Best Mexican Riviera Cruise Excursions
Destinations
The Mexican Riviera is a prime destination, offering a delightful blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. This stunning Pacific coastal region boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse ports of call in Mexico, with many unique activities to indulge in. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities with the tots, or a young explorer searching for adventure, you’ll find some of the best Mexico cruise excursions in the Mexican Riviera.
Mexican Riviera Itineraries & Cruise Lines
Not to be confused with the Mayan Riviera on the Yucatan Peninsula, the Mexican Riviera, the stretch of Mexico’s western coastline. The best Mexican Riviera cruises are typically seven- or eight-night voyages sailing round-trip along the Baja California peninsula and western coast of Mexico, departing from Los Angeles or Long Beach, California.
This round-trip cruise offers several ports. Your cruise will often depart from Los Angeles and include a mix of popular ports such as Ensenada, La Paz Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (Guerrero). These cruises offer some of the best excursions in Mexico, making it a balance of scenic beauty and cultural experiences.
These Mexican excursions are excellent for first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers. Most major cruise lines offer Mexican Riviera cruises to choose from, including Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.
To get the most out of your Mexican Riviera cruise excursions, schedule your cruise at the right time and pack well considering the region’s climate and your family’s needs.
On This Page:
- Best Ensenada Shore Excursions
- What to do in La Paz
- Best Excursions in Cabo San Lucas
- Best Mazatlán Shore Excursions
- Best Puerto Vallarta Shore Excursions
- What Excursions are in Manzanillo?
- Best Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo (Guerrero) Shore Excursions
Best Ensenada Shore Excursions
La Bufadora
In Ensenada, Princess Cruises offers a stop to visit La Bufadora, the largest marine geyser in the world. You can watch the geyser blow upwards of 100 feet above sea level and explore the nearby tourist shopping area, Avenida Lopez Mateos, for pottery, silver jewelry, and other interesting souvenirs.
Desert Nest Zipline Baja Ensenada, Mexico
Travel to the Desert Nest Zipline at "Cuatro Cuatros'' and take flight on a super-speed, five-zipline circuit for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Here you have an opportunity to enjoy Royal Caribbean's 3 ½ hour soar through the sky on five double high-speed zip line circuits, with the longest stretching half a mile.
Mexican Folkloric Show
While you’re in Ensenada, definitely enjoy the Mexican Folkloric show. This Princess Cruises excursion is filled with tons of fun, with authentic Mexican music and dances with a lively Mariachi band and costumed performers at Riviera del Pacifico.
What to do in La Paz
Pearl Farm Discovery: The Birth of a Pearl
Journey to Perlas de La Paz. On your Carnival cruise, you'll discover the captivating tales of the Bay of La Paz's famous pearls on an immersive oyster farm visit. Explore the mysteries behind their lineage and remarkable role in the discovery of the Baja California peninsula.
El Serpentario: Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center & Aviary
Meet some of the world's rarest and most dangerous reptile species at El Serpentario Reptile Center in La Paz on your Princess cruise. Once you arrive, a naturalist guide will explain how exotic animals play a significant role in the world's ecosystem.
Afterward, you can roam around the Center and observe animals like the giant python. You can touch the harmless species during the live show and meet informative experts to answer your questions. This is also a great opportunity to take some incredible vacation photos.
Best Excursions in Cabo San Lucas
Camel and Mexican Outback Adventure
Start your adventure in Cabo San Lucas shore with a unique camelback ride through Baja California Sur, perfect to share with family and friends alike. One of the best Cabo excursions, Princess Cruises offers this fantastic experience at Rancho Tierra Sagrada, an expansive desert adventure park stretching along the Pacific Ocean.
This escapade begins with a dazzling view of the Sea of Cortez. As you gallop your way north, you’ll meet with your host and head off on a nature walk, discovering native plants and animals along the way. It’s a daring way to learn and explore the region’s natural landscape.
Whale Watching by Zodiac
Try a thrilling boat ride and witness the seasonal whale sightings offered by Holland America Line. Here you can spot humpbacks, gray whales, and even beautiful orcas.
The Glass Blowing Factory
Stop by the nearby neighborhood of San Jose and visit one of the best Mexico excursions, the Glass Blowing Factory. Carnival Cruise Line encourages you to take a tour of the colonial town of San Jose del Cabo to visit the Mission church and town square and enjoy a meal at Cuervo's House, an authentic Mexican restaurant in the area.
