Mexican Riviera beaches

[ema_lark]

Hi all!

 

I will be sailing on the Jewel to Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerta Vallarta. This will be my first cruise to the Mexican Riviera and I'm trying to figure out what to do on the days at each port. I'd love to relax on the beach a few days, but not sure how to best accomplish that. Also, I hear mazatlan has amazing seafood. Any suggestions?

 

Thanks so much and can't wait!

Emily

[marelind]

We took a Mexican Riviera cruise last April. My DIL researched and this is what we did as best I can remember.

 

In Cabo San Lucas DS, DIL, DGS (almost 4 y.o.) and I went on the Dolphin Encounter through the ship. They paid and I went as a free observer. They had a good time (except when DGS got splashed in the face and almost bailed - to the credit of the person who was working with them he shielded DGS from then on) and great pictures were provided.

 

Puerto Vallarta - there are a group of hotels within walking distance from the port that you can purchase a day pass that includes drinks and food by their pool or on the beach.

 

Mazatlan - we walked out the port gates, turned left and walked to the end of the street, through a dirt driveway to the ferry that will take you across the inlet to Stone Island. Purchase a ticket, and when across the inlet, walk straight ahead and over the rise to a wonderful beach. There are several food and beverage vendors where you can sit at a table with an umbrella and stay as long as you have ordered food or drink.

[cdnsteelman]

Cabo - get off the ship and pick the guy with a sign that seems most friendly. Book your glass bottom boat tour directly through him with drop off and pick up at Lover's Beach / Divorce Beach. Climbing off the boat and getting back on is an adventure in and of itself. No food / drinks available for sale on this beach (except maybe the odd guy with a cooler) but it is an amazing spot where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.

 

Mazatlan - Stone Island as mentioned or a $US 10 cab ride one way to the Gold Zone beaches. Lots of restaurants with great food. The coconut shrimp is a local favorite.

 

PV - there are literally hundreds of beaches depending on what you're looking for. Like others mentioned some resorts within walking distance will sell you day passes to use their beach / facilities / eat / drink but these are not the nicest beaches in the area. Take a taxi or bus north along the bay to one of many secluded beaches (basic services only mostly) or take a taxi into The Old Town and Playa los Muertos - lots of fantastic restaurants and bars - this is where all the business and action is if that's what you're after.

[ColinIllinois]

Check out the Mexican Riviera ports of call forum. Tons of information exactly like what you are asking for.

 

Here's the link:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=203