richfei

We were there back in August and just stayed under the umbrellas at the restaurant since we wanted to relax with some drinks. We stayed for a few hours, long after we finished, and there were no issues. But I do know that some people who chose not to eat, paid about $15 for the loungers. We deliberated over getting an umbrella and some chairs closer to the water, but you're close enough. Besides they interlock all the umbrellas at the restaurant and it's much better than a single umbrella.

Good to know about those other places. More choice

How much is a land taxi from Tobasco's back to the Marina?

I can't answer that since we took the water taxi for $6 return with tour

But I can't imagine it'll be more than a few bucks

Perhaps someone can be specific and indicate how much they paid

Since you don't have a whole amount of time in port (even more so if you're doing some excursions), personally I would take a taxi and walk around the more interesting sites once you're in town. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. I would echo the previous post about getting a taxi away from the port. Just head left out of the port gates and look for the yellow cabs.

I think we saved around 30% in using pesos. But regardless of the saving, it was 'more fun' and felt 'more real' when we saw prices in pesos. Certainly if you're going to be eating at local places with local menus or taking in a few excursions off boat, where you can negotiate, pesos will definitely come in handy. Plus if you're shopping at walmart and getting a whole bunch of t shirts or trinkets, you'll end up using them again

I would take the water taxi and arrange a time for the return trip. Perhaps 60-90 min before you leave the port. It only takes about 10-15 min to get back to the port and you'll get a great view of the ship and what's on shore. I wouldn't bother with a regular taxi especially if you're looking to use a booster seat and you have to go find one or traipse to the main road.

The little one may need some help getting on and off the boat since there's a ladder that you use and you disembark into a few feet of water. For the return trip and tour, it cost around 100 pesos or $6. We would have paid more. It was definitely worth it.

If you want somewhere a bit quieter with some kids around, ask to be dropped off at Tobascos restaurant. It's away from the main strip but still on Medano and the restaurant is right on the beach. Cheaper than the main strip, quieter, great food and service and the kids had tons of fun when we were there. Also you can get a cheap massage nearby and there are fewer street vendors hassling you to buy stuff. They still come round, but tend to leave you alone if you're at the restaurant

We brought $500 over in pesos and ended up spending $150

We used pesos for excursions, taxis, local hole in the wall places and Walmart trinkets

I guesstimate that we saved 30% based on bargaining and the mere fact that prices quoted are much lower when you say you can pay with pesos

My local Wells Fargo in the US didn't charge any fees and it wasn't any hassle to just get it in advance the same day

You can definitely go to an ATM over there or a cambio but I just wanted everything done in advance before the trip

If you find the code, make sure the description matches up

There is a code floating around here with a description of crew rate

Hotel Maya I believe has wised up now and they do check to see if you are actually a carnival crew member at check in

We took a chance and used the code and they asked for ID at check in

We couldn't get the big discount

But they were kind enough to give us some discount and comp the parking

They were really nice about the whole thing and I would certainly consider staying there again, with or without the big discount

I saw some people use something similar to this. Good reviews also

http://www.amazon.com/SGM-Waterproof-Pouch-fishing-hiking/dp/B00I030EC8/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_y

http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Card-Holder-Case-Submersible/dp/B00LG33QRO

I actually brought one along, but never used it. I just put everything in a camera bag and slung that over my shoulder. Tons of pockets for wallet, phone, ID, cash, batteries, sunscreen, water bottles, all within easy access

Although we felt very safe, it's just not worth any potential hassle in leaving anything valuable behind. If you don't plan on bringing much stuff to the beach, just get a cheap waterproof pouch

We brought water shoes also. But they weren't really necessary or useful. Sandals were much more comfortable

Do you have any suggestions for a PV tour that would encompass an in-depth cultural experience?

I would go for a food tour

http://puertovallartafoodtours.com/

http://www.vallartaeats.com/

Cheap, authentic, see a bit of the city, get some bearings, sample some food at local eateries

Thank you so much for your honest answer. I don't even think we will attempt it.

