downsized

Interesting discussion. We would only add that for those planning on using US Dollars...make sure you know the exchange rate before you order in a restaurant or shop. While many merchants do offer reasonable exchange rates there are plenty that will take advantage of cruisers (who are often naive about exchange rates).

 

Hank

Once again Hank, I think that you are spot on. We always carry both $US and $Pesos, and find that oddly enough, we are often offered a better rate for our $US.....but...not often enough....

A one day trip from a ship....$US....so long as your purchases are minor....if you intend to purchase high value items, then $Pesos, without question.

On our first cruise, we purchased a lot of Pesos before our cruise....got home with a lot of Pesos.

LOL, I agree with pretty much everything you say. That being said, when we happened to be in PV on a cruise (last year) it was somewhat of an eye opener for us. Our tablemates (we had a fantastic table for our multi-week cruise) had never been to PV or even Mexico. They surprised DW and I by "demanding" that we give them a personal guided tour (to include lots of bars). So we explained the taxi and bus situation and suggested that we could probably get a van/taxi at the port or could certainly just grab two regular taxis. But the entire group quickly made it clear they wanted to use the local buses as they understood they were part of local charm/culture. So we took them on the bus into Centro. Later that day, after the custom tour, we suggested getting two taxis back to the port. Our group quickly shouted down that idea and demanded the bus! We relented and were amazed that everyone was still capable of negotiating that big step into the bus :).

 

Hank

Hank, to that, I agree. We too, would rather ride the bus and have a tour guide! Cheaper, and without doubt, more entertaining. If we were with an experienced soul, we would jump on whatever bus they did! My post was for those that were at PV for a short time, and had never been there before. The comfort gained by jumping in a cab and being delivered to their desired destination might be worth the few extra dollars.

I remember a long, hot, ride on a dirt road to Todos, when all we wanted was a short trip to Wally's in Cabo.... :)

We would never recommend taking a taxi from the port! These taxis are similar to the federale-type taxis at the airport and charge a premium. That is why we recommend walking out of the port to the main road (runs right in front of the gas station) and finding a Yellow Taxi which are less costly. For some in PV this is just a matter of principle :). But I would also stress that when we meet friends at the port (or airport) or take fellow passengers on a tour when on a cruise that stops in PV, we always like to take them on the buses. Experiencing the PV buses is part of the fun (and culture). And you will seldom wait more then 5 minutes for a bus running from near the port to Centro.

 

Hank

I do not to be argumentative, but for those that have never been to PV before, and are on a short timeline, $2 more for a cab at the pier over the cost of a taxi after walking out to the highway, might not be a tremendous burden. As for buses, we too like the buses, but we have been to PV before. We know where to stand and what to look for, and know what bus to grab so that we do not end up at El Rio Barbeque (which is not a bad thing, in itself...but I digress...). Two people $1.00US for the bus, or $8.00US for a cab right at the pier....$6.00US if they walk out to the highway. Really?

My advice remains the same... if it were me, I would grab a cab to the new pier, and slowly make my way back, grabbing a cab back to the cruise terminal if tired, or short of time.

I feel a little uncomfortable putting my kids in a cab without car seats. My 3 year old still uses one and even the 6 year old uses a booster. Is there a safe bus route back?

I'm sorry, but I am old and grouchy...that being said, you feel comfortable taking a 3 year old, and a 6 year old on a small boat, and on a bus, but not in a cab?

I suspect that you could find a land cab with child seats, but I have never seen a public bus anywhere in Mexico with child seats.

btw....I'm over 60 and have never ridden in a child car seat....just lucky, I guess.....

I like your post Hlitner, except I would suggest grabbing a cab at the cruise docks and taking it all the way to the new pier in old town, and then walk back North. If you grow tired (or run short of time), then grab a cab back to the cruise terminal (cheaper, and we like "old town" a lot).....oh...and I also might suggest that first timers (or anyone, for that matter) take a bit of time to explore the flea markets on the island on Cuale. Just my $0.02P worth.

