Mexican Riviera Shore Excursions: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan & Puerto Vallarta
Apr 19 '02
The Bottom Line A Mexican Riviera cruise will give you a taste of Mexico's Pacific coast.
The Mexican Riviera consists of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, as well as Acapulco and a couple of other southern ports on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Cruises typically depart from Southern California, however many one-way cruise itineraries from Florida, that include a trip through the Panama Canal, also venture up the coast to ports of call part of the Mexican Riviera.
Cruises to the Mexican Riviera are becoming increasingly popular. You have your choice between Princess, Carnival and Royal Caribbean, who are making regular visits, and several other cruise lines who make this run seasonally. Either way, the perdium cost of these cruises are slightly higher when compared to their Caribbean cousins. Although your shipboard experience will be about the same as those found on ships in the Caribbean, your ports of call will be a dramatic departure. Don't come looking for warm gin-clear oceans and white sand beaches, as the Pacific coast of Mexico (also known as the gold coast) is cooler and rougher. The snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean is far superior to what you would find here; but the lush rain forests and jungles of Puerto Vallarta and the beauty of Cabo San Lucas, where the desert meets the sea makes up for this. People come to Mazatlan to shop and enjoy its golden beaches.
The Weather
You will find the best weather November through May. The rainy season sets in sometime in mid-June and goes through September. If you cruise to Mexico in the summer, you can expect occasionally very heavy rain showers and evening thunderstorms in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. A hurricane has been known to skirt the southern coast in July and August, bringing many days of soaking rains to the region. The further south you go, the more rain you get. I have never taken a Mexican Riviera cruise in the summer (only in the spring and winter months), but have vacationed in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas in the summer. Cabo San Lucas gets very hot in the summer (over 110 degrees during the day, in the 90's at night) but gets very little rain in the summer. Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, gets hot and muggy when it's not raining in the summer and fall.
Early June and October are between seasons, and although you may get occasional rain showers in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, and hot days in Cabo San Lucas, this is a great time to plan a cruise. Actually, the less expensive "high season" November through April (Christmas cruises are priced higher, but not Thanksgiving) is the best time to visit the Mexican Riviera.
The ocean temperatures average in the mid 70's in summer but drop down to the high 60's in the winter. Cabo San Lucas of the three ports has the best snorkeling, and you'll find the best visibility and warmer water temperatures in the summer. Puerto Vallarta offers numerous opportunities to snorkel, but the visibility is generally poor. I'll talk more about snorkeling later on, but suffice it to say, it's no where near as good as in the Caribbean.
Shore Excursions vs. "Do It Yourself" Day Trips
You will find that in Mexico it's cheaper to purchase tours OFF the ship, than it is to book a shore excursion ON the ship. Sometimes, it's easy to find a tour kiosk nearby, other times it's a hassle, and not worth the few dollars you save in doing so. It just depends on what you want to do. Is a tour the right way to see a port? I'm not sure it is all the time. I'll make some recommendations, but take what I say with a grain of salt, because it may not be right for you and your family. I highly recommend you pick up a guide book on your ports of call, and decide ahead of time what it is you want to do. Then research all of your options. The internet is a great place to start. I will usually make up a file folder for each port prior to the cruise and fill it with information I down-load from the internet. I sit down with my family and go over the options. Then we decide what the best way is to do what we want to do: book a shore excursion or tour or do it on our own.
Tours booked through the shore excursion desk will run you about $30 for a city bus tour, about $45 for a half day snorkeling tour or horseback riding and about $60 for an all day party boat w/ snorkeling or jungle tour. Prices vary by cruise line, and some more elaborate tours are more costly. Prices on similar tours booked OFF the ship will save your about 25%. Some tours can be booked via the internet, but I caution you in some instances, where paid reservations were not honored, like the time I booked the "Day Off" boat tour in Puerto Vallarta via the net. I was charged, but the boat was in dry-dock, so we got no tour!
If your time in port is short (less than 6 hours) then booking a shore excursion is the best way to see what that port has to offer. If you will be in port more than six hours, I strongly recommend you consider renting a car, especially in Mazatlan or in Puerto Vallarta. Again, it depends on what you want to do. If you are traveling with young kids or with friends, obtaining a car can be more economical as well. But the convenience of a shore excursion can't be beat.
Puerto Vallarta
You will have several excellent shore excursions to choose from, ranging in price from about $30-$100pp. You can go snorkeling, horseback riding, take a jungle or city tour, go on a party boat or relax on the beach. Or you can arrange to see Puerto Vallarta on your own. Either way, a little research and planning can go a long way in making your visit to Puerto Vallarta a memorable one. I find the internet a good resource, as well as epinions' section on Puerto Vallarta.
The ship will pull into the Marina and allow you to disembark after the ship clears customs, usually in the morning. If you opt to take a tour, you will be met by tour personnel as you disembark the vessel. A few yards away is a small shopping center, containing several shops that sell everything from silver to snacks, post cards, tee shirts and souvenirs. You can bargain and find nice last minute items, if you didn't have time in town to shop, but I would still recommend doing the bulk of your shopping in Mazatlan.
