Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
A short hour long flight from Mexico City and we've arrived in Puerto Vallarta. We get a cab to our 'house' and note 2 casinos along the way.
We rock up at our airbnb accommodation. Holy hell, it's a mansion. We've booked 1 room but our host Martin informs us no one else is booked in. We've to got the palace, which inludes a pool, to ourselves. We get the tour then jump in the pool. It's warmer in Puerto Vallarta then Mexico City and temp is still around 20 odd degrees at night.
PV has much more of a touristy feel to it. From what we gather it's a favourite winter get away destination for Mexicans and Americans alike. I can understand since in Austin, Texas, is already around 0 degrees and winter has only just started.
Day 2
Google "underground beach mexico" and you'll understand why we came to Puerto Vallarta. This is what we did today.
About an hour off the coast lay the Marieta Islands containing some amazing reefs, beaches and a natural phenomenon known as hidden beach.
For 70 bucks each we get a ticket for a cruise that will take us there, let us do snorkelling, an open bar and the chance of seeing some amazing marine life. A decent deal, I say.
On the way there we see some humpback whales. We chase them for a bit and get some good pics and some info from the tour guide. The boat has a host of good looking Mexican dudes running the show. I think they may have second jobs as strippers. Courtney and the many other female middle age holiday makers enjoy their performances a little too much if you ask me.
We arrive at the islands and get our snorkelling gear ready. Courtney is a little apprehensive. We aren't sure how cold the water is going to be either.
We dive in and the water is clear and warm. Straight away we see fish everywhere. Within a minute Courtney is dragging me around and pointing at things, rather than the other way around. Tropical fish galore. Reefs, crystal clear water. Incredible. Like you see on the travel shows.
The guide tells us that if the seas are even only a slightly bit rough you can't get to hidden beach. We now understand why because we see the entrance. You need to snorkel to it through a cave which could quickly be completely underwater if a decent size wave rolls in. Now Jeff is apprehensive. We wait a bit for the seas to calm and head in. A leap of faith under water for the last part and we enter paradise.
The photos make it look bigger than it is, but it's still large enough to get the entire boat of people in. We go for a little exploring, still loving the snorkelling. Then take it all in. Yet another surreal experience.
Back out again and onto the boat, then on to a smaller boat that takes us to another beach on one of the other islands. It's another paradise. The water seems saltier than at home because we are floating so easily. We splash around for about an hour then it's back to the ship for lunch and drinks. And drinks.
The food is great. The bartenders is a machine. We sip on mai tais on the bow of the ship.
Hello, hello. What do we have here? More whales? This time right in front of us and showing a lot of 'great activity'!
The humpbacks are literally about 25 meters from the ship. A female and a couple of guys following her to the ends of the earth... Standard.
What a way to finish the cruise.
We do some light shopping on the way home. Cereal and a carton of beer. That should last us.
Ok, time to check out the town. We head in and find a place to eat. We devour a burrito and a burger and the get another burrito. The waitress is impressed (repulsed) by our eating ability.
Back home, a quick dip and then to bed.
Day 3
A big day in the sun yesterday took its toll. We have a lazy day around the pool at our mansion today.
Went for a wander to get some food and stopped in at CostCo for some stuff. Didn't realise until we were at the counter that you need to be a member to shop there. Some kind strangers helped the stupid tourists out, thankfully.
We head to the casinos tonight. The first one is pretty average. Just pokies and an electronic blackjack machine. Although, the min bet is only about $2, so we had a cheap time there losing our money.
Off to the next one (walking distance). It's much better. Still mainly pokies but also some cheap roulette. We slowly lose some money there as well. A cheap night out though because the minimum bet is so small. My kinda casino!
Back home to the pool again. Pretty much every night ends up with a quick dip. Love it.