downsized

From friends in Cabo, and the view of one of the web cams, Carnival is in the harbor at Cabo right now. From reports of locals, I have been told that there are ships scheduled each day, next week.

Although the damage in Cabo was, in many places, severe, it appears that the area around the cruise docks, and the marina, has been restored and the owner's of those businesses are eager to receive visitors.

As for Medano Beach, I've not a clue. Many of the restaurants and cantinas had an army of workers repairing the damage. As a long time visitor to Cabo, I would guess that although not all is back to normal, it is back to more than "comfortable".

If I were booked on a cruise ship in the next few weeks, I would most certainly look forward to tendering in Cabo.

Hank, we will be there for 10 days during Halloween week. Love Sea Monkey...no bar stools....that, and the chairs on the beach on are on the sand...much softer landing.

This is the tender pier in Cabo:

 

 

I live in Cabo during the winter so I have been on several Face Book sites where you can really get the inside scoop. As for rebuilding, it is going much faster than many would imagine. One of the reasons I picked Mexico for a second home is the Mexican people are can do type of people. There is no welfare in Mexico, if you don't work, you don't eat. Many of the workers in the restaurants and hotels have lost their homes but continue to come to work and take care of the guest, and from what is being reported, in a kind and courteous fashion.

 

Power and running water has been restored to much of the town. As you can see by the picture, it will take awhile to put the tender pier back together, but you better believe, they want it back as soon as possible. All of the vendors on that side of the Marina have very long, slow summers because there are no ships coming in.

 

Many of the big resorts were damaged, but they are working hard to put them back together. Most will be back in business by mid-October, but a few will not re-open until early 2015.

 

I was very fortunate, my condo survived with one broken window. I have a wonderful neighbor who lives there full time that emptied out my freezer and fridge for me.

 

I'm happy to help with any questions.

That's good news. My family and I were forced to change our plans for a Cabo Halloween, to PV. The Condo that we have rented twice a year for the past 6 years suffered "significant damage" (the owner's words). Although I'm certain that we will have a good time in PV, we're heartsick over the destruction and hardships being suffered by those in Cabo.

This sounds awesome! Thanks for the question and the great replies.

 

I just had a couple of follow up questions. First off, when you say a water taxi is $10, is that TOTAL? Or per person? Either way, sounds like a good deal!

 

Second, is Medano a good beach for children? We'll have our DDs with us, and they would love to get in the water (with us, of course). Is this a good beach for that? I've heard riptides can be quite strong in Cabo.

The water taxi is per person, but depending upon the crowd, and the demand, that can be bargained. We've paid as little as $5.00US per person, and as high as $12.00US per person. This is for a water taxi from the Marina, out to the Arch, and beaches, and delivered at Medano. As for good for children...well, a beach is a beach. We've been there when I don't think that I would want my little ones swimming, but typically, no problems, what-so-ever. Just watch the water, and use good sense. BTW...Tabascos is our favorite Cantina on Medano, but up the beach a bit might be better for swimming. Just find a place that you are comfortable with. They are all good!

These are the two ports on our Panama Canal cruise we just can't decide if we should do a cruise tour or just wing it on our own. Any suggestions would be great!!

You've not indicated what you're interested in. We once booked a fishing/snorkeling/sightseeing tour to Yelapa....it was a lot of fun, but not inexpensive. I would, however, most certainly do it again. For a lot less money, though, I would consider grabbing a cab at the cruise docks and have them deliver you to the new pier (about $6US). The pier is a fun wander. From there, I would head back on the Malecon towards the cruise docks. Lot's of things to see, bronze sculptures, sand sculptures, and many dozens of great shops and cantinas. Don't miss the flea market in the island. If you tire before walking back to the cruise docks, a taxi is only a half block away.

We've never felt the least bit uncomfortable while in PV, and we often stop and have a beverage or a snack at any of the places we find. If it looks good, and it smells good, it is good! We especially like Sea Monkey. $1US beer and margaritas, under a Pelapa, your feet in the sand, and the ocean just a few feet away.

