Quick review -- Sea of Cortez ports

A couple of posters have requested info on the ports and what we did in them on the Sea of Cortez itin, so here we go

Cabo

Booked a whale watch through the ship. Tendered to the marina, found the marina to be as obnoxious as on our first visit there. Found the line-up for the excursion, went onboard the Cabo Ray (sp?) which had 3 decks, with the top deck being the viewing deck with lots of tables and chairs. Beverages were offered, but we declined. (A rule to live by for me: don't drink in the afternoon )

Off we went and got great whale sightings, mostly humpbacks, though the onboard "expert" insisted that we saw a group of gray whales, too. Several of us thought we were with one group of humpbacks the entire time, despite the "expert's" insistence that we kept encountering NEW groups of humpbacks, that were coincidentally EXACTLY the same size as the other groups we'd seen :)

Loreto

Kayak the Baja booked through the ship. We'd done this one before. It goes through some mangroves and very calm waterways, in a beautiful setting. The safety procedures leave something to be desired, and IMHO the trip we took should have been cancelled due to heavy surf and seas for the start of the trip. Intimidating for novice kayakers. Very chilly, too.

Got dropped back at the tender dock, wandered around looking for the Giggling Dolphin restaurant. They have AMAZING shrimp tacos -- I remembered them from our other visit to Loreto. Finally found the place, had shrimp tacos. Pretty authentic, priced in pesos, no one working during our visit spoke English, but we managed with our very little Spanish. Saw 2 dogs wandering around, well-fed and clean.

Guaymas (pronounced WHY-mas)

Right at the dock there is a small purpose-built "tourism village". Not outstanding by any definition BUT the Sea of Cortez Pearls people had a store there. I was on a quest for a Sea of Cortez pearl for a friend who was looking after our pets. What a disappointment! Really truly ugly pearls, in awful shapes, set badly with 18 kt bales so they would hang at an odd angle, OR what appeared to be mabe pearls or pearl blisters set in over-the-top silver designs. IMHO overpriced.

Had planned on taking a cab to San Carlos but the onboard "expert" was pretty negative about the beaches and the swimming conditions, so we changed plans and took the complimentary shuttle to Guaymas. We got maps of the downtown area when boarding the shuttle. IMHO it is best to take the shuttle -- a bit far to walk.

We were dropped at the malecon, where vendors had set up booths, and a stage had Mexican musicians, and dancers were dancing. There was a very visible police presence, no doubt to give the tourists a sense of safety. The other nice touch was the presence of many, MANY young people wearing t-shirts with "May I help you?" written on them -- English-speaking guides to help the cruisers.

We quickly abandoned the sanitized version of Guaymas and headed to the market. We spent some pesos there, managing with our poor Spanish and the willing/helpful vendors, to figure out what each side of the transaction was saying. The locals we met were awesome, very welcoming, happy to have some money flowing away from the tourism-specific area. There were some t-shirted "May I help you?" people around who kept trying to help us get back to the more touristy area, but we really wanted to interact with locals doing ordinary things. Walked back toward the malecon, passed a fabulous display at some civic building -- traditional clothing and ceremonial costumes from various areas of Mexico.

Saw one street dog, in not-great shape, and I'll be contacting the San Carlos animal rescue group to see if they can get her. Poor thing. Beyond sad, heartwrenching :(

Watched the musicians, the dancers, the people. Sat on the seawall. Watched the police watch everything. Grabbed the shuttle back to the dock, purchased a bottle of Mexican red wine in the tourism village, took it onboard (much to the surprise of other pax who INSISTED we could not take it onboard, or it would be confiscated). Had the wine with dinner. It was okay, I guess -- worth trying anyway :)

Topolobampo

Many people we met onboard took this cruise specifically to do the Copper Canyon excursion. It was sold out by the time the ship sailed. We had no desire to do an 18 hour excursion, so booked the Bay, Birds and Dolphins tour through the ship. It was DARN chilly out on the bay at 9 a.m., despite having Canadian clothing with us :) Toured the bay, got some history-type commentary, a bit of nature commentary, saw some dolphins (tried for a pic of them bow-riding but was not successful), went to an island and sailed around it -- TONS of birds of many varieties. Herons, vultures of some sort, blue-footed boobies. Pretty neat to see.

