Maya Chan Beach — Attraction in Quintana Roo

Last time visiting the Port of Costa Maya, Mexico we did some shopping, dropped in the pool at the port, had a beverage or two and got back on the ship to take advantage of empty waterslides and bars. This time...we were FAR more intelligent. After a little research we stumbled upon Maya Chan Beach Resort. The reviews were slightly mixed (mostly due to conditions out of their control like rough/murky waters) but we decided to roll the dice. We hit seven and eleven...over and over again.

Leaving the port we found our transportation to Maya Chan (which was organized by Maya Chan and included in our fee) quite easily. We packed some people into a large 20 passenger style van and were on our way! A 20-ish minute ride through Mahahual was all that stood in our way of an incredibly relaxing day of beach, food, and beverages. The sights on the ride were truly beautiful as well

As we arrived we were met at the front of the resort by a few employees whose English seemed to be a bit better than the others. One of the employees was clearly the "manager" and she explained the amenities, meal time, beverages, and showed us where the snorkel gear and showers were. We were then led to our private area of comfortable beach chairs, a wicker bed canopy, and gigantic palm frawn umbrella. We were immediately brought a rum punch as a welcome beverage (which I realize now after a few trips to Mexico that this is basically the industry standard kickoff) and some fresh tortilla chips with guacamole and pico de gallo. Our goal was fairly simple for this trip, try different cervezas, try different tequila's, eat authentic Mexican food, and perhaps take a beach nap!

After a while of relaxing, a dip in the ocean, and quite a few different Mexican brews, it was time for our lunch. We were all gathered by the grill where mostly everything was set out for us and we had all of our options explained to us. Naturally, we tried a taste of everything...and so incredibly happy we did. The steak, pork, and chicken were all incredibly tender and flavorful. There was no need to even add any sauces (even though we did anyway) and these proteins didn't even need sides or tortillas (but we had those too). The sea bass was literally falling apart it was so tender and that was also incredible.

After lunch (and another few beers of course), we went up to the bar. Chas leads in with "So...tell me about Tequila". Yes...those were his famous last words. Our bartender was more than happy to swiftly line up 6 shots for each of us with a brief description of each, how they were made, brands, where to get them, and varying degrees of flavor. It started with something downright foreign to either of us and I truly believe we are better people for having experienced it. There was a barrel sitting on it's side with a tap in it on the bar and we asked what was in it...turns out it was shot #1 on the tour of tequila's. "This cask sir is tequila that has been infused for six months with vanilla bean, and it is the smoothest thing you'll ever taste" ... oh how right he was. Easily the best tequila either of us have ever had...and we have had A LOT of tequila in our lives. The rest of the tour was slightly less tasty from 2-6 and each had a little more of a bite and a little less of euphoria.

Chas nearly immediately went to the bed canopy and took a nap. Chuck went back in the ocean, made some new friends, and went back for more Vanilla Tequila shots! Our new friends hadn't experienced this yet, and clearly we could not allow them to go back to their homes somewhere in nowheresville, Idaho without indulging in this insanely tasty elixir.

This beach club was one of the most relaxing and tasty experiences i've ever had...and that's saying a lot. The hospitality of the staff was truly warm and inviting and the feeling I had leaving there was one of completeness. Maya Chan Beach Resort in sunny Mahahual, Mexico...100%...

