Mexican Riviera Cruises: Excursions

Experience the sounds, flavors and culture of Mexico. Travel for approximately 45 minutes to a local resort, overlooking the city of Tapachula. On your way to the resort your guide will share interesting facts about the history, culture and customs of Mexico. Upon arrival, your local chef will greet you with a freshly made margarita before showing you how to prepare local dishes. In fact, you will be served the whole meal at the end of the class for your own enjoyment. Marimba players will share their skills with lively performances to enhance your Mexican cooking experience. You’ll be able to take home the recipe you just prepared. Note: Guests should wear comfortable shoes. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. less

These lovable rascals are comical, mischievous, playful and very friendly. Their inclination to engage in play and include humans in their games is what makes sea lion encounters so exhilarating. You’ll be standing waist-deep in the lagoon as you and the sea lion interact while doing various activities designed for maximum fun such as kisses, flipper shakes and even jumping over your head as you swim up to them. This is a unique and heartwarming experience which will never be forgotten. Afterwards you'll be offered a complimentary lunch and have the opportunity to purchase pictures or souvenirs of your encounter to share this incredible experience with family and loved ones. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and no less than 4' 5". Wear your swimsuit under your clothing and bring a towel. less

Explore Baja California's desert aboard a rugged Jeep® Wrangler. Your destination is La Candelaria, a small oasis village in the middle of the desert. Once your vehicle is assigned, you’ll set out across the desert caravan-style, following your local guide. Along the drive you’ll be shown some of the local flora and fauna that is found all over the Baja. There are several working ranches along the way, where you’ll see herds of cows and goats roaming the roads. Keep your camera ready as there are many photo opportunities. Driving will be shared among the four guests in the Jeep®. At La Candelaria, you’ll be served a delicious snack and a soft drink or bottled water at the local boarding school, which is home to approximately 75 students during the school week. You’ll also visit a local artist specializing in pottery. As the works are in high demand, there are not always samples available for viewing. Back in the convoy, continue your exploration down one of Baja's largest river washes until it reaches the Pacific Ocean. At the beach, you’ll have some free time to comb the beach for shells or just relax and watch the waves crashing on the shore. Your return trip to the pier will be along Baja's famed Highway 1. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age to snorkel. Drivers must be at least 25 and present a valid driver's license. All vehicles have manual transmission and a maximum capacity of four passengers per vehicle. Due to the nature of this tour, pregnant women or guests with any known medical condition or history of illness, including heart condition, knee pain or injury, spinal and or neck pain or injury or any recent injuries should not participate. Guests must be able to walk approximately 750 yards over uneven dirt surfaces to do the walking portion of this tour. Guests with mobility problems can rest at the boarding school while the rest of the group participates on the walking portion of the tour. less

This private canopy reserve is set high in the remote, verdant wilderness of the Sierra Madre. Feel the adrenaline rush as you whoosh from platform to platform, 90 feet above the rainforest floor. A series of thrilling zip lines gives you maximum opportunity to marvel at the beautiful, lush setting as you effortlessly traverse above huge tropical trees, wild orchids and native birds and reptiles. Hanging bridges built into treetops are reminiscent of Tarzan and there is even a gorilla swing for you to try. Two incredible rappel descents to solid ground completes your breathtaking adventure. As safety is top priority, guides have been extensively trained and equipment is the best, with not one, but two safety ropes for your security. This is the most exciting way to explore the depths of the tropical rainforest, for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike! Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age, weigh no more than 250 lbs. at least 4 feet tall and in good physical condition. Cameras cannot be taken on the tour for safety reasons but a professional photographer will accompany the group. There will be some time for pictures and souvenirs. less

There is no better way to explore Baja’s desert and ocean beauty than from aboard your safe and fun Honda Big Red 4 x 4 Mini Jeep®. Along your ride, you’ll see cacti over 20 feet high, towering over the trail. Stops will be made along the way to inform you about the desert flora and fauna as well as at a lookout point over the Pacific Ocean. Take your camera as you’ll have many photo opportunities on this excursion. Your drive will take you to a seaside ranch along the mighty Pacific Ocean where you’ll receive instructions and equipment. Hop on your assigned vehicle and follow your guide for a glimpse into Baja’s rugged terrain. Your 4 x 4 Mini Jeep® will take you effortlessly over hilltops and through river washes. Upon returning to the ranch you’ll have a few minutes to explore the traditional desert adobe houses before returning to the pier. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age to operate vehicle. Maximum weight per person is 275 lbs. Due to the nature of this tour, pregnant women or guests with a heart condition, knee pain or injury, spinal and/or neck problems should not participate. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen. Signature on liability waiver is required. less

The Marietas Islands have been classified as a National Wildlife Preserve due to the numerous species of birds, marine mammals and fish that live here. This tour will let you experience the ecological sights and sounds of this natural environment. From the pier, an eco-guide will escort you to your state-of-the-art catamaran where you’ll meet your crew and receive a brief orientation. Leaving the dock, begin the 1-1/2-hour trip across Banderas Bay to the Marietas Islands. En route, get acquainted with the area through interesting and historical commentary. Keep an eye out for wild dolphins and sea turtles, which thrive in these waters. During the winter months (December to March) humpback whales are also a common sight. If encountered, your boat will pause to observe these creatures. As you approach the islands, your crew will provide you with detailed instructions on both snorkeling and kayaking. You’ll be fitted with snorkeling equipment and a review sheet, which contains information on the types of fish and animals you may encounter. After a 10-minute guided bird-watching trip around the islands by boat to familiarize you with the water conditions and to see the various species, your boat will drop anchor and you’ll have approximately 1 1/2 hours to explore the waters by kayak and/or snorkel. Enjoy a deli-style lunch and open bar aboard the catamaran on the way back as you just sit back and enjoy the entertainment provided by your enthusiastic crew. Depending on weather conditions, you’ll make a beach stop on the return back to your ship. Note: Participants must be in good health. We recommend that you bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. less