Cabo and Puerto Vallarta experience

Has anyone done excursions on their own and not through the ship? Anyone done the dolphins without going through the ship? We will have young children with us.

We have visited the cities on our own but not necessarily to do the same excursions described on the ship's list.

Has anyone done excursions on their own and not through the ship? Anyone done the dolphins without going through the ship? We will have young children with us.

It is common practice to book excursions independently in advance or upon arrival at both ports. Some activities may not be available to you on your own due to pre-existing contracts with the cruise industry.

The lead dolphin interaction excursion operators are Cabo Adventure and Vallarta Adventures. Contracts with the cruise industry are established in such a way that you can only book these excursion through the cruise ship if the ship sells the excursion.

I don't know what Cabo has as an alternative. Puerto Vallarta has a competing dolphin excursion operator who is http://www.aquaventuras.com/ You can book direct with them of through a tour broker such as http://www.puertovallartatours.net/swim-with-dolphins.htm Look at the no-port, no-pay refund policy for any given company to help you decide who you might book with/through. In any event, this dolphin center is located just north of the airport and, like most independently booked excursions, transportation to/from is on you.

(Note: We have no interest in doing dolphin excursions so I can't give you a first hand review of any given excursion operator.)

Enjoy!

Has anyone done excursions on their own and not through the ship? Anyone done the dolphins without going through the ship? We will have young children with us.

We have done a dolphin excursion in Cabo on our own. You will need to go to San Jose del Cabo which is about a half hour away. We booked ahead of time and were picked up at a hotel near the tender pier. My kids loved it and it was a lot cheaper than doing it through the cruise. I don't remember the name of the company but I think there is only one in San Jose del Cabo.

Typically dolphins are BOOKED when the cruise ships port. The Pirate Ship is a BIG favorite in PV for kids. Krystal Resort is a cheaper nearby option in PV.

Cabo, we would likely attempt to crash the nearby Finisterra Pool area with... cash tips and a big smile... if we ported in Cabo with young kids

Finisterra Pool area

Has anyone done excursions on their own and not through the ship? Anyone done the dolphins without going through the ship? We will have young children with us.

We've done the Dolphin Experience in Cabo. A bit spendy, but a lot of fun.

As others have suggested you will most likely have to book through the cruise line, but.....since Cabo is a tendered port (you will have to disembark and re-embark via a tender) and there will be 2000 passengers trying to get ashore all at once, you may have to stand in line for up to 2 hours. If you book an excursion through the ship, you will most likely be afforded a VIP escort, which means that a crew member will escort you and your party, to the head of the line. Even if only a few of you are participating in the Dolphin Experience, your entire party will receive the escort. Those that are not participating will be given wrist bands that allow you to go up to the observation deck, to watch all of the activities. (It is covered, has "beverages" available, and also offers a great view of the Marina and the bay.)

As for "crashing" a resort to take advantage of the privileges that the guests have paid for....I feel that that is nothing short of theft. (Would you book an inside cabin, and then try to sneak into a suite to use their balcony?)

These are the two ports on our Panama Canal cruise we just can't decide if we should do a cruise tour or just wing it on our own. Any suggestions would be great!!

spazwok, It just depends on your comfort level in Mexico.

You can walk off the ship and take a taxi (or city bus) to the Malecon(boardwalk) along the ocean. Wander there looking at the statues,scenery, shops etc. Walk all the way to the bridge over the river(small bridge) and either walk along the river where there are more shops/restaurants or continue over the bridge to where the new gorgeous pier is located. The pier is shaped like a sail boat. There is a beach where you can hang out and get drinks/lunch etc. Then get a taxi back to the ship.

Bargain with the taxi driver and you can get one for about $6USA or without bargaining maybe about $8.

IF you want to see more then either take a ship's tour or bargain with a taxi at the pier for a day rate.

These are the two ports on our Panama Canal cruise we just can't decide if we should do a cruise tour or just wing it on our own. Any suggestions would be great!!

You've not indicated what you're interested in. We once booked a fishing/snorkeling/sightseeing tour to Yelapa....it was a lot of fun, but not inexpensive. I would, however, most certainly do it again. For a lot less money, though, I would consider grabbing a cab at the cruise docks and have them deliver you to the new pier (about $6US). The pier is a fun wander. From there, I would head back on the Malecon towards the cruise docks. Lot's of things to see, bronze sculptures, sand sculptures, and many dozens of great shops and cantinas. Don't miss the flea market in the island. If you tire before walking back to the cruise docks, a taxi is only a half block away.

We've never felt the least bit uncomfortable while in PV, and we often stop and have a beverage or a snack at any of the places we find. If it looks good, and it smells good, it is good! We especially like Sea Monkey. $1US beer and margaritas, under a Pelapa, your feet in the sand, and the ocean just a few feet away.

Thanks so much for these suggestions they sound like good options for us. We don't want to spend the whole day at a beach or on a tour, we kind of just like to get around on our own and see the cities and what they have to offer. Grab some food at a restaurant with a nice view, browse the shops, experience the area itself without being on a strict schedule. It sounds like it's fairly easy and cheap to get around via taxi and walking. We may just do this!

Thanks so much for these suggestions they sound like good options for us. We don't want to spend the whole day at a beach or on a tour, we kind of just like to get around on our own and see the cities and what they have to offer. Grab some food at a restaurant with a nice view, browse the shops, experience the area itself without being on a strict schedule. It sounds like it's fairly easy and cheap to get around via taxi and walking. We may just do this!

If you want to add a little spice to your venture, grab a blue and white bus. Fare is about 6.50 pesos (50 cents or a little more US) The malecon is really a nice walk, and the Cheeky Monkey or Sea Monkey can wet your whistle for a buck.

As for Cabo... benjytour@hotmail.com does and incredible tour we found him 3 years ago and have been recommending him ever since! You can't go wrong! Tell him Cathy & Frank sent you!

If you want to add a little spice to your venture, grab a blue and white bus. Fare is about 6.50 pesos (50 cents or a little more US) The malecon is really a nice walk, and the Cheeky Monkey or Sea Monkey can wet your whistle for a buck.

Busfare went up a few months ago, it is 7.50 Pesos per person per ride.

For those of you going to Cabo in the next few weeks, realise hurricane Odile made a lot of damage there. The harbour, the houses and also to the hotels. So donot count on all facilities will be working o.k.

This is what the gardens and pool of the Riu Santa Fe now looks like.

(Before and after).

As for Cabo... benjytour@hotmail.com does and incredible tour we found him 3 years ago and have been recommending him ever since! You can't go wrong! Tell him Cathy & Frank sent you!

I am very intrigued so I am going to jump in here.

What type of tours are offered? How did you find them? Any and all info is appreciated.

We also used Cabo San Lucas Tours (they also run a PV option) and had great experiences with them on both the excursions we took. We did whale watching and an ATV trip to La Callendaria (I know I am spelling that wrong, sorry!). They were very good about answering questions and seemed to know the ship's schedule even better than we did! We were always back in plenty of time, and they did a great job of giving clear directions for meeting points. I am planning on using them again. They also have a "No Port, No Pay" policy, which thankfully we didn't have to use, but it was nice to know it was available.