Cruise to Cabo San Lucas

For those who enjoy sun-kissed beaches when they travel, Cabo San Lucas beckons. Crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches await on the tip of the world's longest peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

There are lots of fun things to do at Cabo San Lucas...

Catch a tourist boat to the amazing rock formations of Los Arcos and get a glimpse of pelicans, sea lions, and migrating whales. Humpback, minke, and gray whales are common sights during whale-watching season, January through March. But remember, whale sightings are not guaranteed on whale-watching tours.

Snorkel and scuba dive at Pelican Rock Cove, where you'll swim among the angelfish, Moorish idols, and yellowtail.

Kayak in the secluded waters of Santa Maria Cove.

Visit the village of San Jose del Cabo. Shop, explore the mission church, and wander the tree-lined plaza. See 750 species of cacti in the ecological garden of Cacti Mundo.

Explore the village of Todos Santos, where the Jesuit mission dates back to 1724. Now, shops and gallaries greet tourists, as well as the famous Hotel California.

Take a catamaran to Lover's Beach, which is only accessible by boat.

Discover the Cabo Canopy, a UNESCO protected area in Baja California's high Sierras. Tour groups with trained guides are available. Features include the "commando bridge," the "crazy ladder," and an 800-foot zipline.

Board the Nautilus II for a semi-sub tour of the Sea of Cortez. View ports below the waterline give you a spectacular look at the marine life around Lover's Beach, Los Arcos, and the sea lion colony.

Swim with the dolphins. Talk, touch, and play with the fun-loving bottlenose dolphins. There are special programs available for kids aged 4 to 9.

Be sure to visit the Los Cabos Corridor, the glass-blowing factory, Pedregal, and the San Jose Estuary.

Other fun activities include vehicular expeditions: Baja buggy, ATV, and 4x4. Horseback riding on the beach is always popular.
Public and private yacht tours are also available. Adventurers may prefer surfing and sportfishing.

A few cautions:

• Beaches may be crowded during tourist season.
• Do not wear sunscreen or jewelry in the dolphin pools.
• Beware the steely knives of Hotel California.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Holland America Line Offers Mexico Cruises to Bahia Magdalena and Santa Cruz Huatulco

Holland America Line introduces two new Mexican Riveria destinations to its 2009 cruises.

Cruise to Bahai Magdalena

The ms Oosterdam begins with seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises departing Saturdays January 3 through February 21, roundtrip from San Diego. Guests visit the popular ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, plus enjoy scenic cruising through Bahia Magdalena.

Abundant with wildlife, Bahia Magdalena is a breeding ground for migrating gray whales. It is also home to dolphins, sea lions and an amazing array of birds including eagles, pelicans, herons and ibis.

The ms Ryndam sails the same itinerary departing Oct. 10 through Nov. 21. Cruise fares start at $599 per person, double occupancy; taxes and fuel supplement are additional.

Cruise to Santa Cruze Huatuclo, Oaxaca

The ms Ryndam also sails a 12-day Pacific Mexico itinerary departing Nov. 2 and Dec. 7 roundtrip from San Diego. It visits Manzanillo, Acapulco, Santa Cruz Huatulco -- a warm seaside resort also know for its bird-watching opportunities -- Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Starting cruise fares for the nine- to 15-day itineraries range from $999 to $1,499 per person, double occupancy; taxes and fuel supplement are additional.

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010