Cruise the Mexican Riviera: Destinations Worth Visiting

Picture this: Golden, sunbaked beaches, sparkling Pacific waters and bold, flavorful dishes that are as varied as the kinds of tequila and mezcal you’ll taste as you make your way along the Baja California peninsula. Welcome to the western Mexican Riviera! It’s been one of the most famous vacation destinations among jet-setting celebrities and globetrotting adventure-chasers for decades. Find out why it still lives up to all the hype and how to explore it aboard the cruise of a lifetime.

If you’ve been dreaming about visiting (or revisiting) this beloved region of the world, now’s your chance to do it big. We have made it easier than ever before to visit the best spots along this famous coastline that stretches from Ensenada in Baja California to Salina Cruz in Oaxaca. All you have to do is set sail on a Baja cruise or Mexican Riviera cruise from Los Angeles on board the Amplified Navigator of the Seas®, a fan-favorite ship that’s loaded with all kinds of thrills to keep you busy in between stops.

No matter how many vacation days you have to spare, you’ll find plenty of itineraries to suit any schedule. From 3- and 4-night Baja cruises with stops at Catalina Island and Ensenada, to 5- and 7-night escapes with stops in Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. Ready to start planning the perfect West Coast adventure? Here are some of the incredible destinations you can sail to on a Mexican Riviera cruise from the City of Angels.

1. Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a hallmark stop on most 3- and 4-night Baja cruises from Los Angeles. One of the Channel Islands of California, this idyllic escape is a favorite getaway spot for Angelinos looking to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. With its romantic Mediterranean charm, scenic hiking trails, beautiful sailboat-studded bays and pretty golden beaches, Catalina Island is the perfect spot to slip into a vacation state of mind.

Visit the lovely Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Gardens, which encompass nearly 38 acres of indigenous Cali plants including Catalina cherry, agave, aloe, cedar, island scrub oak and yucca. Or fill an afternoon with glamour at the Art Deco-era Catalina Casino in Avalon, completed in 1929 to host big bands, Hollywood’s biggest stars and the buzziest socialites. Or find your center during a paddleboarding session along the deep blue waters of Descanso Beach, located just past the casino.

2. Ensenada

Ensenada is another favorite destination on 3- and 4-night Baja cruises from Los Angeles. You can also sail there on 5-night Mexican Riviera cruises that include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico. Located less than 70 miles south of the border, Ensenada beckons with world-class dining, whale-watching, harborside shopping and beautiful beaches.

f you love wine, head to one of the city’s bodegas for a guided Mexican wine tasting. While grapes aren’t native to Mexico, wine — and pretty good wine, at that — has been produced here since the 17th century. If you prefer something a little stronger, add a tequila or mezcal tasting session to your itinerary. Food is one of Ensenada’s main selling points, so make sure you come with an appetite.

Savor fresh-caught seafood at a local spot near the harbor, where fish tacos are among the most popular dishes in Ensenada. The city also serves great ceviche tostadas.

3. Cabo San Lucas

With its fine white-sand beaches, impressive limestone arches, windswept cliffs and lively seaside villages, Cabo is a West Coast chart-topper and a regular stop on 5-night Mexican Riviera cruises. There’s plenty to see and do in the resort towns along the beach. To truly get to know this famous vacation spot, spend your time exploring its natural beauty.

Join a boat tour and watch for dolphins beneath the crystal-clear waves, or snorkel below El Arco, a jagged rock formation that’s made Cabo’s Land’s End beach famous. You can also feed your craving for adrenaline on a lightning-fast banana-boat ride, a jet ski session or a parasailing adventure that yields wow-worthy views of the sea and land.

While you’re having fun on the water, keep an eye out for sea lions, seals and whales. If you prefer adventures on land, try teeing off at one of Cabo's famous golf courses or pick up some speed on an off-road adventure in Wild Canyon.

4. Puerto Vallarta

There are so many reasons why Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the best-loved vacation spots on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Curled around the jewel-bright waters of the beautiful Bahía de Banderas, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sunshine and recharge on a golden stretch of beach. Savor authentic Mexican cuisine paired with flavorful local tequila or stretch your legs on an invigorating hike through the region’s lush jungles. These are teeming with silvery waterfalls and calm, crystal-clear lagoons.

