Blue Kay, Tropicante, or Almaplena?

[Hearsay1]

I went to Almapena last week and wold not recommend it, Yes you can drink all day but they only serve you lunch, you do not get to eat all day. And there was no choice at lunch. They just brought out some nachos, guacamole, then two plates, one with two small beef tacos, the other with two small shrimp taco. No dessert. The food was ok but I don't eat guacamole and would have preferred a choice. There was only one bartender/waiter for the beach and the restaurant. It wasn't a good beach day but if it had been crowded he wouldn't have been able to do it all. But for me the biggest complaint is about the bathrooms on the beach. No one mentions it so maybe I'm the only one bothered by it but they don't want you to flush toilet paper down the toilet. You have to put it in an open wastebasket. Not covered, not emptied during out time there, no attempt at odor control. I had to mouth breathe or I may have vomited. In my opinion disgusting and unsanitary. Would never go back

 

Both are very beautiful places. But, if I had to pick just one, I would go with Blue Kay for several reason...You can't beat the location being just a few minutes away from the port and only costing $3 to get there (although Almaplena includes the taxi ride to/from the port). When you are so close to port, it's awesome to get pics of the ship there from the beach and it also allows you to stay longer because of less traveling time.

 

Almaplena is an AI, which means you can go there and drink and eat all day if you want. Blue Kay is a pay as you go, but I personally didn't find it to be too expensive and all 3 of us ate and drank when we wanted to and (I can't remember without looking over my review), I think we spent less than $50 for all day. (Which of course was cheaper than paying for an AI for 3 people, which would have been at least double+ for the day).

 

I also liked that snorkeling was cool and interesting right off the beach at Blue Kay. It's by no means a reef, but PLENTY to see and in shallow water. It definitely made the day even better. Almaplena has a reef in front of it, but you have to swim out a ways.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I just like that Blue Kay is so close and such as nice stretch of beach (and HUGE) along the Malecon. :)

[mitsugirly]

I went to Almapena last week and wold not recommend it, Yes you can drink all day but they only serve you lunch, you do not get to eat all day. And there was no choice at lunch. They just brought out some nachos, guacamole, then two plates, one with two small beef tacos, the other with two small shrimp taco. No dessert. The food was ok but I don't eat guacamole and would have preferred a choice. There was only one bartender/waiter for the beach and the restaurant. It wasn't a good beach day but if it had been crowded he wouldn't have been able to do it all. But for me the biggest complaint is about the bathrooms on the beach. No one mentions it so maybe I'm the only one bothered by it but they don't want you to flush toilet paper down the toilet. You have to put it in an open wastebasket. Not covered, not emptied during out time there, no attempt at odor control. I had to mouth breathe or I may have vomited. In my opinion disgusting and unsanitary. Would never go back

 

I hate to hear that the bathrooms were not up to par on your trip. I'm a little confused about your wording of the bathrooms saying "the bathrooms on the beach". When we were there last, there were no bathrooms on the beach. The bathrooms were up at the place where you stay at the hotel area. Maybe they have built new ones for those that visit with a day pass?

 

 

It sounds like the menu has changed too. They ask us what we wanted to eat and gave a menu to pick from. We were also offered desert and they gave my daughter ice cream as well.

 

 

This is a small 6 room eco hotel. They use the bare minimum and do not have a huge staff. We also had 1 person as a waiter on the beach, but then again, they do not have many visitors there and they keep it limited. You mentioned it was not crowded or you wouldn't have been able to stand it. It does not get crowded and for that reason, staffing is low.

 

 

As for not flushing the toilet paper, this is a given at almost all places in the Caribbean unless it's a hotel or huge establishment. Most beach clubs will not want you to flush any items in the toilets. Their facilities will clog and cause all kinds of problems. This is also considered an eco resort, so you are going to find some of the bare minimums here. They are not equipped like in the US. I agree that they should have had something to cover the trashcans, but once again, we are talking third world countries in most places in the Caribbean and honestly, I travel a lot and have never seen any covered.

