Mexican Riviera recommendations for a newbie.

[april_4_us]

I have been searching the site for the top-rated things to do for newbies to the Mexican Riviera. We are traveling in Dec and are not thrill seekers or drinkers. What are your recommendations? Thanks in advance. 

[CruiserBruce]

Have you looked down the board at all the threads about the ports, particularly as you don't tell us what ports you are stopping at?

[april_4_us]

22 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Have you looked down the board at all the threads about the ports, particularly as you don't tell us what ports you are stopping at?

I apologize I thought the Mexican Riviera was the ports. 

Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas 

Edited May 7, 2023 by april_4_us

[CruiserBruce]

20 minutes ago, april_4_us said:

I apologize I thought the Mexican Riviera was the ports. 

Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas 

Those 3 ports are the most common ports on the Mexican Rivera (and have dozens of discussions on them on this board), but there are 4 or 5 additional ports in the area you could be stopping at. We are on a 14 day Mexican Rivera cruise next March that stops at 6 or 7 ports in Mexico. 

[NeedToVacation]

On 5/6/2023 at 6:06 AM, april_4_us said:

I have been searching the site for the top-rated things to do for newbies to the Mexican Riviera. We are traveling in Dec and are not thrill seekers or drinkers. What are your recommendations? Thanks in advance. 

 

** It will be whale season in December. **

 

Cabo San Lucas:  Many people do whale watching excursions, or take water taxi tours to see Land's End (the big rocks that you see in the water) and there's a chance you might see whales, dolphins, or sea lions.  (I have done both of these)

 

Mazatlan:  Many go to Stone Island for a lunch / beach day to relax or do activities. (I did this as part of a day tour that also showed us around the city center)

 

Puerto Vallarta:  I have seen a lot of reviews about going to the Malecon / Boardwalk for shopping, sightseeing, and lunch. Also Playa Los Muertos is a favorite in that "Centro" area. (I have only taken boat tours or done a long hike to a beach here, so I will be trying the Malecon in Oct when I go again)

 

Try looking up each port on Trip Advisor maybe (?)... See what is popular.

Or have you looked at Johann and Sandra's website? They show tours for each port separately:

          puerto vallarta tours . net

          cabo san lucas tours . net

          mazatlan tours . org

 

That might give you some ideas.  Good Luck!!   And have fun!!!

[april_4_us]

Thank you so much for this valuable information. I see you just did  an MSC cruise how did you like it?

april

[NeedToVacation]

On 5/16/2023 at 7:23 AM, april_4_us said:

Thank you so much for this valuable information. I see you just did  an MSC cruise how did you like it?

april

Yes, I have LOVED the MSC cruises I've taken!! Are you thinking of trying them out?

This last one was on the Divina, which I've already sailed on 3 times (I go solo because they give such good deals). My husband and I have have also been on the Meraviglia, and the Seashore.

** MSC has a wonderful private island 🏝️ in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay. ** And I enjoy their low-key entertainment onboard;  lots of musicians, usually a juggler, magician, acrobats, etc. 

** See my Cruise Critic review of my last trip if you'd like more details:  APR 14, 2023 departure

[april_4_us]

I have not been on MSC but as a Travel Agent I feel it is best to obtain first hand experience to be able to offer clients a variety of options when sailing. 

April

[jklc123]

Any recommendations for Manzanillo? How do you get from port to interesting part of town? Weighing spending a beach day at Karmina Palace Resort Hotel (Oceania excursion) vs DYI in town.  We enjoy historical places, picturesque places and unique stores. Will have enough souvenir shopping at other ports, I’m sure. If we are lucky with good weather, we would enjoy a beach day at one of the ports.

[Mike45LC]

@jklc:  for the typical Mex Riv itinerary, my beach day would be Stone Island in Mazatlan, a Do It Yourself excursion.  Search this forum for LOTS of information.

 

Second choice, Cabo.