If you turn left at the cruise docks in Cabo, in about 100 feet, you will find a Flea Market. I would not state that all of the beads that you find there will be glass, but I would be surprised if you were not able to find some.

That Flea Market is a tourist trap, to be sure, but still, we often visit there (when there are no cruise ships in port) and we often find a treasure, or two.

They are not pushy, or demanding. btw,,,in the back is a great little Cantina. My bride shops, I drink beer. I shop and she drinks beer. When we are done shopping, we both drink beer. Win Win Win!

Has anyone done excursions on their own and not through the ship? Anyone done the dolphins without going through the ship? We will have young children with us.

We've done the Dolphin Experience in Cabo. A bit spendy, but a lot of fun.

As others have suggested you will most likely have to book through the cruise line, but.....since Cabo is a tendered port (you will have to disembark and re-embark via a tender) and there will be 2000 passengers trying to get ashore all at once, you may have to stand in line for up to 2 hours. If you book an excursion through the ship, you will most likely be afforded a VIP escort, which means that a crew member will escort you and your party, to the head of the line. Even if only a few of you are participating in the Dolphin Experience, your entire party will receive the escort. Those that are not participating will be given wrist bands that allow you to go up to the observation deck, to watch all of the activities. (It is covered, has "beverages" available, and also offers a great view of the Marina and the bay.)

As for "crashing" a resort to take advantage of the privileges that the guests have paid for....I feel that that is nothing short of theft. (Would you book an inside cabin, and then try to sneak into a suite to use their balcony?)

My DH and I are taking our grandkids ages 13, 10 & 9 on a cruise next month and we will be in Cabo 2 days. Last time we were there we went to The Mango Deck and it go a little wild in the afternoon with drinking contests and wet Tshirt contests. Not where I want to be with kids! Where can we go for the day that will be a little more family friendly? I don't want an AI, probably too expensive. Thanks!

If it were me, I would most certainly find a water taxi to take us to view Pelican Rock, Lover's Beach, the Arch, the sea lions, and Divorce Beach, but since there are no facilities at either Lover's or Divorce, I would instead bargain for the taxi to drop us off at Medano Beach. btw...the water taxi will have food for you to feed the fish. The fish will climb right up into your hand! The kids will love that. (Actually, I love it too!) It should not cost much (if any) extra to be delivered to Medano, and you can then spend the afternoon enjoying a swimmable beach with dozens of great Cantinas. You will have to disembark at Medano in ankle/knee deep water, but that adds to the experience. Some of the water taxis have steps on the front, making that a lot easier. After spending the day enjoying Medano, swimming, and enjoying really great and inexpensive foods and beverages, I would walk to the nearest parking lot (100-150 feet) and catch a land cab. The land cab should cost you about $10US total for up to 6 people,..$2pp, or so, for more. Be certain to bargain for both the water taxi, and the land cab. Just my $0.02 Pesos worth.

As for where at Medano, we normally go (with our kids and grandkids) to Tabascos. A fun place, no T-Shirt contests, very family friendly, with cheap and great food and beverages.

Most Popular for cruisers

 

(1) Walk around the beautiful Marina

 

(2) Walk around the beautiful Marina and into the surrounding area (like Cabo Wabo Bar)

 

(3a) Walk around the beautiful Marina and into the surrounding area (like Cabo Wabo Bar) and also take a water taxi to Medano Beach

 

(3b) Walk around the beautiful Marina and into the surrounding area (like Cabo Wabo Bar) and also take a water taxi to Lovers Beach.

 

(4) Take a water oriented tour (ships tour or private)

 

or do what we do... Get on the 1st tender... immediately take a water taxi over to Pueblo Bonito on Medano Beach ($3 pp)... rent a car from the Avis desk (prior cheap reservation - KB5 location)... Visit Todos Santos and/or Los Cabos and/or Walmart and/or Costco on Cabo's fantastic roadways... make it back in time to visit Medano Beach for a bit of the Mango Deck Show... then take a water taxi back over to the beautiful marina for a walk to see all your fellow cruisers Tequila stagger back to the tender pier.

