what should I do while in the Mexican Riviera?

Question

In two weeks, we are cruising to Mexico-Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. Trying to find cheap but fun activities in port- like beach, snorkeling or horse-back-riding. But the ship charges way too much for our family of 6 to enjoy these activities in their excursion book. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

For Cabo I recommend the beach right there where the ship anchors [Cabo is a tender port, meaning the ship will anchor in the harbor and you will take a tender (one of the lifeboats) to the dock] ...
http://www.cabosbest.com/images/cabo_photos/cabo_cruise_ship.jpg
If the ship is pointing toward the city, then El Archo will be to your left ...
http://www.sovereigncruises.org/ELG/ELG06/cabo2.jpg
and the beach will be to your right. From the tender dock it is about 3/4 mile walk around the marina to the beach. Or for $2.00 to $3.00 each you can take a water taxi to the beach ...
http://www.bajascenicflights.com/images/medium/cabo-harbor-m.jpg

In Mazatlan I recommend Randi's Happy Horses ...
http://www.randishappyhorses.com/
This tour gets very high reviews on the cruise websites ...
http://www.cruise-addicts.com/forums/read.php?23,901015

For PV, I recommend you take a taxi down to the Malecon (downtown). This is where the sculptures ...
http://www.jimtardio.com/mexico/mexico-puerto-vallarta-malecon-arches.jpg
and the famous church, Our Lady of the Virgin of Guadalupe ...
http://www.mexonline.com/pv/dirimages/pv-church1.jpg
and Gringo Gulch are located. After seeing the sights, you can walk along the beach back to your ship ...
http://www.cruisemates.com/images/Mexico/PuertoVallarta.jpg

Answer 2

drink tequila.
buy silver from beach vendors
go snorkeling
sunbathe
swim
relax
read a book

but seriously cruisecritic.com has many ideas about this type of cruise. the boards there are full of experiences people have had on the same route you are going
have a great time!!