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One day in Vallarta
What to Do in One Day If your cruise itinerary includes Puerto Vallarta, you are in for an extraordinary experience. Puerto Vallarta is one of the best known and loved ports in the Mexican Riviera. The variety that this incredible city has to offer can fill a two week vacation easily, and all you get is a small taste, so savor every moment.Welcome to the world's friendliest city! This year's top choice by the prestigious Condé Nast Magazine for the World's Friendliest City is none other than Puerto Vallarta. Condé Nast quotes, " Friendliest of all, however, is Puerto Vallarta (92.5 out of 100 points). The Mexican resort city maked its debut on the list in 2001, in part because of the remarkable amiability of the local folk." Puerto Vallarta also scores high on ambiance (over 90.0) and is rated the number eight out of ten top foreign cities in the world to visit (Conde Nast Traveler, 2001). Spend the Day The moment you step off the cruise ship, you have entered the number one cruise destination in all of Mexico. And for good reason, Puerto Vallarta is a wealth of options, all housed in one of the most beautiful tropical locations on earth.  The cruise ship terminal is located in the Marina area, just north of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Here you have many pick-up points for a variety of day trips and tours. To the south, you have the heart of the city and the famous boardwalk, the Malecón. Family fun Cruise ships are a great option for family travel, and Puerto Vallarta takes it one step further with its family oriented culture and friendly hosts. Children are widely accepted and appreciated here with most tours and restaurants going out of their way to ensure the children's comfort and enjoyment. Families with older children will love the Marigalante Pirate Ship with swashbuckling fun, music and plenty of fun in the sun. If you want to get out and explore the mountains, grab the kids and head out to the best ranch in Vallarta on the Tropical Forest Ride.  Pamela, the owner of the ranch has been in Vallarta for over 35 years and is widely known for her equestrian expertise, excellent horses and a ride to remember. Her horses are famous as well; many were in the television series Conan the Adventurer when it was filmed in Puerto Vallarta. Children ages 4 and up can ride their own horse; smaller cowboys can ride with their mom or dad. If your kids like to play in the dirt, check out the ATV and Jungle Buggy tours and do some serious muddin'. Getting off the boat Cruise ships and most tour company's work hand in hand to ensure passengers and clients can enjoy a variety of tours and experiences when they come to visit Puerto Vallarta. Honestly, the cruise ships and tour companies go out of their way to make sure you will have ample time to make a tour on time.
If you have your eye on a certain tour, it is a good idea to book advance rather than be disappointed when it is all sold out.People often write to us asking if they will "make a tour" on time or if there are refunds if they miss a tour. Honestly, the cruise ships and tour companies go out of their way to make sure you will have ample time to make a tour on time. On the day(s) that you have tours reserved, it is your responsibility to be down to the cruise ship disembarkation gate and go immediately to your tour meeting point. The cruise ships allow passengers that have tours reserved to disembark first. Because there is more than enough time given to passengers to get to tours on time, the tour companies do not offer refunds if clients miss the tour, especially if there are other people from the same cruise ship that made the tour on time. Many of the boat tours leave from the same area of the cruise ship dock, so you just have a short walk and you are there. Other tours such as the City Tour, and the Other tours, such as ATV, Pathfinder, Canopy, and golf just require a quick taxi ride to the meeting point or golf course. Taxis are everywhere! Do not worry; every taxi driver will be more than happy to take you where you need to go. Seeing the city Taking a cruise is the best way to preview a city or destination for future travel plans. If you think you may want a longer stay in Vallarta in the future, (and how could you not!) you may want to consider one of the land tours that will get you out and about the area. If you want to see culture and the city, by far your best option is the City Tour/"> tour where you get to see the most popular places in a comfortable air conditioned bus. A land tour to the south to see Los Arcos, El Eden, Chino's Paradise and the famous Predator movie set can be done all in one shot. If you aren't afraid of heights, grab a taxi and head up, up, way up to Las Carmelita's restaurant, 1,200 meters above sea level and the most spectacular view in all of Vallarta. Have lunch, and enjoy the entire city from high above. If you have a panoramic camera, this is the place to bring it! Get "tee'd off"  Take advantage of one of the world class golf courses in Puerto Vallarta and enjoy a friendly round of golf. Puerto Vallarta was host to the EMC World Cup Golf Championship in 2002 as well as the yearly Copa De Oro tournament. Why not take the day to play where the big guys do, at either the Jack Nicklaus Course or the Tom Weiskopf course at Vista Vallarta Golf Club. Another great golf option, right near the cruise ship dock is the Marina Golf Course, so close to the ship you can get in a game, and then relax at a beachside restaurant. If you can combine a group of golfers, you'll get a great discount on your tee-times. While we would like to say we could help with your golf score, which we cannot, we can help keep some green in your pocket. Packing it all in Some people are born to run, so why not choose a couple of tours to get the most out of the day? You can combine a one or two hour tour with a four or five hour tour and still have time to spare to pick up a bottle of tequila and take a siesta. Many people opt to charter a fishing boat to find the big fishes, and then later, they head off to the jungle for a canopy tour. If you are not sure how to combine your choices or if you can fit them in, the concierge can tell you exactly what will work and help you nail down your plans. Save your Pesos!  Budgeting for your vacation is always wise, especially when you see your onboard bar bill! If money is tight, you still can have a blast with a value priced tour aimed at pinching pesos without crimping on fun.
The Vallarta Sol is an economical and fun way to spend your day in port. You will snorkel at Los Arcos and then soak up some rays on beautiful Las Animas beach. Back onboard take part in a few outrageous contests and dance on the boat. For an excellent tour, well worth the extra money, Caletas by Day, John Huston's former home is incredibly beautiful. Plenty of activities, great food and tropical beverages completes the day at this magical beachfront paradise worth every peso. This is one place you will never forget! If you will be staying in our beautiful city until after night falls, you have even more options! Cruise on a luxury, fully appointed sailboat with Pegaso Charters as you watch the sun set into the sea while you enjoy libations and hor d'overs. For crazy fun, go aboard the Marigalante pirate ship, complete with dinner, show, and fireworks! One thing to do is be sure to print a map of the downtown area and read the Exploring Centro Vallarta article for hints and tips on how to go about being your own guide. Feel free to stroll and meander anywhere your feet take you, because not only is Puerto Vallarta safe, it is the friendliest city in the world! |
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