Mexico Cruises
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Ancient ruins, golden beaches and vibrant culture
Mexico offers two coastlines and two very different cruise experiences. On the East Coast, the Yucatan Peninsula draws visitors for its remarkable combination of ancient culture and natural beauty. Cozumel sits at the heart of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, making it one of the finest snorkelling and diving destinations in the Caribbean. The mainland ports of Costa Maya and Cozumel also serve as gateways to the Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza, both of which reward the journey inland.
On the Pacific side, the Mexican Riviera is an altogether different proposition. Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of Baja California, has a dramatic desert-meets-ocean setting that is immediately striking from the ship, while Puerto Vallarta combines a beautiful natural bay with a cobbled old town, a thriving restaurant scene, and a genuine sense of local life that extends well beyond the waterfront. Seabourn and Windstar both operate smaller ships along the Mexican Riviera, with Windstar’s yacht-style vessels able to access quieter anchorages that larger cruise ships simply cannot reach.
A Mexico cruise rewards those who look beyond the beach. The food alone, from freshly made tacos in a Puerto Vallarta mercado to the seafood on the Yucatan coast, is reason enough to linger. As specialists in the luxury lines that call here, we can help you choose the itinerary and ship that gives you the best possible version of it. To learn more about cruising Mexico or to discuss an upcoming voyage, please call our team on 0800 008 6677 or submit an online enquiry for your preferred sailing.
Best time to go
November to April
Things to do
Ruins, reefs and Mexican Riviera beaches
Stand-out features
Chichen Itza, Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas
The best time to cruise Mexico
The best time to cruise Mexico is from November to April, when both coasts enjoy warm, dry weather with temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees. This is the peak cruise season for both the western Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera. December to March offers the most consistently pleasant conditions on both coasts. The wet season from May to October brings higher humidity, afternoon showers and the risk of hurricanes on the Caribbean coast from June to November. The Pacific coast is less affected by hurricanes but can experience tropical storms. Whale watching season off the Pacific coast of Baja California runs from December to April, when grey whales migrate to the warm lagoons to breed.
- Dry season: November to April – warm, sunny and the peak cruise season on both coasts
- Whale watching (Pacific): December to April – grey whales in Baja California
- Shoulder months: May and November – warm with occasional showers
- Hurricane season (Caribbean): June to November – higher humidity and tropical storm risk
Mexico cruise highlights
Visit Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Chichen Itza is one of the most important and impressive Mayan archaeological sites in the world, and its great pyramid, El Castillo, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The site, a UNESCO World Heritage destination, features remarkably well-preserved temples, a ball court, an observatory and carved stone platforms that demonstrate the extraordinary astronomical knowledge of the Maya civilisation. Chichen Itza is accessible as a day excursion from the port of Progreso on the Yucatan coast, around two and a half hours away. The scale and preservation of the site make it one of the most rewarding archaeological excursions available from any cruise port.
Snorkel the reefs of Cozumel
World-class coral reefs in crystal-clear Caribbean water
Cozumel is one of the top snorkelling and diving destinations in the Caribbean, thanks to its position on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The island’s waters offer exceptional visibility, often exceeding 30 metres, and are home to colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays and nurse sharks. The Palancar Reef and Columbia Reef are world-renowned dive sites, while shallower areas like the beach parks offer excellent snorkelling for all levels. Glass-bottom boat tours, submarine excursions and catamaran trips provide additional ways to experience the marine environment without getting wet.
Explore Cabo San Lucas
Where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean
Cabo San Lucas sits at the very tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. The iconic Land’s End rock arch, El Arco, is one of the most photographed natural landmarks in Mexico and is accessible by water taxi from the marina. The surrounding waters offer excellent snorkelling, whale watching (December to April) and sport fishing. The marina district is lively with restaurants, bars and shops, and the beaches range from the swimmable Medano Beach to the dramatic, wave-battered shores of the Pacific side. The desert landscape backing the coast creates a unique and striking setting.
Discover Puerto Vallarta
A charming Pacific coast town with a thriving food scene
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most appealing Pacific coast destinations, combining a beautiful bay setting with a charming old town, known as the Zona Romantica, and an increasingly celebrated restaurant and art scene. The Malecon, a mile-long seafront promenade lined with sculptures and art installations, is perfect for an evening stroll. The old town’s cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe create a picturesque backdrop. Excursions from Puerto Vallarta include zip-lining in the Sierra Madre, sailing to hidden beaches and visiting the traditional mountain village of San Sebastian del Oeste.
Sample authentic Mexican cuisine
Far beyond the familiar, and utterly delicious
Mexican cuisine is recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, and experiencing it in its home country is one of the great pleasures of cruising Mexico. Each region has its own specialities, from the ceviches and seafood cocktails of the coast to the mole sauces of Oaxaca and the slow-cooked pork cochinita pibil of the Yucatan. Street food stalls serving tacos al pastor, tamales, elotes (grilled corn) and fresh fruit with chilli are found at every port. Mezcal and tequila tastings, often paired with traditional snacks, are popular shore excursions. The depth and variety of Mexican food goes far beyond what most visitors expect.
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