Frequently Asked Questions

Activities and things to do


Do you have "Boogie Boards" or other water equipment that we can use?

Yes, we do have Boogie Boards, inflatable Stand up paddle boards and snorkels for rent by the day. We also have kayaks that are complementary for guests. For all others, you can rent Kayaks for a nominal fee. We have two life jackets in small adult sizes. 
  See Other Services.
Do you have snorkel gear for kids?
  
We have snorkel gear for adults and larger youths that you can rent, but we get very few children here so we don't carry equipment for them. So that you have the best time, we suggest that you purchase your snorkeling equipment before you come if you have children.
I've never snorkeled before, what equipment do I need? Is the snorkel equipment at Sam's Club or Costco good enough? Can I purchase inexpensive snorkel gear?
You can purchase good snorkel equipment at Sam's club and Costco, except there is no way to try on the mask unless they have a special vendor selling equipment. The adjustable fins are very good, but not all snorkels fit all faces. Look for the following:
  • When sizing a snorkel mask, make sure that there is a good suction when you breath in through your nose. If air gets in, you can be sure that water will too.
  • Look for snorkels that protect from waves coming in from the top.
  • Look for snorkels that have a purge valve just below the mouth piece. Water can collect there and it is easier to blow it out and it makes for less swallowed sea water.
  • The mouth piece should fit as well, although many people aren't bothered by the mouth piece. If you have a small bite or sensitive gums, you may want to try on the mouthpiece. You can purchase mouth pieces separately at dive shops.
There are many good makes, but you will have more fun if you have equipment that fits your body. We don't recommend the cheap sets. The mask plastic can be hard, making for poor suction around your face and the hard plastic on the fins can cause blisters on your feet. You can find a decent snorkel/fin set for around $70 USD at Sam's Club and Costco. Make sure the lenses are glass and not plastic.
Do I need snorkel fins to snorkel - isn't a mask good enough?

A MASK IS NOT SUFFICIENT!!! PLEASE do not try and snorkel without fins. If you try to snorkel in just bare feet, you must kick too hard and you run the danger of scratching your feet on coral and also of damaging this precious life form. The other thing is that snorkeling is about looking, not swimming. Fins act as buoyancy devices that help your feet stay afloat. PLEASE do not snorkel in aqua shoes, sandals or tennis shoes. It is too tempting to stand up on coral or other fragile sea life. If you are not a good swimmer, we suggest purchasing blow-up snorkel vests. We have some life vests here.
What should I bring to have fun?

We've put together a  packing list  to help you make the most of your vacation -- its not fun to come unprepared, especially when the destination is a remote location.
What is there to do in the evening?

 Dinner is a socializing opportunity. We have games and a communal area with a couch and chairs that guests get together and lounge. We have found that most of our guests have enjoyed meeting new friends and end up playing cards or other games together, or just socializing with an after dinner drink. You will also find your internal clock changing and matching the rising and setting of the sun so that you will get tired earlier and want to get up with the rising of the sun -- leaving the clock behind. For those who need electronic entertainment, we have a selection of DVD's to play in your own portable player or laptop.
The evenings are gorgeous at the beach. On a moonlit night you won't want to be inside, but you will want to explore in the moonlight, which acts like a big flashlight lighting the white sand -- something you have to experience. If you have flexibility -- think about the stages of the moon as you schedule your trip. If you are into astrology, your best views of the stars will be on nights with a sliver of moon. The stars on those nights will astound you as you view the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Are there other shops and restaurants within walking distance?
Not at this time, we are fairly isolated. Mahahual is a 30 minute drive away where there are other restaurants.
What about night life in Mahahual?
 There is just starting to be some night life in Mahahual There are a few bars and restaurants that stay open to service the workers who work at the pier and a few that cater to Foreigners. When there are no cruise ships, there are only a couple of them open at night. During festival time the city sponsors night events, but since Mahahual is geared mostly to cruise ship business these events are for the workers - nights are slow if there is no cruise ship the next morning. If you want to experience Mahahual - daytime is the best. Most of the restaurants are open in the day time. A handful are open at night.  You won't go hungry.
How far are you from the dolphin swim?

The dolphin swim is located at the Cruise ship pier. Guests wanting to swim with the dolphins can arrange to do so on non-cruise ship days. The rates vary with the package your choose.   Reservations for the dolphin swim can be made on line. 
Do you carry Fishing gear?
No, we don't carry fishing gear.  There is a fishing and dive equipment store in Mahahual on Cafetal-Mahahual road .