 

 

Just wondering if you are new to going to places like this? It seems as if this is the first time you have ever experienced this (where I have experienced this at most places we go to). Honestly, it's no different than using a porta potty. They are usually wide open as well and definitely better than being camping and have to use the woods. You mentioned trying to get into Maya Chan but they were full. Guess what...you would have experienced the same thing there with the bathrooms and maybe even a little worse because most of their facilities are somewhat outside. Here is their showers at Maya Chan just to give you an example:

 

 

I'm not trying to bash you or under mind you at all. Your experience is what it is and I'm sorry that you did not enjoy it. However, just trying to prepare you if you ever decide to visit other places because this is what you will encounter a lot. This is the Caribbean. Everything is not all plush unless you book a plush resort hotel day pass...which Costa Maya doesn't have. :)

[cruzrbachoua]

HI Mitsugirly, is this also true for Blue Kay regarding the restrooms? Based off your wonderful review friends and I are planning on taking a taxi there and back next year when we visit. We have been to Caribbean islands where this is true and while we understand it is good to know ahead of time what to expect so we can be prepared. We cant wait to go to Blue Kay your review and pics were great.

 

Also any tips or advice you have for getting there, being there and getting back would be greatly appreciated.

 

TIA

[c-leg5]

HI Mitsugirly, is this also true for Blue Kay regarding the restrooms? Based off your wonderful review friends and I are planning on taking a taxi there and back next year when we visit. We have been to Caribbean islands where this is true and while we understand it is good to know ahead of time what to expect so we can be prepared. We cant wait to go to Blue Kay your review and pics were great.

 

Also any tips or advice you have for getting there, being there and getting back would be greatly appreciated.

 

TIA

Not Mitsugirly but, as usual she has photos and reports of the restrooms and judging by the sign on the door in this photo I would say “YES, just exactly the same”.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=44910541&postcount=483

[mitsugirly]

HI Mitsugirly, is this also true for Blue Kay regarding the restrooms? Based off your wonderful review friends and I are planning on taking a taxi there and back next year when we visit. We have been to Caribbean islands where this is true and while we understand it is good to know ahead of time what to expect so we can be prepared. We cant wait to go to Blue Kay your review and pics were great.

 

Also any tips or advice you have for getting there, being there and getting back would be greatly appreciated.

 

TIA

 

Absolutely. I have not been to one place there, whether it's on the Malecon (such as Blue Kay or Nohoch Kay) or Maya Chan or Almaplena, that allows you to dispose of toilet paper into the toilet. It all must be disposed of in a trashcan. This holds true for even Cozumel and the many places I have been (which is a huge list) and even places such as Belize and Roatan. I have never experienced going to a beach club (not a hotel or resort day pass) that allowed you to put toilet paper in the toilets. Their systems will just not handle it.

 

 

Getting there is super easy...either by taxi (which is a short walk down the street out of the port and will take you directly to BK) or using the trolley bus (which will drop you off at a certain location and you would have to walk back to BK.)

 

Getting back is as simple as telling your waiter or staff to call a cab for you and they quickly show up. :)

[kruz]

I have reviews with tons of pictures for both Almaplena and Blue Kay (in my signature line). They may help you out a little bit on what to expect them to look like. :)

OMG I loved your Blue Kay review and know just what we will do in Costa Maya!! Thank you!!!

[mitsugirly]

OMG I loved your Blue Kay review and know just what we will do in Costa Maya!! Thank you!!!

 

 

Thanks and I hope you have a wonderful day. :)

[cruzrbachoua]

Absolutely. I have not been to one place there, whether it's on the Malecon (such as Blue Kay or Nohoch Kay) or Maya Chan or Almaplena, that allows you to dispose of toilet paper into the toilet. It all must be disposed of in a trashcan. This holds true for even Cozumel and the many places I have been (which is a huge list) and even places such as Belize and Roatan. I have never experienced going to a beach club (not a hotel or resort day pass) that allowed you to put toilet paper in the toilets. Their systems will just not handle it.

 

 

Getting there is super easy...either by taxi (which is a short walk down the street out of the port and will take you directly to BK) or using the trolley bus (which will drop you off at a certain location and you would have to walk back to BK.)

