Best Costa Maya Excursion? Why We Always Choose Maya Chan Beach Resort
Costa Maya is Mexico’s second most popular cruise port after Cozumel, welcoming nearly 600 cruise ships in 2024. Most travelers stick to the beaches right off the port, go snorkeling, or explore Mayan ruins. While those are all great options, we discovered the perfect excursion that we’ll happily choose again and again, even after Royal Caribbean’s new Perfect Day Mexico opens: Maya Chan Beach Resort.
When planning our day in Costa Maya on our Harmony of the Seas Western Caribbean cruise, we wanted something more unique and less crowded. We hoped to experience local culture while enjoying a peaceful, relaxing setting. After some research, we booked Maya Chan—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip!
Booking & Arrival
We booked a little late, so we missed out on one of their shaded beach beds (which are included in every reservation). The all-inclusive price is $89 per adult (18+) with children’s pricing available (as of 2025). Even without a cabana, the staff made us a private setup with an umbrella and two lounge chairs, well-spaced from other guests. Each spot is reserved ahead of time and labeled with your name: meaning no need to rush off the ship to “claim” your beach space.
Getting there couldn’t have been easier. After disembarking, we followed the emailed directions to a meeting spot, checked in with a Maya Chan representative, and hopped into pre-arranged taxis (included with booking). The 20-minute ride was a bit bumpy, but we loved seeing the local scenery along the way.
On arrival, we were greeted by David, the son of resort founders Mark and Jane Ostrow. Their story is incredible (you can read it on their website or in Jane’s book It Helps To Be Crazy: The Story of Maya Chan Beach). David and his wife welcomed us like family, gave us a tour of the property, and explained all the amenities.
Food & Drinks
The first thing we noticed? Service starts the second you sit down. We were offered drinks right away—and with unlimited options included, it was fun to try things without worrying about cost.
But the highlight? The UNLIMITED fresh taco bar. Hands down, this was the best Mexican food we’ve ever had. You really can’t get more authentic than this! A local cook prepared everything fresh—juicy, tender meats atop handmade corn and flour tortillas, homemade salsas, creamy guacamole, and perfectly crisp tortilla chips. Watching her cook was almost as fun as eating. We left absolutely stuffed, but without a single regret!
Activities & Amenities
Maya Chan includes plenty of beach activities in the price: kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, floating chairs, and sand toys. The staff went above and beyond—helping carry equipment to the water, steadying the paddleboard as I climbed on, and even assisting when I returned.
The level of service was outstanding: attentive without being intrusive. Staff checked in often enough to make sure we had everything we needed, but never too much to interrupt our relaxation. We truly felt cared for.
Other little touches made the day even better:
Beach massages (I got a 30-minute massage for just $20—pure bliss!).
A charming gift shop with handmade jewelry and bags crafted by staff members.
A treehouse lookout with serene ocean views.
Giant Jenga for a bit of fun between swims.
Three friendly dogs who wandered the beach, making this dog-loving couple smile.
The Beach
The beach itself was beautiful—soft, fluffy sand and calm waters. While the water wasn’t the brightest Caribbean blue, it was still gorgeous and perfect for swimming or floating.
Final Thoughts
We do wonder how Maya Chan will fare once Royal Caribbean opens its private beach right off the port in Costa Maya. Convenience may sway some cruisers. While we may check it out someday, I’m convinced we’ll always prefer Maya Chan. The incredible staff, welcoming atmosphere, and authentic experience sets it apart. At the end of the day, we’ll always choose an authentic, culturally immersive experience over something that feels more like an Americanized theme-park vibe.
The Ostrow family has poured their heart into this resort, and it shows. If you visit, you’ll see exactly what we mean—Maya Chan isn’t just a beach day; it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
