Mexican Riviera - Cabo, Mazatlan & PV Review - Long!

[suziehmkr]

We are back from our cruise on the Legend of the Seas. We had a wonderful time in Mexico and I thought I would share our experiences here. There is so much to do in each port, that I am looking forward to going back. This is just a snippet of what can be done in these ports!

 

Cabo San Lucas

We opted to book thru RCCL the Snorkel & Sail Fiesta. We all boarded a catamaran and went out to Pelican Rock for snorkeling. The staff was very nice, spoke great English and was patient with those of us that were new. From a tip I saw on CC, we took alcohol wipes to clean our mouthpiece.... others were envious! Thanks CC!! The water was nice, not as clear as could have been, but the temperature was good. We saw a fair amout of fish and for our first snorkeling effort, we enjoyed it. As we got called in, I did get stung by one of those TINY jelly fish. Itched like crazy for a few minutes, left a small mark for a couple of days. Not a huge deal, but I can say it happened, right!?

 

After snorkeling, they took us out to the bay and hoisted up the sails for a sail around the bay. It was beautiful! DH spent most of the time in the head, as it was a little rough out there. If you get seasick on smaller crafts easily, then this might not be for you. They also open up the bar for mixed drinks & beer. I chose to stay safe and stuck with Corona on tap.

 

On the way back in, our catamaran was struck by a rogue wave runner. It appeared to have been a ship passenger that had rented one for the afternoon. Out of nowhere one of them hits the front right pontoon and put a hole bout 6-8 inches in diamter in the side of it. No one was hurt, but one of the guides jumped onto the wave runner and escorted him in so he wouldn't take off. I think this guy was so shocked at what he had done, that he wouldn't have even thought of ditching. We later saw them waiting for a report or whatever they do in Mexico. He looked very remorseful. I felt bad for the dude.

 

After our excursion, we walked up to town. We didn't go down the main strip, but chose to walk around to see the parts that weren't so touristy. We wound up at Cabo Wabo, as planned for lunch. The wait was about 25 minutes so we went down to the bar for a drink. I didn't know there is a special Waborita... so ordered just a margarita. This is made with the Cabo Wabo Blanco - which was still good. During lunch I did order the Waborita which is not like any drink you have had. Made with the the Cabo Wabo Reposado (blue) and definitely was excellent. They have a different menu on cruise ship days. They are quicker items, as some ships are only in port for a few hours. DH had the giant burrito, and I had the Lobster Tacos. Both were excellent! And service was efficient. After lunch we walked about in the little market outside Cabo Wabo and then tried to head back toward the ship... we were aiming for the main strip as our route back, but somehow got turned around and wound up WAY on the other side of the marina! How that happened, we still don't know, but we made it back safely. The street vendors were everywhere, but all politely backed off when we said, No Thanks. None were overly pushy!

 

Cabo San Lucas Photos – Click Here!

 

Mazatlan

This was, BY FAR - the highlight of our week! We booked our day with Randi's Happy Horses based on all of the great things posted on this board. Everything good that you read about Randi is completely true and them some! Randi is the most genuine person that you will ever meet. I liked her before I even met here, just thru her emails!

 

Antonio met us at the pier and took us to a great table with a fan (as it was humid & hot already) while he went back to wait for the other riders from the ship. In the meantime, Randi stopped by at the pier to greet us before an appointment that she had. When the rest of the riders arrived, Randi left us in Antonio's very capable hands. We took open air taxis to the water... then water taxi'd to the island. At that point our ride was an open air trailer with benches that was towed behind a tractor. We were able to see so many things as we travelled to the horses. We were matched up perfectly with our horses. DH was to ride Mosquito and I was matched up with Bunny. Be careful if you ever get Bunny - he is good friends with Clown and will want to be with that horse all the time, right Greg? LOL Antonio and his younger sister, the Very Lovely Maria, led our group on a ride thru the coconut tree plantations and then down to the beach for a stretch. The scenery is SPECTACULAR!!! I often found myself just gazing out into the ocean! At one end of the beach, Antonio stops us and with our cameras, takes pictures of us on our horses! Then we head back down the beach to Victor's Restaurant. This is a great place to spend a few hours. You see, it was very hot & humid in all of the ports, but on the beach at Victor's you get the best breeze and it is so relaxing!! The water was so warm! Randi met up with us there for a fun time of refreshments, eating & visiting. The shrimp was as tasty as everyone says and FRESH - just in from the market!! DH had the ribs and the sauce was very yummy! But the onion rings were to die for!!! Chris was our host and his was fabulous! I can't say enough about EVERYONE! DH is normally pretty critical about things and he just LOVED this day!!