You're very welcome. But another possibility is that you just do the water taxi as a round trip, see everything and ask to come back to the Marina i.e same pickup and drop off point, so you're avoiding stepping back and downwards into anything. And then just take a regular taxi into town or to the beach or just hand around the Marina. Personally I would hunker down at the beach under an umbrella or lounger and have a few drinks and perhaps a regular taxi is the most direct way

Since it's a private resort which can only be reached by boat and there are only so many boats that dock there, it shouldn't get too crowded. Definitely no, city type crowds. I think Carnival contracts this to Vallarta Adventures and we only saw 2 boats of around 50+/- people dock while we were there. Does anyone know if Carnival has exclusivity or do other cruise lines also go there ?

The resort is spread out but the main beach area is somewhat smaller. Most people seem to hang out in and around where they manage the water sports. But even so, groups are heading to a different area to snorkle, attend the sea lion tour, head to the kids adventure park, so it's managed quite well. It didn't feel crowded at all.

The only slight criticism I have is that the excursion seems way too short i.e too long to get going (10:45-11:00 by the time we left the marina and 45 min to get there, plus another 30 min for side excursions, and leaving around 3:30 to get back. So not a lot of time. But I would go back. Wonderful place

My sister is handicapped and uses a walker....do you think she will have a problem getting into the water-taxi's?

When you're on the pier, you'll be helped down into the boat. There's a step down into the seating area, so that part is probably ok. But when you get to the beach, the boat will be rocking slightly and you'll probably use their step ladder on the side to step down into ankle deep water. It's really not ideal to be honest, as you're walking down a few steps facing backwards into the water. I think this might be tricky for her unless someone can carry her off.

To us it seems it's not worth the effort to exchange the accepted US Dollar into Pesos.

Are we WRONG thinking this way? :confused:

 

LuLu

I don't think there's any wrong way. And just having dollars worked fine for some folks I spoke to. It just seemed like vendors were very quick to quote a price in dollars, but when you ask about pesos, a discount was almost always implied, without even asking. It just made the subsequent conversation and negotiation a lot easier. But we never spent a huge amount. I think if you get the pesos in advance of the trip, and a reasonably small amount, it's really not too much effort. I certainly didn't want to spend any time in Mexico, finding a bank or lining up or checking out how the ATM works. I just wanted to vacation and use what I had and if I ran out, so be it

If you take the water taxi in Cabo, it'll stop close to a few rock formations. We saw a few kids jump off some of the larger rocks. Definitely not on the same scale as Acapulco, but you don't have to go out of your way to see them. It's worthwhile taking that water taxi tour and a video camera out on the boat. You see a lot

I was there 2 weeks ago and the little beach where all the water sports activities are taking place does get a little crowded. But note, that Caletas is spread out. It's a private resort. So from the pier to the main beach area, there are lots of little inlets to sit, lie down (on hammocks) and relax, and inland areas to get a drink which are also in the shade. Most of the people were in the water and it seemed like the chairs right in front were just being held and not occupied. If there are no chairs, perhaps ask. The people working there were so gracious and helpful, that I'm sure you'll have no problems and they may even put some more out if you ask

If you plan on doing any excursions outside of the ship, eating at local restaurants priced in pesos or shopping at local places like walmart, (for souvenirs and other items), taking cabs or buses then I think it's worth taking a little for the money you save when negotiating. We ended up spending the equivalent of $200-$250 US and exchanged it in advance. We never bought anything expensive.

There are a number of cambios and ATMs around the ports, but if you don't want to deal with that when you're over there, just try your local bank. Mine is Wells Fargo and there were no additional fees and there was pickup at certain designated branches the same day. Rate was 1 USD to 15.4 pesos a few weeks ago

If you do pick up any, perhaps make sure the majority are smaller bills i.e 200 or below. A number of vendors wouldn't break 500. A lot of 20s and 50s are also useful for tips

The Las Caletas excursion in PV sounds like something that my husband and I would be interested in. We are booked on a cruise next Feb that will stop in PV. I am sun sensitive and would like to know if umbrellas are provided on the beach or if there are shade trees to block or filter direct sun light? I sure hope so. Of course, I will take sun screen. Thanks for any information.....

 

Judith

There are hammocks after the pier in a shady area. Also a few places to grab a drink inland which are also shaded. I didn't see too many umbrellas when we were there last week. On the open water when kayaking or paddle boating, I wore a hat and plenty of sunscreen. It definitely gets hot there. But it's a wonderful excursion, but beach time is too short, especially if you do any of the paid side trips

Actually, I like the view from my high horse so I think I will stay on it.