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Cabo Wabo? Really?: Todos Santos? That too? (can you say "Yuppieville"): Mango Deck? Wet T-shirt contests?: Wal-Mart, Costco? What a great Mexico experience!:

Your post was meant to be in humor, I hope.

What to do within walking distance of the cruise ship? I am interested in sightseeing and was wondering if a ship excursion is worth it or should we just walk?

Cabo is a fun place to walk and shop and eat and drink!

Wandering down the Marina is an easy walk from the cruise docks, and you will find quite a few Cantinas, restaurants and flea markets to shop in. If you were to walk one block up to Marina Blvd, you will also find great places to shop, eat and drink, but for a bit less. If you were to walk up two or three blocks, the same, only a bit cheaper.

Cabo is easy to wander, and safe! We've never felt uncomfortable there...while wandering, if you are going up hill, you are getting away from the docks. Down hill, and you are bound to find the Marina.

If this is your first trip to Cabo, I have to recommend a water taxi tour of the Arch, Lover's Beach, Divorce Beach, the Sea Lions, and the opportunity to feed the fish (they will swim right up into your hand!)....from the cruise docks the tour will be about $10-12 per person. Have them drop you off at Medano Beach (same price as taking you back to the docks). Jump off in ankle/knee deep water (adds to the adventure) and enjoy the great Cantinas all along Medano Beach, swim, lay in the sun, and enjoy great food and cheap beverages. Afterwards, wander up to one of the parking lots, grab a land cab, (about $10 for up to 6 people), and enjoy the view of Cabo on the ride back to the docks that you might otherwise miss. We love Cabo, and travel there twice a year, with our kids, and grandkids.

We will be there in October, so the turtles are "in season".

 

I believe I have found a solution in Puerto Vallarta. They usually go at night, but they can do a sunset turtle release for cruise ship passengers. It doesn't include watching the mothers lay eggs on the beach, which would be amazing, but that's OK. The ship leaves at 9 p.m., so hopefully that will be plenty of time. I don't want the hassle of hauling a bag around Cabo so that we can spend the night.

 

I haven't seen anything with sea turtles offered by the ship, so that's why I was looking to book elsewhere. But if the ship does offer it, I would book that just so we know we make it back! Normally I'm all for booking my own, but in the evening, it might be nice to have a safety net.

That's not a bad plan. I would contact them, explain that you will be on a cruise ship, your arrival time, and your departure time. The excursion folks make their living making tourists happy. I would bet that they know exactly the local time that you arrive and depart, and can tell you if their excursion can fit your time schedule.

Hey all!

 

Wondering about an activity I stumbled upon on TripAdvisor. Has anyone tried the A-Maze-In Cabo Race? Sounds like it's a version of "The Amazing Race" around Cabo. I'd love to do it when we are there for two days on the Miracle!

 

Here's the website, let me know if you've heard anything about it!

http://www.amazeincaborace.com/

 

I tried emailing the business and my email got kicked back. Wondering if I should bother calling if it won't work with a cruise.

We know several couples that have done "The Amazing Race" in Cabo, and they all have claimed to have a great time. I'm not at all certain that it is still in operation, though. Those things seem to come and go in Cabo. Even if it is still running, I suspect that the time period will not fit for cruisers. You might, instead, have your own "pub crawl". There are lots of great Cantinas in Cabo. My suggestion is to wander up to Marina Blvd (about a block from the cruise terminal) and just walk along until you find a Cantina that you like. Cabo is safe to wander, eat, drink, and have fun in. Like any city, don't do stupid stuff, and I cannot imagine you having anything but a great time. We like Cabo Cantina, Slim's Elbow Bar (they claim to be the smallest bar in the world), Rip's, Cabo Blue, and Happy Endings. On the way back, hit the Marina itself. There are lots of great places there too. The prices are a bit more than Marina Blvd, but still cheaper (much cheaper) than the prices on the ship!

