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Soliman Bay questions - 12/30/2012 4:40:48 PM
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Mountainman
Posts: 30
Joined: 3/8/2006
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Hola everyone……been years since my last post….but don’t think I haven’t been in stealth observation mode. Before I ask some probing questions, I do want to thank all of you who share your invaluable details of the Roo, for those of us that might be just a little too self-absorbed to post frequently…..as a member of this latter group, I do appreciate your never ending hospitality and willingness to share your experiences.
OK, enough (well deserved) groveling…I have a couple questions…quick background tho… over the last few years I have been to several AI’s (Palladium, Dreams Tulum, CRT) and also a couple condos (Casa Carolina in Xcalak, and Tortuga on Halfmoon Bay) and am returning again this year (2013)…this time will be on Soliman Bay (Corazon #2 – booked thru LG) in late April (couldn’t get the GF to go any further south!!). I have been absorbing the “Live from Soliman Bay” posts for a while…..can’t wait to get there and spend some time snorkeling and performing some extreme lounging on the beach.
Here are a couple questions, for which I seek advice from the knowledgeable:
1) Been looking at ChicagoCraig's adventure up to Paradise Bay (the bay just north of Soliman)…..The GF and I went to O y L’s 5 years or so ago……looked like a nice bay…..is it worth attempting access for snorkeling purposes? It’s possible CC may be the only one who can answer this one…
2) While we are going to do most of our own cooking at Corazon, is Sahara a decent dining option (seen some mostly good but variable reviews of late)?
3) Speaking of food – is it considered wise/unwise to walk from Corazon to O y L’s, out on the highway? The distance isn’t a problem (appears to be a mile or less)….just wondering about the road out there, and what excitement may be found on the journey. FYI – not taking a car this time.
4) I have heard there are buoys (or something like that) in Soliman to tie up kayaks to, near the reef….is this true and where in the bay are they? Can you see them from the shore?
5) Last one - and I realize this may be totally subjective…which part of the bay has the best snorkeling (north middle, south)? We will be kayaking out mostly, I suppose…..unless there is close-in goodness to encounter by swimming out from shore….any helpful hints? I have seen some mixed information about this…from the LG “map of Soliman bay” aerial view (http://www.aardvarkmap.net/maps/ERLVAABM) , it appears the south half of the bay may have less reef protection than the north part, but it’s hard to make a judgment from this alone. FYI, we are experienced snorkelers…
I think that’s it for now……I know everyone is busy with holiday and new year’s activities, so no hurry in responding…thanks to all and happy holidays/new year!!!
Steve
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RE: Soliman Bay questions - 12/31/2012 7:34:13 AM
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Jamie
Posts: 2548
Joined: 3/10/2005
From: Southern California
Status: offline
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Not positive but from what I remember, Oscar y Lalos new location is on the west side of 307 which means you need to cross the highway. Now this is just me, but I personally would not want to stay there without a car, I travel to Akumal in early May and the weather is not that much different in late April, but do you really want to walk a mile in 85-90F weather on a dusty road? It is a beautiful bay though. Hopefully some of the folks who stay there will chime in soon.
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RE: Soliman Bay questions - 12/31/2012 10:25:19 AM
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palapaboy
Posts: 806
Joined: 11/10/2008
From: Austin TX
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Mountainman
Hola everyone……been years since my last post….but don’t think I haven’t been in stealth observation mode. Before I ask some probing questions, I do want to thank all of you who share your invaluable details of the Roo, for those of us that might be just a little too self-absorbed to post frequently…..as a member of this latter group, I do appreciate your never ending hospitality and willingness to share your experiences.
OK, enough (well deserved) groveling…I have a couple questions…quick background tho… over the last few years I have been to several AI’s (Palladium, Dreams Tulum, CRT) and also a couple condos (Casa Carolina in Xcalak, and Tortuga on Halfmoon Bay) and am returning again this year (2013)…this time will be on Soliman Bay (Corazon #2 – booked thru LG) in late April (couldn’t get the GF to go any further south!!). I have been absorbing the “Live from Soliman Bay” posts for a while…..can’t wait to get there and spend some time snorkeling and performing some extreme lounging on the beach.
Here are a couple questions, for which I seek advice from the knowledgeable:
1) Been looking at ChicagoCraig's adventure up to Paradise Bay (the bay just north of Soliman)…..The GF and I went to O y L’s 5 years or so ago……looked like a nice bay…..is it worth attempting access for snorkeling purposes? It’s possible CC may be the only one who can answer this one…
2) While we are going to do most of our own cooking at Corazon, is Sahara a decent dining option (seen some mostly good but variable reviews of late)?
3) Speaking of food – is it considered wise/unwise to walk from Corazon to O y L’s, out on the highway? The distance isn’t a problem (appears to be a mile or less)….just wondering about the road out there, and what excitement may be found on the journey. FYI – not taking a car this time.
