Royal Caribbean Cruise to Mexican Riviera, I need Shore Excursion ideas

[Wilsonfam702]

My wife and I have cruised the Mexican Riviera in the past, but this time we’re taking our teen and adult kids.  Sailing Navigator of the Seas in late April.  Not many ship offered shore excursions at the 3 ports (Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta), so I was looking at third party shore excursions to book and I’m not sure the best way to go about doing it.  Any tips, suggestions and Ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[KeepCalmBearOn]

At this time in Mexico I would ONLY take a cruise line excursion, I would not be booking any third party excursions right now no matter how much less they are.

[Ine]

You will find certified guides (they will show you their licence). at various ports, like also in Puerto Vallarta. They can offer all kind of excursions, short or lang, private or with a small group. 

Discuss with them what you  might want to see or do and you will have a great (yes and safe) time. 

Of course make the price before entering their van.

Also cabdriver will offer their service, but their english and their information  is in general not as good as the guides. 

[Mike45LC]

Cabo: this is a tender port. You will take a small boat from the ship where it is anchored.  The tenders are provided by the cruise line for free. When you get off the tender, there will be hordes of salesman trying to sell you excursions. For Cabo, we always buy a glass bottom tour to the famous arch. It generally cost $10-$15 per person.

 

The tour will show you lovers’ beach.  Some people will disembark the boat at lover‘s beach. They will have to wade ashore. There are no services at lovers beach.

 

The tour then shows you sea lion rock and the arch. You cannot get off the boat at these points, but the boat stops long enough for you to take photographs and enjoy the view.

 

Some people request the boat drop them off at Medano Beach. Again, you have to wade ashore. Personally, I do not try to get back on the same boat later for the completion of the trip. Instead I will take land taxi, a pedicab or simply walk back. It is too complicated to try to find the same boat that owes me the rest of the trip to the dock.

 

[Mike45LC]

Puerto Vallarta;  I always take a van or a taxi from the cruise ship terminal to downtown Puerto Vallarta. There is the “Malecon” which is a pedestrian walkway through the tourist area. 
 

walk the Malecon, view the sand sculptures, visit the Cathedral.  Check out the stores.  Lots of cafes and bars.  If you go far enough, there is a flea market.

 

If you were lucky, there will be some Indian folkloric dancers who perform for tips. Take pictures, enjoy their dance, and tip them.

 

Playa de Muertes is even further down the Malecon.  Lots of shops, cafes and bars.

[Mike45LC]

Mazatlan:  I walk the Blue Line from the Cruise Passenger Terminal to downtown.  I visit the church and the large market.   But I recommend taking a golf cart (“pulmonia”) instead.  
 

My favorite beach is Stone Island.  You will find a lot of posts about Stone Island on the forum.