Maya Ruins in Costa Maya. What West Caribbean Port for the Beach

[ajtraveler66]

Our time in Costa Maya is limited.  So we are going to see the ruins that day with an NCL tour.  So...that leaves us with these other port days:  Cozumel, Harvest Cay @ Belize, and Roatan, Honduras.

 

Out of those three ports, we would like to do ONE beach day.  What beach would you recommend if you could only pick one out of these three ports?  

 

Wish there were a board for Caribbean (in general) but I didn't see it.

 

 

[lifes-a-beach]

Never been to Harvest Cay.  The beach itself is probably nicer in Roatan but the vendors drive you absolutely nuts.  I mean they are relentless and their numbers are ridiculous. We were at both West Bay Beach and Cozumel last week and by far enjoyed our time at Paradise Beach in Cozumel more.  The sand is course, not the powdery sand we like, especially in Costa Maya, but the grounds are beautiful, service is excellent and the food and drinks are good and reasonably priced.  IMO, food and drink prices were extremely high at West Bay Beach.  

 

Next time in Roatan we’ll probably skip West Bay Beach and go over to West End Village and wander around.  Several better, and less crowded places to eat there.   Might even make another trip to the east to Temporary Cal’s for some amazing food and a gorgeous view.  

[crewsweeper]

Agree that vendors along West Bay in Roatan can be pushy, but that's more at Tabayana where cruise ship excursions go.

Less so at Bananarama, Beachers r other resorts with day passes.  Plus West Bay has some of the best shore snorkeling in the Caribbean.  There's also Little French Cay up along the eastern side.  Little else to do in Roatan except tours of the island which land you at a beach place.

 

Cozumel with Paradise Beach or Mr. Sanchos offers water toys and pools which are great for younger folks.

[zounds]

   Harvest Key is beautiful. however it rained all day when we were there 2 years ago.

[zqvol]

Best beach/snorkeling is on Roatan. We always go to Tabayana. Never have any vendors at Tabayana unless you sit on the front row of chairs. Security keeps them away. If you want an NCL excursion go with Tabayana. IF you want to go on your own there are other places on the west end of the island.