Mexican Riviera Cruises: Excursions

Your journey starts with a short taxi ride to the Continuity of Life Monument, where your walking tour begins. First, make your way to a rocky promontory to watch the local cliff divers. You’ll learn about several monuments as you continue through Old Mazatlan, past the Military Hospital and Bank of Mexico building which is surrounded by old houses. Continue into the heart of the old downtown, where you’ll find the historical center of Mazatlan, while your guide informs you about the area’s history. Visit an old-style bakery, the House of Music, a museum, old houses and the magnificent and recently restored to its original European-style Angela Peralta Theater, named in honor of the world-famous Mexican opera singer. Complimentary refreshments will be served before proceeding with your walking tour through the narrow streets, arriving at the city’s main square. Here you’ll find City Hall, the post office building, the cathedral (dating back from 1875) and the city market where your walking tour ends. You have the option to return directly to your ship or be dropped at the Golden Zone for some shopping. If you decide to go to the Golden Zone, it will be your responsibility to get back to your ship on time. Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Sidewalks can be uneven in many areas. less

This is an ideal opportunity for bird watchers and nature lovers to spend a day in absolute relaxation. In the tropical atmosphere of the Mexican Pacific Coast, one mile south of Mazatlan, is where your boat is ready for an estuary run to admire the natural beauty of four miles of mangroves. From your boat, you’ll see your ship, the 104-year-old Pacifico Brewery, the Mexican Navy Base and the shrimp and tuna fishing fleets along the harbor. Enjoy your guided cruise down mangrove and palm tree-lined waterways in Mexico’s largest estuary/wetland system. Explore the private world of the Mexican brown pelican, blue heron, sea hawk, osprey and other exotic water fowl in this protected wildlife refuge, the best place for nature lovers. Disembark and board your transportation for a ride through a peaceful area where a variety of fruit trees are grown and through a coconut plantation on the way to a typical beachfront restaurant to enjoy a delightful fish lunch and have time for a swim or just relax. On the way back to your ship, you’ll pass by a small traditional village and return directly from the island to the embarcadero. Don’t forget your camera! Note: Participants must be in good health conditions. We recommend that you bring a towel from your ship if you plan to swim. less

Experience Puerto Vallarta in all its glory. Travel along the main highway to Old Town, along the city’s cobblestone streets for a stop at City Hall and the Cathedral of the Lady of Guadalupe. Pass the elegant area of Conchas Chinas on your way to the southern end of town. Finally, stop at a charming restaurant for a complimentary beverage before heading to Old Town for some shopping. You’ll be assigned a time to rejoin your coach for the return trip to your ship. You may choose to stay in town on your own or return to your ship. Note: Short pants are not permitted in the cathedral. less

Relax on board a modern catamaran as you cruise south of Puerto Vallarta following the spectacular tropical coastline of Banderas Bay. Your journey takes you past some of the most picturesque scenery in Vallarta, where dolphins and humpback whales are often sighted during the winter months. The morning is spent at the tranquil cove of Majahuitas, an unspoiled area of natural beauty on the southern coast of Banderas Bay. Only accessible by sea, Majahuitas offers ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. After lunch aboard your catamaran, head off to Yelapa, an old charming Mexican fishing village set in it's own natural bay. Long a famous day trip from Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa has become a must on most tourist's lists, but since there are no roads in, this tropical paradise is only accessible by boat. The tiny village is a true escape from civilization. If you love the outdoors and want to spend time exploring nature, this idyllic spot is perfect for you. Hike through the jungle to the waterfall, swim in the cove's protected waters, or just relax on the expansive beach. As you cruise back to Puerto Vallarta, the on board fiesta wraps up a day full of fun-in-the-sun with an open bar, dancing, music and entertainment provided by the friendly crew. Note: Snorkel and kayak equipment are provided, minimum age for these activities is 8 years old. Bring your swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen and a light sweater or windbreaker. There is a 100-yard walk from pier to boat and a 500-yard optional hike up to the waterfalls. In Yelapa, walking is on uneven sandy surfaces with some rocky paths. less

The Cape region is indeed striking in appearance, from arid desert and white sand coves, to swaying palm trees and deep blue sea. Join your knowledgeable guide on a trip back in time. Your drive will take you north to admire the contrasting coastal scenery. Your destination is Todos Santos - which means 'all saints' - a small oasis village that sits peacefully next to the Pacific Ocean. Once there, you’ll have time to walk around the old Jesuit mission, explore the small shops, glance through one of the many art galleries and visit the famous Hotel California that inspired the Eagles back in 1969. Or just do as the locals do and sit in the town square and watch time go by. A snack and cool refreshment are included. Upon returning to Cabo San Lucas, you may stay in town on your own. Casual, conservative dress is recommended. less

At the end of the Land’s End boat Tour (previously described), you’ll be escorted to a waiting vehicle for an approximately 15-minute non-guided drive through town to Sunset Da Giorgio’s restaurant. Its spectacular location atop the cliffs at the far end of the bay provides an unforgettable view of Land’s End, its famed arches and your ship, at anchor in the bay of Cabo San Lucas. There you’ll have ample time to enjoy a complimentary beverage, take pictures or just relax and enjoy the view. Continuous taxi shuttles will whisk you back to the pier for last-minute shopping on your own. less

Take an approximately 45-minute boat tour along the very tip of the longest, most desolate and perhaps the most beautiful peninsula in the world. Explore pristine beaches, towering rock formations and the famed Los Arcos, a dramatic natural rock monument that arches starkly out of the sea. A complimentary beverage will be served on board while you listen to an enlightening narration by J.M. Cousteau about the underwater life, the colorful history of Baja California and its fragile ecology. You’ll soon see that Cabo San Lucas lays claim to miles of unspoiled beaches, little coves and impressive hotels. less

Enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour of Cabo San Lucas. Explore a part of Cabo that many never see, such as the famous Cabo Wabo and the incredible buys at the local flea market for starters. After a brief walk from the pier with your tour guide, your first stop is a very folkloric street where your warm up for shopping will take place. Then it’s off to the church of San Lucas - a small catholic church built in 1730 by Spanish missionaries. Across the street is the main park in town where you’ll enjoy a popsicle and walk to the town square to learn about the culturally rich background of Cabo. View real whale skeletons set up on display and visit the local Cabo San Lucas museum. Follow your guide down a scenic side street on your way to a popular Mexican restaurant to enjoy a complimentary, non-alcoholic beverage and after a brief stop there continue past the legendary Cabo Wabo Cantina owned by the 1980s rock star Sammy Hagar of the famed rock band Van Halen. Move on to the local market and try your bargaining skills, from hammocks to clothes, trinkets to leather goods, talavera pottery and much, much more…you’ll find all the souvenirs you need at the flea market. You’ll have free time to shop before heading back to the pier with your guide. 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

The perfect day to do everything or nothing starts on board the Catamaran in Banderas Bay. Enjoy a beach day full of activity or complete relaxation. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the colorful town of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos National Park and the cove of Mismaloya, where you’ll have great photo opportunities. First stop is at Colomitos Beach where you can practice your snorkeling and may be able to closely watch beautiful species of tropical and Pacific Ocean fish, sea horses, sea urchins and marine wildlife in general. You may choose to just spend a little while relaxing at the beach. The following destination will be Majahuitas, a white sandy beach with clear and calm waters, where you can again enjoy the sand and surf or if you prefer, do some kayaking or snorkeling. During your catamaran cruise, depending on the season, you might get to see some wildlife such as dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles or humpback whales. On the way back to shore, enjoy music and entertainment to put an end to your perfect day at Banderas Bay. Note: Continental breakfast and a light lunch are included in the price of this tour. less

Explore and enjoy the underwater world of the Sea of Cortez without getting wet! Travel through the sea inside a semi-submersible - a unique 60-foot long, 33 passenger watercraft featuring seats that sit below the water level with glass panels for viewing the rich marine life of Cabo San Lucas. Loaded with great photo opportunities, this is a great family oriented tour. You’ll start with your guide giving you a historic and informational briefing about Baja and your tour. Just minutes after departure from the pier, step down into the semi-sub and encounter the underwater wonders said to be part of one of the most fertile bodies of water in the world which host over 800 species of fish from small tropicals to whale sharks. This air-conditioned vessel is built according to U.S. Coast Guard’s requirements and regulations to ensure passenger safety, comfort and security. Totally surrounded by glass paneled windows, each seat has a fabulous view and comes equipped with a fish identification card to help you identify all the unknown creatures awaiting you. Your guide will provide you an educational as well as entertaining trip into a world normally seen through the eyes of fish. The vessel never leaves the surface as you motor along sitting safe and sound eight feet below. Just on the other side of your glass window you’ll come face to face with the underwater creatures around Pelican Rock - the #1 dive spot in Cabo. Your turnaround point is Land’s End, the last tip of rock, the last bit of land in Baja California. This is where the waters of the Sea of Cortez meet those of the Pacific Ocean. Go up to the surface for great photos of the arch and the sea lion colony. The sub will take you back to the pier with your memories and camera filled with the underwater wonders of Cabo! Note: Children under the age of 4 are free of charge but must remain seated on parents lap. This tour is not recommended for those passengers with claustrophobia or those prone to seasickness. The semi-sub is equipped with a restroom as well as outdoor seating for those needing fresh air en route. Guests must be able to negotiate several steps down into the vessel. less

Your tour begins as you board a van or motorcoach at the pier and travel to Gringo Gulch, where you'll begin this invigorating walking tour of the picturesque town of Puerto Vallarta. Walk by the former home of Elizabeth Taylor, enjoy a magnificent view from high above the city and stroll through the market and along the famed boardwalk known as the Malecon, with the various sculptures of famous Mexican artists. At the end of the tour, you'll enjoy a complimentary drink and some free time to spend at the Olas Altas shopping district and watch the spectacular sunset. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. We suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour is only available for guests on the Norwegian Star. less

Get up-close and personal with Key West’s underwater residents. The aquarium is Key West’s first attraction built in 1935 to promote tourism to the island during the Great Depression. Today it is home to hundreds of different species including rays, sharks, fish and turtles and even a touch tank where children of all ages are encouraged to enjoy a hands-on experience with the Keys’ sea life. At the Atlantic Shores exhibit, you’ll come face-to-face with a Florida Keys near shore environment filled with tropical and game fish, sea turtles and spiny lobster. Then you’re off to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Witness hundreds of free-flying butterflies and exotic colorful birds from around the world that inhabit this glass-enclosed, climate-controlled conservatory. Relax and enjoy a magical, one-of-a-kind experience as you walk among the most beautiful creatures in nature and stroll against a backdrop of lush flowers, trees, orchids and cascading waterfalls. To set the stage before you enter their world, spend time in our leaning center where you can view a 15-minute award-winning film that describes the anatomy, physiology and life cycle of the butterfly. Note: If you are traveling with a wheelchair, please visit the Shore Excursion Desk on board. less