Holland ship excursions in Mexican Riviera

[Cruzmama]

We'll be on Holland Koningsdam in November to Mexican Riviera.  We will stick to ship excursions, and may only do one or two.  Any recommendations?  We like the beach or something water related.  Not interested in a City tour.  Maybe an all-inclusive??

[jas283a]

34 minutes ago, Cruzmama said:

We'll be on Holland Koningsdam in November to Mexican Riviera.  We will stick to ship excursions, and may only do one or two.  Any recommendations?  We like the beach or something water related.  Not interested in a City tour.  Maybe an all-inclusive??

Which ports will you be in, the usual?  Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta? Just making sure. 

[CruiserBruce]

1 hour ago, jas283a said:

Which ports will you be in, the usual?  Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta? Just making sure. 

Yes, that is all HAL is doing right now. But you highlight a good point...everyone is just supposed to know the ports, and the excursions offered....

[Hlitner]

In Puerto Vallarta your ship will likely offer a full day excursion to Las Caletas which is a private beach area leased by a decent local tour company (Vallarta Adventures).  That excursion would fit your criteria as it is private, clean, has food/drink and decent facilities.

 

Hank

[dobiemom]

I LOVED the camels in Cabo San Lucas. Best excursion ever! 🙂

[Cruzmama]

On 6/15/2021 at 11:56 AM, Hlitner said:

In Puerto Vallarta your ship will likely offer a full day excursion to Las Caletas which is a private beach area leased by a decent local tour company (Vallarta Adventures).  That excursion would fit your criteria as it is private, clean, has food/drink and decent facilities.

 

Hank

Thanks, Hank.  Did you do the Las Caletas tour?  And, yes, we are going to the usual ports in Mexico.

[Hlitner]

21 minutes ago, Cruzmama said:

Thanks, Hank.  Did you do the Las Caletas tour?  And, yes, we are going to the usual ports in Mexico.

No, we have never done that Las Caletas tour because we consider PV our 2nd home and generally do not do the tourist kind of things.  However, we have done the Rhythms of the Night tour (which goes to the same remote location as Las Caletas) and really enjoyed the experience and facilities.  We have chatted with quite a few folks who have gone out to Las Caletas for a day trip (the only way to visit that place is on a Vallarta Adventures Tour (who works with the cruise lines)) and folks seem to enjoy the remote place.  It is an attractive location (previously owned by famed Director John Huston) which is well maintained by Vallarta Adventures who currently holds a lease on the entire area.  The only downside for a port day is that you do not get to experience the city of Puerto Vallarta.  Like in many ports, cruisers are forced to make choices since you cannot do it all in a single day.

 

Hank 

[4hunters]

On 6/25/2021 at 4:49 AM, Cruzmama said:

Thanks, Hank.  Did you do the Las Caletas tour?  And, yes, we are going to the usual ports in Mexico.

I've done Las Caletas twice as well as the nighttime Cirque Du Soleil show, Rhythms of the Night once.  It is truly a top notch excursion - the best PV has to offer.  Check the reviews for yourself.  It's a little pricey but well worth it.  I HIGHLY recommend Las Caletas.

[mrmac]

So good to see Hank still answering questions about PV. He is the man and a trusted source. When in doubt, ask Hank.

[Hlitner]

23 hours ago, mrmac said:

So good to see Hank still answering questions about PV. He is the man and a trusted source. When in doubt, ask Hank.

So nice of you to say that!  But among my friends I am still the newbie (in terms of PV) having only lived there for the past 15 winters :).   It was strange living there last winter and not seeing any cruise ships from our balcony.   I would expect that the winter 2022 will be a very busy time.  The big news for cruisers is that the Cheeky Monkey is gone!   But since the Sea Monkey is still alive and well, all is not lost and the Dollar beers and margaritas are still alive.

 

Hank

[lstrong]

We are sailing in November as well and have booked las caletas in Puerto Vallarta and stone island in mazatlan. Used to do stone island on our own for way less $ but with the uncertainty surrounding excursions decided to book it through HAL.

[Taters]

We've gone to both Las Caletas and the all inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta.  

 

When we were at Las Caletas, the water was so rough that I wasn't able to go in.  We went in the morning, and were told by staff there that it is much calmer in the afternoon.  The property and facilities were beautiful, but since I couldn't swim, it was pretty much a blah experience.

 

We're heading to the Mexican Riviera again in late November, and have opted for the all inclusive resort on this cruise.  We truly enjoyed our time there before...  Beautiful resort with beach, shaded seating, 2 pools, a large hot tub, good food, and free WiFi within the resort's main building.

 

Have fun whatever you decide.

Edited July 11, 2021 by Taters