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9 Fantastic Ports On A The Mexican Riviera Cruise

While Caribbean cruises offer a quick getaway to those on the east coast, a Mexican Riviera cruise provides west coasters the same sun-filled vacation. Most cruises to the Mexican Riviera sail out of Los Angeles and usually visit three ports; Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan.

However, some Mexico itineraries sail from San Francisco’s port in North California instead.

Itineraries of four days sail to Ensenada and Catalina Island. Longer itineraries of nine to twelve days may include La Paz, Loreto, and Manzanillo.

Mermaid statue on the Mazatlan waterfront

Only a Panama Cruise visits Mexican ports further south. These can consist of Manzanillo, Huatulco, San Blas, and Acapulco. The Mexican Riviera cruise ports are determined by cruise length and where the ship sails.

Mexico borders the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, although vastly different. While the Caribbean is famous for its crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches, Mexican cruise ports on the Pacific coast offer a more rugged landscape. The Arch or El Arco is an example of the beautiful scenery on the west coast.

Is Mexico Safe?

While there have been advisories about traveling to Mexico, I have never felt unsafe during my visits. However, it’s best to exercise extreme caution when sailing to Mexico. Cruise lines advice guest to remove expensive jewelry and carry one credit card, little cash, cruise card, and your passport.

It’s advisable to walk in a larger group and NEVER alone and go where the other cruise passengers are walking. Avoid traveling to remote places on your own. During some of my cruise port visits, there was a high degree of police presence, which put me at ease.

Mexican police on a Segway
Mexican police on a Segway

Pacific Coast Embarkation

There are two ports in Los Angeles: World Cruise Center in San Pedro and the Long Beach Cruise Terminal in Long Beach. Princess Cruises and Norwegian sail from San Pedro, while Carnival Cruises sails from Long Beach.

Travel time in a taxi or shuttle from LA International Airport (LAX) is approximately 40 minutes but can take up to an hour in heavy traffic.

  • Location: World Cruise Center, 100 Swinford Street, San Pedro  
  • Location: Long Beach Cruise Terminal, 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach 

San Diego also has two terminals: B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal and Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. Holland America and Disney Cruise Line sail from San Diego.

Both terminals are approximately a ten-minute drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN).

  • Location: B-Street Pier, 1140 N Harbor Drive, San Diego
  • Location: Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 N Harbor Drive, San Pedro  

Mexican Riviera Cruise Tips

While cruises are offered to Mexico year-round, the summer months are far too hot to enjoy. The best months are from November to March when the weather is warm but bearable and the rain is minimal.

The Arch in Cabo San Lucas and a Puerto Vallarta sunset
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I cruised to Mexico in March with Norwegian Cruise Line and soon learned that it can have a party atmosphere if it’s spring break. If you prefer a quieter vacation, it’s an ideal place to cruise in January.

Currencies accepted in Mexico include the Mexico Peso and the US Dollars. Should you ever need to exchange money, most banks will exchange Sterling pounds, Euros, and Canadian dollars.

Mazatlan is in a different time zone to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. It’s best to wear a watch when going ashore or change your smartphone to the correct time.

  • Mazatlan: Pacific standard time (GMT-7)
  • Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, Manzanillo, and Loreta: Central time (GMT-6)

Since vessels sail on the Pacific Ocean, guests may experience rough seas. Use sea bands, Bonine, or motion sickness patches to avoid seasickness.

Port Days On A Mexican Riviera Cruise

It’s essential to remember it’s hot and dry in Mexico. Carry bottled water, sunscreen, and a hat when in port. Instead of sunscreen lotion, we found it better to carry a sunscreen spray. That way, we never needed to wash our lotion-covered hands.

Cruise lines will allow you to take their beach towels ashore if you plan to spend some time at the beach. Water activities can wash away sunscreen, and the ocean breezes will often mask the effects of the sun’s rays. Wearing Rashguard clothing provides UPF 50+ protection, which helps prevent sunburn.

So, here are the cruise ports commonly included on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. Seven-day cruises usually have three port days but may not include three different ports. Some lines stay at Cabo for two days.

1. Cabo San Lucas

At the end of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is almost an Americanized city with its modern vacation resorts. With its jagged rock formations in the ocean, most visitors take shore excursions to see the famous Arch and nearby Lover’s Beach.

Lands End in Cabo San Lucas
Land’s End

Nestled where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes, Cabo offers plenty to do, from water-based tours to a lazy day at the beach. For those who have not cruised before, Cabo is a tender port, requiring guests to go ashore by smaller boat. 

