Chunky Monkey Beach Club

If you’re cruising through Costa Maya and craving a laid-back beach day, the Chunky Monkey Beach Club offers a simple but satisfying escape. For $95 per person, you gain access to a private slice of Mahahual’s shoreline, with the promise of all-day drinks, delicious local seafood, and a serene setting away from crowds. The tour lasts roughly a full day, with the convenience of booking in advance—on average, six days ahead.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are the focus on comfort and the quality of the food and drinks. The included local fish lunch with Mexican sides and fresh salsa is a highlight, making the price feel more justified. Plus, the private setting ensures you won’t be fighting for space, which can be a real relief in busier beach spots.

On the flip side, a possible drawback is the lack of transportation from the cruise port—the tour office is closed, so you’ll need to arrange your own cab. Also, some visitors have reported issues like seaweed affecting water access, which can impact your swimming plans.

This experience suits travelers looking for a relaxed, all-inclusive beach day with minimal planning and a focus on comfort, especially if you value good food and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s ideal for those who want to unwind without a lot of hustle, but might not be the best choice for adventure seekers or active snorkelers.

Key Points

• Private Beach Setting: Enjoy a quiet, crowd-free environment directly in front of Mahahual’s natural beauty.
• All-Inclusive Drinks and Food: Sip soft drinks and cocktails all day, and savor a tasty local fish lunch with Mexican sides.
• Convenient Drop-Off and Pick-Up: You’re taken straight from the cruise port to the beach club, then back when you’re ready.
• Limited Water Access: Seaweed can sometimes block the beach entry, so swimming might be limited at certain times.
• No Office Pickup: Travelers need to organize their own transportation to the meeting point.
• Ideal for Relaxation: This tour is perfect if you want to spend a leisurely day soaking up the sun and enjoying good food.

A Closer Look at Chunky Monkey Beach Club

When you arrive at Mahahual, you’ll find the Chunky Monkey Beach Club located on the beachfront, offering a peaceful refuge from the busy cruise port. The experience is designed to be private and laid-back—you’re generally the only group there, which is a breath of fresh air compared to crowded beach clubs.

The experience begins at the meeting point on Av. P.º del Puerto. From there, you’ll be whisked directly to the beach club, skipping the chaos of crowded tour buses. Once there, the scenery is simple but inviting: sun loungers, palm trees, and the calm sound of waves. We loved the way the setting encourages slow mornings and lazy afternoons—a true vacation vibe.

What to Expect During Your Day

The day is pretty straightforward. You’ll arrive around mid-morning, giving you plenty of time to relax, swim, or just soak up the sun. The all-you-can-drink policy is especially appealing, with soft drinks and alcoholic beverages flowing freely all day. The local fish lunch is served around midday, with Mexican side dishes and salsa that are said to be flavorful and fresh. The meal alone offers a taste of regional cuisine in a relaxed setting.

The beach access can be affected by seaweed, which has been noted by some travelers. One review from May 2024 mentioned terrible seaweed, making it difficult to enter the water via the beach. If swimming is important to you, it’s worth considering this potential limitation—sometimes a boat snorkeling package is available, but that’s beyond the core tour description.

The Peace and Privacy You Desire

What makes this tour special is its private nature. When you’re there, it’s just your group. This means no fighting for space or loud music, just the sounds of waves and nature. You’ll feel pampered as the staff treats you like a valued guest, which adds to the sense of relaxation.

Food and Drinks

The lunch of fresh local fish with Mexican sides is a definite highlight. The menu focuses on quality, authentic flavors, and the included drinks keep everyone refreshed. Travelers have praised the delicious food and tapas-style presentation — it’s a simple but meaningful touch that elevates the experience.

Potential Drawbacks

The main concern is the lack of included transportation from the cruise port. Since their office is closed, you’ll need to book a cab yourself to the meeting point. Also, some reviews indicate that bad seaweed can spoil water access, which could affect your swimming or snorkeling plans. This isn’t unusual in coastal areas but is worth noting especially if water activities are your priority.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers seeking a day of pure relaxation, with excellent food and drinks in a peaceful environment, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a cozy, intimate beach experience. If your idea of a perfect day includes lazing on a sunbed, sipping cocktails, and eating fresh fish, you’ll find this a good fit.

However, if you’re after adventure or active water sports, the limited water access and lack of included snorkeling or boat trips might be a disappointment. Also, if you prefer organized transportation from your cruise, you’ll need to make your own arrangements.

Final Thoughts

Chunky Monkey Beach Club provides a straightforward, comfortable, and tasty way to spend a day in Mahahual. It’s best for those who value privacy, good food, and a relaxed vibe more than activity-packed excursions. The all-inclusive drinks and delicious fish lunch make it a good value for a low-key day.

While some travelers have faced issues like seaweed or the need to organize their own transport, overall, this tour offers a genuine chance to unwind in a scenic setting. If your goal is to escape the cruise crowds and enjoy some peaceful beach time, this experience is worth considering.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, the tour office is closed, so you’ll need to arrange your own cab to the meeting point in Mahahual.

How long does the tour last?
It’s roughly a full day, from morning until late afternoon, giving you plenty of time to relax on the beach.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes, all soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and a local fish lunch with Mexican sides are included.

Can I snorkel at this beach club?
You might find snorkeling options like boat packages, but water access at the beach can sometimes be affected by seaweed.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group will participate, ensuring a peaceful setting.

What should I bring?
Swimsuits, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel are recommended. Bringing cash for tips or extra drinks is optional.

Is this suitable for families?
Most travelers can participate, but check the seaweed condition if swimming is a priority for children.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

To sum it up, if you’re craving a calm, private day at the beach with excellent food and drinks, Chunky Monkey Beach Club is a solid choice. It’s ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds, enjoy authentic Mexican flavors, and spend time soaking up the sun in a peaceful setting. Just be prepared to handle your own transportation and check on sea conditions if swimming is high on your list.