on the beach who were trying to selling stuff.  Yeah, it takes about 30 min to get there, but it's worth it.

[Oceans 818]

Hi,

We're sailing MSC in December and have booked Maya Key through their website (Anthony's). MSC doesn't offer this.

I've been trying to figure out how to get to the Maya Key docks as I've found some confusing info.

I believe we are docking in Coxen Hole as that's what their cruise ship schedule says.

I've read that we can get the transport to the island in port, but aren't sure which is being referred to.

When I look at maps it show a 20 minute walk to Maya Keys Parking and yet people mention the ferry right by the ship.

Can anyone help?

Thank you!

[c-leg5]

1 hour ago, juraspark said:

Hi,

We're sailing MSC in December and have booked Maya Key through their website (Anthony's). MSC doesn't offer this.

I've been trying to figure out how to get to the Maya Key docks as I've found some confusing info.

I believe we are docking in Coxen Hole as that's what their cruise ship schedule says.

I've read that we can get the transport to the island in port, but aren't sure which is being referred to.

When I look at maps it show a 20 minute walk to Maya Keys Parking and yet people mention the ferry right by the ship.

Can anyone help?

Thank you!

Answered on other thread.

[Oceans 818]

14 minutes ago, c-leg5 said:

Answered on other thread.

Yes, thank you.

I wasn't sure if the older thread was still being monitored and I had asked on it prior to finding this one!

I appreciate your help. 🙂