On the Marina, we like the Tiki Bar, Soloman's Landing, and most especially, Captain Tony's. All great people watching places.

For those who want inexpensive activities, the following may interest you.

 

Cabo -- Glass bottom boat booked onshore will be from 7 to 10 dollars per person. they will take you to Lands End and back or will let you off at Lovers Beach and return to pick you up. They will also take you to Medano Beach if you arrange for that when you book them. It may cost a dollar or two more. From Medano, you can either walk back to the marina or take a land or water taxi. All the prices are flexible.

 

Mazatlan -- The water taxi stand is about three blocks from the port and a round trip to Stone Island is about 3 dollars per person round trip. The water is shallow for quite a ways, so it is pretty safe for kids. Also -- They have pulmonia taxis that you can hire for a good price to take you on a city tour. If you want they will let you off at the water taxiso you can go to Stone Island after the tour.

 

PV -- We like to take the blue and white city bus downtown and walk the malecon. The price is around 7.50 pesos (about 50 cents US but they don't take US coins). There are lots of shops and sculptures along the malecon and the Rio Cuale has an island with lots of trees and shops plus you are likely to see iguanas. Further South on the malecon you will find a beach and restaurants with tables on the sand. A good place to have refreshments and play if the surf isn't too bad. We like the Sea Monkey for the beer and margaritas for one dollar.

 

To catch a bus back to the port, you go away from the ocean until you see buses going North and look for the blue and white one. You will want to get off just before you get to WalMart and the ship will be across the street.

 

I hope this helps you have a great trip !!

Swedish Weave is spot on! The only thing that I might add, is when in Cabo, do not fear walking down the Marina. Great people viewing, and lots of great places to stop and "snack"...too, while in Cabo, wander over (just to your left) from the cruise docks to the flea market....yes, the prices might be a bit more, but they are not pushy, and you can, on occasion, find some real treasures. Just outside the flea market (towards the cruise docks) is a lotte stand.....they use real chocolate, real vanilla, and real sugar....some of the best lattes that you will ever have.

Turtle release programs, like whale watching, is a seasonal activity. It would be helpful if we knew when your cruise was scheduled next year.

 

Miracle appears to have two versions of the 7-day MR itinerary. One spends two days at Cabo (but leaves at 6 PM on day 1 with return at 7 AM the next morning) with a 9-9 day in Vallarta. The other itinerary has two days in Vallarta (with an overnight stay) and one day in Cabo.

 

I believe the various turtle releases often occur at or shortly after sunset. This would require you to start the excursion at roughly 6 PM and I believe most take 2-3 hours.

 

For your cruise, if this is an important activity for your family, you might consider booking a resort/hotel room in Cabo so you can stay ashore when the boat pulls out at the end of day 1. I don't think you have time to do this type activity in Vallarta as you will likely have to back aboard the ship before the excursion ends. (or book the cruise that overnights in Vallarta).

 

 

Good luck & enjoy

Actually, in my opinion, I would book through your cruise line. If they do not, or cannot book it, I don't think that I would risk missing my ship.

As for booking a room overnight in Cabo, I cannot disagree. You can find a room in town, enjoy a wonderful time, inexpensive (and great) food, cheap beverages, and enjoy the local hospitality. The one concern (and I do have to admit to being a "belt and suspenders" kind of guy), is if for some reason your ship cannot dock the next morning....extremely unlikely, but the possibility, does most certainly exist.

We found Cabo 6 years ago, while on a cruise, and absolutely fell in love with it. We've not cruised since. We now travel twice a year to Cabo, once to PV, spend 10 days at a time, and leave with a heavy heart each time, waiting for our next trip.

Sorry, I blathered. Enjoy your cruise to Cabo, and PV. We love them both.

No, the water taxi that you find at the cruise docks will do both, the Arch tour, and then drop you off at Medano. Do that, have a great time, (and I am almost certain that you will), and at the end of your day at Medano, walk a short distance to one of the parking lots and find a land cab. Taking the land cab will also afford you a view of Cabo San Lucas that you might not normally see (and I mean this in a good sense). We love Cabo.

