Getting the most out of PV in January

[secordwest]

We will be in port for a long day over 12hrs.

 

We want to see and do as much as possible, what would you suggest?

 

We are up for almost anything, except for extreme sports.

 

Carnival Pride January 16, 2005

[sbnuggie]

Hello,

 

My wife and I were there for 5 days in 1998 and again on the Carnival Pride in 5/2004. I would suggest renting a jeep to help get the most out of PV for the day your in Port. When you get off of the ship there are several vendors in the port with jeeps available. We paid about $50 for a day. The only caveat was that we had to return the jeep by 6pm and as you know the ship is in port until 9 or 10 (can't recall right now).

 

Once we had our jeep we drove up to Nuevo Vallarta and saw some beautiful beaches and relaxed at one for a couple of hours. We then drove south of town to have lunch up in the jungle (Chico's Paradise). We then went to Mismaloya and sat at an old favorite bar/restaurant for most of the afternoon, drove into downtown and went shopping before returning the car. Driving in Puerto Vallarta is easy, just no right turns on red, and it's not as scary as it looks.

 

I would suggest planning on what you want to do over the internet and make arrangements (other then using the cruise line as it is very expensive) and rent a jeep to get you around. Should make for a very enjoyable day.

 

Take Care,

 

****

Pride 5/16/04

[secordwest]

Thank you for the information it is a great help.

I was wondering if you have any good web sights for tours and maps.

[sbnuggie]

Here are just a few and you can branch out from there:

 

http://www.puertovallarta.net/

 

http://www.allaboutpuertovallarta.com/

 

http://www.go2vallarta.com/

 

http://www.vallartaonline.com/

 

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

 

http://www.virtualvallarta.com/

[Ine]

For a nice whale-watchtour check www.vallartawhales.com

They leave from the port in the morning and afternoon

[pvpam]

You can take a bus nearly everywhere around here, north or south. Take a bus through the downtown, to the southside. Wander up and down the sidestreets to see very interesting, small shops. Los Muertos Beach is on the southside and a great place to plop down under a palapa and enjoy the view. You can shop from your chair if you want as there are many, many beach vendors. Be sure and walk the Malecon, especially in the evening. Lots of music, shows, mimes, sculptures and the cool ocean breeze. To the north, you can take a bus and visit some of the nicer beaches in the area. Lots to see and do and most of it you can do on your own!

[secordwest]

Pam we are not so sure we want to brave the busses. We were thinking about finding a tour guide, taxi or private party driver who speaks English and knows a lot about PV and surrounding area. There will be 5 of us, all adults with the need to see lots, learn lots and oh ya, shop lots. Any information at all would be great.

[Belle]

We're on the same cruise as you.

17 of us!

Getting closer!

Bon Voyage to us all!

[secordwest]

That's great maybe we can have a CC get together party?

 

There will be 5 of us going:> yahooooooo

[hbunch]

You can take a bus nearly everywhere around here, north or south. Take a bus through the downtown, to the southside. Wander up and down the sidestreets to see very interesting, small shops. Los Muertos Beach is on the southside and a great place to plop down under a palapa and enjoy the view. You can shop from your chair if you want as there are many, many beach vendors. Be sure and walk the Malecon, especially in the evening. Lots of music, shows, mimes, sculptures and the cool ocean breeze. To the north, you can take a bus and visit some of the nicer beaches in the area. Lots to see and do and most of it you can do on your own!

Hi Pam , We're arriving on NCL Star next week and are interested in going to Bucerias . How far is it ? Should we hire a driver ? If so , how do we do that ? How much should we pay ? Also , I'm looking to buy Orlando vanilla and beans . Any suggestions are greatly appreciated . We'll be in port from 9a-5p . Thx , Dawn

[nhcruiser]

hbunch,

 

We have just returned from a week in Puerto Vallarta on the 22nd. Bucerias is only 10km north of the port right on Banderas Bay. The following is a good link http://www.buceriasmexico.com/index.html

 

A local yellow taxi will take you there for about 100 pesos or arbout $9 US. The taxis are small Japanese cars that will only hold 4 passengers per car so if your party is larger you will need more than one taxi. Most of the taxi drivers understand english and are very accomodating. Make sure to arrange a return pick-up place and time before he lets you out!

 

We saw many places selling Orlando vanilla and beans in Puerto Vallarta especially the flea markets in old town near the bridge by the Malecon. I suggest that you look in Bucerias or perhaps Nerevo Vallarta for simular places to shop for vanilla and other spices.