Huatulco and Guatemala shore tours

[condomama]

We are on a Panama cruise on Princess Coral in January, hoping to mix a few "educational" shore excursions with some relaxing fun off the ship. Has anyone done a shore excursion to Las Brisas hotel in Huatulco? Is it worthwhile for snorkeling? Or, has anyone enjoyed a beach day at the Cayman Suites in Monterrico, Guatemala? So far we've reserved Best of Cartegena, Scarlet Macaw and Mangrove Boat tour (Costa Rica), and Colonial Granada (Nicaragua). Thanks for your help.

[4thebirds2009]

I just came off a Coral Princess cruise going to those ports. In Columbia we opted NOT to use a ship tour. Right outside by the taxi's we got a tour for $15 that was just like the one that was more expensive on the ship. We went with 30 other people and had a great time with no problems. As for the other ports, we went horseback riding in Nicaragua which had a wonderful guide and went to an auto safari. In Huatulco we heard a lot of people complaining about tours. We opted to just walk around.

[karmacruiser]

I just came off a Coral Princess cruise going to those ports. In Columbia we opted NOT to use a ship tour. Right outside by the taxi's we got a tour for $15 that was just like the one that was more expensive on the ship. We went with 30 other people and had a great time with no problems. As for the other ports, we went horseback riding in Nicaragua which had a wonderful guide and went to an auto safari. In Huatulco we heard a lot of people complaining about tours. We opted to just walk around.

 

 

We were wondering about the auto safari. Did you think it was well maintained and the animals well cared for?

 

We were also thinking about just walking around in Huatulco, was there any close shops?