Mexican Cruises: The Best Routes for an Unforgettable Trip

Table of Contents:

• Exploring Magical Mexico: The Best Route Options 🗺️
• A Pacific Coast Adventure 🌍
• Explore the Yucatán & Caribbean 🌊
• The Magical Towns Tour 🏘️
• Essential Tips for First-Time Travelers to Mexico ✈️
• Mexican Cruises Conclusion: Mexico Awaits 🚢

Exploring Magical Mexico: The Best Route Options

Welcome to our Mexican cruises article! A cruise to Mexico isn’t just a vacation; it’s an adventure packed with culture, amazing landscapes, and endless opportunities for relaxation and exploration.

From the streets of Cabo San Lucas and the ancient wonders of the Yucatán to the calm and beauty of Puerto Vallarta, there’s so much to see. There are so many itineraries to choose from when planning a trip to Mexico, but there are a few stops you just can’t miss.

Here are some ideas for routes you can take.

A Pacific Coast Adventure

If you choose to sail from Los Angeles or San Diego, you can journey through Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán.

Cabo San Lucas

Popular for its rock formations and whale-watching, Cabo San Lucas makes for a great first stop in Mexico. It’s also part of the Mexican Riviera. For a bit of sun and fun, while you’re here, make sure to take a boat ride out to El Arco to snap the iconic photograph of Cabo San Lucas’ heaven-like arch. The arch had been carved out by wind and rain over thousands of years.

Snorkeling in Santa Maria Bay is also incredible. You’ll get the chance to see sea turtles, pufferfish, angelfish, and the Moorish Idol—a strikingly beautiful marine ray-finned fish. For the rest of your stay, take some time to visit the local markets and experience the traditional fiestas; there’s nothing quite like it. Downtown Cabo San Lucas is great for this, and the fish tacos are a must!

Don’t forget that Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) takes place from the 1st to the 2nd of November.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta offers old-world Mexican charm. Stroll along the cobblestone streets before stopping off at one of the many restaurants for some fresh seafood. Joe Jack’s Fish Shack is great!

And if you’re in the mood for some action, why not arrange a jungle ATV tour? You may just be lucky enough to spot armadillos, badgers, wild boars, and the Coyote skunk.

Puerto Vallarta is also where you can see the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the statue of the Boy on the Sea Horse, which can be found at the El Malecon promenade. This sculpture was created by Rafael Zamaripa and was inspired by his dreams of riding a seahorse over the ocean as a boy.

Insider Tip: Take a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán (a small fishing village south of Puerto Vallarta) to hidden beaches like Yelapa or Las Ánimas. This is a great way to get away from the crowds.

Mazatlán

End your vacation with some well-deserved relaxation time on the beach. If you’re a fan of surfing or fishing, you’re going to love it here. Head to Playa Brujas or Playa Olas Altas if you want to catch some waves, but if it’s fish you’re after, Playa Norte and Playa Cerritos are where you want to be.

Another one for outdoor lovers is the El Faro hike. During this hike, you can climb to one of the world’s highest lighthouses on a natural peak for panoramic city views. Riding horses on the beaches of Isla de la Piedra is another top pick.

Mazatlán is also one of the most beautiful historic districts of Mexico, so be sure to visit the Catedral Mazatlán Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción, as well as the Angela Peralta Theater, one of the most important buildings of its type in Mexico.

And if you’re a beer fan, Mazatlán is the home of Pacifico Brewery, so be sure to try this local favourite.

Explore the Yucatán & Caribbean

The second route you could consider starts off in Miami, but you can also leave from New Orleans. This trip will take you to Cozumel, Yucatán, Costa Maya, and Belize.

Cozumel

Despite being a major cruise stop, Cozumel has maintained its small-town feel with authentic markets, friendly locals, and incredible street food. Cochinita Pibil, Sopa de Lima, and Relleno Negro, which is a smoky turkey or pork stew, are just some of the dishes you should try.

Cozumel is also one of Mexico’s premier diving destinations because it gives you access to the Great Mayan Reef. Keep an eye out for giant clams, parrotfish, moon jellyfish, and moray eels. The reef can be accessed from Cancun, Cozumel, and the Riviera Maya coastal front.

Lastly, don’t forget to head to the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio. This ancient pilgrimage site dates back to 100 BC and is dedicated to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility, love, and the moon. Legend says that visiting this site just once in your lifetime can help with your fertility.

Yucatán

Your excursion to Yucatán will start off in Progreso, which is close to Mexico’s capital, Mérida.

Progreso is mainly known for the Chichén Itzá and Uxmal ruins. The Pyramid of the Magician is the tallest pyramid in Uxmal and is a site to behold. Its doorway is in the form of a Chac mask and the pyramid is believed to have been built magically overnight by a dwarf king.

Chichén Itzá doesn’t disappoint either. It’s actually a giant Mayan calendar. Each of the four sides of the pyramid has 91 steps, plus the top platform. This adds up to 365 steps, one for each day of the year.

What’s even more impressive is that during the spring and fall equinoxes, the setting sun creates a shadow illusion of a serpent slithering down the staircase, representing the feathered serpent god Kukulcán.