The Units - Serviced apartments and Studios

Do the units have Televisions?
The units do not have televisions.  Because people keep their windows open to feel the breeze, here the sea, the rustling palms and the birds, Televisions not only are noisy, but they stop people from enjoying the nature.  The internet is good enough for streaming on personal devices.  Please keep volume at a minimum so that it does not disturb others enjoyment.   
Can you see the ocean from the Units ?

 We have four units directly on the each with unobscured views. There are two beach view rooms that have views of the beach framed by trees. We have one Jungle view unit. All are close to the beach.
Can you hear the ocean from the units?

You most certainly can!
Are the safes in the units free for use, or is there a separate fee for that?

 There is no fee for the use of the room safes. We want you to use them and feel secure. Some have keys and some have combination codes. If we forget to give you a combination, please let us know. Loss of a safe key can be a problem, as there are not always spares. 
Do you have 110 or 220 power?

Mexico uses 110, the same power type and outlets as the US. We have grid power during the nights, but we are solar powered during sunlight hours, We have a backup emergency generator for power outages. . A/C is only available at night when we are running off the grid.
Can I use my hair dryer?
 We ask that you not use hair dryers at Mayan Beach Garden. There is 110 outlet in the rooms, powered by batteries in the day and the grid at night. Please embrace the windblown look or look for butane powered hair dryers that you can purchase before you arrive. One hair dryer has as much watts as every light and major appliance at the hotel put together. If the power has gone out on the grid, you may not know it because you will be running on batteries.  ANY heat producing device is high wattage and can shut down the power in your unit and your neighbors.  You will then have to wait until power is returned to get power. 
Do you have power at night?
 
Yes
Do you have air conditioning?

 All of the units now have air conditioning. BUT, the rooms at Mayan Beach Garden are so close to the beach that the breezes from the beach offer most of the cooling you will need. On those nights when the breeze is still, we have ceiling fans. During the winter months, you may even find yourself getting cold at night! A/C works only at night as we disconnect from 220 power during the day to allow us to run off solar power. Because we are an eco-establishment, we ask that you try the breezes before deciding you need AC.  During the cool months of the year (November - March) we charge for nightly use of AC.

Restaurant and Meals

What hours is the Restaurant open? 
Breakfast is 7:00 AM - 10:030 AM, 
Lunch is 12:30-3:00, 
Dinner is 5:30- 8:00
If these times do not work, and you are a guest with us, please let us know and we will be happy to work something out with you. Everything is possible with advance notice. We also can pack you a sack lunch for day trips.
Do you have a small pub?
No, but you can purchase drinks with your meals. 
Do you carry beer and wine? 
Yes
Can we store food items in your refrigerator?

No, but each unit has a full sized refrigerator with freezer.
Do you have "Kid Friendly" menus?

We don't have specific "kid friendly" menus because we don't have many children, but we do try and adjust our menus so that picky eaters (including adult picky eaters!) will find something they like. Please let us know in advance what your special likes and dislikes or dietary restrictions are.
Is breakfast included in the room rate? 

A hot breakfast is included in the daily rates for rooms at Mayan Beach Garden. Continental Breakfast is included in the room rates for discounted rates, but we can give you a price with hot breakfast.
Is it safe to buy food along the sides of the road?

 We always buy food along the sides of the road. Normally it is very safe (do avoid buying drinks where water has been added like pineapple or mango juice). We have never gotten sick from anything eaten from roadside vendors -- in fact every time we have gotten sick, it has been from eating in an American style sit-down restaurant. We can offer some tips in this regard: 
  • Never buy fresh squeezed juice in recycled Coca-Cola Bottles (orange, coconut, watermelon and pineapple are very common) unless the caps are sealed. Some roadside vendors use recycled pop bottles and may not have adequate means to disinfect things. It is safe to buy juice in plastic bags or plastic glasses.
  • Look for clean hands. Most Mayans are very clean -- they love soap (when you visit a grocery store, you will be surprised at the size of the cleaning isle). However, if you see dirty hands, walk away.
  • If you see someone handling food with their bare hands and then putting their hands in plastic bags to touch the money -- this is a good sign of a clean kitchen and good habits - they know that germs are on money.
Do you have a meal package?