Turtle release in Cabo can be tough for cruisers. Some of the resorts offer it, but you have to be there at precisely the right time. There is a private (non-profit) outfit that "stages" their releases in Cabo (well, actually towards Todos Santos) several times a week, and we took advantage of it last year. Our family is booked again this year (in late October), but it takes place late in the afternoon (almost dark), to provide the baby turtles the best opportunity to survive. Those on a cruise ship often (normally) have to be back aboard the ship way too early for it. I cannot answer for PV. Although we now visit there once a year, we've no knowledge of turtle releases there. It is a wonderful experience, and has become one of the highlights of our trip to Cabo.

[added]

I should add that there is a commercial outfit that will take cruisers to the same place that we go to in Cabo. You will receive the same experience as we, just for more money, but I have to admit, have you never done a turtle release, the extra money that you pay may very well be worth it! You will smile for days! ummm...weeks...okay...a year later, I am still smiling...

Our recommendation is " Cabo Blue " search it or check it out on trip advisor. The owners are super friendly and the food is A+ . And there is always the Mango Deck on the beach! Very entertaining and great food

Wow......Cabo Blue is a great Cantina, great folks and a friendly crowd, but it is a cantina! We spend time there every trip, but it is a bar, and although the food is good, it is bar food. As for Mango Deck on Medano....it is okay, if you like wet t-shirt contests, rowdy college kids, and tequila shots. Sorry, just my opinion. From the OP's post, those are not two places that I would recommend, although I admit to having spent time at both. On Medano, our favorite is Tabascos. On the Marina, we like Captain Tony's. Downtown, we like either Taco Loco, or Cabo Cantina.

Thanks for this information....you have convinced me to go this route at Cabo!

Is the water taxi a small boat marked "water taxi" or are they independent people with boats?

How many people fit on the boat?

If I have a group of 10 people, can they take that many?

When I think of "Water Taxi" it reminds me of these boats that carry 20-30 people at some of the Carribbean ports like St. Marteen.

Also, is it difficult to get off the boat when it arrives at Medano Beach?

My wife is not a very good swimmer and wondering if it comes right into shore.

 

Thanks again...great info!! :)

Don

Don, you should not have a problem finding a "water taxi" that can handle you all (we travel as a herd of 9, and have never had a problem). There are some water taxis that have steps in the front, which makes it a lot easier to disembark at Medano. Again, if this is your first trip to Cabo, I still recommend a tour of the arch, and then to Medano. We've done it at least half dozen times, and I still get a kick out of having the tropical fish swim up into my hand to be fed! As for the ride back....sometimes after one has a "few" beverages at Medano, (happens to me every time!) I might suggest a land cab back to the cruise docks. You should expect to pay $15-20US total for the land cab for all 10 of you. For both the water taxi, and the land cab, try to negotiate! It is expected! You're only going to save a few bucks, but it is part of the culture.

Any suggestions for a good place to eat - I am looking for good Mexican food - not a place that specializes in tequila shots or margaritas.

 

Thanks for any ideas you may have. ;)

Many of the above are good. Actually it would be easier to answer where the bad places are.

If you are cruising, I might suggest just walking down the Marina. You will find lots (and I do mean lots) of truly good places to eat. Captain Tony's, Soloman's Landing, Baja Cantina, Tiki Bar....actually, very few that are not good. If you wander a block (or two) from the Marina, you will find a lot more restaurants and cantinas. All offering really great food at a very reasonable price. If you have the time, take a water taxi over to Medano Beach. Dozens of places there, just wander down the beach until you find one that you like.

Bottom line, I guess, is that just about any place that looks good, smells good, and has either Gringos or locals in it, is a good place to eat.

Enjoy Cabo. We love it there. So much so that we travel there twice a year.