When we arrived at the resort we were greeted by Maya Chan employees who assisted us getting in the resort (one member in our party is mobility limited) and gave us the tour. Amenities (A+): The resort features about a dozen Palapas (grass roof huts) that are designed for different size parties. Palapas are booked by group, and each group generally gets its own Palapa. The way the owner described it was if they have all small groups, they're booked at 30, but obviously hold more if there are larger groups some hold more than 10 people. Each palapa has a beach bed, hammock, and some tables and chairs. The resort features kayaks, paddle boards, and floating chairs, in addition to a sun deck/diving platform out at the edge of the swimming area. There is a birds nest/tree house with charging cables for your electronics, that provides a great view of the beach. They offer complimentary wifi, use of snorkeling gear and water shoes, showers, and restroom facilities. Lunch and open premium bar are also included. Food and drink (A+): all of your drinks are included, they use premium spirits including (to name a few) Cazadores, 100 años, and many more. The frozen drinks we had did not appear to be made with mix, they brought us all a round of Miami Vice (half piña colada half daiquiri) made with fresh strawberry and fresh coconut. They had coconut drinks, rum punch, and would make pretty much anything you wanted to order. They had ~8 different beers to choose from. The lunch was a taco buffet that featured Arachara (marinated skirt steak), Cochinita Piblil (marinated pork), chicken, fish (I believe a local whitefish) with Charro Beans (like baked bean soup) and all the fixings (fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and Habanero salsa, all served on freshly hand made flour or corn tortillas warmed up on the griddle. The buffet was prepared before our eyes, all you can eat, and the food was absolutely delicious. Service (A+): The service provided by David and the rest of the staff at Maya Chan was a revelation. Food was amazing, hot and fresh, we were taken care of from port to resort and back. Our drinks never ran dry, although there was a server assigned to our Palapa, several members of the staff were making the rounds making sure we had everything we needed throughout the day. When we were out in the swimming area in floats they Kayaked or waded out to us to take drink orders and deliver drinks. They have massage services available at a very reasonable price ($25 per half hour or $45 per hour) which we did not take advantage of this time, but definitely will next time. I was a little worried about getting back to the ship on time, and they made sure we were back with time to spare, listing the last taxi back time, and making sure to let guests know when they are 15-10-5 minutes away from their requested departure time. We were a little uneasy, so we scheduled our departure an hour or so before the "last call" time and we're back to the ship more than 2 hours before all aboard. Overall impressions (A+): Our experience at Maya Chan makes me rethink my future cruises, and we will consider booking cruises that go through Costa Maya just to get back there. My one piece of advice for you is that while tipping is not "required" and at no point we're we pressured to do so, they have a tips box at the exit that you will want to make sure you have cash to stuff it with. THEY EARN EVERY BIT.

Updated 1/28/22 - same as above, still...

I have a difficult time rating this place. There are no 5 star places anywhere near there! Yet, people rate this with 5 stars. Compared to other places in Costa Maya, maybe it is 5 stars. Compared to the world, it is barely 1 star.

So, I go with 4 stars. Food was outstanding. Service was perfect. The shade was very good. The taco's were some of the best I have ever had.

The bar tender was outstanding. Never went without a drink in hand. The selection of rums and tequilas was very good.

The bed in our "cabana", or what ever it is called, was wet. Very wet! We ended up not spending any time there at all.

The WiFi was barely there. Decent signal strength, but no bandwidth at all. You can read and send emails, but do not expect to send friends pictures of where you are at.

I did a lot of reading other reviews. It is true that they try very hard to convince you not to go there. They sound genuine when saying it. I can see where people think they are just covering themselves when you later change your mind. They were pretty much insistent we would not like it. However, the beach issues were everywhere, not just there. I had read that ahead of time and expected it. We still wanted a day relaxing. To me, it did not matter where we went, the seaweed issue was everywhere.

Yes, it smelled, and there was no way to get in the water at all. That is not why only 4 stars. It is 4 stars because it I can't give 5 stars when compared to the rest of the beaches in the Caribbean, this entire area sucks! If we were not on a cruise ship we wouldn't have stopped at Costa Maya at all. Let me be clear. I would not give ANY place in Costa Maya 5 stars!

If you want to see rural Mexico, this is a good start. It is a good experience to have. I would go there again. Compared to other options in Costa Maya, this is one of the best.

Don't misunderstand me. They do a great job of setting expectations. However, just because they want you to expect less doesn't automatically make it 5 stars. If I were to give 5 stars for every place I had low expectations for, it would water down the entire rating system.

The downside to this place over the other ones in the Costa Maya area is this is all you see and do. There is no walking around to see shops or other things. Not that those other places are great things to see. Again, this entire part of the country is not exciting.

The upside is the people, food, and drinks are amazing.

Bottom line, the entire Costa Maya area is 1 star! If you are here for some great sandy bottom ocean swimming, you will be disappointed everywhere in Costa Maya. If you are here for a relaxing day with everything you need in one place, then this is the...