NOTE: to get on the boat for this excursion, a person needs a reasonable degree of mobility -- stairs and ladders are the way to access the boat.

Got back to the ship and got warmed up. Slothed around. Arranged for dinner on the balcony. Ate. Slothed. Balconied. Watched the vendors and the passengers. Listened to some live music. Dinner was delivered at about the same time Eric (the cruise director) got karaoke going shoreside where the vendors were set up. Absolutely delightful to watch everyone having a good time, and fun to listen to. That was probably the highlight of Topo for us -- the kicking back, easygoing fun.

Mazatlan

Took a water taxi to Stone Island. Take the mandatory shuttle from the dock area to the tourism village. Walk through the tourism village till you get to the main street. Turn left, walk about 3 blocks through a fairly clean, populated area. Find the kiosk and pay 30 pesos each for a round trip. Or maybe 40 pesos each. Cheap, anyway. Walk straight up from the dock, over the rocky area (you can see a trail), down the other side and you are at Stone Island. It was again pretty chilly and breezy, so the entire place was pretty much deserted. WATCH OUT FOR THE DEAD PUFFER FISH as soon as you get to the beach. Lots of them laying around, and they are spikey.

Walked to Victor's, sat down, got service immediately, had wonderful garlic shrimp and REAL onion rings -- the kind made with batter and fried in LOTS of fat. OMG, I'd go back just for the onion rings.

Not a lot of vendors on this day. Bought a blanket from one guy who was a chatty pleasant person. He joined us for a Coke or Pepsi, talked about his family. Nice, easygoing good time. We strolled some of the beach. Saw a couple of dogs that didn't seem to have anyone with them, BUT looked clean and well-fed.

Back to Mazatlan via water taxi. Really impressed with the water taxis -- pretty clean, well maintained, and life jackets supplied. NOTE: again, one needs to be fairly able to walk, bend knees, etc, to get onto the water taxis. You clamber from the dock across the bow into the boat.

Puerto Vallarta

Had planned on taking a cab or bus to Boca de Tomatlan, but some people we had met onboard suggested that we go to Mismaloya instead, that the water and beach were better. So we got a taxi, went to Mismaloya after an interesting drive through PV, and enjoyed a non-touristy day again. Not many locals, either, as it was darn chilly by the water. Again.

Ate shrimp (no onion rings, darnit!). Walked to the giant iguana statue. Took pics. Few vendors, no pushiness at all. Walked back to the main road, grabbed a bus, 14 pesos for the 2 of us to get to El Centro. An American lady helped us with directions to the main street, and to the Cuale River walk. Did the river walk -- quite pleasant and it got us to the Malecon. Walked along the Malecon for a bit, found a bus stop (well, a bunch of people standing around, and busses were stopping for them :) ) and caught a bus that said "Walmart" along with a few other destinations.

The hair-raising part of the little journey was getting across the main street back to the ship :)

If you have specific questions please feel free to ask!

Heading to this area soon so thanks for all the good details and most importantly for the weather report -- this will affect my own packing choices. Thanks!

SwissMyst, temps were 17C to 23 C. Only PV got to 23 C. Definitely bring a jacket and a sweater, layers like Alaska :) Heard someone say the water temps this year are 10 degrees below average. If that is Celcius degrees, that is a LOT colder than normal.

We even wore our "travel from Canada" jackets on deck a few evenings.