 

Our tractor/trailer came to get us and took us back to the water taxi and then back to the pier we went. Randi gave us a tip to shop right at the pier, as the prices are better. We did end up bargaining some great deals on a beautiful bracelet and a fun shell necklace. All of the vendors were very nice... not overly pushy and did back off when you said No Thank You.

 

I can't wait to get back there and take our DD out for this great day!! If you want to the best day of horseback riding and happy & healthy horses, great food, relaxation and friends, go see Randi!! She is the BEST!!!

 

randi@mazinfo.com or http://www.mazinfo.com/horsebackride/index.htm

 

Mazatlan Photos – Click Here!

 

Puerta Vallarta

This port was definitely the most "touristy" of them all. You look out of the ship to your left (north) and there was a Sam's Club and a Super Walmart! Out of the other side of the ship (south), was a large part of the city. We took a 20 minute taxi ride to the office of our excursion which was the Canopy Tour thru Los Veranos. This excursion was highly recommended on CC, and a better deal than what was offered thru the ship. The taxi driver was great at pointing out things that we should see when were coming back. After our taxi ride, we took our shuttle up to the forest canopy, which was another 30-40 minutes down the coast past Mismaloya. Beautiful scenery! When we arrived, Pancho was there to help with lockers to hold our backpacks. We were then fitted with our harnesses for our zipping adventure! The guides were fantastic. They all spoke excellent English, had great sense of humor and really know what they are doing. They go over how to zip and other safety items. We traversed 13 cables with pulleys, each one getting a little higher. The final 4 or 5 lines actually zipped you over the river gorge about 100 meters (approx 300 feet!) high! It was awesome!!!! You end up at the restaurant which is a great place to take some photos of the river. You can eat there if you would like. You can make arrangements for other activities or play in the water. We chose to go back to town. We caught the next shuttle back. On our way back into town, the driver stopped at a little shop where you could get a Pacifico for 70 cents! Couldn't pass that up!!

 

http://www.canopytours-vallarta.com/

 

After being dropped back in town, there is just a short walk to a market where you can do some shopping. We picked up some vanilla and continued to the main street. We walked around town, down by the water - the main strip. Lots of US companies have nested in PV. Hooters, Pizza Hut, Dominos, BK, KFC, Subway, Hard Rock. Kind of a shame really. There is also a Senor Frogs, which we missed going to. But we will catch that next time. Although you could leave the main area and see more authentic Puerta Vallarta if you wanted - which many do! We chose to eat at a little place call The Zoo... basically a sandwich place - but they had great drinks and awesome nachos! We had two margaritas, two Corona's and a large plate of delicious nachos all for only $16 US. The salsa fresca looks mild - I prefer a spicy picante style, and asked for something spicier without even trying it. He looked at me like I was crazy and this was all they had. So, reluctantly I tried it! Silly girl! It was very hot & excellent. We ate almost the entire bowl! Most of the food in Mexico is very inexpensive. We took a taxi back to the ship to cool off for a while, and then went back out to go shopping right at the pier. Picked up a nice pair of sandles right there. The vendor was not pushy at all - and DH appreciated it so much he simply didn't bargain and paid the asking price for the sandles. He made a good impression on us. Once we got back to the ship, a lightening storm brewed and we had some great warm rain. It was a nice treat.

 

Puerta Vallarta Photos – Click Here!

 

I was worried about getting stuck with Pesos. I asked each vendor or store about receiving change in US $ and all but the restaurant in PV could do it. Most gave the better exchange too! So, if you ask you will probably get US $ in change. But if you don't ask, you will get pesos.

 

I am sure I have left some things out, but feel free to ask questions. I will do my best to answer.

[JohnQ]

Susie,

Sounds like you had a great trip and were in a happy frame of mind for everything. Way to go. I must tell you that my wife will be crushed to know that you were riding her horse without her getting to go along!! As I recall, Bunny had a head of her/own. I have pictures to prove it! Makes me ready to go back already.

[Cruzor]

suziehmkr,

 

Thanks for the outstanding post!

