Maya Chan Beach
Maya Chan Beach
5
About
Private beach resort for cruise ship passengers.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
8 within 3 miles
Attractions
13 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Tobypeas6351 contributionsOur favorite place!As always Maya Chan delivers! They treat you like family and attend to your every need! This is an all you can eat and drink experience with a traditional Mexican meal. Not a negative for me, but the water close to the beach is not crystal clear. They have made successful efforts to avoid the season's abundance of seaweed. There is access to the open ocean for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, or just floating. The equipment is all provided! David and his team are all spectacular - animals included. It may be a while before we make it back to Costa Maya, but I will definitely return.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 26, 2023
- Jean C4 contributionsAmazing!I glad I have booked from Maya Chan Resort, they are the best excursion we ever had. Everyone went above and beyond and made sure we enjoyed everything. They have lots of options for non-alcohol drinks for my kids and they absolutely loved it. There’s so many fun things to do and they got the best Mexican food we ever had. I wish they offer cooking class and i would definitely come back again!!Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 28, 2023
- Lisa D4 contributionsLove this experience!Maya Chan is a hidden treasure. If you are looking for a positive vibe, a laid back atmosphere, and a family feel, then this is the place for you. David, Julie, and Manel are fabulous and will truly take care of you!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 13, 2023
- Penny S54 contributionsAnother great day at Maya Chan BeachThis was our second but hopefully not our last trip to Maya Chan Beach. The views are incredible. The service is over the top. The food was even better this time. The chicken was perfection. The service is unmatched. Enjoying a floating chair or layout cushion and want a drink? No problem staff are out in the water to take your order and then deliver it to you. David and his wife are wonderful and leave nothing for you to want. After a few drinks later in the afternoon we had there homemade limeade which was fabulous. Just a wonderful place to be pampered and relax. To say they aim to please doesn't come close. We had home made corn chips and salsa for breakfast and a wonderful taco lunch. Our favorite was the chicken followed closely by the steak. James had room for the pulled pork which he also loved. For us there was nothing that needed to be improved upon. Just a wonderful relaxing day on the beach.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 9, 2023
- BludodgeGarland, Texas1 contributionThe ONLY place to go when visiting Costa MayaWhat a gem. I'll never do another ship shore excursion again at this port. This will be our only go to place when at Costa Maya. The food was simply amazing and the entire staff was attentive and wonderful. I can't recommend this place enough. Already planning on going back in three months. The beach and water quality are no different than any other places here so why not enjoy everything else. Place is very clean and safe.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 10, 2023
- Tmowens4Lawson, Missouri16 contributionsBook it, book, it, book it!!!We had an amazing time! Our van driver, Julio was amazing, and everyone at the resort was so welcoming! From the drinks to the cabana to the food and the animals! My husband wanted us to stay and live there! Thank you so much to all of the staff for great service, and a great time!Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 10, 2023
- Sheryl J20 contributionsAwesome Place!We have been here before and loved it! This time we had 14 gals ages 50-60. We were on a cruise and booked this excursion on our own through their website. We had our own area with bathroom and a lil pool. Beach front. We had drinks and food. Massages were $45 for 1 hour and awesome. It is a bit of a drive to get there but they give great directions and shuttle included. Luis was all the staff were attentive, funny and treated us like royalty. They even bring you drinks when you are in the water! Tortilla making was offered and really fun. They limit the amount of guests so you never feel crowded. Highly recommend this place if you visit Costa Maya!Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 12, 2023
- 607christieh6 contributionsMaya ChanFirst off be prepared to walk about a mile to the meeting point. Once there, the transportation is ready to take to the beach. Yes the road is bumpy but who cares? Walking in to the resort was very pretty. It is nice that it is not crowded and NO vendors to bother you! The service was exceptional at first, but then later we had to go to the bar ourselves to get drinks. The food is AMAZING!! I don’t even like Mexican food that much and I just wanted to keep eating it!! It is definitely the highlight of the place!! Overall I would definitely return!!Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 22, 2023
- Kirk s1 contributionExcellentHad a group of 35 family members. Took the ride from Port Area to the private island. We were greeted as we exited our van and escorted to the venue. Our area had several Cabanas, bar and restroom. We also had bar service in the water. The foods was hand prepared on site and was amazing. Half of our group took advantage of the amazing massages. This should be on your list to book.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 23, 2023
- Nicole G2 contributionsBest Place Ever!!!!!Hands down best place I’ve been to ever on a cruise! One hundred percent will be back. Excellent customer service and superb food! Our cruise had been terrible and this place made us feel so much better. It was Thanksgiving as well and this just made our day! Thank you!!Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 24, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,907 reviews
Excellent
1,732
Very good
120
Average
28
Poor
16
Terrible
11
Mitch64622
64 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
The experience, overall, was very nice. The staff was very accommodating, kind, and fun. Drinks were offered frequently and the chips, guacamole, and salsa were great! There was lots of shade available if you didn’t want to be out in the sun. The sand was clearly raked before we arrived, making it easy to walk barefooted. We were warned about the seaweed ahead of time. They are doing a great job of getting rid of it and seem to have found a way to remove it from the part of the beach you enter the water in. The smell of the seaweed is still an issue, it seems, but you quickly get used to it. The staff was very helpful when teaching my 12 year old how to stand on a paddle board. There was also kayaking available. The lunch was phenomenal and I felt very safe eating it during the time of covid. It was basically a fancy taco bar with lots of delicious options. We had a delicious Oreo drink you should definitely try. They made sure we left when we wanted to and never made us feel guilty for the time we chose. The drive out there is an experience, itself. They have done a good job making sure the cabs they choose for you are air conditioned. They include the cab tip in the fee so no money is needed to exchange for the cab driver. It is definitely difficult to navigate the port area, itself, so definitely follow the map they give you or you’ll never make it out to the cab! The location is owned by an American expat, so I felt comfortable knowing that he understands the standards Americans expect in food safety and comfort. Definitely would recommend this excursion.