We no longer have a meal package.  However we serve Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I read about your "special of the day".  What is included?
Mayan Beach Garden has always served up a "special of the day".  This allows us to serve up a variety of dishes . We have 17 items in our rotation that are "tried and true."  Each one usually has at lease two options including fish, chicken, pork and always vegetarian/vegan options. The meals are served with chips, pico de gallo, bean dip and unlimited purified ice water.  Vegetables are always included in every meal, and depending on the entrée, herbed potatoes, rice, or pasta.  
Is there a small cooler or fridge in the rooms?

All the rooms have a refrigerator with freezer. 

Services and facilities


Do you have phones?

We do not have phones in any of the rooms. We are too far away from the tower to receive normal phone service.  We do have an antennae on the rooftop that receives signal and has a limited broadcast area.  We have cell phone coverage in our restaurant and parking lot. 
Who is the service provider that has cell signals down there? 

Telcel
Do you have laundry facilities?

 We can do laundry for you, however, the laundering of linens must take priority. For those staying long term, (3 weeks or more) there is one complimentary laundry service per week included in the rate.  Plan on a 36 hour turnaround as we hang laundry out to dry on a line.
Do you have beach towels?
We supply beach towels in the rooms at Mayan Beach Garden, but because of the added impact the additional laundry has on the environment, we ask that you reuse them as much as possible before asking for a new one.       


Checking in and Checking out

What is Check-in and Check-out time?

Checkout time is before 11:00 and Check-in is after 3:00 . Please let us know if you need to change these times and we can work around your schedule.
If I arrive after 10:00 PM, is there someone around? How do I check in?

WE do not recommend arriving after dark.  We understand that there are emergencies, but the office is closed at 10, and late arrivers will find everyone asleep.  If you have a reservation, we will be expecting you, but if you don't arrive by 10, we will assume you have made other plans for the night.  . If we don't come quickly, please do not honk. It is best not to plan on arriving in the night. All staff quarters are close to the parking area and you will wake them up. They have to start work at 6:30, so please be courtious of their schedules. Note: we don't recommend driving south from Tulum to Cafetal junction after dark because of the lack of ambient light.  It is difficult to see the sides of the road and on-coming headlights will seem very bright. 

Safety and Security in Mexico


Do you have safes in the rooms?

Yes
I have been hearing a lot about the drug wars in Mexico - how safe is it in should I be afraid for my safety in Quintana Roo?

Several million people travel to Cancun, Riviera Maya and the Costa Maya without incident. Following is a statement by the Warden for the US Consulate for the area here on the Costa Maya.
“Updates with travel alerts for Mexico are continually being issued  and can be seen at www.travel.state.gov. I urge you to go to that web site. to get the official information that the department of state is dispersing on the matter of safety in Mexico. On top of the travel alert you should read of the Country specific pages for Mexico. I will warn you that you will probably be alarmed by what you read. Please keep in mind that most of the violent crime that is occurring in Mexico that has had any affect to Americans is happening in the Northern part of Mexico, near the border. Also keep in mind that the department has a responsibility to report the facts about situations that have occurred, but . . .99% of the people who travel for vacation purposes to Mexico every year have very enjoyable vacations without incident.
 
Of course, I can no more give you a guarantee about your safety coming here than I could about traveling to any vacation destinations in the US. On the whole, I feel much more at ease anywhere in the Yucatan peninsula than in my hometown in the US. . . . Neither my life nor my daily patterns have changed and I feel no less safe than ever.  There has been no increase in reported violent or petty crime in this area directed toward Americans over the past few months.
 
Most of the emergencies I assist Americans with in this area (Costa Maya) are a result of them acting in a way they might not in the US. It is very important to not take a vacation from your common sense. Follow the laws, do not over consume alcoholic beverages, if you drive, go the posted speed limit, wear seat belts, do not talk on a cell phone while driving and get full car insurance. Do not engage in extreme sports, skydiving, parasailing, etc.. If you engage in tours, make sure that they are sponsored by your hotel or travel company or have been recommended to the business by a foreigner (US or Canadian). I would also recommend that you look in to getting travel insurance that has some medical coverage or check to see if your health insurance covers you in a foreign country”.
Do you have security guard at night?

Mayan Beach Garden takes your security very seriously. We do not have a security guard. We have dogs that function as alarms at night -- because they are pretty friendly the rest of the time. We also have added security bars on windows so that you can leave the windows open and feel safe when in the rooms or out and about and like to let the air flow through.


Questions about the Costa Maya and the Costa Maya Port


What is the Costa Maya?

