kristi

We're heading to Puerto Vallarta in the beginning of December. We have made reservations at the Playa Los Arcos Hotel. <BR> <BR>What is the best way from the airport to the hotel? Bus, taxi? <BR> <BR>I'm interested in seeing wildlife-whales, dolphins, fish... I've found several web sites for tours to Marietas Islands-is this a good place to go? Is the snorkeling good from there? Are any of the tour companies better than the others? I think the offical whale watching season doesn't start until after our vacation so I don't think the whale watching trips will be an option for us. <BR> <BR>Thanks for any advice!

Cheryl z.

<BR>Kristi - there'll be tax/van services right out in front of the airport and they're pretty cheap. Or if you don't want to make all the stops they'll make (maybe 4-5 hotels) just go out to the main street with your bags and hail a cab, very cheap. <BR>We've taken a boat out to Mariettas, saw dolphins, not much else out there, friends went snorkeling and enjoyed it. There's not going to be a lot of wildlife in PV. You can go fishing, boating, horseback riding. Probably won't be any whales that time of year. I've never seen any and we've been there in all the different months. Usually see lots of dolphins tho and we've seen large turtles but that's about it. You'll have a wonderful time -we love PV.

Eleanor Snedden

Kristi, we were in PV in 12/97 and enjoyed it. I did scuba diving at the marietas Islands and it was OK, the water was very clear but I didn't see very much ocean life. I was in Cozumel in Feb'99 and there was far more to see in the water, and the water quality was much better. If you are into scuba diving, I would recommend Cozumel

kristi

Thanks Cheryl and Eleanor. <BR> <BR>Cheryl, how did you get out to the Marietas? Did you take one of the snorkel excursions (which look like they run about $50 per person) or is there a way to go over on your own? Can we book once we get down there or should we book in advance? <BR> <BR>Any restaurant recommendations in the section of town we're staying in (Playa Los Arcos)? I think we're south of the river. I was hoping to find good Mexican and seafood.

PT

Hi Kristi...did you receive my email? Please email me direct at [email protected] Thanks!

Cheryl Z.

<BR>Kristi - we took a commercial tour, can't remember the name but it was a large catamaran, for the day. Wasn't specifically for diving, just a pleasant tour, nice view, included lunch and hour or so on the island. You don't have to make advance res. here, when you arrive you'll have plenty of time, and several to choose from. As far as restaurants, there are MANY - you will have wonderful authentic Mexican food (and you'll never want to eat the "salsa" served here in the States again!) and wonderful seafood, often just simply grilled with garlic. Lots of snapper, sea bass, shrimp. My mouth is watering already. Our favorites South of the bridge include El Toritos (my husband loves their barbeque ribs), El Set, Dacquiri Dicks, La Palapa. Too many to mention. Be sure to go to Le Bistro too under the bridge on the Isle Iguana.