4) I have heard there are buoys (or something like that) in Soliman to tie up kayaks to, near the reef….is this true and where in the bay are they? Can you see them from the shore?
5) Last one - and I realize this may be totally subjective…which part of the bay has the best snorkeling (north middle, south)? We will be kayaking out mostly, I suppose…..unless there is close-in goodness to encounter by swimming out from shore….any helpful hints? I have seen some mixed information about this…from the LG “map of Soliman bay” aerial view (http://www.aardvarkmap.net/maps/ERLVAABM) , it appears the south half of the bay may have less reef protection than the north part, but it’s hard to make a judgment from this alone. FYI, we are experienced snorkelers…
I think that’s it for now……I know everyone is busy with holiday and new year’s activities, so no hurry in responding…thanks to all and happy holidays/new year!!!
Steve
Mountain Man, we stayed in Corazon #2 last year for a few days and it was great. we snorkeled the north and middle of the bay. Based on some advice from John in D.C., I learned that there is quite a bit of sponge growth on the south end with makes it a rather sensitive area to traverse. Easiest access to the bay is from the north end near the Sahara.
We ate at the Sahara once and our experience was not too good. Nothing against the food, other than it was a little expensive, but the service there was lacking - especially for someone not staying there. Check your bill there too. We also ate at Chamios a couple of times and it was fantastic, but I would not consider it cheap. Also, a reminder to ladies to use the bathroom before making the hike to Chamios. Facilities are ....well....lacking - rustic to say the least! 
Lastly, I would not stay there without a car. As mentioned before, Oscar y Lalos is not on the beach any longer, but on the highway. We cooked our breakfast and lunches and went out for dinner in many cases (unless we were eating leftovers from the evening before). There are a number of dining choices in Tulum that are good and more affordable than Sahara, Chamios. I will try to frequent more of them next time.
It's a nice place to unwind. You will enjoy it.
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"I know one thing - indecision may, or may not, be my problem." Jimmy Buffett
Lounge Against the Machine.
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RE: Soliman Bay questions - 12/31/2012 11:07:21 AM
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Mountainman
Posts: 30
Joined: 3/8/2006
Status: offline
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[/quote]
Mountain Man, we stayed in Corazon #2 last year for a few days and it was great. we snorkeled the north and middle of the bay. Based on some advice from John in D.C., I learned that there is quite a bit of sponge growth on the south end with makes it a rather sensitive area to traverse. Easiest access to the bay is from the north end near the Sahara.
We ate at the Sahara once and our experience was not too good. Nothing against the food, other than it was a little expensive, but the service there was lacking - especially for someone not staying there. Check your bill there too. We also ate at Chamios a couple of times and it was fantastic, but I would not consider it cheap. Also, a reminder to ladies to use the bathroom before making the hike to Chamios. Facilities are ....well....lacking - rustic to say the least!
Lastly, I would not stay there without a car. As mentioned before, Oscar y Lalos is not on the beach any longer, but on the highway. We cooked our breakfast and lunches and went out for dinner in many cases (unless we were eating leftovers from the evening before). There are a number of dining choices in Tulum that are good and more affordable than Sahara, Chamios. I will try to frequent more of them next time.
It's a nice place to unwind. You will enjoy it.
[/quote]
Thanks for the advice Palapaboy.....we are going back and forth on the car thing......it just seems if we aren't going to drive anywhere, it doesn't make sense to have a car.....plus, we will be forced to relax and do nothing......it has its appeal.
We will definitely hit up Chamicos - seems to get pretty good reviews here, although obviously on the rustic side - nothing wrong with that.
I suspect we will not go out to Oscar y Lalos if we don't have the car, as it just seems like a less than scenic walk......not to mention hot and dusty...and then there is the mad dash across 307......wait - now it's starting to sound like an adventure!!! or not...
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RE: Soliman Bay questions - 12/31/2012 3:09:09 PM
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Jamie
Posts: 2548
Joined: 3/10/2005
From: Southern California
Status: offline
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Maybe the caretaker could call a taxi for you? Just to O&Ls should not take too long.
It has been a long time since I ate there (when they were still on the bay, what a beautiful place it was then ) but it was pricey. I ordered the ceviche and they charged me 248 pesos. Not only that but they were kind of skimpy on the shrimp. My husband's cheese quesadilla was 80p.
Now I think I read quite awhile back they put some less expensive dishes on the menu. Hopefully someone who has eaten there recently will chime in, or maybe you can do a forum search. Have a nice relaxing stay.
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RE: Soliman Bay questions - 12/31/2012 3:37:38 PM
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Mio Maya
Posts: 220
Joined: 4/2/2008
Status: offline
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Hi Steve-
Here's what I think:
1. No idea. Might be worth taking a kayak out there and checking it out, though.
2. Have not tried Sahara's but have generally heard not heard consistantly good things, which would make me hesitant to try it. But definitely go to chamico's. Not it's not the cheapest, but OMG the food is so good there. We did carry out from there more than a few times. Their ceviche is the BEST around.