The Costa Maya is a marketing term assigned to the beachfront area that stretches from Xcalak in the south and north to the border of the Sian Ka'an biosphere. Secondly it is the name of the pier where the cruise ships dock. For the cruise ship visitor, the area is know as the Costa Maya port. The Costa Maya port had up to 12 ships a week during high season of 2005, was damaged as a result of the 2007 Hurricane Dean and was closed for almost a year. In 2022 - there can be up to 5 ships a day, arriving as early as 7:00 and departing as late as Midnight.

What days are the cruise ships in Mahahual and the Costa Maya Port?

The Costa Maya cruise ship schedule is posted on various websites and can easily be found by googling "Costa Maya Cruise ship schedule". The cruise ship schedules change constantly. Furthermore, they may not dock due to inclement weather conditions. You may want to wait until a cruise ship day to shop in town, rent wave runners or pursue other activities when there are more vendors. If you like tranquility - stay far away from town on those days.


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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WATER, BEACH, SNORKELING, DIVING AND SWIMMING


Do you have a sandy beach ?

YES!


How quickly does it get deep ?


It gets waist high pretty quickly making it a good swimming and snorkeling beach. You don't have to wade through turtle grass to swim.


Can you snorkel right off your beach?


Yes, there is a good coral head about 100 yards from the shore with a lot of fish of many varieties. We sometimes have marked it with a buoy so that you can find it and so that boats don't run into it. However, the best snorkeling is to the north at Punta Placer where there are vast areas of snorkeling.


How far is the reef?


This is a complicated question. Most people refer to the reef as the line of breakers that you can see off shore. Mayan Beach Garden is in the center of the bay, so that the reef is quite far to swim. It takes a good swimmer about 15-20 minutes, but on days with a strong surge it is very hard to get there. It is better to walk 10-15 minutes to the point and snorkel or swim from there where you are much closer. Also the coral is denser and you will see more coral and fish all the way out.


Do you have a lot of turtle grass?

Close to shore the beach is sandy. We do have turtle grass but you have to swim a little ways before you get to it. Turtle grass is great for the environment, it protects the shore and provides food for turtles and other plant eating species. Turtle grass is also where you see rays, starfish and Queen Conch, baby turtles hiding out as well as many other species.

How far can I walk along the beach?

There is nothing to stop you from walking as far as you have daylight and energy (bring sunscreen to reapply on the tops of your feet and ankles). You cannot do this in Mahahual because the Costa Maya Pier won't allow people to walk along the beach at that point. Other areas south of Mahahual may have Mangrove that gets in the way of your beach combing pleasure.

Is there swimming, fishing, or snorkeling from shore or do you have to go out on a boat or dock?


You can swim, fish or snorkel from shore. We have kayaks, but no boat or dock.


I am concerned about the strength of the surf & if the beach is sheltered by the reefs & easy swimming? Does it shelve out gradually?

We have a sandy shore and therefore an ever changing beachfront. Storms can create some pretty strong surge which beats up the shoreline causing some uneven or soft spots. It can even unearth large shells and pieces of coral. Other times the water is like glass and the sand hard and level a long way out.


What gear to you carry?


We have the following gear:

  • Snorkel, Goggles and fins
  • Life vests
  • Boogie Boards
  • Kayaks and paddles

Inflatable Stand-up Paddle boards for rentNew Paragraph

Driving, transportation & "How far away is. . ."  


What major city would we fly into?


There are four options with the benefits and disadvantages to each below. (Information about busses below in this section)

  1. Cancun -- usually very competitive rates, easy to rent a car or take a bus from the airport. Plus there are some sights to see on the way down if you want to make a day of the drive (4.5 hour drive is the disadvantage) You can rent a driver to pick you up for $200 USD.
  2. Chetumal -- Two hours away and 15 minutes from plane to curb. Currently there are no direct flights from the US to Chetumal but most flights originate from Mexico city. Easy to rent cars (they will be waiting for you at the curb) and taxi's in Chetumal are very cheap. You can take a Taxi here for $950 pesos plus gratuities.
  3. Merida - 4.5 hour drive, but you get to go through quaint villages. We like Merida too. Spend a night in Merida and then come here, stopping at some ruins on the way (we can make some suggestions) The drive has good roads and lots to see. If you inadvertently take the wrong 184 south, it will add an extra hour to the drive as you will end up going through every small town south of Merida.
  4. Belize City- only about 35 miles from the border to Chetumal. Prices can be competitive with Cancun airport and busses go from Belize City to Chetumal several times a day.