Written October 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeffreyinps
Palm Springs, CA3 contributions
Feb 2020
I went to this resort with a large group from our special chartered cruise. One person from our cruise reserved the entire resort in advance and I made payment directly with Maya Chan using Paypal a few weeks prior to our visit. Upon arrival in Costa Maya, the entire group from the ship met the Maya Chan representative at the meeting point outside the gates of the cruise port area. Within a few min the resort had us on our way in a resort arranged taxi. It took about 15-20 min to get to the resort. Upon arrival, we were given a quick tour of the property. There was shady and sunny areas where we could set up our towels and relax for the day. The staff made the stay perfect. They were always asking if they could refill our drinks. Some all inclusive resorts require you to get in a line to order a cocktail but not at Maya Chan. The staff were constantly roaming the property and refilling our drinks. They have a full bar so we could order anything. The resort had plenty of things to keep us entertained. Kayaks, beach party games like giant wood block Jenga, beer pong using a volley ball and buckets or you could just relax and do nothing. One side of the resort was quiet and relaxing and the other side had a DJ with fun music by the pool area. This visit to Maya Chan was the highlight of my cruise. I am so glad I was able to join our group for this event. Thank you Maya Chan for making us welcome in your home!!
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crustybucket
Dunedin, FL1,189 contributions
Jan 2020
We booked this excursion through Maya Chan (actually, the only way to do it), had a bit of trepidation, but when the time arrived, it's wonderful! They have you meet outside the port. I had a problem with my printer, and my directions got totally screwed up, so when we got off the ship, we were a little lost. No worries, we got out of the port, got to the meeting point, and then EVERYTHING fell into place. You are greeted at the meeting point, confirmed you are there with reservations, given a seat, and told exactly when your transportation will arrive. It was within 10 minutes. You take a short ride (roughly 25 minutes) to the resort, (yes, the last part of the road is VERY bumpy!) to be met at the entrance by your host/hostess, given a brief explanation of where everything is located, presented with a rum punch greeting, and taken to your reserved spot on the beach. This includes beach chairs, hammock, beach bed, table, umbrella/awning, and right on the water. (we were only 4 feet from the waters edge.) Almost immediately, a bowl of guac, salsa, and chips are brought to you, and, if you need a refill of your drink, that is brought as well. There are 2 fresh water showers/changing rooms, use of water shoes, snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks (glass bottom), floating water chairs, all for your use at no additional charge. A buffet lunch is served, and at that time, you are asked at what time do you wish to return to your ship. Roughly 10 minutes before you requested time, you are notified that your transportation is enroute, and exactly as scheduled, you are on your way back to your ship. There is a reef off shore, but even though a bit far out, it's a fairly easy paddle. Everything is included, and very low key. If you are looking for splashy, noisy, crazy fun, do not come here, it's just not like that. If, however, you are looking for a very relaxing, laid back experience, close to nature, then this is the place for you. If you look off to your left, you will be amazed to see the ship, roughly 1 mile away (as the crow flies). This is a resort for cruisers. There are no overnight facilities, so they make absolutely sure you get back to your ship before last call. If I could, I would give it 6 stars. It's a definite, pleasurable experience, away from the crazy crowds at the port. You will absolutely love it!!