One of the most romantic ways to spend a day in Puerto Vallarta is on a horseback ride along the beach or through the jungle. You’ll also find plenty to do in the bustling city center. In fact, you could fill an entire day with discoveries and never even set foot outside the city limits.

If you choose to spend your time closer to the port, make sure you pencil in a visit to Puerto Vallarta’s famous botanical gardens — a 63-acre oasis where you can observe stunning blooms and colorful birds. Afterward, go for an afternoon stroll along the iconic Malecon.

For a glimpse at Puerto Vallarta’s past, explore the pretty cobblestone streets of its historic Old Town. And make sure you save room for a delicious meal at one of the city’s many trendy cafés and restaurants.

5. Mazatlán

Finally, there’s delightful Mazatlán, another destination you’ll love visiting during your Mexican Riviera cruise. Only 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises stop here, and they’re well worth setting aside the extra time off. A beach resort at its core, Mazatlán caters to all kinds of travelers and occasions: Couples’ retreats, bachelor parties, bachelorette celebrations, family holidays and more.

The warm hospitality, crave-worthy cuisine, incredible beaches and perpetual sunshine here have captivated many visitors, and you’re going to find yourself planning a return trip before the day’s even over. Wander the historic, cobblestone streets of Old Mazatlán, sip Pacifico beers beneath the shade at one of the city’s many shoreside bars and unwind on Playa Sabalo, one of the area’s best beaches for relaxing.

For an extra dose of local culture, head to one of the “Pueblos Magicos,” or “Magic Towns,” that surround Mazatlán. These little villages offer plenty of rustic charm by way of colorful old buildings, quaint churches and tasty treats made fresh daily by the locals.

Adventures On Board in Between Shores

Amplified with thrilling attractions designed to wow any adrenaline-seeker, like The Perfect Storm℠ waterslide duo, The Blaster® aqua coaster and the Riptide℠ mat racer. Navigator of the Seas® keeps the thrills going strong all day.

And when the sun sets, you can sip expertly crafted cocktails at The Lime and Coconut® or Bamboo Room, savor palate-pleasing flavors from around the world and settle in for dazzling ice skating shows or Broadway-style musicals. If you just want to kick back and keep working on your tan lines, an expanded pool deck offers plenty of room to lounge around and soak up the sunshine.

Best Time to Cruise the Mexican Riviera?

What To Consider When Choosing a Mexican Riviera Cruise

● Cruise line: Do your research, compare offers and ensure you’ve opted for the best cruise line for Mexican Riviera trips.

● Packing: Pack wisely, catering for both cool and warm temperatures; don’t forget to mix and match cleverly for daytime and nighttime activities.

● Safety: Familiarize yourself with your cruise line’s safety protocols. When in and around the port cities, stay vigilant, avoid carrying expensive or flashy personal items and explore in couples or groups to enhance security.

● Port city activities and excursions: Port cities have so much to offer, so read up on what there is to see and do, including special events. Day excursion to see the ancient Mayan ruins, anyone? Go for it! Of course, it’s always advised to fully maximize onboard activities and amenities first.

● Budget and spending: Check local currencies and exchange rates, and try to keep some cash on your person for small local purchases. The longer you holiday — say for a 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise from Los Angeles — the more economical you have to be about total expenditure, new purchases and your luggage.

Know Before You Go

If you’re already feeling the wanderlust, remember that it’s never too early to start planning your dream cruise to Baja California and the western Mexican Riviera. Make sure you check our website frequently for cruise deals and special offers like instant savings, onboard credit and more.

And if you’re not from LA, try to factor in a few days to experience this buzzing, vibrant West Coast capital. Full of history, star-studded sights and a rich melting pot of cultures, Los Angeles is a must-visit destination in and of itself. It’s worth it to spend some time getting to know the city’s many wonders.

The Mexican Riviera Awaits: Ready to Cruise?

The Mexican Riviera Awaits: Ready to Cruise? Lively seaside towns with yacht-studded harbors await! The Mexican Riviera is littered with glamorous resorts and laid-back fishing villages where the savory scents of fresh-made tamales and smoky, spiced barbacoa hang in the air. You’ll discover tranquil lagoons and majestic waterfalls hidden deep within lush, green jungles when you cruise with Royal Caribbean.

Prepare for the best Mexican Riviera cruise this year for exquisite scenery, relaxed settings, a plethora of onboard amenities and unique cultural activities.