What is there to do on the drive from Cancun to Mayan Beach Garden Inn?


The drive from Cancun airport to Mayan Beach Garden takes about 4.5 hours -- but there are several things to do along the way, from the Crocozoo, to the Mayan Ruin of Tulum, to the little town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto -- so plan on making a day of it. If your flight arrives in the afternoon, plan on spending the night in Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Tulum or Paamul and enjoy the drive. We do not recommend driving in the dark as there are no street lights.


What are the road conditions like?


Road conditions are relatively good. There are some areas of road repair going on, but everything else is on a fairly good road with widening and resurfacing projects going on. Specific ROAD CONDITIONS are on the Driving Directions page on the Mayan Beach Garden web site. The beach road during times of rain is not good. Please be patient.


How late is the gas station open and is it open on holidays?


Under normal conditions, the gas station is open around the clock and on holidays with the exception of New Years morning. Sometimes, however they run out of gas or cannot operate because they are out of power. There is a gas station 5 km south of Cafetal junction in that event. During Covid restrictions, they closed at midnight and opened at 6:00 AM


Would it be better to fly into Belize City or Cancun if we want to drive to your place?


While it is slightly closer in miles to fly into Belize City, getting a rental car that would allow you to cross the border can be expensive. There are good busses from Belize to Chetumal, however. Another option is to fly into Chetumal. The airport in Chetumal is only 1:45 hour away. You can now find flights into Chetumal from web sites like Orbitz and Expedia at comparable rates to flying into Cancun. Most flights to Chetumal all go through Mexico City. At the time of this posting, there is a weekly Saturday flight from Chetumal to Miami.


Can you rent a car in Chetumal?

You can rent a car in Chetumal from the following locations as well as search for Chetumal car rentals on Google. 

Continental Rent a Car
Av. Héroes 171-B. Lobby del hotel Holiday Inn
Chetumal, Quintana Roo
Phone:(983)130-8658, 9831308658
E-Mail:continentalrentacar@hotmail.com
URL:http://www.continentalcar.com.mx

Vipsaesa
Av. Revolución No. 115
Chetumal, Quintana Roo
Phone:(983) 130 8658 y 9831308658
E-mail:vipsaesa@hotmail.com

Aventura Maya Car Rental
Av. Independencia No. 168 Entre Efraín Aguilar y Mahatma Ghandi
Col. Centro
Chetumal, Quintana Roo
Phone:9831308658
E-mail:info@mayanbeachgarden.com

Perico´s Tours (will deliver to Mahahual if you want to first take the bus)
Contact: José Alvaro Hoil Torres
Calle Manuel Acuña No. 109
Fracc. Cumbres
Chetumal, Quintana Roo
Phone:Tel:(983) 837-2503, 9831308658 (cellular)
E-mail:pericos_tours_01@hotmail.com

What is the best way to get to Mayan Beach Garden?

Currently, the best way to get to Mayan Beach Garden is to rent a car from the airport or in Playa del Carmen. Once in Cancun, you can rent a car from all of the major car rental agencies as well as some of the lesser ones. Once you get to the airport you can often bargain the price down or negotiate for a better car. You can arrange private driver for the rate of $220 per one way trip. Marcia can help you book this. Busses are also an alternative.


Do I need a 4-wheel drive to get around?


The roads are very good all the way to Mayan Beach Garden so you won't need a 4-wheel drive to get there. However, vehicles with high clearance are an asset. Everything is paved up to the beach road. We are only 3 km south the beach road from the Placer access, which has a few potholes, but unless it has been raining buckets is easy to traverse. We are 10 km N. from the Rio Indio beach access. If you are going into the Sian Ka'an you can get there with a regular car except during rainy season.


Haw far is it from Bacalar to Mayan Beach Garden


It takes 1.5 hours to reach Bacalar from Mayan Beach Garden


Is there any shuttle/public transportation available from Chetumal to your place?


You can get a bus to Mahahual, but currently no bus goes to Mayan Beach Garden directly. There is a half-bus that travels into Mahahual. You can buy tickets for specific travel dates and times at the terminals in Playa Del Carmen, Cancun and Chetumal. It is difficult to buy online. There are taxis in Mahahual that will take you to Mayan Beach Garden. Currently the price of a taxi from Mahahual is $310 pesos or $620 round trip. A taxi from Chetumal to Mayan Beach Garden is approximately $1000 pesos one-way. A taxi from Mahahual to Chetumal is more expensive.


