Whether you embark on the Riviera or the Gulf, a cruise to Mexico is sure to include no shortage of natural beauty, bright-blue waters, and sun-kissed fun. And that’s just the beginning, the real adventure starts when you dock in one of the region’s popular port cities where a world of culture, flavor, and history awaits.
This guide includes five outstanding onshore excursions for animal lovers, Vinos, adrenaline junkies, and more to help ensure that you make the most of your time in the stunning destination that is Mexico.
Whale Watching in Cabo
From one boat to another, set sail on a whale-watching cruise for the chance to spend the day alongside majestic gray and humpback whales. Running from mid-December through mid-March, Cabo is home to not one, but two world heritage sites dedicated to protecting whales and their surrounding environment. The result? Pods that travel up to 6,000 miles to birth and rear their calves in the Baja each year.
Tour companies such as Shore Excursions Group give travelers the opportunity to see these magical creatures up-close-and-personal from the safety of a glass-bottom boat. You might even spot some other marine life such as bottlenose dolphins and giant manta rays.
Ziplining in Puerto Vallarta
Take to the sky with an exhilarating ziplining tour in sunny Puerto Vallarta. Home to several reputable aerial adventure parks, Los Veranos Canopy Tour is the original and top-rated supplier in the region. In fact, Los Veranos Canopy Tour was what it refers to as the “zipline pioneer” of all of North America when the park opened in 2002.
On this adrenaline-inducing adventure, travelers will soar through the air high above the jungles of Los Veranos at a top speed of 30 miles per hour. Even better, the final zip line lands just feet away from the onsite Tequila Bar and Riverfront Restaurant where visitors can grab a drink or a bite to eat after an exciting day of fun.
ATV Through Wine Country in Guadalupe Valley
Fancy a glass of vino in paradise? This Guadalupe Valley ATV Adventure takes travelers on a thrilling off-road escapade through the foothills of a local mountain range. Prepare to be awed by the beauty of the surrounding landscape while getting a little dirty in the process as you roll through mud puddles and bumpy terrain. And at the end of the finish line? A wine tasting featuring locally crafted varietals. Cheers.
Pro tip: Bring a change of clothes to this excursion if you don’t like getting messy.
Turtle Encounters in Cuyutlán
Witness one of life’s most epic journeys with a visit to El Tortugario Ecological Center where over 2 million baby turtles have made the voyage from sand to sea. A humble ecological preserve, El Tortugario Ecological Center opened its doors in 1992 with the mission of protecting baby sea turtles. However, over time, that mission has evolved to encompass other creatures such as crocodiles and iguanas, too.
Visitors can peruse aquariums showcasing the variety of local turtle species, observe iguanas and crocodiles and explore the mangroves with a guided lagoon tour. And if you’re really lucky, you might even have the opportunity to help release baby turtles into the ocean for an unforgettable experience.
Marvel at Ancient Ruins in the Yucatán Peninsula
With a whopping total of 180 ancient sites open to the public, no trip to Mexico is complete without a stop at one of the region’s many ancient ruins. Travelers docking near the Yucatán Peninsula will be happy to discover several guided tours to nearby historical sites such as Chichen Itza, Coba, Tulum, and Ek’ Balam.
Chichen Itza is the most popular of the Mayan ruins where visitors can gaze upon the archeological wonder that is El Castillo (aka the Temple of Kukulcán) amongst other interesting structures. Even better, several guided tours departing from places like Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Playa del Carmen include a stop at an ancient cenote and a delicious buffet lunch.
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