Smaller Ports of Call in Mexico

There are some beautiful, smaller ports in Mexico that very few cruise ships stop at - perhaps you are one of the lucky ones! While there are many ships which dock at Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, fewer still visit La Paz, Manzanillo or Loreto. Even so, if you really want to visit a unique port, look for a ship which will be visiting lovely Huatulco or Topolobampo, the gateway to the Copper Canyon.

Huatulco is located very far down on Mexico's Pacific coast - so far down in fact, that it is on Mexico's southern - not western - coast. Because of this, most cruises to Mexico don't include a stop at Huatulco, but if you are lucky enough to cruise through the Panama Canal, you may stop at this lovely, picturesque port.

Huatulco is one of the few ports where you can literally swim on a beach adjacent to your cruise ship - just think of the great photo opportunities! The coastline is quite unspoiled, with over 30 beaches and 9 bays to enjoy - some only accessible by boat. The crystal clear water is just perfect for snorkeling, or if you prefer to remain above the water, you can try your hand at a sailboat or catamaran ride. Nearby, enjoy the historical village of Santa Cruz Huatulco, with its many shops and open-air artisans’ market.

Topolobampo is located just 12 miles from the western end of the railroad which travels through Mexico’s Copper Canyon, so it is used as a starting place for many shore excursions visiting this rugged and beautiful area of Mexico. Topolobampo means “watering place of the sea lions” in the language of the Mayo people who once lived in the area. While you are there, you can arrange to have a boat tour of the bay which will include views of the sea lions and dolphins which live there. At this time, only Holland America Cruises ports at Topolobampo.

Enjoy your Mexican cruise!  Stephanie Larkin is the editor of http://www.Cruise-to-Mexico.net, as well as http://www.CruiseLinesAndPorts.com and other cruise websites. She and her family are avid cruisers - her 3 children especially love the towel animals and chocolates left on their pillows at night!