Arrogant. Rude. Condescending. Noted

Stay on the high horse

No one cares

There isn't a standard fare for a yellow taxi

Again it's your prerogative to negotiate whatever you like for a yellow taxi

If a local is suggesting a certain starter amount, you go with that

If you don't think it's fair, then offer more

But seriously to insult someone in your post about taking a bus if you don't want to pay a certain amount

That's completely condescending

Get off your high horse

Seems like some of those comments are aimed at me

When I got off the ship, I asked one of the locals what it would cost. They said 50 pesos. If you want to pay more because you feel obligated, then that's completely up to you. When you negotiate, start off with a figure but expect a counteroffer. If you don't want to bother then pay whatever you like. But get off your high horse

Personally I wouldn't pay more just because gas prices are high. I'd pay more for great service though. The Caletas adventure was one example. Great service

OP asked a question. I don't think anything expected a personal statement of their beliefs. But enoughs enough, I'm not entering into a debate with anyone

For the water taxi tour in Cabo, we paid 400 pesos for 4 people. So it was about $6.50 per person. A few other people on the boat paid between $10 and $20. They didn't negotiate and just took the first offer. Don't do that. They will negotiate especially in pesos

For the taxi in Puerto Vallarta, don't take the ones straight out of the terminal. They'll charge up to $10. Take a left out of the terminal and walk about 3 min to the gas station (you'll see it across the street). Pick up a yellow cab and negotiate. We asked for 50 pesos i.e about $3.50 to Old town and it was fine.

On the way back, there are lots of taxis around the pedestrianized area. First quote was 120 pesos. We found one quote of 80 pesos to the Walmart near the terminal. We didn't bother negotiating since it was reasonable

We were wary of the weather since it mentioned thunderstorms too. But it was so hot and humid. We didn't like the beach at the Malecon. We did Caletas (a bit pricey) but it was wonderful

I'm in Cabo and Puerto Vallarta next week

The weather forecast indicates 50% chance of rain in Cabo and 80% chance in Puerto Vallarta and scattered thunderstorms

Are their restrictions on water sports activity e.g kayaking when it thunders ?

Has the rain and thunder been sporadic in both locations this week ?

I'm on the Miracle this Saturday and we booked this excursion. Carnival indicates a time of 10:15 to 4:45 and everyone on board by 8 for a 9 pm sailing. It's a same really since we wanted to do a food tour or try some of the recommended taco places away from the Marina. Not really enough time to do much and I don't want to take a chance on the last tender if we're late back

Do the beach vendors rent canoes and paddleboats at Medano Beach ?

What is a good price in pesos ?

I have a family of four going on a Mexican riviera cruise for the first time on Carnival Miracle.

For Cabo, I want to do the water taxi with a tour to the Arch, Lovers Beach, Divorce Beach, feed the fish etc and drop off somewhere at Medano. A few questions.

Thanks for any help

1) What should I offer in dollars or pesos for 4 people. I'll probably bring a bunch of pesos

2) Are these water taxis, glass bottomed or are those just for the official tours ?

3) After I tender, where do you pick up these water taxis ? Are they in the Marina somewhere. I looked at google maps to get my bearings, but not sure if it's at the bottom end of the Marina (Senor Frogs) or top end (near Scotia Bank)

4) We'll probably get a taxi back to dock. How much in pesos and dollars ? What tip is expected ? Are there official colored taxis i.e yellow ?

5) Also looking for a reasonable day pass hotel experience in Cabo. I've read about Hotel Krystal and Playa Los Acros in Puerto Vallarta. Is there an equivalent in Cabo ? I heard about Nikkis, but their facebook indicates that it's closed. Any others ?

6) I want to eat at Tacos Gus and Taco Gardenia. It looks close to the Marina. Is this a short walk back to the pier ? Is it close to Medano ?

7) Any recommended cheaper locals restaurants or family friendly ones on or just off Medano Beach. The ones I hear about are Tabascos, Sand Bar and Moxitos, which I'll look into

8) Any decent online maps of Cabo with hotels and local recommended restaurants ?

9) Are there places on the Marina or Medano which offer free wifi ?