which is the best excursion in Mexico??

going on Star Princess 4/26. Family reunion, adults,teens,9yr old,12,and a 3. WHICH is the best excursions in Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlon & Cabo???

I haven't been to those ports in over 10 years (prior to having children) so I unfortunately am not as helpful as I usually am!
I can give you some advice however: the infrastructure (busses, roads, etc.) are not great in Mexico so if you book your kids on an excursion, make sure there isn't a lot of travel involved. The busses are usually not well air conditioned so kids will not be happy campers on longer excursions or ones involving much bus travel.
In Cabo, the teens and adults might want to be on a fishing expedition. Cabo is well known for its teeming waters. For the younger set, there are plenty of glass bottom boat excursions in order to see the great sea life.
I'd love to hear about your cruise/excursions upon your return.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor

Went when kids were 5,7 and again when were 12,14. When they are little just go to resorts and hang at the pool and beach. When they are older you can really have fun. In Mazatlan did Randi's Happy Horses (3yo can do that one). Really nice, fun day for the whole family. In PV did Unimog tour (3yo can NOT do that one). It was a blast for teens and adults. In Cabo just went to the Hacienda resort on our own and hung out at the beach.

[mary dudar]

My 14 year old daughter and I went on a GREAT shore excurison in Mazatlan offered by the Sea Princess last Easter. It was Sea Kayaking and Hiking on Deer Island, a nature preserve. Then we got a "lift" to the beach with all the resorts and caught an open air "cab" back to the terminal. Terrific memories, esp as I am rather afraid of the open sea and heights! But I'm glad I did it. Our younger children stayed with their father on the ship and had a ton of fun, as the pool was empty!

In Cabo, my husband took the oldest child to the beautiful arch beach just using a water taxi. Very cheap, no need for shore excursion. Heard the people who did the horse back riding were disappointed.

We all explored Puerta Vallarta on foot and hated it. Look for a shore excursion here.
Ixtapa and Zhihuatnejo were great just hanging ou ton the beach and shopping.

Enjoy your trip. The Sea Pricess cruise (ten days to Acapulco, too) was our favorite yet.

[Jeanne]

I realize that the cruise you were asking about is well past, but I wanted to recommend the "Hideaway at Las Caletas" shore excursion offered by Princess. I can't remember which port -- either Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlan.

We were on Star Princess(without our 3 kids) in January 2003, and although we didn't do that excursion we heard wonderful things about it from several different people -- beach activites for kids, mellow atmosphere, friendly people, snorkeling, kayaks, music etc.

We're cruising this same itinerary again with our kids this time on RCCL Vision in December, and we'll be looking for good excursions for children, so this thread has helped alot.

Any other suggestions for things to do with kids in Mexican ports?

We found the beaches pretty in Mazatlan and Cabo, but overrun with vendors trying to sell us things. Any suggestions on private beaches or excursions that would protect us (and the kids) from that?

Jeanne

Jeanne:
Unfortunately I went to Mexico's west coast about 15 years ago, before I had children. I will keep your suggestion in mind and perhaps write a future article on what to do with kids in Mexico.
Please let me know what you ended up doing after you return from your cruise.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor

I know that you have already gone. However suggestions for others. Went with a 3 year old , 7 year old, and their grandma in November 2002. Had a great time. Usually went sight seeing or shopping in the morning and then found hotels with great pools on the beach. Puerta Vallarta went to a hotel called the Paradise Village. Cost a bit in taxi ride because it is in Neuva Vallarta but well worth it! Hired a taxi driver to wait for us for 2 or 3 hours. They had a zoo, shallow pool for the little ones, and right on the beach. I always ordered platters of tacos, quesidillas, toquitios to munch. Mazatlan went to El Cid. It is by the golden zone. (Good for shopping). They had a little water slide into a smaller pool. Hotel is crowded, but pool is huge to accomodate all the people. Same thing ordered lots of food to share and a few margaritas for the adults. In Cabo time is short. Went to Plaza Las Glorias. Swimming pool overlooking the Harbor. Hope this helps other families traveling with young ones.