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marigold183
Naples, FL133 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Visited Maya Chan today. Everything was as described and the experience was better than I could have imagined. This is a secret Gilligan’s Island type of place with the best service imaginable. The lunch was delicious and home cooked. The drinks never ending. They limit the amount of guest so it felt calm and tranquil. I will return again.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenzie E
Council Bluffs, IA12 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Unfortunately our day trip was cut short by our cruise line. Highly recommend your cruise be in dock for more than half a day - they cut it short due to incoming weather.
BUT, Maya Chan knew this and adjusted accordingly. They had our taxis waiting at the perfect time, pico and guacamole ready for us on arrival, served us plenty of beverages, and cooked lunch a little early so we could eat before going back to the ship. The lunch was AMAZING - who doesn’t love an all you eat taco bar?! A handful of the guests with us said that they have been going to Maya Chan for years - now we know why! We will be back!
Kenzie
Iowa, USA
BUT, Maya Chan knew this and adjusted accordingly. They had our taxis waiting at the perfect time, pico and guacamole ready for us on arrival, served us plenty of beverages, and cooked lunch a little early so we could eat before going back to the ship. The lunch was AMAZING - who doesn’t love an all you eat taco bar?! A handful of the guests with us said that they have been going to Maya Chan for years - now we know why! We will be back!
Kenzie
Iowa, USA
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greeksandme
37 contributions
Jan 2020
Went to Maya Chan on a friend's suggestion. It is exactly the way people describe in the reviews. We were given info from the resort that made finding the transportation easily from the port. It was a short walk to the pick up point. No air in the cab but that's to be expected sometimes. We rode with a few other people and quickly arrived at the resort. We were warmly greeted and given a quick run down of how things work. We were escorted to our chairs where we found chips and the best pico I've EVER had waiting for us. Drinks were flowing: Rum Punch, Strawberry Daiquiris, and Pina Coladas too. Everything promised was waiting for us to use. Others are there but not too close you so you feel like you have your own space. We chose the floating chairs which were awesome. The buffet was some of the best, allowing me to taste Mayan food for the first time and finding a new favorite cuisine. I tried all 4 choices of tacos and WOW! So tasty. My hubby and I opted for the massages, and boy we were glad we did. One of the best massages we've ever had and at $25 for a half hour each, can't go wrong. It was an exceptional day. Everyone at Maya Chan works so hard to make sure your every wish is granted. I wish we had more time to spend there bc I would have spent all day relaxing with my honey. My only negative is that the water wasn't clear the day we went, so we couldn't snorkel. The resort can't help that. I HIGHLY recommend this resort for the price, experience, and quality.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awesome. Come back soon.
Written February 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gloriacollins
Milton, Ontario45 contributions
Feb 2020
It was a little challenging getting out of the cruise port to our meeting point but staff from Maya Chan were waiting for us. It was a short ride to the beach with transporation in vans provided by Maya Chan. Upon arrival we were greeted by the staff, shown around and seated at our own little beach hut. The drinks were plentiful and scrumptious. I should have had breakfast a small breakfast as we were immediately presented with nachos, guacamole and pico di gallo.
They had games on the beach as well as water sports such as paddle boards, kayaks etc. I would have liked to try to snorkel but our time was limited as the cruise ship was leaving early from the port.
Lunch was authentic from the tortillas to the four different proteins of fish, steak, chicken and pork all with their own mouth watering spices. There was beans and rice and many different condiments and spices. I can't rave enough about the food and service. Exceptional!
The staff ensured that we all made it back to the ship in plenty of time and provided different departure times. Staff came around to notify us 10 minutes before it was time to leave. You don't need a watch and can just kick back, relax, play and swim. The beach and swimming was great. The water was clean and clear. Many people were sitting in water floating chairs with their beverages and just chilling.
It was a truly awesome and enjoyable experience with top notch friendly and courteous staff.
Thank you Maya Chan for the exceptional experience!
They had games on the beach as well as water sports such as paddle boards, kayaks etc. I would have liked to try to snorkel but our time was limited as the cruise ship was leaving early from the port.
Lunch was authentic from the tortillas to the four different proteins of fish, steak, chicken and pork all with their own mouth watering spices. There was beans and rice and many different condiments and spices. I can't rave enough about the food and service. Exceptional!
The staff ensured that we all made it back to the ship in plenty of time and provided different departure times. Staff came around to notify us 10 minutes before it was time to leave. You don't need a watch and can just kick back, relax, play and swim. The beach and swimming was great. The water was clean and clear. Many people were sitting in water floating chairs with their beverages and just chilling.
It was a truly awesome and enjoyable experience with top notch friendly and courteous staff.
