Mexican Riviera Cruises: Excursions

Hop on the Fun Bus for an open-air, open-sky view of Mazatlan. This roofless double-decker bus offers you a convenient way to discover this destination. Stop at key points for pictures; slow down at others so you get more than a passing glimpse. Pass by some highlights such as the cliff divers who soar from their towering perch into a tiny dot of water; the Glorieta Germania lookout point, and the 19th-century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. This Cathedral is just one block from the public market in the heart of the downtown area. You’ll see colorful buildings from the Golden Age of European architecture in the Historic District. You can also appreciate the latest in modern design at the new Convention Center, largest of its kind in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Note: Some sidewalks may be uneven and in bad conditions. Wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen. Bring your camera, and a hat. less

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

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

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

Located in the west part of Costa Rica’s Central Valley is the scenic town of Sarchi. It is considered the home of Costa Rica’s best craftsmanship. Here, more than a century ago, primitive local artists began painting and decorating their traditional oxcarts in intricate and colorful designs. These powerful vehicles, hauled by teams of oxen, soon became the primary means of transportation throughout the nation. You’ll see how the hand-painted Costa Rican oxcart art has evolved into a brilliantly executed form of native artistic expression. You can also find an immense variety of local wood products, ranging from elaborated hand-made furniture to hand-carved doors. Leather goods and all kinds of souvenirs will be available for purchase. Lastly, make a brief stop at the little town of Grecia, famous for its historical metal church, Cathedral de la Mercedes. The church is painted in a deep dark red color and has a gothic style; its metal pieces were imported from Belgium in the 1890’s. Note: Wear light clothing, walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen. less