Did everyone purchase their encounter through the ship? If you can walk to the dolphin excursion, can you purchase it directly? Is there a price difference if you did that or is it just as easy to purchase it through the ship?

Yes, absolutely book through your cruise line, and book early! The dolphin experience is quite popular, and on ship days, they are fully booked, well in advance. The ship's price is a bit more, but not much, and since Cabo is a tender port, you might have to wait up to 2 hours to get on one of the tenders to shore. On NCL, at least, those that have booked a morning swim (and their entire party) are escorted to the front of the line. That alone, to me, was worth the few extra bucks.

If I take a water taxi to see the arch and then get dropped off at Medano Beach, do I have to arrange a return trip with the same guy that dropped me off? Are there plenty of other water taxis available to take cruise passengers back to the ship? Do we pay again for the return trip? Also, is this an appropriate trip with a 3 and 6 year old?

If it were me (and we've done it many times), grab a water taxi and most certainly see the arch, lover's Beach, Divorce Beach, the Sea Lions, Pelican Rock, and feed the fishes, and ask to be delivered to Medano. Enjoy your day at Medano at any (many?) of the great Cantinas, and then take a land cab back to the cruise dock. The land cab should be a bit cheaper than a water taxi back, and you will be afforded a small tour of parts of Cabo that you would ordinarily miss. A land cab back from Medano should cost about $12US for up to eight.

Wow $100 for pictures? :eek: That seems a little steep.

 

Do you think it's worth it to do this excursion? My sister and I were planning on doing this excursion because there is nothing else we'd like to do or haven't done in Cabo. We also live very close to SeaWorld so if we'd like to take pics with dolphins, there are other places we could go to back home...:confused:

Wow....really, that is a tough question. You indicate that you have been to Cabo before. I can state that my daughter and grand daughter enjoyed the swim, but as for the cost....it is not cheap. Not knowing what you have experienced before in Cabo, I can only guess as to what you might like. My Bride and I enjoy just walking the town and Marina, stopping as we find something interesting. After 12 visits in Cabo, we have wandered all over, and have never felt threatened or at risk (keeping in mind that we do not wander dark alleys at 2:00am(!) By all means, wander down Marina Blvd taking in the flea markets, the great Cantinas, and any food vendor that looks good and smells good! We've never had any problems with anywhere that we have stopped to eat or "beverage". Cabo Cantina, Rip's, and Taco Loco being amongst our favorites.

We often gravitate to the Marina, find a nice Cantina, have a cold beverage(s) and watch the people. Captain Tony's (great pizza), Soloman's Landing, and Tiki Bar are our favorites on the Marina (all easily within walking distance from the cruise pier.) We really do love Cabo.

When you say "gentle" do you mean the activities, or the water? I have not a good swimmer, so I like a little less rough waves.

Derbie, I meant the water. The ocean at Medano Beach does have a drop off a few feet from the beach. Personally, I do not swim there, but my kids and grandkids do.

Someone earlier mentioned walking from the cruise pier to Medano....it is quite a walk (20-30 minutes at least at a brisk pace), and in early October the weather can still be quite hot and humid. In my opinion a water taxi, or a land cab to Medano is preferred, especially for those on their first trip to Cabo, as with the water taxi, for just a few dollars more, you will get the tour of the Arch, the beaches, the sea lions, and be afforded the opportunity to feed the fish (which will swim right up into your hand to get the food.) I believe that the water taxi tour of the Arch is one of the best values you can find in Cabo.

Typically, you will be issued wrist bands that will allow you access to the viewing deck if some in your party are swimming. The viewing deck is a covered area with decent seating, a nice view of not only the dolphin pool, but the Marina as well. They also do sell beverages there. They also have a nice Cantina located on the ground level. You will not, however, be allowed to take pictures of your family with the dolphins. You will be "allowed" to buy a disk with pictures on it, but be prepared to pay about $100US for the disk.

I think that if it were me with the short time that you have, I would wander up Hildalgo street, maybe stop at Cabo Coffee for a coffee or frozen drink, then wander back down towards the Marina. Once back at the Marina, stroll it (a nice wide walkway) great views of the boats and the Marina. Finally, I would stop at one of the great Cantinas and have a snack and a Margarita (or 3), or a bucket of beer. The people watching from one of the marina Cantinas is a great pass time.

