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

Rising behind Mazatlan is the Sierra Madre range of mountains, which separates the coastal area of Mexico from the interior. Rich in mineral wealth and extremely rugged, these mountains have become the subject of spectacular legends. Your exploration will carry you from historic Mazatlan to the Durango Highway, stopping at a brickyard where adobe bricks are handmade and fired, much as they have been for several centuries. A short drive along the foothills of the Sierra Madre will take you into Concordia where you’ll visit the 220-year old church and enjoy a refreshing drink at a typical small restaurant. Continue to the village of Copala, once a thriving Spanish gold mining town founded in 1565, where you’ll take a leisurely walk through the cobblestone streets. See Colonial houses, the jail and a spectacular church dating back to the early 18th century and enjoy a delightful lunch of Mexican food at a local restaurant. Visit a furniture factory and a potter’s home who produces roof tiles, jars, flowerpots and dishes typical of this region. Back at Mazatlan’s Golden Zone you'll have approximately 40 minutes of free time to browse and shop before the scenic drive back to your ship. Note: Guests should be able to board bus without assistance. Bring a hat, camera, and comfortable walking shoes. less

Begin your adventure by taking a deluxe drive to the Guanacaste flat lands while enjoying the beautiful passages surrounded by trees and cattle fields. Once at the operation base, you’ll have time to change and get ready to paddle after being briefed on safety procedures. Float down the Corobici River and enjoy its great scenery and wildlife. This classic floating trip is perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers. As you raft along this tranquil river, you might spot one of the more than 300 species of birds from the nearby Palo Verde National Park. The more commonly seen birds are ospreys, kingfishers, cormorants, and blue, tiger and boat-billed herons. Other wildlife in the area includes otters, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, anteaters, iguanas and many other lizards. At the conclusion of your trip, a native-style lunch will be served. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age, weigh less than 270 lbs. and be in good health. Bring a towel, sunscreen and an extra set of clothes if desired; tour may get you wet. 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

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