DH was a fish in another life and loves to be in the ocean. He didn't swim at all -- just getting our feet wet was enough.

thanks for the port reviews -- great

topo -- glad to see that there were vendors at the dock -- nothing when we were there except a beer vendor

A couple of posters have requested info on the ports and what we did in them on the Sea of Cortez itin, so here we go

 

Cabo

Booked a whale watch through the ship. Tendered to the marina, found the marina to be as obnoxious as on our first visit there. Found the line-up for the excursion, went onboard the Cabo Ray (sp?) which had 3 decks, with the top deck being the viewing deck with lots of tables and chairs. Beverages were offered, but we declined. (A rule to live by for me: don't drink in the afternoon )

 

Off we went and got great whale sightings, mostly humpbacks, though the onboard "expert" insisted that we saw a group of gray whales, too. Several of us thought we were with one group of humpbacks the entire time, despite the "expert's" insistence that we kept encountering NEW groups of humpbacks, that were coincidentally EXACTLY the same size as the other groups we'd seen :)

 

Loreto

Kayak the Baja booked through the ship. We'd done this one before. It goes through some mangroves and very calm waterways, in a beautiful setting. The safety procedures leave something to be desired, and IMHO the trip we took should have been cancelled due to heavy surf and seas for the start of the trip. Intimidating for novice kayakers. Very chilly, too.

 

Got dropped back at the tender dock, wandered around looking for the Giggling Dolphin restaurant. They have AMAZING shrimp tacos -- I remembered them from our other visit to Loreto. Finally found the place, had shrimp tacos. Pretty authentic, priced in pesos, no one working during our visit spoke English, but we managed with our very little Spanish. Saw 2 dogs wandering around, well-fed and clean.

 

Guaymas (pronounced WHY-mas)

Right at the dock there is a small purpose-built "tourism village". Not outstanding by any definition BUT the Sea of Cortez Pearls people had a store there. I was on a quest for a Sea of Cortez pearl for a friend who was looking after our pets. What a disappointment! Really truly ugly pearls, in awful shapes, set badly with 18 kt bales so they would hang at an odd angle, OR what appeared to be mabe pearls or pearl blisters set in over-the-top silver designs. IMHO overpriced.

 

Had planned on taking a cab to San Carlos but the onboard "expert" was pretty negative about the beaches and the swimming conditions, so we changed plans and took the complimentary shuttle to Guaymas. We got maps of the downtown area when boarding the shuttle. IMHO it is best to take the shuttle -- a bit far to walk.

 

We were dropped at the malecon, where vendors had set up booths, and a stage had Mexican musicians, and dancers were dancing. There was a very visible police presence, no doubt to give the tourists a sense of safety. The other nice touch was the presence of many, MANY young people wearing t-shirts with "May I help you?" written on them -- English-speaking guides to help the cruisers.

 

We quickly abandoned the sanitized version of Guaymas and headed to the market. We spent some pesos there, managing with our poor Spanish and the willing/helpful vendors, to figure out what each side of the transaction was saying. The locals we met were awesome, very welcoming, happy to have some money flowing away from the tourism-specific area. There were some t-shirted "May I help you?" people around who kept trying to help us get back to the more touristy area, but we really wanted to interact with locals doing ordinary things. Walked back toward the malecon, passed a fabulous display at some civic building -- traditional clothing and ceremonial costumes from various areas of Mexico.

 

Saw one street dog, in not-great shape, and I'll be contacting the San Carlos animal rescue group to see if they can get her. Poor thing. Beyond sad, heartwrenching :(

 

Watched the musicians, the dancers, the people. Sat on the seawall. Watched the police watch everything. Grabbed the shuttle back to the dock, purchased a bottle of Mexican red wine in the tourism village, took it onboard (much to the surprise of other pax who INSISTED we could not take it onboard, or it would be confiscated). Had the wine with dinner. It was okay, I guess -- worth trying anyway :)

 

 

Topolobampo

Many people we met onboard took this cruise specifically to do the Copper Canyon excursion. It was sold out by the time the ship sailed. We had no desire to do an 18 hour excursion, so booked the Bay, Birds and Dolphins tour through the ship. It was DARN chilly out on the bay at 9 a.m., despite having Canadian clothing with us :) Toured the bay, got some history-type commentary, a bit of nature commentary, saw some dolphins (tried for a pic of them bow-riding but was not successful), went to an island and sailed around it -- TONS of birds of many varieties. Herons, vultures of some sort, blue-footed boobies. Pretty neat to see.

 

NOTE: to get on the boat for this excursion, a person needs a reasonable degree of mobility -- stairs and ladders are the way to access the boat.