We like either Captain Tony's (try one of their pizzas!), Tiki Bar, or Soloman's Landing (sit at the bar at Soloman's Landing, as their drinks and food are cheaper at the bar.) Also, we like shopping at the flea market close to the cruise docks. Their prices are a bit higher than in town, but not by a whole lot.

From Captain Tony's you are less than a ten minute walk to the cruise dock.

The only times that we have needed our actual Passport is when we buy Pesos by exchanging $US cash. If you use a debit card at a bank's ATM, then no.

We do, however, carry a color copy of the main page of our Passports, but have never needed them.

Do you have any suggestions for a PV tour that would encompass an in-depth cultural experience?

If it were me, especially on a first visit, I would suggest that you grab a cab at the cruise docks and have it deliver you to the new dock in old town. From there, just wander slowly back on the Malecon towards the cruise docks. There are so many really great things to see and do along the Malecon. Nice folks, fun shopping, cheap (and good) food, and great beverages. If you grow tired or run short of time, on the way back, just grab a cab back to your ship.

There are lots of places to see, and lots of things to do in PV, but on a short stay...

Just my $0.02Pesos worth.

I agree with Ine. Unless you expect to buy expensive items, just use $US. If you buy Pesos before you leave, you will typically incur extras costs from your bank. Be certain to notify your bank that you will be in Mexico, before you leave, and if needed, use your Debit card at an ATM that is in, or connected to, an actual bank while there.

A cambio will do, in a pinch, but be certain to have your Passport with you if you decide to purchase Pesos there. As to buying Pesos, and then selling them back....keep in mind that you will most likely pay a charge, both times.

Better (IMO) to take the small loss when paying in $US.

Just my $0.02P worth.

Good Morning

We leave on our cruise tomorrow and I’m still trying to figure out what to do at the ports. We have never been to any of these places so I’m making sure we have a plan. This is what I’ve came up with; I would appreciate any feedback. Should we give ourselves an hour to get back to the ship?

Thank you!

 

Cabo San Lucas 11-7pm

 

Glass bottom boat trip. Someone said cost should be about $40 for 4 people? Then after have them drop us off at Medano beach. Any family friendly place to have food and drinks. Nothing wild since we have two kids. Tabascos was mentioned but I remember reading they charge for umbrellas and seats now? Is there something we shouldn’t miss while in Cabo? Then we should take a cab back to the ship and it shouldn’t be more than $10 for all 4 of us?

 

Mazatlán 8-5pm

 

Options for this port

 

El Cid El Maro - all Inclusive – Resort with pool and beach – How far is this and anyone know the cost? Is there a beach as well as a pool?

 

Take a Pulmonia for 3 hours and cost should be $60 for 4 people? Now on this tour does anyone know if we can stop and shop? After the tour take a water taxi to Stone Beach cost shouldn’t be more than $12 for 4 people. Do we have enough time to do this? Any restaurant suggestions on this beach?

 

Puerto Vallarta 8am -8pm

 

Take a taxi to the Malecon and walk around. Taxi should be $6-8? Is there a beach here we can go to? Any suggestions? I looked at the weather it says Thunderstorms are we even going to be able to walk around? Are there any hotel options with a pool and a beach we should look into?

I like all of your ideas.

In Cabo, when you arrange your water taxi, be sure to negotiate to be dropped off at Medano. We like Tabasco's, but there are lots of other good Cantinas along the beach, all an easy walk, just wander about until you find one you like. Tabasco's charges (sometimes) for chairs and umbrellas for those that choose to sit on the beach and are unwilling to buy food and/or beverages. (Imagine that!) After the day there, we usually take a land cab back.

Mazatlan....I'm not the one to answer that. On our one and only visit there I was....um....underwhelmed.

PV, yes, take a cab from the cruise terminal (a bit cheaper if you walk out to the highway, but only a couple of bucks) to the "new" dock...that will be Romantica. From there, just enjoy your day and wander slowly back towards the cruise docks. Take your time, enjoy the small shops, the great food and inexpensive beverages, and when tired, just grab a cab back to the docks.

