DAY CRUISE TO LOS ARCOS AND YELAPA

One of the most popular of these excursions operated by Princess Cruises (tel. 322/224-4777, www.crucerosprincesa.com.mx) is aboard the big Princess Yelapa, a tripled-decked steel tub with room for a hundred. The route follows the coastline, stopping at Los Arcos for snorkeling, and continues to idyllic Majahuitas for an hour of snorkeling. Later, at Yelapa, passengers disembark for about two hours to sun on the beach or hike to the waterfall (by horseback, if desired). The package includes light breakfast, lunch, and no-host bar for about $40 per person.

  Princess Cruises also runs the Sarape, a sailboat accommodating around 30 people, for snorkeling at Los Arcos, continuing to Las Animas and Quimixto for a hike (or horseback ride) and swimming at a waterfall. Two drinks, music, and lunch are included for about $40 per person.

  For romantics, the Princess Vallarta, a scaled-down version of the Princess Yelapa, offers a 6–9 p.m. sunset cruise, with snacks, open bar, and live music for dancing, at about $40 per person.

  If you tend toward seasickness, fortify yourself with Dramamine before these cruises. Destination disembarkation at Las Animas, Quimixto, and Yelapa is by motor launch and can be difficult for the travelers with disabilities.