After spending some time in Progreso, you can head to Yucatán, which was the heart of the Mayan civilization before becoming a key battleground during the Caste War of Yucatán. Making this trip basically puts you in the centre of some of Mexico’s most important history.

Yucatán is also known for its natural sinkholes (cenotes). Most of these sinkholes were formed when limestone caves collapsed, revealing crystal-clear underground pools once considered sacred by the Maya.

Insider Tip: Arrive early in the morning or visit lesser-known cenotes like Cenote X’Canche (near Ek’ Balam) or Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman (near Valladolid) instead of the more touristy ones like Ik Kil.

Costa Maya

By this stage, you will be ready to do some relaxing on the beach, and Costa Maya is perfect for this. As a bonus, it tends to be much less crowded than Cozumel, so you can really kick back. Maya Chan and Playa Mahahual should be at the top of your list.

There are plenty of ancient ruins to explore here too. Chacchoben ruins is one of the best-preserved Mayan sites in the region and has temples that date back to 200 BC. The Kohunlich and Dzibanché ruins also come highly recommended.

If you want to keep the outdoor adventure going, you can also head to Bacalar Lagoon, which is known for its stunning seven shades of blue and natural sinkholes.

You’ll also want to stop by a local bar or tasting room to sample artisanal mezcal and tequila. The best place for this is at the Catrina restaurant, which is near the cruise port.

Belize

This route ends in Belize, where you’ll find some of the best rainforests in the world. However, the star attraction is definitely the Great Blue Hole. This awe-inspiring natural wonder was formed over thousands of years as rising tides flooded a network of caves. You’ll have the option to swim in the Blue Hole, which can be quite intimidating, but absolutely unforgettable.

Beyond the Great Blue Hole, there is also Caracol, the largest Mayan site in Belize hidden deep in the jungle, where you can still climb the towering Caana (Sky Palace) pyramid.

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) is also worth a visit. It houses Mayan artefacts, sacrificial remains, and stunning rock formations. And if wildlife is your thing, take a trip to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a jaguar reserve with jungle trails, waterfalls, and tubing down the South Stann Creek River.

Insider Tip: If you want a more authentic experience, skip the big resorts and stay in locally-owned guesthouses or eco-lodges, especially in places like San Ignacio, Hopkins, or Placencia.

The Magical Towns Tour

If you are looking for a route that combines true Mexican culture and a beach holiday, consider leaving from Los Angeles or San Francisco and heading to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco.

These three towns are some of the most magical in Mexico and will provide you with some of the most authentic experiences. Since we’ve already covered Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, let’s focus on Acapulco.

Acapulco is one of Mexico’s most glamorous cities. Not only does it have some of the best beaches, but it’s home to the famous La Quebrada where daring divers regularly leap into the ocean.

However, Acapulco is also the gateway to Taxco, which is often referred to as the ‘Silver Capital’ of Mexico. Taxco is where you can have a truly ‘Mexican’ experience. The colonial streets and silver markets are just some of the highlights.

If you’re a history fan, be sure to add Santa Prisca Church to your list. This 18th-century baroque masterpiece is an iconic landmark that features intricate pink stonework and gold-covered altars.

When you’re ready for some people-watching and a meal, head to the Zócalo plaza and try Taste Pozole Blanco. This signature Taxco dish is a white hominy soup served with chicharrón, avocado, and oregano.

Lastly, don’t forget to take a cable car ride up from Monte Taxco Hotel for panoramic views of the city and mountains.

Essential Tips for First-Time Travelers to Mexico

Before you head off on your cruise vacation to Mexico, here are a few tips you should keep in mind.

• Visit during the dry season. November to April is the best time to visit Mexico. Dia de los Muertos also takes place in November.
• Plan your travel documents. A valid passport is required for all travelers, but most nationalities don’t need a visa for short stays. Be sure to keep your tourist permit safe. You will need it to leave.
• Keep some cash on hand. It’s best to have cash for small vendors, taxis, and markets. Also, ATMs tend to give better rates than airport exchange booths.
• Learn some Spanish. Since Spanish is the official language in Mexico, it really helps to learn some basic phrases. A translation app can also come in handy.
• Agree on taxi prices in advance. If you choose to travel by taxi, rather set the price in advance. Uber might be cheaper in certain cities.
• Eat at busy local markets. Local markets and busy street stalls often have the best food, so don’t avoid them. It’s best to stick to bottled water though.
• Stay sun-safe. Mexico’s sun can be intense, especially at high altitudes, so wear sunscreen at all times and stay hydrated.
• Don’t be afraid to haggle. Markets and street vendors expect haggling, so don’t accept the first price. You should avoid buying any coral, turtle shells, or ancient artefacts, though, as it’s illegal.
• Buy a local SIM card. Even though Wi-Fi is common, it can be helpful to have a local SIM card if you need cheap data on the go. Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar are all good brands.

Mexican Cruises Conclusion: Mexico Awaits

Mexico is a destination you won’t soon forget.

No matter which path you choose, you can rest assured you’ll be greeted with great local food, ancient ruins, colorful local festivities, and beautiful beaches. Mexicans are some of the warmest people you will meet, the traditions are beautiful, and the landscapes are fantastic, so go ahead and try all the foods, step out of the tourist bubble, and allow yourself to experience the local culture for the best experience!

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