Wednesday, May 16, 2018

5 Things to do on a Mexican Riviera Cruise

Today we're talking about what to do when visiting the cruise ports on a Mexican Riviera cruise. We'll cover Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Manzanillo, and Ensenada.

The port cities on Mexico's west coast are referred to as the Mexican Riviera. There are a couple dozen cities comprising the Mexican Riviera, but I'll be focusing on the ones most visited by mainstream cruise lines.
5 things to do on a Mexican Riviera cruise


1. In Puerto Vallarta, go ziplining through the jungles.
Ziplining in the jungles of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2. In Mazatlan, follow the blue line to Old Mazatlan. Yes, it's a blue line painted right on the road. It helps passengers keep in the safe areas. You'll even find volunteers in blue shirts helping direct tourists. You'll also find food and drink and nice views.

Or make your way to the cliff divers. But a heads up - they will expect to be tipped if you watch.
A cliff diver jumping in Mazatlan, Mexico

3. In Cabo San Lucas, go snorkeling. You'll see fish here that aren't present in the Caribbean.
Underwater fish when snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
On your way to the snorkel spot your tour guide will most likely make a swing by the Arch so you can snap some photos.
El Arco del Cabo San Lucas, the Arch in Los Cabos, Mexico
More info on what to do in Cabo San Lucas can be found HERE.

4. Manzanillo is the sailfish capital of the world. 
Manzanillo, Mexico sign with cruise ship in the background
Check out the giant statue in town.
Sailfish statue in Manzanillo, Mexico
Then wander the town. Probably the closest place to real Mexico we've been.
Decorated street in Manzanillo, Mexico
Street and hillside in Manzanillo, Mexico
5. In Ensenada, head to the fish market. You'll see all kinds of fish. And if you're lucky you'll find a fisherman bringing in his catch - shark! - with a wheelbarrow.
Shark meat for sale at the Ensenada Fish Market in Ensenada, Mexico
 And then grab some delicious fish tacos at one of the restaurants next to the fish market or at one of the street side stands. So yummy! We won't eat fish tacos anywhere else in the world but in Ensenada.
Baja fish tacos at roadside stand in Ensenada, Mexico
More info on what to do in Ensenada can be found HERE.

5 thing to do on a Mexican Riviera cruise