The port is located next to Playa de Oro. If you like, you can catch a cab at the port or walk a block to catch the city bus. The buses cost 3 Pesos per person (9.5 Pesos/$1USD). The buses run every 10 minutes or less and nearly all will take you into to town (about 15 minutes to the Malecon). Just remember to tell the bus driver to let you off at the Pemex station at Playa de Oro on your way back. Cab fare is around $3USD.
Shore excursions all utilize local tour operators, who will expect a tip at the end of the tour. Some of the more popular tours include day-long party boats that take you snorkeling and include lunch and open bar. Tours up to the jungle are also very popular, some combine horseback riding. You can't go wrong with either of these tours. They are fun and a good way to experience Puerto Vallarta. Information about other tours, too numerous to mention, is available from the cruise line. Your travel agent should be able to give you both price information and specifics regarding your ship's offerings. But if you get a chance, take a bus or cab into town. The cobble stone streets, the hilly terrain and waterfront are worth seeing.
I personally feel the best shopping in Puerto Vallarta is in town. As you walk the streets, away from the Malecon (the waterfront boulevard), you will come to numerous art galleries, specialty shops, silver and souvenir vendors. Their prices are very good, as is the quality. You will find a large flea market near the river and small tee shirt and souvenir vendors on nearly every street corner. If you have time, spend a couple of hours shopping and go out to eat. Puerto Vallarta is known for its numerous excellent restaurants.
If you are like me, and would rather see Puerto Vallarta on your own, I have a few suggestions, but you won't be able to see and do everything in one visit. Many water-sport tours depart from the Marina, and your ship may arrive in port in time for you to exit and purchase tickets on your own (steps away from your ship). You generaly save about 25%-30% on snorkeling tours purchased on the ship. Keep in mind, if you pull into port after 9am, you won't find much being offered as most party boats depart around then.
1. Snorkeling & Shopping. I recommend either booking a half day snorkel trip through the shore excursion desk or at the Marina. If you get in early enough (before 9:30am) you should be able to book your own tour. In November 2001, prices on all day snorkeling/party boat tours were running under $30 for adults (less for kids) at kiosks at the port. Less for half day outings.
2. Snorkel & Jungle. The best way to do this is on your own. Rent a Jeep and plan to spend the day at Mismaloya and El Eden (the jungle where they filmed the "Predator"). You can rent a jeep (about $60-$75US) at the port and get directions. It's a fun trip, south of PV, and one of my favorites. Go to Mismaloya and spend the morning snorkeling and hiking around the old movie set "The Night of the Iguana." Then head up the hill to El Eden, where you can play among water falls and granite boulders. On the way back to the port, stop off in town to do a little shopping. This tour, offered on the ship, is one of the best. They take you up the mountain in small busses, but you get none of the excitement of driving it your self. Jeeps at the port go fast, so make sure you're one of the first ones off the ship in the morning.
3. Beach. All beaches are open to the public, but many hotels have guests wear bands on their wrists, making it had to go through security entrances to hotels. There are a couple of hotels next to the port on Playa de Oro beach. The Vista Club and Crown Plaza are two all inclusive resorts with excellent beach facilities less than a block away from the port. I doubt they will give you any trouble. You will find a restaurant and cash bar for visitors on the beach, bathrooms, volleyball and shade. The ship usually has an arrangement with a resort to offer their beach for a fee. Personally, I think it's a rip-off to pay $30 to sit on a beach. There are numerous public beaches in town, easily accessible by bus. All will offer water sports equipment and most have jet skis and parasailing.
4. Scuba Diving. Diving in Puerto Vallarta is hit or miss, with visibility averaging in the bay to only 30 feet. Dives to the Marietas, El Moro or Chimo are more expensive, but it's the only place with decent visibility. I recommend you contact Chico's Dive Shop (they are very reputable) via the internet and make arrangements with them. As these sites are further out, plan to make a day of it.
5. Party Boat Day Trip. The "Day Off" departs the marina around 9am and returns to port around 4pm. It provides breakfast and lunch as well as an open bar. It includes a trip out to the Marietas Islands for snorkeling or scuba diving (extra cost), and later it heads to another beach (Animas possibly) for more snorkeling and relaxing. They provide top notch service and a dive master from Chico's dive shop accompanies scuba divers on one or two tank dives. The boat is in good condition, with clean bathrooms and lots of room. You'll find other party boats, but I think the "Day Off" is the best.
Cabo San Lucas
You will be tendered ashore here early in the mornining due to tidal conditions. Many ships only remain at this port a few hours, while others stay all day. You will find the best snorkeling at this port, and most people come away wishing they had more time.
If you have only the morning to enjoy Cabo, I strongly recommend you book a shore excursion. Finding shore tours OFF the ship can be problamatic, but not impossible.
When your tender arrives at the Marina, you will have a long walk along the waterfront into town, made shorter by the fact that local merchants set up stalls along the way; selling everything from stuffed frogs to tee shirts, turtle oil and art work. You will get offers to take a water taxi into to twon, which is faster, but often the boat owners will let you off at the beach, into the surf. As long as you are aware of this, it's a fun and fast way to get into town or to the beach. The shopping in town is generally less expensive, but no where near as good as what you'll find in Mazatlan.