 

Got back to the ship and got warmed up. Slothed around. Arranged for dinner on the balcony. Ate. Slothed. Balconied. Watched the vendors and the passengers. Listened to some live music. Dinner was delivered at about the same time Eric (the cruise director) got karaoke going shoreside where the vendors were set up. Absolutely delightful to watch everyone having a good time, and fun to listen to. That was probably the highlight of Topo for us -- the kicking back, easygoing fun.

 

Mazatlan

Took a water taxi to Stone Island. Take the mandatory shuttle from the dock area to the tourism village. Walk through the tourism village till you get to the main street. Turn left, walk about 3 blocks through a fairly clean, populated area. Find the kiosk and pay 30 pesos each for a round trip. Or maybe 40 pesos each. Cheap, anyway. Walk straight up from the dock, over the rocky area (you can see a trail), down the other side and you are at Stone Island. It was again pretty chilly and breezy, so the entire place was pretty much deserted. WATCH OUT FOR THE DEAD PUFFER FISH as soon as you get to the beach. Lots of them laying around, and they are spikey.

 

Walked to Victor's, sat down, got service immediately, had wonderful garlic shrimp and REAL onion rings -- the kind made with batter and fried in LOTS of fat. OMG, I'd go back just for the onion rings.

 

Not a lot of vendors on this day. Bought a blanket from one guy who was a chatty pleasant person. He joined us for a Coke or Pepsi, talked about his family. Nice, easygoing good time. We strolled some of the beach. Saw a couple of dogs that didn't seem to have anyone with them, BUT looked clean and well-fed.

 

Back to Mazatlan via water taxi. Really impressed with the water taxis -- pretty clean, well maintained, and life jackets supplied. NOTE: again, one needs to be fairly able to walk, bend knees, etc, to get onto the water taxis. You clamber from the dock across the bow into the boat.

 

Puerto Vallarta

Had planned on taking a cab or bus to Boca de Tomatlan, but some people we had met onboard suggested that we go to Mismaloya instead, that the water and beach were better. So we got a taxi, went to Mismaloya after an interesting drive through PV, and enjoyed a non-touristy day again. Not many locals, either, as it was darn chilly by the water. Again.

 

Ate shrimp (no onion rings, darnit!). Walked to the giant iguana statue. Took pics. Few vendors, no pushiness at all. Walked back to the main road, grabbed a bus, 14 pesos for the 2 of us to get to El Centro. An American lady helped us with directions to the main street, and to the Cuale River walk. Did the river walk -- quite pleasant and it got us to the Malecon. Walked along the Malecon for a bit, found a bus stop (well, a bunch of people standing around, and busses were stopping for them :) ) and caught a bus that said "Walmart" along with a few other destinations.

 

The hair-raising part of the little journey was getting across the main street back to the ship :)

 

If you have specific questions please feel free to ask!

Thanks for posting - heading there April 23. Hope people with mobility issues read your review - very helpful info. Sounds like it was a chilly cruise. Sure hope it's warmer in April. Will be sure to pack several hoodies. Was your cabin port or starboard to be able to view dockside at Topolobampo? Are you able to give directions to the Giggling Dolphin from the tender pier in Loreto? Once again, good job.

Thank you very much for sharing. Well done. I'm surprised at the temperatures = but, it's still warmer than here :):):)

Please, can you tell me more about your kayaking experience, what you needed to wear, did you get wet, how strenuous for the upper arms, etc?

Here is the shore excursion descrip for our upcoming tour offering this in La Paz for two hour trip and wondering how the experience might compare to what you did in Loreto?

Thanks!

Shorex in La Paz - Sea of Cortez:

Come paddle a kayak and discover why a very special spot here on the Sea of Cortez has earned the name 'Paradise Cove'.

You will be transferred from the pier by air-conditioned van to Playa Balandra, an exceptional beach in an area known for its beaches. After your experienced guide gives you a short instructional briefing on the proper use of your kayak, paddle into the calm waters of Paradise Cove.

One of the Sea of Cortez's hidden treasures, Paradise Cove boasts some of the region's most pristine waters. With the water's depth often less than one foot, the cove affords chances to step out of your kayak for a refreshing, knee-deep wade.