 

Getting back is as simple as telling your waiter or staff to call a cab for you and they quickly show up. :)

 

Great thanks. In Cozumel we typically do Passion Island and come to think of don't think I ever visited the restroom..lol. The one time in Belize we were on a tour that took us to a restaurant and they didn't have the sign.

 

Thanks for the info on getting the taxi as well. We loved your review and when Princess changed us to go here vs Belize I was glad I found your review. My friends are really excited as well as us as this is a new port for us and love to be able to get a lovely beach area that is almost private feeling and all on our own vs the high price excursions. Thanks again for your help.

[lexluthor]

I've been communicating today with Blue Kay on Facebook. They quoted me a bracelet that would provide access to their facilities (but not the activities) for 200 pesos and said that "these 200 pesos are returned to you in food consumption in our restaurant." So we pay 200 pesos to get in and then get 200 pesos worth of "free food and drink"? I haven't seen anyone quoted that before. Has anyone been offered this before? Others seem to have gotten in free, but then it's suggested you order food and drink. We'd probably spend $10pp anyhow, so it seems reasonable to me.

[cruzrbachoua]

I have not but on their website they offer a day pass for $350 pesos and gets you everything it says...

 

DAY PASS

 

The definite package to enjoy Mahahual at its fullest! Enjoy every single activity the Blue Kay has to offer for only $350 mxn a day!

 

No sure if that is also for cruise guests. But for $10pp for chairs and just about private beach I am there! oh wait have to wait until this coming august...darn it..lol

[lexluthor]

I have not but on their website they offer a day pass for $350 pesos and gets you everything it says...

 

DAY PASS

 

The definite package to enjoy Mahahual at its fullest! Enjoy every single activity the Blue Kay has to offer for only $350 mxn a day!

 

No sure if that is also for cruise guests. But for $10pp for chairs and just about private beach I am there! oh wait have to wait until this coming august...darn it..lol

 

The 200 pesos/$10pp includes 200 pesos/$10 for food/drink, so it's really $0 if you were going to get some food and drink each. They quoted me 495 pesos for the day pass, which does not included food and drink, but does include the activities. I don't think we'd take that one anyhow, so not sure why the difference between 495 and 350. i just sent them their own link that shows 350, so I assume that's what it will wind up being if we wanted that option.

[cruzrbachoua]

The 200 pesos/$10pp includes 200 pesos/$10 for food/drink, so it's really $0 if you were going to get some food and drink each. They quoted me 495 pesos for the day pass, which does not included food and drink, but does include the activities. I don't think we'd take that one anyhow, so not sure why the difference between 495 and 350. i just sent them their own link that shows 350, so I assume that's what it will wind up being if we wanted that option.

 

Oh I must have missed that it didn't include food in the day pass...but if you were interested in the activities might be worth it as the site I think was showing it was $10pp for a half hour paddle board and more for the other stuff. We planned on just using loungers, beach and water and restrooms when we go...and if the price in gets us food and drink we are good with that.

 

When are you going if you don't mind me asking?

[Austinland11]

I have a reservation at Almaplena next month. I'm considering canceling it and going with Nohoch kay because my parents are nervous about the long cab ride.

[kruz]

I've been communicating today with Blue Kay on Facebook. They quoted me a bracelet that would provide access to their facilities (but not the activities) for 200 pesos and said that "these 200 pesos are returned to you in food consumption in our restaurant." So we pay 200 pesos to get in and then get 200 pesos worth of "free food and drink"? I haven't seen anyone quoted that before. Has anyone been offered this before? Others seem to have gotten in free, but then it's suggested you order food and drink. We'd probably spend $10pp anyhow, so it seems reasonable to me.

 

I also communicated via email and was quoted the same 200 pesos but that it goes towards food. I am leaning towards Blue Cay. Wondering if it is a good walk from the ship?

[c-leg5]

I also communicated via email and was quoted the same 200 pesos but that it goes towards food. I am leaning towards Blue Cay. Wondering if it is a good walk from the ship?

 

You need to get a taxi or shuttle from the port. Taxi will be more direct but you need to exit port compound to get one.