Best Mazatlán Shore Excursions
Shopping & Beach Escape with Lunch
For a blissful day of sun, sand, relaxation, and a bit of shopping, opt for this excursion to enjoy the tropical paradise of Mazatlán. On your Royal Caribbean International cruise, spend some time shopping in the Golden Zone for new clothes and unique souvenirs to take home. After you’ve updated your attire, relish in the amenities of a beachside resort, featuring an infinity pool and the beautiful sands of Mazatlán beach.
Historic Sierra Madre Country Tour
While in Mazatlán, take a tour of the historic Sierra Madre countryside while on your Norwegian Cruise Line. Take a visit and explore the charming colonial villages of Concordia and Copala, which was once a thriving Spanish gold mining town. Take a leisurely walk through cobblestone streets and savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.
Best Puerto Vallarta Shore Excursions
The Greatest Outdoor Adventure with BBQ Lunch
Sailing past Ensenda, you’ll arrive at Puerto Vallarta. It’s officially time to prepare yourself for a breathtaking rush of adrenaline as you fly through a thrilling series of nine ziplines, rappel waterfalls, traverse canopy tour jungle bridges, and finally splash through streams and natural river pools on this specially designed outdoor adventure brought to you by Carnival Cruise Line.
Appreciate the high-speed ziplines, lush jungle scenery, and extensive safety measures that ensure a thrilling and secure experience. This excursion includes a BBQ lunch featuring Mexican chips and salsa, along with fresh fruits, tequila tasting, flavored water, and traditional Mexican cuisine.
Old Town Puerto Vallarta for Beach Fun and Street Side Tacos
If you choose to book with Princess Cruises, make sure to explore the charming Old Town of Puerto Vallarta. Rejoice in the pleasant beach activities, and savor local street tacos while you gain insight into the colorful sights and sounds of Puerto Vallarta.
What Excursions are in Manzanillo?
Cuyutlan Turtle Sanctuary
Norwegian Cruise Line encourages you to travel through the countryside on your way to Cuyutlan. On your way, you’ll pass by the coconut and banana plantations and colorful bougainvillea and hibiscus plants. Visit the Salt Museum, made from hand-hewn boards from palm trees. This museum houses an exhibit that illustrates how salt is mined; a testament to the town's history. Continue your tour to the Tortugario Ecological Center and learn how Mexico's largest turtle sanctuary is helping these endangered species thrive.
Manzanillo City & Shopping
Take some time to explore and appreciate Manzanillo City, recognized as Mexico's gateway to the Pacific Rim. On your Holland America Line cruise, stop at a restaurant overlooking the Bay for a beverage and spend some time at the shopping bazaar for typical Mexican crafts. Spend a few minutes walking through the square or shopping in the local stores in Manzanillo’s Old Town Plaza.
Best Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo (Guerrero) Shore Excursions
Deep-Sea Fishing
At your final stop along the Mexican Riviera tour in Guerrero, take some quality time to engage in a thrilling deep-sea fishing adventure.
Your group will be accompanied by abundant fish species, and experience Stop by the dig site or the city's archaeological museum to learn more about the past civilizations in the small fishing village of Zihuatanejo. This excursion, available through Holland America Line, allows you to experience Zihuatanejo’s quaint customs and way of life.
Isla Ixtapa
Take a moment to relax as you embark upon your delightful island getaway. Ride to Playa Linda, where a small boat will be waiting to transport you to charming Isla Ixtapa, a beautifully preserved island with exotic plants. On your Norwegian Cruise Line, while on the island, take a swim and snorkel with rental equipment available, or just lounge in the sun and a delicious lunch of local foods will be served to you.
Depart onto the Mexican Riviera
The Mexican Riviera excursions offer a diverse range of activities; from camel riding in Cabo San Lucas to deep-sea fishing in Zihuatanejo, there’s something for you. Whether seeking thrilling adventures, cultural immersion, or relaxing beach days, these excursions ensure a memorable experience for everyone who boards.
FAQs
Q: Where is the Mexican Riviera located?
A: The Mexican Riviera is considered to be a stretch of coastline that spans along Mexico's west coast.
Q: Where does the Mexican Riviera cruise depart from?
A: Cruises to the Mexican Riviera often depart from Los Angeles, or Long Beach, California.
Q: Is there ziplining in Ensenada?
A: Royal Caribbean offers an incredible Ensenada Mexico zip line excursion “Desert Nest Zip Line”.
Q: Is Acapulco on the Mexican Riviera?
A: Acapulco is a beach resort town in Guerrero on Mexico's Pacific coast.
