Boat trip amigo?
by Rhea Heggaton | published: 6/9/2005
"Boat trip amigo?" If you answered "yes" to that question the next question is "Which one?" Not such an easy decision. There are more than fifty different bay cruises here in Puerto Vallarta; on paper many look the same but there are differences that only those who have experienced them all can tell you. Boat Cruises may look the same on paper, but there are differences. Things to think about when making a decision. Who is going with you and what do they want to do?All trips offer swimming, kayaking and snorkeling. A few offer additional choices and one even has a spa on their private beach. Make an informed decision and everyone can be happy. Is the destination important?If it is, then this should be your first question. Decide where you want to go and you have considerably limited your choices.  Will you be taken to shore in a smaller boat?This is not a problem for older children and most adults. However, those with mobility problems may be challenged by this. The crew of the boat offers assistance with the transfers, epically with smaller children and older adults however I have been on cruises where injured or elderly did not disembark. How much do you want to spend?Ticket prices on Vallarta Online range from $62.10 to $34.00. Don't just look at the ticket price. Some of the trips only include two beverages in the ticket price. Additional beverages have to be paid for. Bottled water and soft drinks cost $15 pesos, beer $20 pesos, and cocktails $30 to $50 pesos. On the tours that stop in Quimixto and Yelapa horseback riding is not included. It usually costs between $125 and $150 pesos. There are inclines, but minimally active people can usually handle the journey on foot. Prices mentioned are for adults and include the online discount, if applicable. Let's get started There is something for everyone on the Las Caletas cruise. Everything you need for a day of fun is included and I am tempted to say everyone in your group will have a good time. Continental breakfast is served on the ride over to Las Caletas, John Houston's former beach hideaway. The boat docks at a pier, making Las Caletas a good choice for people who have problems with mobility. At Las Caletas you can do everything: snorkeling for hours, kayaking, lounge in an inner tube, take a guided nature walk, yoga, visit the deer sanctuary (provided it is not mating season), join the paella cooking class, jump off the ocean raft, or simply lounge on the beach in a hammock. A buffet lunch is served in the beautiful restaurant. Also included are unlimited beverages; there is even a blender on the boat. Extras that are not included are services in the hilltop spa, clay modeling and scuba diving. This trip has a high staff to guest ratio, ensuring your satisfaction. ( $70/$35 USD children, Food, Open Bar, various activities, for all ages and abilities) 
If you are traveling with children they will surely enjoy the Marigalante Pirate Cruise. The Marigalante is a replica of Christopher Columbus' ship The Santa Maria. You will enjoy breakfast on the boat and then the watch out for the Pirates. You will journey to Pirate Land (Majahuitas Beach) where you can snorkel, kayak and play sports on the beach. Lunch will be served on board on the ride back to the marina along with unlimited beverages during the whole day. The Marigalante also has a high staff to guest ratio and pay special attention to the children onboard. You will be taken to Pirate Land in a small boat. ($57/$28 USD children), Food, Open Bar, various activities, for all ages, especially children) The Marietas Islands are located 22 miles from the marina. The Islands are a bird sanctuary and you can observe several different species including Blue Footed Boobies (yes, they really have blue feet) and Spoonbills. 
For those looking for adventures on the high seas without the pirates, there is The Geronimo. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Marietas for a snorkeling and exploring. After exploring Marietas you will sail to a secluded beach for swimming and kayaking. A continental breakfast and lunch are served onboard. Also included is open bar. The staff is attentive and efficient. ($58.00/$29.00 USD children, Food, Open Bar, Kayaking, Snorkeling)  Are you interested in more of a party? The Marietas Wild Dolphins and Snorkeling cruise is a day full of fun. Continental breakfast is served on the ride over. At Marietas you can swim, explore the area is a kayak and snorkel. A buffet lunch is served on board and there are unlimited drinks on board. What is that noise? It is the blender mixing up piña coladas. This cruise also has a high staff to guest ratio. ($61/$30 USD children, Food, Open Bar, Various Activities) The south coast of the bay, Yelapa, Quimixto and Majahuitas are also popular destinations for many.  To explore Yelapa and Majahuitas on the same trip consider the Yelapa and Majahuitas cruise. On the cruise out to the fishing village of Yelapa a continental breakfast is served. Once in Yelapa you can snorkel in the calm waters, hike through the jungle to the water falls or explore the river on horseback. Then it is off to Majahuitas for an afternoon on this unspoiled beach. Explore the area by kayak or hike in the jungle looking for native species flora and fauna. Cool off with a refreshing swim or snorkel. A buffet lunch and unlimited drinks are served on board. You will need extra money for horseback riding, food (try the pie) and drinks in Yelapa. This cruise also has a high staff to guest ratio to provide great customer service. Guests will be ferried to the beaches in smaller boats. ($54/$27 USD children, Food, Open Bar, Various Activities)  A truly economical cruise is the Vallarta Sol. It following the same Los Arcos, Las Animas, Quimixto iteneray as the Dancer. A continental breakfast and lunch are served onboard. Two beverages of your choice are included in the ticket price. You will need to bring money for extra drinks. A smaller boat is also used to ferry guests between the larger boat and the beaches. The Vallarta Sol has a small but attentive crew. ($34/$17 children, Food, Two drinks, Various Activities) Charter Your own course If you have your own itinerary in mind, or are coming with a group consider charting your own boat. Charter Dreams offers a 40 foot Hunter Legend sailboat for bay cruises. Explore hidden beaches, snorkel Marietas, look for dolphins. Just tell them where you want to go, when, and for how long and you are off. All you need to bring is your bathing suit and sunscreen. Eureka, I found it!After you have made your decision you can book your cruise online using our secure server and it is smooth sailing ahead. Most of these trips depart from the Maritime Terminal. Each guest will need to pay a $15 port tax to enter the marina. Don't forget your towel, camera, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses! |
Other spotlights |