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While it’s possible to disembark your cruise ship in Puerto Vallarta and explore without a plan, it’s always helpful to have an idea of what activities are available in port. From whale watching to snorkeling, shopping, and lounging at the beach, here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in Puerto Vallarta on a cruise. The winter months will likely encounter nice beach weather while in port, but you’ll want to pack a few long sleeve shirts and jackets during this time of year for sea days.
Night Catalina & Ensenada CruiseDetails
And if you're traveling with other adults or your significant other, check out the restorative adults-only spaces onboard your cruise ship, or reserve a private cabana to set up camp. While there are endless tours and activities to book for your port day in Puerto Vallarta, spending extra on an excursion is not entirely necessary. While excursions can offer unique opportunities, such as boat tours and snorkeling, you can have just as much fun wandering around Puerto Vallarta on your own. Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns) are small towns recognized by the Mexican government for their culture, history, and charm. There are currently 132 pueblos mágicos in Mexico, several of which are located nearby cruise ports in the Mexican Riviera, including Sayulita and Todos Santos.
Cost of a Mexican Riviera cruise
Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta offers beaches, jungles, excellent cuisine, and trendy downtown neighborhoods to enjoy. Booking a cruise to the Mexican Riviera can be an affordable way to discover Mexico’s Pacific coast, culture, and beaches. You’ll often find competitive prices on a cruise to the Riviera, especially when considering the cost of flying to Mexico yourself and staying in a resort for a week.
night Baja cruise with Catalina Island on Disney Wonder
Go back in time and discover the beauty, the mystery and the culture of the venerated Mayan people. Traveler’s guide to planning a relaxing 4-day Mexico cruise filled with extraordinary things to do while making the most your short vacation getaway. We’ve curated the ultimate tour guide to visiting some of the most beautiful churches in Mexico. Plan your Mexico cruise vacation around the culture and traditions of the Dia de los Muertos. Family activities in Galveston range from exploring pirates and ghosts to heading to the beach and local water parks. Cruise the Yucatan Peninsula, which separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico, and discover Mexico's Caribbean side.
Best Deals to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Ensenada is no different, with plenty of ATV and road buggy tours offered throughout the surrounding area. You'll find postcard-worthy beaches in every Mexican port, and most only require a short walk or taxi ride to get there. For just a few dollars, I took a taxi to the beach in Mahahual from the port of Costa Maya, which gave me a chance to see the cute beachside village along the way. Once there, you can purchase a day pass to the Pez Quadro Beach Club, which includes alcohol, food and Wi-Fi access.
Royal Caribbean announces it will build a new beach club for cruise ship passengers in Mexico - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean announces it will build a new beach club for cruise ship passengers in Mexico.
Posted: Fri, 22 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The best time to spot whales off the coast of Puerto Vallarta is from December through March, with January and February providing the best wildlife viewing opportunities. One neighborhood you’ll want to visit while in Puerto Vallarta is Zona Romántica, the city’s “romantic zone”. Zona Romántica is home to boutiques, restaurants, bars, and shops along narrow cobblestone streets.

night Mexican Riviera cruise
ATV tours are popular along the Mexican Riviera, allowing visitors to experience the countryside around ports by off-roading through vineyards, canyons, and deserts. If you can’t decide on one of the many beaches along the coast, consider a catamaran or boat tour! While cruising along the coast, you’ll be able to visit several destinations and attractions while spotting wildlife and swimming along the way. A small paradise of beaches, wildlife, hiking trails, resort villages, and shopping, Catalina Island is sure to offer a fun-filled port day while on a cruise. While not technically in the Mexican Riviera (or in Mexico for that matter), Catalina Island is a port you’ll see on shorter cruises to Mexico out of the Port of Los Angeles.
Established tourism

The hike ends at an ocean-front brewery, where cold beers and snacks will be well-appreciated after a day in the mountains. While walking the main street in downtown Ensenada, you’ll come across an unassuming street food stall that will very likely have a line of hungry customers. La Bufadora is the second largest blowhole in the world and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Ensenada area. Visitors to La Bufadora will be impressed as the sea cave explodes water up to 100 feet in the air. If you’ve cruised to ports on the Caribbean side of Mexico, you’ll undoubtedly notice a change in scenery when docking in Ensenada.
Mexican Riviera
You'll find everything from high art to colorful villages brimming with life and tradition on your cruise to Mexico. Get out of your comfort zone and discover an untamed wilderness, where you can dive into an underground cave or encounter ancient ruins with the best Mexico cruises. If sea urchin ceviche sounds a little too adventurous for you, there are plenty of other menu items available, from cod fish ceviche tostadas to seafood cocktails. When you need to slow things down, X'Kanha in Cozumel is an intriguing holistic vacation retreat right in the middle of the jungle. The experiences are private and personalized, making them wonderful for a couple. You can partake in yoga and breathwork, or arrange for a temazcal (a sweat lodge experience) followed by a meditative walk through the jungle to the on-site cenote.
Depending on the season and where you are, you may spot gray whales making their migration. There's nothing like sitting back, taking in the ocean spray and letting the tour guide point out groups of whales. Depending on where you set sail from, your Western Caribbean cruise may call on one of the many Mexico ports, such as Ensenada, Costa Maya or Cozumel. On a quick trip, you get to create the vacation that's most nurturing to you.
If you’re hoping for a high-energy excursion in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find plenty of tour opportunities that will surely get your adrenaline pumping. These two towns are located around an hour from port and offer a more laid-back feel than bustling Puerto Vallarta. While the towns are still fairly touristy, they're much smaller and less crowded than Puerto Vallarta. Once at Las Caletas, enjoy relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding on the water. If you prefer to explore on land, walk along the area’s nature trails and spot parrots, macaws, and other animals as you enjoy this secluded paradise.
Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Challenge yourself in Ensenada with a hike to El Salto Canyon, where you can sit and listen to the stunning waterfall's thunderous roar.
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