 

We haven’t tried Blue Kay yet but reports are that they are consistently inconsistent with their pricing! Their website pricing has always be misleading. Some people seem to be charged a small charge upfront credited to food and drink, others simply PAYG. I think the charge was to stop people using loungers and restrooms without purchasing anything.

[c-leg5]

I have a reservation at Almaplena next month. I'm considering canceling it and going with Nohoch kay because my parents are nervous about the long cab ride.

 

Have you read Mitsugirly’s reviews in her signature? She has been to Maya Chan and Almaplena and gives comparisons of the transport, timing and photographic reviews?

 

Almaplena is further from port but transportation is via the highway first and comes in on the dirt toad from the other side, so not as far on the dirt road as Maya Chan, if I remember correctly.

 

I have only been to Maya Chan so can’t comment on Almaplena or Nohoch Kay.

[meadowlander]

Was in Costa Maya last week and had a reservation at Tropicante and recommend it. Took the $3 shuttle/tram from the cruise port. It seemed as if I had to pass every vendor in the cruise port to get to the exit for the taxis and shuttle. Followed the instructions given on the Tropicante site and knew when to get off the shuttle. An employee was there to greet those with reservations and escorted directly to the club.

 

Was set up in shade as requested with a lounger. There is no entry fee, just the cost of food and beverage. The food portions were enormous. Could not connect to the free wifi. Was told better reception by the food area but I did not bother. Asked about taxi ride back (no shuttle/tram ride back) and the driver who was there waiting, escorted to the vehicle. Taxi is only $2 each way.

[jamon]

Agree with Tropicante review..We have been going there for over 5 years and it is great. Steve the owner, originally from Texas is very outgoing and will come and visit with each guest. They feel like family to us...:D

[mitsugirly]

I have a reservation at Almaplena next month. I'm considering canceling it and going with Nohoch kay because my parents are nervous about the long cab ride.

 

Long? It's like 20 minutes. It's not a bad ride at all. :)

[mitsugirly]

But for me the biggest complaint is about the bathrooms on the beach. No one mentions it so maybe I'm the only one bothered by it but they don't want you to flush toilet paper down the toilet. You have to put it in an open wastebasket.

 

Ok, just to elaborate to everyone about the toilet situation. As I said in my statement, you will run into almost every place in the Caribbean (unless you are at a resort) that will not allow you to put toilet paper in the toilets and it must be deposited in the trash. This is the norm just about everywhere you go...whether it's Costa Maya, Cozumel, Belize, Roatan...you name it.

 

 

I just returned from all of the listed ports above...here are some pictures for everyone. This is NOT UNUSUAL!

 

COZUMEL: The Money Bar

 

 

 

ROATAN: This is even AT THE CRUISE PORT!

 

 

COSTA MAYA: Blue Kay

 

 

 

There were various other places too...but you get the point. You won't find many places that allow you to deposit toilet paper in the toilet. So those that are new to cruising...just a heads up on what to expect. :D Those of you that say you cruise a lot and have never come across this issue, well I'm not sure where you are actually cruising to. :confused:

[sisters3]

About how far of a walk is it from the place where the taxi lets you off? Sometimes I have to use a cane so I'm concerned about a long walk. Thanks.

 

You tell the taxi drive exactly where to drop you off. We love Costa Maya...rather Majahual. We stayed at National Beach Club for a week. Don't stress over which beach is the nicest...it's all beautiful. It's like walking down Main Street in a small town. All the restaurants are side by side as you walk along. They are all wonderful. Chairs and tables are FREE, you just need to order food and drinks. It's all one giant beach. The Mexican people are wonderful and eager to help you have a beautiful day at the beach.

[rhegium]

Hi, how was almaplena?

 

 

We are going to Almaplena in a couple of weeks and their information to us states that they do have snorkel equipment for rent at $12.00 per person and they do recommend letting them know ahead of time for availability.

[PRH]

Almaplena was wonderful! Silky sand, clear water—quiet and easy atmosphere. Padded lounges, umbrella. Massages available. Food and drinks were delightful. Try the guacamole—the best! Husband said best day in our 20 days of Caribbean. Family owned. Longish taxi ride so you wonder where you are going but you could see the ship from the beach.

 

 

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