Whale-watching tours are second to none when visiting between December and March. However, the number one activity is deep-sea fishing. The waters are a haven for many fish varieties, including the Marlin. Marlin fishing is so fantastic that it’s made Cabo the unofficial global Marlin capital.

For the fearless, take to the skies on a paraglider. Alternatively, see the Arch parasailing in Cabo from the back of a boat. On land, the thrills continue with zip lining and bungee jumping into a canyon.

For something more sedate, head over to Médano Beach by water taxi. Stand-up paddleboarding or relaxing on the beach are best here.

Before returning to your ship, have a drink at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo.

Cabo San Lucas beach front
Cabo San Lucas beachfront near the harbor

2. La Paz

Travelers flock to La Paz, Baja California Sur’s capital, for its old-world charm and lively atmosphere. Longer Mexican Riviera cruises, usually ten days or more, often stop here.

Like Puerto Vallarta, La Paz has a Malecon adorned with unique art sculptures. A visit to the picturesque Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz is essential.

La Paz’s top activities are ocean-based. Swimming with whale sharks is a must-do, though waters can be chilly between December and April, so check if your tour operator provides wetsuits.

With whales abundant, the Museo de La Ballena offers insights into these gentle giants.

Scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez offers sightings of giant manta rays, whales, hammerhead sharks, and dolphins. Popular dive spots include El Bajo, Espiritu Santo National Park, and Isla Cerralvo.

Getting around La Paz is easy with Uber. Beach lovers should visit Balandra Beach to soak up the sun or go paddleboarding.

3. Puerto Vallarta

The Rotunda of the Sea statue
Brian with the Rotunda of the Sea statue

The 1964 movie The Night of the Iguana put Puerto Vallarta’s Mismaloya Beach on the map, making it a romantic getaway for Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. With warm weather year-round, Puerto Vallarta is an ideal December destination.

The Malecon, a scenic oceanfront promenade, is a must-see, featuring unique sculptures by various artists. Nearby, the iconic Our Lady Guadalupe church stands tall with its crown-topped tower.

Puerto Vallarta buzzes with bars, restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities like zip-lining, boat rentals, surfing, paddleboarding, and scuba diving.

For a quieter experience, visit Chico’s Paradise or explore the city’s top sights on a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour.

Karen in Puerto Vallarta
Angel wings Instagram spot in Puerto Vallarta

4. Huatulco

In Oaxaca, Huatulco, once a fishing village, now draws visitors to its sunny, sandy beaches. With over thirty beaches to choose from, top picks include Cacaluta Beach and Playa La Entrega.

Take time to visit La Crucecita or downtown, where cozy restaurants and shops offer authentic Mexican meals.

For coffee lovers, the Pluma Hidalgo Coffee Plantation, an hour from Huatulco, is a must-see. Tours show the bean cultivation and roasting process, and, of course, include coffee tasting.

The plantation is hot, dry, and full of bugs, so wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent to avoid illnesses like Zika.

Ten miles from Huatulco, explore Spanish culture at Copalita Ecological Park. The 200-acre park has an indoor museum and trails featuring flora, fauna, and ruins.

Wrap up your day with a taste of Mezcal, Oaxaca’s famous agave-based spirit, best sampled locally where most of it is produced.

5. Ensenada

Ensenada, Baja California, is a frequent stop on shorter cruises, like 3-day trips to Mexico. Known as Mexico’s Napa Valley, visitors often shop for bargain wines or enjoy outdoor activities in Ensenada.

Wine lovers can visit local wineries for tastings. Bodegas de Santos Tomas, established in 1888, offers a great selection of wine and cheese.

Coastline at La Bufadora near Ensenada
Coastline at La Bufadora

Seventeen miles south, La Bufadora, the world’s second-largest marine geyser, draws crowds with its impressive 60-foot water spouts.

Unlike southern ports, Ensenada’s rugged coastline suits kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving rather than beach lounging.

History buffs can explore the Ensenada Museum of History, learning about the Baja Peninsula and European influences through guided tours.

6. Manzanillo

South of Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo is Mexico’s busiest port, supplying goods to Mexico City and known as the “Sailfish capital of the world.” Visitors can enjoy fishing, explore Mexican history, or join ocean tours.

Top attractions include historic Comala, Colima, the Colima Cathedral, and the pyramid ruins of La Campana. These ruins feature an ancient storm drain system and earthquake-resistant structures dating back to 1500 BC.