 

We are going on the Legend this Sunday. Your posts are perfect timing and very helpful.

 

Did any young children (between 2-6 years old) go on Randi's Happy Horses? Would we be able to hold our two year? How long is the ride?

 

Re. the Canopy Tour: I would LOVE to do the cables but don't know if we can with kids. We are going to go on the pirate ship and/or just beach time, but I am wondering if we can sneak in the canopy tour as well. How long is the tour?

 

Did you hear anything about the pirate boats in Cabo or P.V.? We are trying to decide which one is best for kids.

 

How about the boat ride out to Lover's beach in Cabo? What did you hear about the glass bottom boats? I have read that these are more stable (once again better for kids) than the water taxis. I'd like to spend some time out at Lover's beach or whatever beach is out by Land's End.

 

Thanks

[meredith]

Loved your review! We just went in May and now I am so ready to go back!!! When I saw our horses names on your post (I had Clown and my DH had Mosquito), and the way you described it, it was like I was there again! The day we rode there was only 4 in our group, so we spent lots of time talking with Antonio and helping Maria with her English! We also did a canopy tour, it was the one offered through the ship, we really enjoyed it. The Rhythms of the Night excursion was a really wonderful way to spend the evening, very romantic!!!

[SoccerMom#3]

Suzie,

 

Thanks so much for the detailed descriptions and the pictures. We will be on the Pride in a few weeks and stopping at the same ports you were at. I've already booked Randi's horses so reading your review just gets me more and more excited. From looking at the pictures, it seems that folks wore shorts while riding. I really don't want to pack jeans just for one outing so I was planning on having us wear shorts or capris. Think we'll be ok?

 

Again great review!

 

Elise

[meredith]

Suzie,

You should be fine in shorts, the other couple that was with us, the girl had on jeans and she got quite warm. Plus, if you get "Clown", he likes to run in the water, so if you have on shorts, your pants won't get wet, just your feet! I would reccommend wearing shoes that you don't mind getting wet. I had on some sturdy sandals, so when we parked our horses and walked to Victors, i just took my sandals off and carried them. OH, she mentioned about the onion rings, they were the best I had ever had, I ate all of mine and then I arm wrestled my husband for his!!! (Oh, just as a side note for some of the ladies, the other girl that was with us (she was more well endowed than some of us) had on a halter top, so she had no support where she needed it as the horses were trotting!! She said she was dying!!)

[tinydancer21]

GREAT REVIEW! I'm going on the Pride in September and I just love reading reviews from people who just got back! Thanks for taking the time to post!

[D4]

Suzie: Great review! I appreciated all your details on Randi's horses, because we're doing that this summer. Everyone just raves about it!

 

I have some questions, if you don't mind. About how long did you ride the horses? Once you got to Victors, was the horse riding over? When did you get back to the ship? Thanks!

[Palomino]

Thank you for the great review; it is very helpful. You mentioned the hot and humid temperatures. I know there is relief when you are near the water, but how were the heat and humidity when you were doing the canopy tour in PV?

[suziehmkr]

Susie,

As I recall, Bunny had a head of her/own.

 

Yes! Bunny was a treat! She was dead set on being near Clown though... She was usually fine loping in the back until she was in danger of being last! LOL It was a riot! We had a great time!

 

Tina

[suziehmkr]

Did any young children (between 2-6 years old) go on Randi's Happy Horses? Would we be able to hold our two year? How long is the ride?

 

Antonio is so good at gauging when the group has had enough riding. I wasn't really looking at my watch, but I think we were at Victor's around 11:00ish. You will definitely feel that you got enough riding time in.

 

Not sure about ages. You can email Randi at randi@mazinfo.com The horses are all so gentle & know what to do. If the ages are good, then I HIGHLY recommend booking with Randi. You will have beach time at Victors and it is so relaxing! And you must have the onion rings!

 

Re. the Canopy Tour: I would LOVE to do the cables but don't know if we can with kids. We are going to go on the pirate ship and/or just beach time, but I am wondering if we can sneak in the canopy tour as well. How long is the tour?

 

The canopy tour takes some time due to the travel to & from. We had the 11am tour and we got back in town well after lunch. If you email them from their website (link above) then Sylvie will get back to you usually the next day. I think their min age is 8 years old. The Pirate boat in PV looked great! It even shoots off the guns! I don't know about you, but I would be careful about scheduling too much in one day. It is very hot & humid in all of the ports and especially with children, you might want to play it by ear.

