We are a family of 4 cruising on the Pride on 2/4/07. We have snorkeled in Cozumel, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Belize on previous cruise excursions. I do expect this cruise to be not-so-great in the snorkeling dept. But, I would like to know. Where in Cabo is the best spot to snorkel. Is it Chileno Beach? Will we see sea lions there as well? Is our best bet to book through Carnival. We have always been disappointed with excursions through the ship because it is just not enough time to do any lengthy snorkeling. When we are tendered into Cabo, should we get a water taxi, cab or bus if we decide to go it alone. Are these reliable sources to get us back to our ship in time? We do own our equipment. So, there's no need to rent.
What's good to see or do in Puerto Vallerta and Mazatlan? Heard snorkeling isn't good because water is cloudy in February. Anyone know of this?
boy are you in for a surprise on the West Coast. We love to snorkle too and love the carriben waters, but the West Coast is totally different. We are going the week before you, but not taking our gear. We will find other things to do. Have been checking on sights to see what people like.
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1998 Holiday CATALINA-MEXICO
2000 Viking Serenade CATALINA- MEXICO
2002 Fantasy BAHAMAS
2004 Esctasy CATALINA-MEXIC0
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2008 Destiny SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN
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2012 Crown Princess EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
hi wise2u. Arrived back Monday from Long Beach. Due to propulsion breakdown on Pride with crew before us, the powers that be axed P. Vallarta. We headed straight to Mazatlan. Didn't do any snorkeling. After much research on the web and with Frommers and Fodors, pretty much all were in agreement that snorkeling is poor with cloudy waters after November here. In Cabo, we snorkeled via an excursion through the cruise ship. We were tendered into Cabo. We got on our excursion vessel and headed past Lover's Beach (gorgeous) and the Sea Lion Colony (awesome sight). They then headed us straight out to view some whales breeching (outstanding). We had sonar on the vessel and did this for about 25 minutes until some lady in the back complained.
We snorkeled at Chileno Bay. The guide gave us MANY restrictions on the vessel about getting near or touching the coral reefs. So many restrictions that one man on the vessel jokingly said, "can we even get in the water?"
We've snorkeled in Cozumel and Belize before so I was expecting a so-so snorkeling experience and that's just what we got. They had a crew member out on a little speed boat monitering our closeness to the reef. All you smelled was gas from his little dingy. Also, he was yelling at people from his dingy. I have never had a good snorkeling experience from a cruise ship's excursion. The best snorkeling, by far, in my opinion, was Cozumel. We did that on our own in Chakanuub Park. The experience in Cabo was very lame. The beach was beautiful that we swam to and we sat on for awhile until they blew the vessel horn for us to swim back. The beach was all crushed shells and coral. The cost PP for the excursion was $79. In my opinion, it's a nice place to swim not snorkel.
Wow Andrea I am sorry things happened as they did. I am going on this same cruise on July 8th. Do you have any recommendations for me? I am hesitating going through the cruise line. I found this great pirate excursion in Puerto Vallarta and I read what you said to do in Mazatlan, I am doing that. What do you recommend in Cabo? Is there a specific company I should go through?
teachabcdee... People loved Lover's Beach. Great place to sit out and enjoy the beach for the day. We could see the beach very easily from our balcony on Pride. It is right near the Arch. Snorkeling here is not recommended due to swift currents and high waves from the Pacific. Personally, in all of our years of cruising, we have found that excursions booked through the cruise line are basically, "safe". I can certainly understand the corporations point of view. They don't want cruisers getting injured or worse.
Take for instance, some cruisers with us booked the ATV tour. Turns out, they had to follow behind the guides ATV and they went very slow on trails and the beach. To them it was boring. They thought they would be able to go off on their own with the ATV. It was a pricey excursion -- $169PP, I believe. They said they wasted their money.
Many people raved about the Pirate Ship Excursion. It was also offered in Cabo. People said they had a blast. We are a family of snorkelers. It all comes down to your personal preference. If you like to snorkel and you find a private tour company that goes to Chileno Bay it might be worth your while. Snorkeling time is very limited when you book through the ship. All in all, we probably snorkeled for 30 minutes. I could have stayed there all day. If you do Chileno on your own, the beach is remarkable -- crushed shell and reef and crystal clear waters. Let me know how you make out !
As always A'ndrea...another glowing review! You rock! I think you should write your own travel guides. See that way you can travel...and make money at it! You describe things/places so well you have already planned excursions for two families!!!! Thanks!
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Mexican Riviera
Carnival Pride - September 30, 2007
Hi Michele, you're too funny... That's exactly what my husband has told me. He's like... you need to find a way to tie in all the time spent and writing you do on cruise-chat with a vacation. Don't I wish it were that easy! Heck, I'd love to be the person who goes to local restaurants every week with a companion and comes back and writes the dining review for our local paper. Who DOES get those jobs anyway? lol.
You are really great for my ego Michele !
I personally elect myself to be your agent. Of course that means I must accompany you on all future travel excursions and long trips abroad. All travel must be done on a monthly basis! Did I mention I work cheap!!!
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Mexican Riviera
Carnival Pride - September 30, 2007
Michele, I like your idea ! We could get a great gig going. I'm thinking our motto should be... The High Sea Babes,
Or maybe... Two Chicks Cruisin' and Boozin'.
Or...... Will Work for Cruises.
Or my personal favorite, courtesy of you...
WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' BUNGEES, WE HAVE HANDCUFFS !!!
Okay, I have to stop now. I'm laughing too hard over here.
Your Friend,
A'ndrea
you're too funny... That's exactly what my husband has told me. He's like... you need to find a way to tie in all the time spent and writing you do on cruise-chat with a vacation. Don't I wish it were that easy! Heck, I'd love to be the person who goes to local restaurants every week with a companion and comes back and writes the dining review for our local paper. Who DOES get those jobs anyway? lol.
Of course that means I must accompany you on all future travel excursions and long trips abroad. All travel must be done on a monthly basis! Did I mention I work cheap!!! 
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