While the Caribbean is famous for Mayan ruins, La Campana is the largest archaeological site in Western Mexico.

The Cuyutlan Turtles Tour offers a chance to learn about endangered turtle species like the Leatherback, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill at El Tortugario, with admission fees supporting conservation. A boat tour of Cuyutlan Lagoon is also available to explore local wildlife.

For family-friendly beach fun, Santiago Bay is considered the best. Snorkelers can take a catamaran to Elephant Rock, a prime spot for snorkeling.

7. Mazatlan

Colourful buildings of La Plazuela Machado, Mazatlan
La Plazuela Machado’s colorful buildings, Mazatlan

Mazatlán, a coastal town in Sinaloa known as the Pearl of the Pacific, offers rich history and charm. Visitors should stroll to Old Mazatlán’s historic center, easily accessible by following the blue line from the Mazatlan cruise port.

La Plazuela Machado, is a lovely 1837 plaza where locals relax under orange trees. It’s a perfect shady spot to enjoy seafood. The surrounding 19th-century buildings with French and Spanish influences, are painted in bright colors and feature beautiful iron railings, reminiscent of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Continue along the cobblestone streets to find the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, also known as Mazatlán Cathedral. Along the coast, cliff divers entertain tourists, and a new Beatles monument adds to the charm.

To the south, Cerro del Creston is home to El Faro, a working lighthouse. The lighthouse itself may not impress, but hiking up rewards you with stunning 360-degree views of Mazatlán and the Pacific Ocean.

The Beatles in Mazatlan
The Beatles statue in Mazatlan, Mexico

8. Loreta

North of La Paz, Loreto offers giant blue whale sightings from January to March. Outside this season, whale-watching tours feature humpback, orca, and fin whales.

Loreto’s waters are teeming with marine life, including sea lions and dolphins. Popular water activities include kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

For land adventure, an ATV desert tour takes you on scenic trails away from the ocean for a few hours of excitement. You can also explore the Baja desert on horseback.

Don’t miss the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, the first Spanish mission in Baja. The active church showcases a bell tower, baroque details, and religious paintings.

9. Acapulco

Seventy years ago, Acapulco was a hotspot for celebrities like John F. Kennedy, Judy Garland, and Frank Sinatra. Although it lost some popularity to Riviera Maya cities, it’s now regaining its trendy status.

Acapulco is famous for its cliff divers. The La Quebrada divers still impress visitors with daring leaps, a must-see attraction.

Cruises to Acapulco often include Panama Canal transits. From the port, you can easily walk to the Fort of San Diego, which offers a museum and its unique five-pointed star structure for a small fee.

For a beach day, Playa Condesa is great for water sports, while the quieter Playa Icacos is nearby.

The Museo de la Máscara showcases masks used in Mexican ceremonies and festivals. The masks, made from wood, paper-mache, leather, wax, and metal, are decorated with hair, mirrors, horns, and ribbons, portraying human faces, animals, and fantasy creatures.

Final Thoughts

Whether you stop in cobblestoned Puerta Vallarta, Scenic Cabo San Lucas, or historic Mazatlan, a Mexico Riviera cruise provides relaxation and plenty of sunshine.

From palm tree-lined beaches to its exotic-flavored foods, you’re bound to experience something new.

And one last thing; try to catch the sunset one night because the Pacific coasts sunsets are spectacular. My husband and I ate in a specialty restaurant the last night on our cruise.

We were lucky enough to have an intimate table for two by the window, where we watched the sun slowly drop below the horizon. It was magical!

The Arch in Cabo San Lucas and the glass floor at El Faro in Mexico

Kristina

Sunday 24th of July 2022

Nice post. In addition to what you said, the best way to see Mazatlán is by a Pulmonia tour. As far as safety Mazatlán, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta go use common sense like you would anywhere else. Seeing military presence doesn't make it any more dangerous than Cincinnati, Spokane, Phoenix, or Los Angeles. Leave your jewelry at home and don't go off by yourself.

Noemi

Wednesday 27th of April 2022

Thanks for the insightful article. I'm looking forward to my cruise and will look for some of the places you mentioned.

Forever Karen

Thursday 28th of April 2022

Noemi, I've cruised to the Mexican Riviera three times. The last time was in March 2022 on the Majestic Princess, and we had a fantastic time. We try to do different things each time and really enjoyed our hike to El Faro Lighthouse in Mazatlan last time. Enjoy your cruise and have a wonderful time exploring the ports!

Jack

Tuesday 22nd of February 2022

First timer