3. Oscar Y Lalo's....if you're willing to hoof it to 307, then I would take a collective to akumal or tulum to increase your dining options exponentially. There are too many good places to try that are significantly cheaper than Oscar Y Lalo's. But if you do want to do it, I'd only do it during the day, as crossing that part of 307 at night would scare the bejeezus out of me. That's a fast stretch of 307 so you'll need to cross "muy rapido" so you do not become a flattened americano...
4. Yes there are bouys out there that you can tie the kayak up to. I don't recall seeing them from the shore, but I never really looked.
5. Middle to north end is better for snorkeling. We've done it both ways; getting in the water in front of our villa and heading that way and then doing the walking thing on the bay to hotel jashita and entering from there. The nice thing about walking along the bay first is that you can check out the other villas to see what you might want to rent in the future. The other thing nice about entering from hotel jashita is that there is no turtle grass there, not that it's that big of a deal.
Other thoughts:
1. You should seriously reconsider getting a rental car. To save on some cash, consider renting for a shorter duration; only three or 4 days in the middle of your stay, as opposed to getting one right from the airport.
2. If you don't want to rent a car, then I would explore hiring a chef for a few nights. That way you have plenty of food around.
3. Make sure to stop at the grocery store on the way in to stock up on provisions (eggs, limes, beer, rum, tequila, cheetos, totopos, avocados, etc)
Have fun!! I wish we were going soon, but we'll have to wait quite a while still. Bummer.
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RE: Soliman Bay questions - 12/31/2012 6:22:48 PM
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Mountainman
Posts: 30
Joined: 3/8/2006
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Mio Maya
Hi Steve-
Here's what I think:
1. No idea. Might be worth taking a kayak out there and checking it out, though.
2. Have not tried Sahara's but have generally heard not heard consistantly good things, which would make me hesitant to try it. But definitely go to chamico's. Not it's not the cheapest, but OMG the food is so good there. We did carry out from there more than a few times. Their ceviche is the BEST around.
3. Oscar Y Lalo's....if you're willing to hoof it to 307, then I would take a collective to akumal or tulum to increase your dining options exponentially. There are too many good places to try that are significantly cheaper than Oscar Y Lalo's. But if you do want to do it, I'd only do it during the day, as crossing that part of 307 at night would scare the bejeezus out of me. That's a fast stretch of 307 so you'll need to cross "muy rapido" so you do not become a flattened americano...
4. Yes there are bouys out there that you can tie the kayak up to. I don't recall seeing them from the shore, but I never really looked.
5. Middle to north end is better for snorkeling. We've done it both ways; getting in the water in front of our villa and heading that way and then doing the walking thing on the bay to hotel jashita and entering from there. The nice thing about walking along the bay first is that you can check out the other villas to see what you might want to rent in the future. The other thing nice about entering from hotel jashita is that there is no turtle grass there, not that it's that big of a deal.
Other thoughts:
1. You should seriously reconsider getting a rental car. To save on some cash, consider renting for a shorter duration; only three or 4 days in the middle of your stay, as opposed to getting one right from the airport.
2. If you don't want to rent a car, then I would explore hiring a chef for a few nights. That way you have plenty of food around.
3. Make sure to stop at the grocery store on the way in to stock up on provisions (eggs, limes, beer, rum, tequila, cheetos, totopos, avocados, etc)
Have fun!! I wish we were going soon, but we'll have to wait quite a while still. Bummer.
Thanks a bunch for the info/suggestions Mio Maya.....and thanks for all the glorious detail in the Live from Soliman Bay thread....it's amazing info for a locale where not much info exists......
For the record, I don't want to create the impression that I am terribly concerned about finding places to eat because a) cooking is what I do, b) we will stop in PDC (Soriana, Chedraui or Mega - not sure which one yet) for a complete over abundance of supplies and c) I am lazy - I don't want to spend too much time and effort away from the bay tracking down restaurants. Did I mention I like cooking? It's not uncommon for me to bring my own cookware and hard to find food items (I am somewhat gluten intolerant)...I am totally looking forward to cooking up some fab Mex dishes with the local food findings.
Will look for buoys.....probably bringing my own inflatable kayak (I know they have some there, but i can't resist!) just to practice my ingress/egress in warm water (I did not try it this past summer on the Flathead in Glacier National Park.......although we came close a couple times... ).
Chamico's is totally on the list o things to do (perhaps more than once!)...read too much about it to pass it up......we shall see about O y L's and Sahara....will play that by ear.
Totally looking forward to kicking back and relaxing......
Thanks for all the ideas!!!
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! We shall see.....that little tiny inlet just north of the "elbow" of the access road looks like an interesting entry to the bay.....if you can get through what looks like 100 meters of jungle hell!!!