 

How about the boat ride out to Lover's beach in Cabo?

 

Lover's Beach was beautiful. I didn't hear one way or the other about the easiest way to get there. We didn't stop for the beach, although I saw both glass bottom boats & water taxi's taking people there. Nice beach, not to far away. Maybe someone who has taken a ride out there will be able to help more. Sorry.

[suziehmkr]

From looking at the pictures, it seems that folks wore shorts while riding. Think we'll be ok?

 

You will fine with shorts - it is really warm when you are riding. Just lather up with some sunscreen.

 

Tina

[suziehmkr]

I have some questions, if you don't mind. About how long did you ride the horses? Once you got to Victors, was the horse riding over? When did you get back to the ship? Thanks!

 

See my post above, you will get enough riding time in.... it is perfect timing. When we hit Victor's everyone was satisfied. Yes, the horses are taken home after you hit Victor's and the tractor/trailer comes back to pick you up. Also your backback's etc, will be waiting for you when you get there too! Fantastic! We got back to the ship in plenty of time - I didn't look at my watch, I am guessing around 3pm - plenty of time to check out the shops on the pier.

 

Tina

[suziehmkr]

how were the heat and humidity when you were doing the canopy tour in PV?

 

I am a bit of a wimp so I was hot... but not unbearably hot. I think it was 2 or 3 of the platforms had water there for you to drink. We were all sweating, but it was bearable. They had mentioned that it was humid early because of some storms earlier. Hope this helps. The rush that you get just zipping thru the air makes the humidity all worth it!

 

Tina

[suziehmkr]

I think I am caught up with the questions so far.... I am glad that you all liked the review. I don't mind answering so feel free to ask. You see, I planned all of my excursions based on the opinions of the members of CC - and we were more than satisfied with them! So, if I can give a little back and help other's make some decisions, I am happy to!

[banderboo]

Suzie,

 

GREAT review. How much did you pay for the taxis and how far from the pier were they? did you have any problems catching a taxi back to the ship at any of the ports.

[suziehmkr]

Hi Banderboo - taxi's were very easy to get. The only place we took them on our own was in PV. We paid something like $10 each way to town. I am sure we could have done it a little less. We didn't haggle much with the taxi drivers as the two that we had spoke excellent English and were very nice. The one on the way to town (to the Canopy Tour office) was very helpful and pointed out how to get to town walking from the office... just a few short blocks and pointed out a market area that we may have missed otherwise.

 

However, in all ports - there were taxi's everywhere, whether you needed them or not. Just do a little research on the boards to find the suggested price that it should be so that you know you aren't getting snookered. One tip I heard was that if you walk away from the pier a bit, you will get a better price.

 

Smiles - Tina

[momdebomb]

Suzie, thank you so much for all the excellent scoop. We're taking the Legend down there in August and I can't wait. I bet it's going to be hotter though :-S

[suziehmkr]

I think (I am totally not sure about season's other than mine!), but I think they did say they were just coming into the rainy season in PV - which is why it was so humid.... All of the fun that you have will be worth it. Just carry water bottles with you.

[bpolan]

soccermom#3, what week are you sailing on the pride? we are on the july4 sailing. can't wait to go on randi's happy horses!

bp

[SoccerMom#3]

We'll miss you by a week. We are sailing on July 11. We're doing Randi's horses also. I can't believe it is less than two weeks away. You must be SO excited. We'll have to compare notes when I get back.

 

Elise

[tinydancer21]

SoccorMom and Bpolan,

Please post reviews after your cruises on the Pride! I can't wait till mine and I'm eating up every piece of info! ;) :D

[JohnQ]

Tinydancer

Are the campgrounds closed by Sept or are you just taking off?

 

Check out the pictures of Randi's ride on her website. Kids are welcome. Taxis and water taxis out to Stone Island are handled by Randi.

[bpolan]

in my emails to randi inquiring about ages, she told me she had taken a rider as young as 3, who was led by a guide while on the horse. she takes all ages! we can't wait to meet her and take this ride.

bpolan

[suziehmkr]

Yes, that is correct. They will ride Bunny, most likely. He is an excellent horse!!

 

You will have a wonderful time!! I highly recommend this to anyone that want's a nice day in Mazatlan. The breeze in the beach is perfect! Order extra onion rings!!!