HAL Shore Excursions - Mexican Riviera

[HALFans]

Not quite sure if this board is the best to post this query in, but we're doing the 10 day Mexican Riviera cruise on the Ryndam, March 05 2009 and were wondering if anyone had any recommendations on the Holland America shore excursions offered for:

 

Topolobampo, Loreto & Pichilinque?

 

We're especially interested in these three as they're more off the beaten path, but we'd also appreciate any Must Do/Avoids for the other more common-stop ports: Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan.

 

We have one 'Avoid'... The only shore excursion we've ever left before it was completed was the "Puerto Vallarta Discovery Tour" Maybe we just had a BAD guide, but all 3 of us (Mom was with us) just couldn't wait to jump off this bus!

[CowPrincess]

We're doing this itin on Nov 21, so will be able to give you info when we get back. So far, we've booked kayaking in Loreto. Probably just do the shuttle to Maviri Beach in Topo, as we cannot STAND the thought of the grueling trip to the Copper Canyon. Not sure yet about La Paz, haven't booked anything, likely just wander and find a local to take us somewhere :)

 

HAL is offering a bus tour to Concordia and Copola out of Mazatlan, which we've booked. We want to see "untouristy" Mexico -- not sure how "untouristy" it will be, given there's a bus tour going there :)

 

The "Birds Bay & Dolphins" tour in Topo has had some good recommendations.

 

This is a popular itinerary -- you'll get lots of info from the people on this board.