We got to Cabo at around 10 a.m. We were tendered in on boats that held about 70 people. I was concerned that there would be a long wait to get on and off the boat, but there was not. The tendering was managed in a very orderly manner and we were ashore in no time. 
We decided not to do the glass bottom boat ($10. each) to see the arch and Lovers beach as we were tendered right next to the rock formation and we knew by looking at Lovers' beach that it was not what we were looking for. We wanted beach chairs and refreshments and there is nothing at Lovers' beach. Also, I have heard swimming can be dangerous with the currents. 
We opted instead to take the water taxi $6. round trip) across the marina to Medano Beach. We found ourselves some beach chairs and umbrellas and settled in for the day. I have to warn you, it was kind of like spring break at the beach. There was a disc jockey and lots going on but we enjoyed it. The bars all have 2 for 1 drinks all day. I enjoyed mango daiquiris ($6. for 2) and my husband had Corona's (2 for $4.00). We had awesome chicken nachos for lunch. They were plenty for two and they were good and authentic. We spent about $45.00 with tip for 4 hours on the beach. We were hounded constantly by vendors, but if you smiled and said no, they moved on. Be prepared to tip the shuttle driver, they expect a dollar or two. You can walk to Medano beach from the ship, but it is hot!! I would recommend taking the water taxi. 
There was shopping right at the pier if you don't feel like walking into town. And I know there is more to do in Cabo, we chose not to do anything but beach it. 


Cabo San Lucas

We arrived at Matatlan early so we took our time getting up and having a nice liesure breakfast. We went ashore around 10 a.m. and set off to find a beach. We walked out by the taxi drivers and one told me how to go to Stone Beach. You walk out of the port, go left about 500 meters and you are at a water taxi. We took it across an inlet ($2.00 round trip each) and walked over a hill and there was a gorgeous beach. 
The sand here is not white, silky sand. It is more like coarse clay sand. That being said, it was clean and the water was great. It was not stony as the name implied, but had more of a sandy bottom. This beach was just the opposite of yesterdays beach. It was very quiet and not a whole lot going on. We walked about half way down the beach and found a restaurant that had chaise loungers. They were set up off the ground. We set up camp here for the day. We drank mango daiquiris and coronas, again for really low prices. We had awesome octopus and shrimp Ceviche and fried fish tacos for lunch. There were vendors here but they were not as pushy. We bought homemade coconut cookies from vendors. We really took a chance and had fresh oysters, opened to order, from a vendor for $1.00 apiece. They were sweet and cold and no, we did not get sick. We purchased some opal silver earrings and a slide to match and an ironwood sculpture. We spent more here than anywhere and with everything we bought, ate, and drank, we spent about $100. 
Halfway through our day, excursions showed up from the ship. Turned out that several tours concluded here. The ship guests were horseback riding behind the restaurant, there were ATV's, Kayaks, and Banana boats. I don't know what the guests paid, but they were all available to anyone, even if you were not with the tours. 
We headed back to the boat around 3p.m. and hit the flea market by the boat. There is plenty to buy here and very reasonable. We bought a few things here, including some metal wall art that we were afraid would not fit in our luggage, but did thank goodness. 
We were back on board by 4 p.m. This was our favorite day in port. It was so relaxing and the water was so nice. The food was great and the beach was so easy to get to. If you like quiet, this is the beach for you. 


Mazatlan

Totally different port from either of the other ports. The first thing we saw was a Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, so of course we had to go. We needed some shaving cream and saline solution. We ended up scoring our biggest buy. They sell alcohol cheaper than anywhere. We bought a few bottles of Tequila for gifts. One bottle sells for $50. in the U.S., it was 170 pesos (about $15.) the other sells for $30 in the U.S., it was 130 peso (about $10.50). This actually saved us time trying to find a liquor store. 
We dropped off our purchases and took a shared van to down town and walked over to the Malecon. It is a kind of boardwalk that runs along the ocean. Across the street is all shops and restaruants. We had planned on swimming here, but this is not a swimming beach. The ocean has a very strong current here with large waves. There was no one on the beach or in the water. We were dissappointed that swimming was not to be but we really enjoyed the walk on the Malecon. We covered the entire length. There are incrediable metal sculptures about every 50 feet or so. They are all different and fun. There are sand artist and they are creating huge sand sculptures that you will find hard to believe that someone could create. There are vendors, although I suspect they are not allowed to push their goods on the Malecon cause they would see the police and run. And the police are everywhere, on every corner. 
We found an area where all the local artist are selling their paintings. We watched a man paint with his mouth. His arms were deformed and useless but his paintings were beautiful. We purchased one of his paintings for $20 and he was the only person we did not try to barter with. His paintings were worth $20. 
At the end of the Malecon, we settled in an open air restaurant and enjoyed Shrimp, Scallop, and Octopus Ceviche again. It was delicious. We had Shrimp tacos and again, it was plenty to share. Loved the $5.00 Mango Daiquiris and $2.00 Coronas. Total bill was $55. including tip. 
My husband decided to Para sail right there off the beach. It was $40. and no, he could not get me to join him. I videoed it. 
We decided to brave it and take a public bus back to the ship. We walked one block in from the Malecon and jumped on a blue and white bus, asked for Marina and ship. The driver said no problem and 10 minutes later, deposited us across the road from the port. Cost, $1. each. 
Did I mention the streets by the port are treacherous!! Be careful crossing. Use only the cross walks. There are 4 lanes each way of heavy, fast traffic. 
There is shopping at the port but we found it very expensive and not too impressive. We did not purchase anything here. We were back on board at 4 even though the ship was here until 7. We hit the hot tub and then had a nap before dinner. It was a good day. 


Puerto Vallarta

Sunday morning, the hotel shuttle (free) took us to the port which is about 5 minutes away at 10:30 a.Our cabin was clean and almost sparkled.

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Mexican Riviera with the Martini Mariners

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Superior Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

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