Can you rent a car in Mahahual?


Not on a regular basis. There is no agency, only individuals renting cars.


I am going to drive around the Yucatan. Where can I find a good map?


Google maps is available throughout the Yucatan, however if you don't have phone coverage in Mexico, you might not be able to take advantage of it without first downloading the area onto your phone. The best paper map that we are aware of is a Canadian map of the Yucatan Peninsula. You can buy it on Amazon.com or directly from:

International Travel Maps
530 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4A5


Can you take a boat from Cancun to Costa Maya


No, not that I am aware of.


Is there a bus from Cancun to Mahahual?


Yes, but not directly from Cancun airport . If coming from the Cancun Airport (which is south of the city of Cancun), you must change busses in Playa Del Carmen or from Cancun city terminal which is north of the airport. The ADO bus to Playa leaves every half hour during high season from the airport. The rate is $200 pesos. From Playa Del Carmen you can get either a MayaB bus to Limones and transfer to a Caribe or ADO bus that goes to Mahahual or take the ADO bus from Playa Del Carmen direct to Mahahual or Limones.

NOTE: The ADO bus is often canceled during some times of the year and during COVID, , please check to make sure it is available.


Does your resort have a shuttle service to and from Mahahual?


No, we are not allowed by law to offer that type of service. However, if we are going in to town we are happy to drop you off and pick you back up when we return or arrange transport with Taxis.


Is there a boat from the Costa Maya to Belize?


Prior to COVID, a regular boat taxi from Chetumal to Belize that was cancelled during Covid. At this time there is no date iisted as to if and when it will return.


Is there 24hr taxi service in your area?


Yes, The rate currently is $310 pesos each way from Mahahual to Mayan Beach Garden, but subject to change.


Weather and Conditions Questions


When is the rainy season?
The rainy season is from late September- mid November. "Rainy" is relative, because it will rain really hard dumping a lot of rain and then get sunny. Seldom does it rain for days since most of the rain is either from thunderstorms or related to tropical storms. Tropical storms usually last a day or two, but this occurs during hurricane season which usually begins mid June.
When is there Sargassum on the beach, is it seasonal?
This is a good question.  It is good to contact me as I will give you an honest assessment of the conditions.  The good news is that you can usually snorkel at punta placer and you can walk there either on the beach road, or the beach.  Below is a little history of what we have experienced here.  We have always had a little of it in August, but it was so little, that we really didn't worry - it was just annoying.  Since 2015 we have had different experiences. 
  • 2015 - The first year we experienced amounts that we didn't know what to do with. 
  • 2016 - Nothing the entire year
  • 2017 - a little bit that we could cleanup, only in the months of June, July and August
  • 2018 - another massive year - the worst so far. Went away in September
  • 2019 - very little in June - August, we could clean it up most of the time
  • 2020 - a little in June, which went away
  • 2021 -  It began in  mid-May and was gone by late August
  • 2022 - This is shaping to be another bad year, according to the forecasts. 
What is the best time to visit the Costa Maya?
We get asked this all the time. I have finally decided that it requires a chart with all the variables of the weather as well as some other monthly highlights. The truth is that any month is good depending on what you want out of a vacation. For fishermen, it would start in May and continue through early November. (Average rainfall and temperature is taken from www.worldclimate.com)
Month Rainfall Temperature Comments
January 2.1" 75 F High season. The first week in January seems to have a little bit of a "lull" in terms of the number of travelers. The weather can be cold enough to warrant a jacket at night. If you like birds, green parrots are starting to show up as well as some other migrating birds.
February 1.7" 76 F February can have some cool winds. The water can feel quite cool as the wind blows across the surface making it hard to snorkel or swim for long periods of time. A wet suit helps. (Cool is relative, but bring a jacket for evenings). Migrating birds make February one of the best "birding" months.
March 0.8" 79 F Normally a great weather month with comfortable temperatures and little rain, but can be breezy. The downside is that there are a lot of people vacationing at this time, including those on spring break. It is good to make reservations far in advance.
April 1" 82 F Can be breezy affecting water activities, however not every day. This, on the other hand makes for great visits to the ruins and few mosquitoes due to the dry conditions.
May 3.6" 83 F Great month for water activities with fairly calm water. The days can be hot, but the humidity is fairly low and the trade winds make nights comfortable for sleeping. Few mosquitoes.
June 5.5" 82 F Water can be like glass making for great water activities. The humidity is usually fairly low early in the month but starts to raise in the later part of the month. Travel with insect repellent if you plan on venturing off the beach. This is the start of the tropical rain season so rain is possible, but usually does not get in the way of activities.
July 4" 82 F July can be quite breezy. However, it is still a great month for water activities with the calm water. Later in the month there is a chance of tropical storms. Travel with insect repellent if you plan on venturing off the beach. Biting Flies (similar to deer flies) can be a problem in the day - use insect repellent.
August 4.3" 82 F August can be humid, but the water can be like glass so it is great for water activities. Hurricane season is in full swing, but with the exception of Hurricane Dean the Costa Maya does not have a history of high hurricane damage. Travel with insect repellent if you plan on venturing off the beach. Biting Flies (similar to deer flies) can be a problem in the day - use insect repellent.
September 6.7" 82 F Fairly pleasant but one of the rainiest months due to the fact that it is late in the tropical storm season. The rains are usually brief but heavy. This is one of the slowest times of the year, so you may find yourself alone on the beach! Travel with insect repellent if you plan on venturing off the beach. Great fishing and diving weather. This month is also the start of the bird migrations.
October 4.5" 80 F Very pleasant weather and very slow! Many hotels close because it is so slow. Shops will still open in Mahahual on Cruise ship days. If there has been a lot of rain in August and September there may be lots of mosquitoes at dawn and dusk. There is still a chance of some significant rain in Oct. Great fishing and diving weather.
November 2.1" 76 F Great weather month. Can be some cloudy and cool days, but usually the water conditions can be good. Few crowds. Bring lightweight jackets. There can also still be mosquitos in the evening and at dawn.
December 1.9" 76 F Sporadic weather. It can be cool or warm, windy or only slightly breezy. Bring jackets and long pants for cool breezy nights on the beach. Usually lots of sun even if it is cool. Usually very little rain.

