Thread: What is your favorite Mexican Port? Why?

Julie

Your High Dollar lines like Radisson and Silver Seas are probably more likely to go to out of the way Mexican ports with their smaller ships..........

but

You have to look past the tourism and the what I call.......Americanization.........I can take you to some places in Puerto Vallarta within 5 miles of the port that don't even have running water and still wash clothes in a stream.........Old Mazatlan is truly charming........you don't go to the gold zone.......you go to the old town square and the cobblestone streets.......

I agree with much of what Rosie said..........but still think the Pacific side is less commercialized...........just don't let Burger King across the street from a cruise ship pier totally influence your decision...........I understand where you are coming from........but the real Mexico.......isn't that far off from any cruise ship pier.

We had a great experience with a group of friends in Mazatlan a few years ago, the "real" Mexico kind. The DHs went deep sea fishing in the early morning and one of them hooked what he thought was the QM2! Turned out to be a drum weighing about 600 pounds. None of the guys were much into fish (mostly Oklahomans who only ate red meat ) and the boat captain told them it wasn't a "good" fish.

That afternoon, we all went into town to the open market and there, on the back of a pickup truck, was the monster fish being cut up and sold on the spot. We asked the truck owner about the fish and he told us it was a prize-winner and it tasted muy bueno!

Anyway, we love Mexico, but not when the cruise ships are in. We try to travel there on "land" vacations and definitely prefer the Pacific side. But, we also like Isla Mujeres off of Cancun, both to stay and to snorkle.

Originally Posted by ruthandmike

We had a great experience with a group of friends in Mazatlan a few years ago, the "real" Mexico kind. The DHs went deep sea fishing in the early morning and one of them hooked what he thought was the QM2! Turned out to be a drum weighing about 600 pounds. None of the guys were much into fish (mostly Oklahomans who only ate red meat ) and the boat captain told them it wasn't a "good" fish.

That afternoon, we all went into town to the open market and there, on the back of a pickup truck, was the monster fish being cut up and sold on the spot. We asked the truck owner about the fish and he told us it was a prize-winner and it tasted muy bueno!

Anyway, we love Mexico, but not when the cruise ships are in. We try to travel there on "land" vacations and definitely prefer the Pacific side. But, we also like Isla Mujeres off of Cancun, both to stay and to snorkle.

Too bad you couldn't have sold that yummy prize winning fish!

Can you tell me what Isla Mujeres (woman island?) is like and why you like it so much?

Originally Posted by Texashorselady

Too bad you couldn't have sold that yummy prize winning fish!

Can you tell me what Isla Mujeres (woman island?) is like and why you like it so much?

Here's the link to the island's website http://www.isla-mujeres.net/. We like it because all the hotels are local (none of the big international chains) and ditto for the restaurants. Hard Rock Cafe hasn't found it yet. I suppose if the cruise ships ever discover it, that will all change. Great diving and snorkling without all the crowds. Very laid back and friendly. My DH and I can't remember ever noticing someone trying to braid hair. Flip-flops and shorts are about as formal as anyone ever gets.

We fly into Cancun and then take a taxi to the ferry dock. We take the "local" ferry with the chickens and ducks and have a great time. I speak fractured Spanish and even though a large portion of the visitors to Isla Mujeres are from Mexico, most speak better English than my Spanish.

If you ever want to do something that isn't so same-same homogenized, this would be a great spot.

We once took a day sail to Isla & had a wonderful time too. GREAT snorkeling, shopping--found some great silver buys & we had some very good authentic food!!!

Sounds like a place I'd like to visit. Thanks for the info!

I'm sure anyone would enjoy it! VERY authentic Mexican and the people are so VERY nice!!!