If I had one beach in Cabo San Lucas to swim, relax and enjoy a beautiful view, which would it be and what would be the best way to get there? :)

 

Don

Don, I agree that Medano Beach is your best bet, but if this is your first trip to Cabo, I might suggest that you pay a bit more (~$10US pp) for your water taxi and get a tour of the Arch and beaches, then have them drop you off at Medano. You will be afforded the view of Pelican Rock, Lover's Beach, the Arch, the sea lions, and Divorce Beach, as well as being able to feed the fish (that will swim right up into your hands). Being dropped off at "The Office" is not a bad idea. There are lots of Cantinas and restaurants on Medano Beach, so just wander along, until you find one that you like. None come to mind that I would not spend time at.

Enjoy Cabo, we love it there!

Has anyone ever booked the private boat tour on the La Islita in Cabo San Lucas?

It's not really a "private boat tour". It is a party barge moored in the bay. In our experience, it is all too often full of drunken college students. Open bar, loud music, and (IMHO) obnoxious drunken kids.

I don't know your age, or your preferences, but you might look into several of the other "cruises" that even though they too have open bars, they seem to be more oriented towards a more reasonable crowd. Many offer a great view of the Arch, as well as swimming and snorkeling. Just my $0.02Pesos worth.

Hank, I came into this late, and darnit, I just cannot improve upon your post.

One thing that I might add to the OP, however, is to be careful of the leg wrestling matches with the bar stools....and always demand a 3 out of 5 contest...

My wife and I will be taking our first cruise that's not in the Caribbean this coming February so we're quite uninitiated in the ways of the West Coast.

 

I'm intrigued by the Whale Watching excursion that is listed on ShoreExcursioner (http://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/cabo-san-lucas/whale-watching-all-inclusive.html) but there are no reviews posted for this particular excursion (and I know absolutely nothing about this particular excursion provider).

 

Has anyone done this excursion in particular?

 

Has anyone done excursions with this company? Are they as advertised?

John,

Sorry, but I am not familiar with this company. I clicked the link, and it does look legit. One thing though, any time that you can book through the ship (and it appears that you can in this case), the cruise lines are really good about making certain that your excursion is a good adventure.

Another consideration is that Cabo is a tender port. That means that 2000 passengers are trying to disembark at once, all loading onto small boats. That can take (in my experience) several hours. The times that we have booked via the cruise ship, the cost was a bit more, but we were afforded an escorted disembarkation....(they escorted us to the head of the line!) That, alone, may be worth the additional fee.

Enjoy Cabo, we love it there!

The 1 liter limit is for California residents. I believe that non California residents may bring back 5 cases.

Odd, isn't it, that California residents can only import 1 liter of wine, while others can import 5 cases?...can we suggest that "California Wine Merchants have a bit of influence in state laws"? Oregon has similar rules about bringing in hard liquor, but I'm sure that it is only a coincidence that the State of Oregon owns, and controls, all hard liquors sold in the state. Nothing like "of the people and for the people"....

Has anyone done the Celebrity shore excursion, Salsa, Salsa, Margarita in Cabo San Lucas? Would be very interested in opinions. Was there time to go to the beach while there?

Thanks

We have done the Salsa and Salsa, and it was a lot of fun, but a bit spendy. We took part in it when we had lots of time and had been to Cabo several times.

My opinion? Grab a water taxi at the cruise docks and view Pelican Rock, Lover's Beach, the sea lions, and Divorce Beach. The water taxi will have food for you to feed the fish (the fish will actually climb up into your hands for the food.)

Rather than have the water taxi drop you off at the Marina, ask them to take you to Medano Beach (my suggestion is Tabascos....(far less "college crowd"). You'll have to jump out in knee deep water, but that too, adds to the adventure. Then have a great time playing in the ocean and enjoying cheap (and really good) beverages and food. When the time comes to head back to the ship, wander out to the parking lot, and grab a land cab back to the Marina, that way you will be afforded a view of Cabo that you might otherwise miss. The water taxi should be no more than $12US per person (one of the best bargains in Cabo IMHO). The land cab should be $12-14 total for 2 - 6 people. Have a great time, we love Cabo!