Another appealing aspect of the cove is its abundance of birds and marine life.

Everywhere you look will be furry, finned or feathered creatures, including herons and pelicans. Your guide will also take you deep into the natural mangrove forest, giving you a glimpse into an ecosystem you might not encounter anywhere else in the world.

Returning to the beach, you will have a short time to sip on a cool beverage, relax on the sand or explore the shoreline in search of seashells before making the return drive to your ship.

SwissMyst, how nice that you get to La Paz. In Loreto we used "sit on top" kayaks. We were DRENCHED due to the heavy surf at the outset.

We wore our nylon quick-dry convertible pants, thank goodness, so dried off quickly once back on shore. That's what I'd recommend. Keep the bottom parts of the legs ON while kayaking, for added sun protection. As for "strenuous", I'd say not too bad. But that is so very subjective, y'know? I do know that our first time in Loreto was the first time any of us had kayaked, and we were just fine. One friend was quite concerned about the amount of upper-body activity, but she was fine -- still able to lift her fork at dinner :) Once you get the rhythm going it is quite comfortable. Check YouTube for "how to kayak" videos, perhaps?

All that said ^^^^ I would not go out in a single person kayak yet -- I don't think I have the strength needed.

They take novice kayakers out all the time -- the HAL site shows our kayaking trip as a "2".

KK, we were very disappointed in most of the vendors in most of the ports (including Topo) -- very little of interest, very little of quality. Of course, mostly we saw beach vendors -- if we'd gone to some jewelry stores I'm sure we'd have found items of better quality.

Thanks for posting - heading there April 23. Hope people with mobility issues read your review - very helpful info. Sounds like it was a chilly cruise. Sure hope it's warmer in April. Will be sure to pack several hoodies. Was your cabin port or starboard to be able to view dockside at Topolobampo? Are you able to give directions to the Giggling Dolphin from the tender pier in Loreto? Once again, good job.

Feel free to put a link on the Disabled Cruisers forum to this thread if you want -- I've only noted a couple of things. Didn't mention the varying sidewalk heights (within the space of 2 feet, 3 height changes :) ), the "curbs" that in some cases are 18" high, and the "accessibility ramps" in some places that are at 30 degree angles.

As to getting to the Giggling Dolphin, I'll give you the quickest route, NOT the "oh yeah, I know where we need to go" route :D

Once on the main street after you leave the tender area, turn left and walk along the malecon to Ave Benito Juarez. Cross the main street and walk up Ave Benito Juarez for maybe 2 blocks. It is not a long distance by any means. The restaurant is beside the Giggling Dolphin dive shop and is on the left-hand side of Ave Ben Juar. Seriously, be prepared for non-English staff, though, depending on the time of day. The food is very good, and we've had no ill effects after eating there either time.

As for the weather, I was very very glad I'd brought along some sweaters and a fleece jacket. I just layered and if it got warmish on shore, peeled off a layer.

Regardless of it being "chilly" in Mexico, it certainly beat what we came home to, and what we've got now!

Cowprincess

Thank you for this great primer on the ports!

Questions:

1. I expect HAL gave out the standard issue maps along with the port info. Were any of them any good? It is not easy to find much for Loreto, Guaymas and Topolobampo/Los Mochis.

2. Loreto: Sounds as if the tender dock is right in the town - no need to shuttle anywhere?

3. Topolobampo: Do you recall if there was a shuttle to the nearby town, Los Mochis?

Thanks again for this overview.

Cowprincess

 

Thank you for this great primer on the ports!

 

Questions:

 

1. I expect HAL gave out the standard issue maps along with the port info. Were any of them any good? It is not easy to find much for Loreto, Guaymas and Topolobampo/Los Mochis.

2. Loreto: Sounds as if the tender dock is right in the town - no need to shuttle anywhere?

3. Topolobampo: Do you recall if there was a shuttle to the nearby town, Los Mochis?

 

Thanks again for this overview.

1. We got the regular HAL-style maps IIRC. I will check as I get unpacked, as I kept everything :) NO map for Los Mochis, I'm pretty certain. Got a map for Guaymas from the greeter by the shuttle pickup.

