JAMIE'S OR KRAZY LOBSTER'S ?

[BOOFER9]

We haven't been to Costa Maya in twelve years; can''t decide on Jamie's or Krazy Lobster ?                          

[angel69]

We went to Krazy lobster in December based on some recommendations on this board. It was not what I expected. Small beach, bunch of vendors, the food was not anything to rave about. The bathroom situation was kind of sketchy. Our next cruise is in April and we are going to Maya Chan.

[crewsweeper]

You'll have a similar situation with Jaime's as angel66 had at Krazy Lobster (although I thought KL had expanded to several locations).  Bathrooms at Jaime's , and other spots along the malecon, are basically toilet sink, sandy floor.  The biggest difference is probably cost.  Don't get me wrong, we like Jaime's, but that's because we've known him for years and prior to him coming to Mahahual.

 

Would agree Maya Chan is a better experience, if open. But along the malecon for pay-go KL gets my vote.

[c-leg5]

Depends what you are looking for?

 

Jaimies smaller, quieter, usually AI ( although that seems to vary depending on how busy they are).

 

Krazy Lobster very large (widthways) along the malecon, usually busy, PAYG. (Small beach probably referred to depth from ocean to loungers.)

 

Both along the same stretch of beach.

Edited February 10, 2023 by c-leg5

[runner15km]

I was at Mahahual late January and the beach is nearly gone and full of seaweed. I did go to the Krazy Lobster, free access, good service, reasonable drink prices, dirty restroom. With 3 ships at the pier the port area was wall to wall people, IMO this stop has gone downhill.

[GeroWA]

We visited Costa Maya (Mahahual) in 2018, we walked the beach strip and ended up choosing Tropicante Ameri-Mex Grill for our lunch and afternoon relaxation - It was fantastic, the staff really looked after us and when it was time to go they escorted us to a taxi to make sure he new where to take us. Fist class service - totally recommend!  

[c-leg5]

41 minutes ago, GeroWA said:

We visited Costa Maya (Mahahual) in 2018, we walked the beach strip and ended up choosing Tropicante Ameri-Mex Grill for our lunch and afternoon relaxation - It was fantastic, the staff really looked after us and when it was time to go they escorted us to a taxi to make sure he new where to take us. Fist class service - totally recommend!  

It used to be a favorite of ours too.
 

Unfortunately it is under new ownership and has had a rocky re-start. The verdict is still out on whether it will pull through.

[c-leg5]

On 2/11/2023 at 7:07 AM, runner15km said:

I was at Mahahual late January and the beach is nearly gone and full of seaweed. I did go to the Krazy Lobster, free access, good service, reasonable drink prices, dirty restroom. With 3 ships at the pier the port area was wall to wall people, IMO this stop has gone downhill.

 

This sums up our feelings too. I mentioned some time ago the beach feels much smaller but no one else seems to have noticed or at least commented on it.
 

That is very early in the year for seaweed but the port seems to have suffered from a lot of bad weather and winds this year.

[lifes-a-beach]

The beach here has eroded significantly since the start of COVID. I read somewhere that the shut down of importation of sand to places like this and the Cayman Islands was a major cause of the erosion.  No idea if that’s true but the reality sure is.  We ported in Costa Maya Tuesday this week and, for the first time ever, decided to stay on the ship.  There were 4 ships there and three had been there since morning.  Our arrival was 12:30 and the area would have been very busy.  So we went to the Solarium pool and enjoyed a relatively quiet day.  To be clear, we love Crazy Lobster.  The food is amazing and reasonably priced.  The staff is friendly and attentive. Prices are reasonable.  But the crowds have gotten so big that it’s just not worth it to us.  YMMV

[c-leg5]

52 minutes ago, lifes-a-beach said:

The beach here has eroded significantly since the start of COVID. I read somewhere that the shut down of importation of sand to places like this and the Cayman Islands was a major cause of the erosion.  No idea if that’s true but the reality sure is.  We ported in Costa Maya Tuesday this week and, for the first time ever, decided to stay on the ship.  There were 4 ships there and three had been there since morning.  Our arrival was 12:30 and the area would have been very busy.  So we went to the Solarium pool and enjoyed a relatively quiet day.  To be clear, we love Crazy Lobster.  The food is amazing and reasonably priced.  The staff is friendly and attentive. Prices are reasonable.  But the crowds have gotten so big that it’s just not worth it to us.  YMMV

+1

 

Completely agree about the late arrival from Galveston and we have decided we will also make it a port day from time to time - something we would never have done in the past. We will probably walk into port for a couple of hours just for the exercise(!) but would eat and drink on the ship.

 

We have ended up at Krazy Lobster several times for a few hours recently, but more by default than because it is anything special. Prices are good and honest, as you say but much busier than I actually enjoy.
 

We keep trying in the hope of finding a new “go-to” place but the taxi fares are making it not worthwhile to do every time.

[cruzfool]

Krazy Lobster is my best bet - Mauricio the friendly owner and all of the excellent staff always get my vote for any port visit to Costa Maya.  Beware of the latest taxi scam at the port entrance is to try and sell you on another location for $15 pp, telling guests that Krazy Lobster is full or that you MUST have a reservation.  This is never true, Krazy Lobster will always have enough space for you.  100%.