No horses involved, high, or low...:) [added] As for a cab from the cruise terminal at PV to the new dock....$50P is only $3.05US.....I think that is unlikely, more like $130P...but I guess that you can always try.

If you're on the beach, there's a huge restroom right in front of you. Where do you think the fish go? ;)

Laurie, you're another reason that I never use a pool with a swim up bar.

OP....most any of the restaurants on Medano Beach will have clean restrooms.

As another posted, check out their facilities, if they do not suit you, wander the beach for another 100' and check the next place's rest room. Lots of great restaurants and Cantinas on Medano.

I know this is a big one. This will be my first time to both Cabo and Puerto Vallarta, and I have no clue what to do.

 

I know in Cabo we should see the arch. Beyond that, what else?

 

Puerto Vallarta? Just a city tour?

 

Some helpful info, mom is not a snorkeler nor in the category of liking the beach, well the sand that gets everywhere at the beach. Lol. Museums, ruins, history, all this is great, but I am not seeing much of this in either port, at least through the Disney excursions. I am willing to not book a tour and just wander around or to do private tours since I have not seen any that say pick me pick me!

 

Any help on ideas would be appreciated from those that have visited!

 

Oh and no Dolphin encounters please.

In Cabo I would most certainly recommend a water taxi ride to the Arch. You will see Pelican Rock, Lover's Beach, the Sea Lions and Divorce Beach, as well as being able to feed the fish (they will swim right up into your hand.) That should cost $10-12US per person. IMO a genuine bargain! (we've done it several times!) After the water taxi ride, you can easily walk up Hildalgo street to the Museum, enjoying lots of great restaurants and Cantinas. You might also consider walking the Marina, wide easy walk, with lots to see. There is also a nice Flea Market just to the left of the cruise docks.

In PV, I would grab a cab (a bus is cheaper, but a cab should not cost more than $12US for 2-6 folks)....take the cab to Old Town, and then stroll back on the Malecon towards the cruise docks. If you tire, just grab a cab back! There are a lot of great sights to see along the Malecon. Very good restaurants, cheap beverages, and lots of shops to visit. There's a Maritime Museum, lots of statues, sand sculptures, and a beautiful church along the way. Others will chime in, I am certain. There is just too many things to list in one post.

With a group that size (we often travel as a "herd" of nine) I would suggest Cabo Escape. They have a double decker boat that has a nice lunch (really more of a snack), an open bar, and a great staff. You will be afforded a nice boat ride of the Arch, as well as a trip to Chileno Beach where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy a really grand view. If I were you, I would contact them in advance, and ask if they can offer a discount, if not, you might consider purchasing a Cabo Passport Card, via the internet. They are a reputable firm that offers 2 for 1 at many of the Cabo establishments (Cabo Escape being one of them.) We've purchased a Passport Card every year for the past 4 years.

We've used Cabo Escape 4 times, and have always had a great time.

As for buying Pesos.....$US dollars work okay, but if you plan on any big purchase items, you might purchase Pesos at the Cambio within Wyndham. Bring your Passport, though, and never use a stand alone ATM in Mexico. If you need to use an ATM, find one that is attached to a bank.

You will love Cabo San Lucas!

Just my $2Pesos worth.

Wow. I can only state that my Bride and I just returned last week from PV after a two week stay. No problems, no fears, and absolutely no concerns. IMHO, PV is safer than Salem Oregon, but then again, we do not prowl at night in search of "shaky" activities. No matter where you are in world, if you go looking for trouble, it will find you.

BTW, we are booked again for two weeks in December.

Use common sense. If you lack that, then you are probably better off staying at home.