2. Loreto -- the tender does drop you right in town.

3. Shuttle to Los Mochis, $7/person. Cannot remember if that was one way or round trip. If there's a group, hiring a van and driver (right at the dock) might be more economical. Sorry, I can't remember the taxi and van rates, but they are posted very visibly, so easy to compare to the shuttle, depending on the size of your group. I think (but am not certain) that the shuttle to Los Mochis ran hourly. Also a shuttle to Maviri Beach, same price, fewer runs IIRC. Taxi to Topo $5 one way.

You are right -- it is very difficult to find info on these ports. If you have other questions, please ask and I'll do the best I can to answer.

1. We got the regular HAL-style maps IIRC. I will check as I get unpacked, as I kept everything :) NO map for Los Mochis, I'm pretty certain. Got a map for Guaymas from the greeter by the shuttle pickup.

2. Loreto -- the tender does drop you right in town.

3. Shuttle to Los Mochis, $7/person. Cannot remember if that was one way or round trip. If there's a group, hiring a van and driver (right at the dock) might be more economical. Sorry, I can't remember the taxi and van rates, but they are posted very visibly, so easy to compare to the shuttle, depending on the size of your group. I think (but am not certain) that the shuttle to Los Mochis ran hourly. Also a shuttle to Maviri Beach, same price, fewer runs IIRC. Taxi to Topo $5 one way.

 

You are right -- it is very difficult to find info on these ports. If you have other questions, please ask and I'll do the best I can to answer.

Thanks. Great info!

More questions:

1. You mentioned lots of police in Guyamas: all the other ports, too?

2. Guaymas: you say take the shuttle. How far is it? If we have the weather you did, we would want to walk.

3. Topolobampo: is there anything at all to do at the port or is this strictly a case of "take the shuttle to Los Mochis"?

Once unpacked, maybe you will start a thread on the ship, food, Mariner's Brunch, and other good stuff? (Just a self-serving suggestion!)

Thanks

Thanks. Great info!

 

More questions:

 

1. You mentioned lots of police in Guyamas: all the other ports, too?

2. Guaymas: you say take the shuttle. How far is it? If we have the weather you did, we would want to walk.

3. Topolobampo: is there anything at all to do at the port or is this strictly a case of "take the shuttle to Los Mochis"?

 

Once unpacked, maybe you will start a thread on the ship, food, Mariner's Brunch, and other good stuff? (Just a self-serving suggestion!)

 

Thanks

1. The police in Guaymas were HIGHLY visible, more than at any other port, and I am confident it was to inspire a sense of safety/security in the cruisers. Guaymas really REALLY wants to develop their tourism industry and the locals are going all-out to be a welcoming and safe and desirable port. Every time a cop saw a cruiser wanting to cross the street, he or she would leap into traffic and stop the traffic flow, so the cruiser could cross the street. :)

As for the other ports, we did see police/military presence, but that is just a fact of life. One military officer with dog at the tender dock in Loreto (we noticed the dog, then the officer). Several around in other ports, though I can't be specific as to numbers/variety/ports.

2. The dock is sort-of on the outskirts of Guaymas. I will try to find the map and give you more specific information. Later this weekend, I suspect.

3. In Topo, you dock at a working port. There are some vendors right at the ship, and hopefully you will get the karaoke entertainment later. The town of Topo is a distance away. DH and I are very capable walkers, but I would not walk it. One fellow we spoke with had taken a cab to Topo, then hired a boat and captain for the day, and spent some time fishing. He is the only person we met up with who went to Topo.

Los Mochis is the nearest city. It is a working Mexican city, not at all set up for tourism. On our other trip to Topo, we went to Los Mochis and visited the market and the city square. There is a botanical park nearby (imported species IIRC). Personally, after the drug gang episode there a few months ago, I'd not venture far from the main area. Do not expect many English-speaking people or English signage. The people we met in Los Mochis were very friendly and helpful though their English skills were somewhere around our Spanish skills :)

edit: Just found our Topo "map" supplied by HAL. It is not a map of Topo per se, it shows the area around Topo of about 200 miles. As an inset is a map that shows the route from the dock to the town of Topo but without any meaningful scale. I'm going to guess it is minimum 1.5 miles, but I suspect it is a greater distance than that.

