grantbob

Not been yet but I saw on a recent YouTube video that admission is $11

We were there in January with our two year old granddaughter. We stayed at the port and did the bird sanctuary and walked around. There's a dolphin experience area you can pay to do, but it's easy to walk over and watch them playing. Theres a gelato shop, several animal sculptures, and other things to see. She loved it. 

If you prefer, it's less than a 10 minute walk from where you would get on the chair to the beach.

jsglow and groundloop:

My understanding was that it is the way both of you stated. However, on our Breeze sailing at the beginning of this year we never had to wait more than 5 minutes after checking in on the Hub app. Didn't really notice it at dinner, but at Seaday brunch we would quickly get a table for our group (including our kids/spouses) while there would be tons of people just outside MDR doors waiting for quite some time. I assumed we were getting moved to the top because of being platinum.

Also, as we ran into last year on a Journeys cruise, you have a lot of Platinum and Diamond guest that get priority check in for dining ahead of you if you are not. Out wait times were pretty bad.

Since then we have turned platinum and done non-Journeys itineraries and have got seated quickly.

Victor Bodden Tours "best of roatan" private tour. For 3 people its $30 per person for the guide and transportation all over the island and then you pay add ons for different things you want to do. (For example $10 per person to do the sloth/monkey tour - but many other stops are free). We've used them several times and had great days! Totally customizable to what you want and great email communication beforehand to line that out.

44 minutes ago, EllieinNJ said:

Where do you buy this?  On line or at Java Blue?

You don't have to buy the card, just ask for it when you purchase your first coffee. 

Yes, that's what my tags have said the last two cruises for platinum. 

So the fish fry is walkable? I wasn't sure how far down it is.

I'm not sure. We booked it through Carnival since its on the mainland and requires both a ferry ride to Playa Del Carmen and then a bus ride to the park. It's a long day and we didnt want to miss the ship.

Checking on google maps its called Tankah park.

 Bienvenido | Parque Tankah

We usually go to West Bay too but went to the port beach last year. It's not bad but can be as crowded as Grand Turk, especially the closer you are to the chairlift. It's not as relaxing as Paradise but you can't beat the price and convenience if you dont want a taxi ride. The water is nice and food and drink are close by (tourist prices).

It gets less crowded later in the day and we were able to relax.

It's mainland, you have to take a ferry over. We did this excursion about 5 years ago and it was awesome. I would love to do it again.

There were no bats (maybe one or two) or foul smells. It's actually quite beautiful. The caves are more overhangs that go back in the cenote wall than actual caves. You have to be up for a little physical activity - hiking some mild inclines, paddling a canoe for a bit, etc. but its not bad at all. You do not have to do the zipline or high jumps if you dont want and there are ladders if you just want to get down into the water.

Then lunch was prepared by local folks in a traditional style and was delicious. I can't recommend this excusion enough!

On 7/9/2023 at 9:38 PM, 80sGal said:

Is there still a hot tub in the fitness center?  On Glory next week!   

No. They took it out a few years ago. It's now the class room for yoga/spin classes.

For context, we were last at Infinity Bay resort in Nov of 21 (4th time to West Bay reef) and just stayed at Mahogany Bay Beach in April of 22 to try it out. I love to snorkel and it's a big part of cruising for me. I make sure to get in one good snorkeling day on each cruise if possible. 

You are right about Tabyana. It's all the same reef. I would do the Paradise Beach facility (in fact we have twice and also Infinity Bay). The snorkeling is the same and the facilities are better. 

The red arrow in the picture I posted is in front of Infinty Bay and the place you want to enter to snorkel. It's an easy walk from Paradise (to  the left) or Tabyana (to the right).

The snorkeling at the free beach is not that great, especially in comparison to the west bay/tabyana area. If snorkeling is a big priority you should take an excursion there. It's some of the best beach snorkeling anywhere.

However, if you just want to snorkel a little and have a beach day, the free beach is fantastic. And, it's easy to walk to if you don't want to pay for the chairlift.

They are really good about responding to emails.

No issue at all.

You can just go to the hostess at sea day brunch and tell them you only want your drink and they will get the bar waiter for you.

We have been to Paradise beach several times and are going again next September. We really like it. I think technically all the beach there is public but they do have an area with chairs and umbrellas roped off just for guests. However, the beach is huge in both directions (in front of other neighboring resorts) that you can use. Some of the best snorkeling from the shore that I've ever experienced.

Food and drinks there were typical beach prices. Maybe $12-15 for a mixed drink and $15-20  for a sandwich and fries. You can walk next door via the beach to Bananrama and get cheaper food including some really good pizza.

I've noticed on some recent videos that there are now chairs and umbrellas for rent at the beach right at the end of the pier. Does anyone know the prices?

It's $25 per person.

This is our preferred location (forward on the Lido deck). You will not hear the pool, and you are far enough from the elevators that there is not much traffic. It will be pretty quiet.

We like going back to the cabin for the night and being able to grab a snack or drink to take back to the cabin. I'm an earlier riser than my wife and I can easily get to the buffet area and coffee to read and watch the sun rise. Its really convenient.

The only place to really see anything at Paradise is around and under the long pier. There are some small fish and rays there, but the places clackey mentioned above are much better.