All over Medano Beach

 

 

 

 

Have the water taxi driver take you to Pueblo Bonito Rosa (to the left of Tobascos drop off point, Giant Pink Resort). Cruisers usually arrive mornings mid week (slow time). If we wanted to "Resort", we would walk right into Pueblo Bonito Rosa (like ya own it, maybe just one person 1st, others follow, after big tipping), ask to see a menu at the 1st bar you see, immediately order drinks, follow up with a snack... like nachos... and TIP BIG IMMEDIATELY... You Are In

Absolutely bobnsofi....buy a drink, pay a big tip (you might even grab the tip back, when no one is looking), and then avail yourselves of the amenities that everyone else has paid $250-500 a night for! What a great plan! Gotta love "something from nothing"....especially when someone else has paid for it.

I guess we all like different things. My husband and I don't like sitting on the beach on chairs that sink into the sand and can't be adjusted. We spend three months every winter in PV and one of our favourite restaurants is Daiquiri Dicks. BTW - what is a Maggies?

To each his own, obviously. I might add that all of the places that I mentioned also have "inside" seating, for those that don't care for sinking chairs. My post was aimed at the OP (and those that may not have had the pleasure of exploring PV before.) My Bride and I used to cruise, and often found ourselves at places that "Newbies" recommended, only to discover that there are other establishments that we enjoyed more. I would never expect my experiences to match those that "spend three months every winter in PV"....btw....Maggies are Margaritas, and the Sea Monkey's Maggies are NOT the best I've ever had, but with toes in the sand, and a Maggie in the hand (for a buck), works for me. Enjoy your winters mexico8, I do honestly envy your ability to do that.

What would be the approximate taxi fare from the cruise port to Daiquiri Dick's (located on Los Muertos beach)? Would that be the same for the return fare?

I'm not planning on exchanging dollars for pesos. Is the American dollar still widely accepted in Puerto Vallarta?

Many thanks for your comments!

You didn't really ask, but I will add my $0.02Pesos worth....just in case.

We travel to PV twice a year, and rent a condo directly above Daiquiri Dick's, and although we have eaten there a few times, we much prefer one of the places right on the beach (read that to be "on the sand".) You might consider Blue Shrimp, which is right next door, or CyC which is "maybe" 2 blocks south, or Burros, or Languistinos, or Sea Monkey ($1.00 beer and Maggies). Actually, all are good, we just like sitting under a Palapa with our toes in the sand. The taxi fare will be the same for all of those. No matter where you decide to land, you also might consider wandering north on the Malecon. Great views, and a very pleasant stroll. Too...the closer that you wander towards the cruise docks, the less the cabs back should cost. :)

ATV's are meant to be ridden on flat, level surfaces, which is the case in Cabo. They take you across a dry lake bed, if you crash, it's because you were going too fast.

 

We did a tour in Manzanillo where we were taken into the back country that had roads with pot holes etc. I ended up going down hard into a pot hole and breaking my wrist, so just be careful and you'll be fine.

They're called All Terrain Vehicles for a reason, not flat level surface vehicles. Use care, common sense, and as CW says, be careful, and most importantly, make certain that you are a comfortable distance from the nut-job that is certain to be riding too! Accidents do happen, but most generally, they are caused. Be careful, and you will have a grande time! Just my $0.02P worth! :)

You all make it sound like ATV'ing in Mexico is extremely dangerous, with the wrecks and turnovers. Were the folks that crashed acting recklessly or is there a good chance of tipping/crashing no matter what?

I like your post! To take it a bit further, why not wear body armor and ballistic vests? Seriously? We've done a few ATV tours, and yes, there is an occasional crash, but we've done it often enough that we take bets (amongst ourselves) before heading out, as to who will crash. They're easy to spot.

Common sense and even the tiniest bit of intelligence, and you will be fine.

That sounds like it would be a pretty long walk. I would guess it is about 4 miles back to the cruise docks. We normally walk to the end of the malecon, then go up to the Woolworth store and catch a blue and white bus back to the port.

That is exactly why I mentioned catching a cab if they tire. Four of them catching the bus = $2.00US, or so. Four of them grabbing a cab = $6.00US, or so. They being unfamiliar with the town, and the buses, a cab would be my suggestion. Please, keep in mind, that it was a suggestion, and only that. My Bride and I have occasionally worried about getting back to the ship on time. and a cab only seems reasonable to allay that concern.