As for the "other" review, I'll try to do a quick 'n dirty one next week. We got home to a 3 foot high windrow from the snow plow blocking our driveway (AFTER our neighbours had worked on it for hours), it took me 40 minutes to get my car doors unfrozen and my windshield cleared, and I had to start working at 7 a.m. the day after our cruise ended while suffering a pretty bad case of mal d'embarquement. That is continuing but improving. I'm pretty fuzzy and tired :)

I can say this: of all the interactions we had with HAL crew on the Zaandam, there was only one that was anything less than delightful. An amazing crew, appears to be a happy ship.

Will look for the Guaymas map and post back here when I find it.

1. The police in Guaymas were HIGHLY visible, more than at any other port, and I am confident it was to inspire a sense of safety/security in the cruisers. Guaymas really REALLY wants to develop their tourism industry and the locals are going all-out to be a welcoming and safe and desirable port. Every time a cop saw a cruiser wanting to cross the street, he or she would leap into traffic and stop the traffic flow, so the cruiser could cross the street. :)

 

As for the other ports, we did see police/military presence, but that is just a fact of life. One military officer with dog at the tender dock in Loreto (we noticed the dog, then the officer). Several around in other ports, though I can't be specific as to numbers/variety/ports.

 

2. The dock is sort-of on the outskirts of Guaymas. I will try to find the map and give you more specific information. Later this weekend, I suspect.

 

3. In Topo, you dock at a working port. There are some vendors right at the ship, and hopefully you will get the karaoke entertainment later. The town of Topo is a distance away. DH and I are very capable walkers, but I would not walk it. One fellow we spoke with had taken a cab to Topo, then hired a boat and captain for the day, and spent some time fishing. He is the only person we met up with who went to Topo.

 

Los Mochis is the nearest city. It is a working Mexican city, not at all set up for tourism. On our other trip to Topo, we went to Los Mochis and visited the market and the city square. There is a botanical park nearby (imported species IIRC). Personally, after the drug gang episode there a few months ago, I'd not venture far from the main area. Do not expect many English-speaking people or English signage. The people we met in Los Mochis were very friendly and helpful though their English skills were somewhere around our Spanish skills :)

 

As for the "other" review, I'll try to do a quick 'n dirty one next week. We got home to a 3 foot high windrow from the snow plow blocking our driveway (AFTER our neighbours had worked on it for hours), it took me 40 minutes to get my car doors unfrozen and my windshield cleared, and I had to start working at 7 a.m. the day after our cruise ended while suffering a pretty bad case of mal d'embarquement. That is continuing but improving.

 

I can say this: of all the interactions we had with HAL crew on the Zaandam, there was only one that was anything less than delightful. An amazing crew, appears to be a happy ship.

 

Will look for the Guaymas map and post back here when I find it.

Super info!!

Sheeesh! What weather to greet you back home! Glad I am in the non-snow part of the country!

I am getting the idea of these ports. Appreciate your info, as it is really rounding out the little I have found so far.

Good to know that the Zaandam is a happy ship. That is something we have a feel for right off the bat and it makes a big difference.

Would love to read your "other" review and hugely appreciate any maps you can dig up, as they are the really hard part of this cruise prep.

Another question: were there any local shows on board? Any pool parties, BBQs? I am thinking the Topolobampo night would have been the time for that.

Hope your mal d'embarquement fades soon. Right now I am in the opposite state, climbing the walls and ready to go... next month!

Thanks, CowPrincess, for your info and help!!

CowPrincess - Thank you VERY MUCH for all your detailed info regarding these ports - I am going to copy and paste (if you don't mind) into a document that I can take with me - can't get lost trying to find the Gigglin' Dolphin! (I wonder if it is the same chain as in Cabo - the Gigglin' Marlin or they may just have copied it:)) Your information is very valuable as there is not a lot of info out there about these particular ports as I think a lot of people do ship's excursions only and don't venture out. We love to venture out on our own so we do appreciate you taking the time to tell us everything!

