The overview
Two very different Mexico cruises
Mexico is two separate cruise experiences depending on which coast you sail. The Mexican Riviera runs down the Pacific side from Southern California to ports like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. The Caribbean coast appears on Western Caribbean itineraries out of Florida and the Gulf, calling at Cozumel, Costa Maya and Progreso.
Cozumel is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, so the Caribbean side is the more common way travelers reach Mexico by ship. ClariSail doesn't book the cruise or set the price; we explain what an offer includes, flag what tends to cost extra, review your request by hand, and refer you to a cruise-selling partner to finalize details.
Where you'll stop
The top Mexico ports
Different ports lean toward different days, from reef snorkeling to ancient ruins to Pacific beach towns.
Cozumel
A reef-diving and snorkeling hub with beach clubs, the San Gervasio Maya site, and a quick ferry to Playa del Carmen and Tulum on the mainland.
Costa Maya (Mahahual)
Quieter beaches, the Chacchoben ruins, and trips to the vivid Bacalar lagoon make this a more laid-back Caribbean-coast stop.
Cabo San Lucas
On the Pacific Riviera: the iconic El Arco rock formation, a lively marina, sportfishing and beaches. Note that Cabo is a tender port.
In port
What to do in Mexico
Mexico's port days are built around variety: snorkeling and diving the reefs, swimming in inland cenotes, touring Maya ruins, beach clubs, and of course the food and tequila. The Caribbean side skews toward reefs and ruins, while the Pacific Riviera mixes beach towns with desert-meets-ocean scenery around Cabo.
A handful of ports tender rather than dock, Cabo among them, so factor a little extra transit time into longer excursions.
Timing your trip
The best time to cruise Mexico
Both coasts sail year-round. The Mexican Riviera is most popular from November through April, which is also gray-whale season off Cabo. The Caribbean coast is driest from roughly December through April, with June through November being the wider region's hurricane season, lower prices but a chance of weather routing changes.
Tell us your flexible months and preferred coast when you request pricing and we'll factor them in.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Mexican Riviera and Caribbean-coast Mexico cruises?
The Mexican Riviera sails the Pacific side from Southern California to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. The Caribbean coast appears on Western Caribbean cruises from Florida and the Gulf, calling at Cozumel, Costa Maya and Progreso.
Where do Mexico cruises leave from?
Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Diego for the Pacific Riviera; Florida ports, Galveston and New Orleans for the Caribbean-coast itineraries.
What is there to do in Cozumel?
Reef snorkeling and diving, beach clubs, the San Gervasio Maya ruins, and a ferry across to Playa del Carmen for day trips to Tulum.
Is Cabo San Lucas a tender port?
Yes. Ships anchor offshore and bring passengers in by smaller boat, so allow extra time around longer excursions.
When is the best time to cruise Mexico?
The Riviera is most popular November through April (also gray-whale season near Cabo). The Caribbean coast is driest December through April; June through November is hurricane season for the wider region.
Is ClariSail the cruise line?
No. ClariSail is a no-cost informational matching service that explains offers and pricing, reviews each request manually, and refers interested travelers to a cruise-selling partner who handles booking.
Request pricing
Get clear Mexico Coastline pricing
Tell us a little about your trip and we'll review your request and follow up with clear pricing, what's generally included, and what to expect before you decide. There's no cost to use ClariSail.