Mexico Ports« Back to Port Information
Acapulco↑ Back to top
Beaches and whitewashed villas ring magnificent Acapulco Bay, making this an especially beautiful port whether viewed from shore or ship. Acapulco is Mexico’s premier Pacific playground. Enjoy the view from the scenic highway above the harbor, then stop to enjoy Acapulco’s most famous attraction: the daredevil cliff-divers of La Quebrada. The divers pray at a nearby chapel before plunging from the 130-foot-high cliffs.
Cabo San Lucas↑ Back to top
Sail past Los Arcos, the soaring rock archway at the extreme southern tip of Baja California that guards Cabo’s perfect harbor. This idyllic bay once sheltered both treasure ships from the Orient and pirate brigs bent on those treasures. Now Cabo caters to an international vacation set and has a strong artistic tradition famous for its black-coral jewelry.
Cozumel↑ Back to top
Lying just off Yucatan’s coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel was also the last stronghold of the Mayas who settled the island in 300 A.D. Residents still speak Maya, and sometimes wear traditional Mayan clothing. On the mainland, an easy day-trip away, are the Mayan ruin sites of Tulum and Coba.
Ensenada↑ Back to top
Ensenada is located 70 miles south of the international border and only a 90-minute drive from San Diego. Visitors are drawn to Ensenada’s warm Mediterranean climate and friendly atmosphere, making it Mexico’s second-most visited port of call for cruise lines and pleasure boats.
Huatulco↑ Back to top
In addition to snorkeling and diving, Huatulco offers ecotourism attractions such as river rafting, rappelling and jungle-trail hiking. The town boasts an 18-hole golf course and some of the best resort hotels on the southern Mexican coast.
Ixtapa↑ Back to top
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo lie 150 miles northwest of Acapulco. Although a mere three miles of geography separate the two towns, they are in fact poles apart. In the 1960’s, Mexico’s tourism chose sites for future development. They selected Cancun and Ixtapa. Today, Ixtapa is an internationally renowned tourist destination with luxury resorts. Zihuatanejo, on the other hand, remains a relatively unspoiled fishing village graced with golden beaches and a relaxed air.
Mazatlán↑ Back to top
Mexico’s largest Pacific ocean port, Mazatlán, has been called the “Pearl of the Pacific” for its splendid beaches and island-strewn harbor. The resorts of the Zona Dorada (“Golden Zone”) deserve their fame, as does the sport-fishing which is known the world over. Yet somehow, the city maintains much of the simplicity and peace of its fishing village past.
Playa del Carmen↑ Back to top
A charming Mexican port town on the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is the dropping-off point for excursions to the ancient temples and tombs of Tulum, the only Mayan city over-looking the ocean, and to the coral lagoon of Xel-ha and the Xcaret eco-park.
Progreso↑ Back to top
This is a seaside retreat located about 25 miles north of Merida along the Gulf Coast of Mexico. Progreso is quickly becoming an important gateway for cruise ship passengers. Founded in 1872 by Juan Miguel Castro and heavily influenced by the Mayan culture, Progreso enjoys a very simple and relaxed lifestyle. Its white-sand beaches, emerald green waters and cooling gulf breezes are a natural draw for vacationers from all over the world.
Puerto Vallarta (poo-EHR-toh vah-YAHR-tah)↑ Back to top
Hollywood discovered this little fishing village back in the 1960’s, and since then luxury resorts and bougainvillea-covered villas have flourished in the delightful seaside climate. Yet hints of past tranquility remain: cobbled courtyards where the locals hold their markets, and superb sport-fishing just offshore. Broad sandy beaches offer a view of sea and low-lying mountains.
Zihuatanejo (zeeh-wah-tah-NAY-ho)↑ Back to top
This lovely, unpretentious fishing village of “Zihuat” curves around a protected bay, lined with golden beaches. When you’ve had enough sunning and swimming, wander the market stalls laden with Mexican arts and crafts, try a delicious tuba drink in the nearby coconut plantations, or make a quick trip to the superb resorts of neighboring Ixtapa.Some content provided courtesy of CLIA (Cruise Line International Association)