General Questions


When we vacation we always try to help local Charities. Are there some local charities in Mahahual that you can recommend?


As charities vary frequently, please contact us directly for contacts.


Are there lots of mosquitoes?


Winter and spring months are traditionally the best time to avoid mosquitoes. At certain times of the year and depending on the amount of rain that comes during the rainy season, mosquitoes can be annoying at dusk. There is seldom a problem with mosquitoes close to the beach because they just can't fly around in the breeze that is most often present. The breeze has a tenancy to die down right at sunrise and again at sundown. You will notice an increase of mosquitoes at this time, so it is a good idea to bring mosquito repellent if you plan on A) being out at dawn or dusk B) wandering into the jungle away from the beach.


Do you have screens or mosquito nets?


All of the units have well maintained screens on the windows, and at least one screened porch entry way,  so mosquito nets are not needed in the rooms .


Do you get many tourists from the cruise ships that dock at the Costa Maya port?


No. Mayan Beach Garden is far enough away from Mahahual that you can avoid the crowds that accompany the huge cruise ships. There  are a few ATV tours that drive on the beach road.  Occasionally a few wander in here and we try to be friendly, but courteously remind them this is a private beach for Mayan Beach Garden guests.


Is there construction going on -- is it noisy?


We do have minor repairs going on all the time in order to keep MBG in good shape.  As in all small hotels, we are always fixing up, painting and improving so that your experience here will be one that you will remember.


Do you have testimonials from other guests?


Yes, we have reviews on Facebook, Google maps, Trip Advisor, Booking.com and Airbnb. 


Do you allow dogs or other pets?


Yes. We do allow dogs but not cats or other pets due to cat claw damage and potential allergies and asthma for future guests. There is a $500 pesos cleaning fee (may be more for some breeds) and $150 pesos one time charge for dogs. Because some guests are afraid of dogs, we ask the the animal be on a leash when on Mayan Beach Garden grounds, that refuse be picked up and that you respect the quiet of others. You will be asked to leave if the dog is an excessive barker or bothers other guests.


Are there other properties near you or are you on an empty stretch of beach?


Mayan Beach Garden is located in the "village" of El Placer. Today there are a few scattered personal residencies that comprise El Placer. However, once you leave the small area of El Placer, it becomes quite isolated.  The beach has very few people on it.


Do you think hiking shoes are needed or will teva-type water shoes suffice?