Thank you Maya Chan for the exceptional experience!
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
201212201212
United Kingdom254 contributions
Jan 2020
One of the best excursions we have ever done. Yes, the water is very murky and there is a lot of sea grass. However, we felt that they were upfront about conditions in advance and they went out of their way to make us comfortable. As a result, this was one of the most pleasant days we have experienced for a long time. The staff were absolutely amazing - an example for other businesses who claim to put the customer first but actually treat customers like an inconvenience. The facilities are wonderful - the perfect mix of rustic charm with modern amenities. The wifi (on the beach) was stronger than many city hotels! Our beach hut was well equipped, there was plenty for the kids to do and the food was delicious and copious. The staff could not have done more for us. Wonderful people who genuinely wanted to help with everything to make sure we were cared for. The kids loved playing with the dogs! Our only disappointment was that we had to leave to get back to our ship.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael H
Clermont, FL7 contributions
Feb 2022
This is definitely the place to go if you're looking for a great beach day visit from a cruise stop. Maya Chan checks all the blocks with transportation, food, drinks, atmosphere, and friendliness of staff. They limit the number of visitors so they can provide the level of service they are known for. Mark, Jane, David, and Julie truly have a gem of a place with Maya Chan. You won't be disappointed. If you're looking for a beach break kind of day, look no further. It's always a top spot for us whenever we stop at Costa Maya.
We had a party of 14, and everyone loved the experience. You can't go wrong selecting Maya Chan.
We had a party of 14, and everyone loved the experience. You can't go wrong selecting Maya Chan.
Written February 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim C
Cincinnati, OH3 contributions
Feb 2022
We booked this for a February excursion for 6 adults. The morning the cruise ship pulled into port it was pouring down rain. Captain said it would rain most of the day (and it did til afternoon). We decided to cancel about 8:30 am (all 6 adults). We had our refund the next day. The paperwork did say if you got up on wrong side of bed and did not want to come, they would 100% refund. This is a true statement. We will rebook whenever we take another cruise to this area. Looked fantastic and got great reviews. We were disappointed that we did not go. It was the right decision with the torrential rains we got most of the day.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you didnt want to stay the whole time and wanted to go back to the port early is there Transportation waiting or do you have to wait the whole 5 hours before you can return? For however long the time was booked for?
Written April 27, 2024
Yes, you let them know when you arrive, or at any time during your stay, what time you want to leave and they will have your taxi at that time. If you are not sure and just want to wing it, just remember that it will take the taxi about 40 minutes to get there and about that long to get you back to town or the cruise terminal.
Written June 12, 2024
If you didnt want to stay the whole time and wanted to go back to the port early is there Transportation waiting or do you have to wait the whole 5 hours before you can return? For however long the time was booked for?
Written April 27, 2024
The only time there is a smell is when the sargasso seaweed becomes overwhelming. When we were there in January '23 there was little or no seaweed and there was no smell at all. When seaweed gets overwhelming they have always offered full refunds if you don't want to go.
Its not the water, it is the seaweed washed ashore that smells.
Written February 11, 2023
I am wondering how clean/clear the water is at this beach. I have seen pics from other resorts and the water is crystal clear. The pics here the water looks a bit murky. How clear is the snorkeling?
Written April 15, 2022
Agree with the others. The experience is the win here. Wonderful staff, ambiance, and a small group experience. I spent most of the day in the water, but it was a little less clear by the shore. I loved the whole day!
Written May 8, 2022
I am looking at scheduling the last week in December. What is the water/seaweed condition at present?
Written December 14, 2021
There was none that I can recall. I and paddle boarded and used the paddle boat plus swam and seaweed was not a issue in the least. This issue with the sea weed has been ongoing for almost a decade through out the Caribbean. Every island has stepped up to clean it up as it happens.
Written December 14, 2021
Michael Huggins
Knoxville, Tennessee
Anyone who has been married at Maya Chan, is it affordable? We love it there and would love to get married with a small group of 10 or so.
Written October 31, 2021
Can you talk a little more about getting to the taxi? It is just Hubbs and I (60ish :)) and that has me a little worried. Is it far? Would we be walking thru a "rough" area? Thanks so much!
Written June 24, 2020
I agree with other responders. It is about a ten minute walk from the pier to the little store in the town where the table is. But the walk is flat, safe, plenty of people and cars around, You just have to persevere to get out of the shopping district right at the pier, Once you get there, the tour operator will call the cab/van and they pick you up right there. Be aware the ride is long, down the shoreline, but it is well worth it. Maya Chan is great.
Written June 25, 2020
…
Showing results 1-10 of 257
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing