Mexican Riviera Cruises: Excursions

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

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

Begin your tour with a view of the impressive military fort of San Felipe de Barajas, the greatest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in their colonies. This is an exceptional accomplishment of Spanish military engineering where construction began in 1656 and lasted for 121 years. At the Rafael Nuñez House, a horse carriage ride will take you through the narrow streets of the walled city where you’ll find Colonial houses and squares such as La Merced, Santo Domingo, Custom Square, San Pedro Claver, and the beautiful Baroque door of the Inquisition Palace at Bolivar Square. Visit the dungeons within the walled city ramparts which were built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high quality handicrafts market. This market offers a variety of brightly decorated cloths, woodwork and woven bags made by some of the indigenous people of Colombia. Note: Bring comfortable attire, hat and sun block. less

Take a scenic drive to the tropical forest area of Bijagual, which is located near the boundaries of the Carara Biological Reserve. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Pura Vida Botanical Gardens, one of the most spectacular private gardens in Costa Rica. See beautifully manicured gardens noticing that they are also bordered by one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Pura Vida is home to over 60,000 flowering plants, including 60 varieties of heliconia, 10 varieties of ginger, and orchids. Look for butterflies, macaws, parrots, parakeets, toucans, kingfishers, birds of prey, and waterfowl. During the 1 1/2 hour guided walk along gravel trails, your guide will help you explore this incredible wonderland. Take in the ocean views in the distance as you meander through the walkways and see some wildlife. After the walk concludes, continue on for a few minutes to Villa Lapas Ecological Hotel, where fresh tropical fruits will replenish your energy. Then browse the gift shop for souvenirs before heading back to your ship. Weather permitting, a quick stop will also made at the Tarcoles River for crocodile observation. Note: Participants must be in good health. Those with severe walking or mobility issues should not participate, as there is required walking on gravel terrain with some inclines. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring a hat and camera. less

Board your air-conditioned transportation for the approximately 45-minute drive to the infamous mud volcano. On the way to the volcano, pass by the imposing San Felipe de Barajas Fortress situated outside the walled city. Here, you’ll have the opportunity enjoy a panoramic view of the old city. Upon arrival at the mud volcano an orientation to the rustic facilities will be provided. A mud volcano is created by natural gases emitted by decaying organic matter underground. As the mud is pushed upwards by the gas, it deposits and hardens above ground and forms what appears to be a huge anthill. As more mud oozes out and spills over the edge it grows in size, gradually forming what you can see today: a miniature 50-foot volcano with a rich, creamy, mud crater at the top. If you have never been in a mud volcano before, then the initial feeling of mud on your skin is unusual to say the least. When you feel like you are about to become one with the earth, just climb back down the staircase and stroll down to the nearby freshwater lake where you can wash the mud off. Note: The temperature of the mud is very warm to hot, therefore those who are susceptible to heat must not participate on this tour. It's said that the mud has healing properties; however the truth to this statement is not proven. To reach the top of the mud volcano where the pool of mud is located, requires the negotiation of numerous, steep steps. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and adequate sun protection. less