Muchas gracias!!:D:D

Canuck

I'm very glad the info I'm providing is helpful :) The bbq was held the PV night. DO get out on deck while the sun is fading in PV, and walk along the side of the deck facing the dock -- find the spot where you can here the birds. They make an amazing amount of noise, actually drowning out the traffic noise when you get to the right spot :)

Re local shows -- we missed any that were held. I think there was a show on the dock at Guaymas, and the other time we were in Topo they had local children put on a dance show in the show lounge.

I will check the Explorers that I find for local talent info. Currently my cat is in the middle of my suitcase, refusing to let me near it. I guess she figures that is one way of keeping me home -- claim the suitcase as her own :D

Have found the maps for Loreto, Guaymas and Topo :) so you folks will have a bit more info and preparation than we did on our first trip there. Will figure out how to post them when I'm a bit more clear-headed.

CowPrincess

Yeah!!! Maps!! No rush, though, so take your time.

Appreciate your efforts to answer all my questions. It really makes a lot of difference for us on this cruise to new ports.

Thanks CP!

Kirk

I'm very glad the info I'm providing is helpful :) The bbq was held the PV night. DO get out on deck while the sun is fading in PV, and walk along the side of the deck facing the dock -- find the spot where you can here the birds. They make an amazing amount of noise, actually drowning out the traffic noise when you get to the right spot :)

 

Re local shows -- we missed any that were held. I think there was a show on the dock at Guaymas, and the other time we were in Topo they had local children put on a dance show in the show lounge.

 

I will check the Explorers that I find for local talent info. Currently my cat is in the middle of my suitcase, refusing to let me near it. I guess she figures that is one way of keeping me home -- claim the suitcase as her own :D

Quite a challenge to pack & unpack. I have 2 cats & they both get in the suitcases. I spend more time opening & closing the cases trying to keep them out. Thanks for directions to Giggling Dolphin.

cowprincess....what a fabulous review of the ports on the sea of cortez. i'll be doing that cruise on the oosterdam the end of april and you have given me (and others) lots of insight on what to expect. my mouth is watering for onion rings right now. did you have them in any other port? i don't really care for mazatlan and never have gotten off the ship there, and i won't be getting of this trip.

honestly, this is one of the best and most useful reviews i've ever read on here. thank you again so much. i'm glad you had a good cruise,

cheers

..... i don't really care for mazatlan and never have gotten off the ship there, and i won't be getting of this trip.

.......

cheers

Different strokes: we like Mazatlan best of all and just a few blocks stroll from the ship into its very charming and restored Centro Historico - very pretty, very low-key, great shopping and restuarants. I'd hate it if cruise ships stopped goint there. Plus it is the home of Pacifico beer which has to be Mexico's finest. Stay away from the tourist area - Zona Dorado -- and explore the far quieter and elegant charms of its old colonial core.

swissmyst....thanks for the advice. you make it seem worthwhile. can you walk from the ship the centro historico?

cheers

First rate review of Sea of Cortez ports. Lots of good and useful informaiton. Thanks loads.

swissmyst....thanks for the advice. you make it seem worthwhile. can you walk from the ship the centro historico?

 

cheers

After you leave the port entrance, turn left and go to the end of the road where the ferries to Stone Island leave, cross the street and turn right on Via Cordova (or Via Carneval??) which is the only one with the trees in the middle of the street. Keep walking on this about 10-15 minutes and it will take you into the Central Plaza and the very beautifully restored Opera House.

From there just wander the side streets enjoying the archtecture, the color and the excellent craft shops (no one tried to sell us anything in the streets or in the shops at all in this part of town - very low key) and on Av Constituion which leads off the main plaza with the fountain, we found this wonderful little restaurant "Te Amo Lucy" run by an American ex-pat lawyer with his Mexico City wife, who is an inspired chef. We can hardly wait to go back.

Best wishes if you give this a try. And have a Pacifico for me.

Website for Centro Historico: http://www.centrohistoricomazatlan.com/ingles/_ch_principal_ing.html