You won't need hiking shoes. If you are planning on climbing ruins, or exploring the jungle make sure you have tennis shoes, walking shoes with good gripping soles or sturdy shoe-sandals with socks. We do not recommend flip-flops for visiting the ruins. We do recommend any shoes with good soles that will not slip. Occasionally the steps of the ruins can be slippery or footing less secure. You can walk barefoot on the beach unless you plan on going up into the Sian Ka'an where there are many rocky beaches that are fun to explore.


How can I tell when the cruise ships are in Majahual?


Usually the cruise ships are in Mahahual on Monday through Friday during High season (December - end of April) You can find a monthly schedule by searching Google with the words "Costa Maya Cruise Schedule".  There will be many options.

Money Questions


Where can I change money?


Most businesses along the Cancun corridor to Tulum will accept US dollars, but most only offer a poor exchange.  Banks offer the best exchange rate and have ATM machines. You may also exchange money at kiosks in Tulum and Playa del Caren.  The best exchange rates for your $ are normally given at a cash machine, a Bank, or at one of the money exchange booths in Cancun, Playa, Tulum, Chetumal or Felipe Carrillo Puerto. The money exchange rate at the airport is very poor. There is an exchange office in Mahahual and several ATMs.  There is currently no bank, but one is under development. 


Once I am at Mayan Beach garden, do you accept credit cards?


We have Internet connection at the beach, which is our only way of accepting credit card payments. If the Internet connection is working we can accept credit card payment via our Merchant account, or PayPal but there is always a chance that we may not have service, your credit card may not be accepted in Mexico or if you are an existing PayPal account holder you will forget your password. Please plan on either paying in advance or bringing enough cash USD or pesos to pay for your stay. If you plan to use an existing PayPal account, you must know your password. PayPal will only allow account holders to use their credit card under a password account - the credit card they have on record may not be used in a "guest" account.


Where is the nearest ATM?


There are several ATMs in Mahahual. Our favorite ATMS are in the lobby of the Costa Maya Inn. There are several ATMs in Mahahual along the Malecon and even as far south as Luna de Plata.


Will they accept US dollars in Mahahual?


Yes. While most items are priced in pesos, all places will accept US dollars or pesos but not US coins. They will even accept them in the Gas Station. NOTE: this is not true of all gas stations in the state of Quintana Roo. They will not normally accept Canadian or Euros.


Do gas stations accept credit cards?


Most gas stations in Mexico can accept credit cards.  However, they may often be off line, especially in Mahahual. The gas station in Mahahual recently started accepting credit cards - do NOT hand any attendant a credit card but walk with them to the machine where they run the card and make sure it is only run once.


Should we buy traveler's checks?


Traveler's checks are not readily accepted in the Southern part of the sate. They are viewed as third party checks and vendors are often charged to exchange them, can't get a very good exchange rate or are forced to wait 90 days for the money. We no longer take them at Mayan Beach Garden because of the above reasons.  You can easily exchange them in Casa de Cambios in Playa Del Carmen where there is an American Express office, but then, you might as well bring cash. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but the exchange rate will not be very good.


Can I exchange money at the airport?


Yes, in the Cancun airport.  But there is a Santander machine by the cash window at customs and in ticketing.


Can you tell me how many pesos it will be to fill up a tank of gas?
That is a loaded question since tanks are of different sizes. Gasoline at the time of this update had gone up to 23 pesos a liter. Please read the driving tips for more information about paying for gas and those "tricky" gasoline attendants. It is best to pay a set amount for gas and have a good idea of how much you are paying for and how much you have in your hand when you go to pay so they don't pull any tricks on you.


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How do I secure a reservation?


There are many methods to secure your reservation at Mayan Beach Garden.

  1. Mail a check to an address in the US.
  2. Pay through PayPal, using your charge card. We can accept international funds via this method.
  3. Bank Wire. If this is the method you choose to use, we can provide bank wiring instructions.
  4. Zelle email transfer from a US bank
  5. Western union or Money Gram (exact spelling of my name is important)
  6. Wise transfer to Mexican bank in Pesos (Wise does the exchange for you at a competitive rate to FOREX accounts
  7. Use our booking system to make a reservation with your credit card, after which you can pay with the method that works best for you. 


What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation policy varies based on the length of stay.  For short term stays, use a credit card to secure the reservation.  Please check with Marcia for Cancellation policies per reservation length.  In every case, any amount not returned can be used for a future stay.


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