1. Snorkeling
If you plan one snorkeling adventure, this is where you should go, as visibility is generally better than in Puerto Vallarta. You'll also see more fish. It's hard to find a decent place to snorkel on your own here. It wouldn't be if you were here for the week, but since your time here will be limited, you should consider booking a shore excursion if you want to go snorkeling. Nearly all the best snorkeling is only accessible by boat. Even beaches you could drive to are more easily had by taking a scenic boat ride. Prices are fairly steep, and your time spent in the water is unfortunately short. But if you've been wanting to go snorkeling, this is the place to do it.
2. Golf
Golf is also king in Cabo, and some of the best courses in Mexico can be found here (all for a price). You can arrange for golf through the shore excursion desk or book it on your own. We have done both, and found it to be no cheaper doing this on your own. Either way, expect to pay around $130 for 18 holes of golf.
3. Beaches
The Melia San Lucas is one of the nicest resorts in town, with a large pool area. If you get there early, you won't be bothered. As a rule, the resorts along the water front discourage cruise passengers, but if you buy drinks and snacks throughout the day, they will let you stay. The beaches in town are narrow and crowded and have very little shade. The water temperature in the summer and fall is comfortable, but the rest of the year, it's in the high 60's to low 70's - quite chilly! With our little one in tow, we found hanging around the Melia resort very enjoyable. The beaches are busy with water taxis and wave runners. Further up the coast towards Los Cabos, you'll find the beaches are wider and less busy. I recommend you snorkel at this port, and spend the day at the beach in Mazatlan.
Shopping and Restaurants
Cabo San Lucas is a great place to go out at night, but during the day, you can still find interesting places to grab a margarita. There a lot of restaurants along the water front and in town. Prices are high, but the atmosphere is great, and worth checking out.
Shopping here is typical of all ports in Mexico, and short of buying a tee shirt, it tends to be on the high side. I personally wouldn't spend much time shopping here, but lots of people swear they found great prices here. If shopping is what you want to do, head into to town.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is a large shipping port, so don't be surprised to see a lot of industrial activity at the port. The beaches and town center are 15 minutes by cab, and there isn't anyhing, short of a few shops, to see at the port. Its a good idea to have in mind something to do here before you step off the ship. I find the shopping in the Golden Zone very enjoyable. The beaches here are typical of what you see in southern California, and the water is on the cool side in winter. But you'll find nice resorts along the water front and lots of shops. I have never ventured into the city, so I can't comment on that, but the Golden Zone has numerous restaurants, shops and the beaches all have water toys, such as wave runners, for rent.
1. Beaches
During my visit, we spent much of the day at an ocean front resort called the El Cid. Cruise passengers were invited to use their pool area and facilities, which are clean and on the beach. The beach has little or no shade (only a few palapas), and was very crowded the day we were there. You can purchase a beach shore excursion, but the El Cid offers similar accommodation for free; the shore excursion includes lunch. The El Cid resort featured several large swimming pools and an outdoor grill, as well as a shallow kiddie pool and lots of shade.
2. Shopping
After spending three hours at the pool at the El Cid Resort, we packed up and went shopping. We found numerous shops that sold handmade glasswear and wrought iron work at very reasonable prices. We found the prices on a set of good quality, hand painted margarita glasses at $3 a piece to be a great deal. We also purchased some wrought iron art work (a 60 inch sailfish) for $25. Tee shirts and the like were also more reasonable than in PV or Cabo.
Prices on Tequila and coffee liquor were very reasonable, and less than what was available in the liquor store on the ship.
3. Dining
There are a lot of places in the Golden Zone to sit and have drinks. We ate lunch at a great open-air restaurant in a small shopping plaza, with prices on a combination platter going for $6. Other restaurants along the water front served excellent seafood and local dishes. Prices for food and drinks were typical of Puerto Vallarta, but less than Cabo.
Conclusion
Of the three ports, I found the most to do in Puerto Vallarta (especially since we had a full day here) and found Mazatlan the least desirable. Cabo was a toss up, as we had only a half day to enjoy this beautiful resort. But your impression will depend on what you do (or don't do). If you spend only a half day at any port, think seriously about booking a shore excursion or taking a tour, to make the most of your time.
As we opted to spend the day at the beach and go shopping in Mazatlan, we came away feeling this would be one place we wouldn't be anxiously returning to. On the other hand, I've spoken to several people who felt the stop in Mazatlan was more enjoyable than Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta. I also have an aunt who regularly vacations in Mazatlan. The one thing I can say for Mazatlan, of the three ports, prices for souvenirs are less here.
I recommend you read a few cruise reviews to see how others spent their time in port. We cruised on Carnival's Elation and found the time spent in Cabo San Lucas (7am-12noon) to be too short; other cruise lines tend to spend more time here. Our ship spent about 15 hours in port in Puerto Vallarta, and about 6 hours in Mazatlan.
Please don't hesitate to leave a comment if you have any questions. Thanks for reading and good luck on your voyage!
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Suzi
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Suzi is an aspiring travel writer who enjoys scuba diving and volleyball.
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