Thanks Suze. My wife has already signed up for a sculpture class next year. Staying a full 2 weeks next time & bringing our daughter along with the grandson.

Nice! Enjoy!! I'll be down 2 weeks in May and 3 weeks in November this year.

Why "married", that's not what my name is, it's maried11. Anyway, just a hint for others that may be reading so they don't think PV has good snorkelling and we do pull our kids out. Life experience can't be made up again, while another week in school can, so we pull them out and never go at spring break. Don't want to go with 3000 other kids.lol. But that's only from learning from having 4 kids. Why so bitter? I said good report, but these are also a learning tool for others, so thought that others should know. Have fun for the rest of the trip.

Not bitter.It is just your obvious obsession about this subject with your second & now third post about the same.
Why you have this compulsion to comment on my snorkeling experience is beyond common sense. Do you have a financial interest in sending people elsewhere? This board is for armature reporting/discussions. Not professionals selling their service.

I am a TA and den tonnes of people to PV every year. Just like to be clear about experiences. Not bitter.lol. Ok!

PS: that is the first time I've posted on your thread. Not sure why you say 2 or 3 unless you mean on other threads and if that's the case, then of course people repeat their knowledge on other questions. You just seem a little upset is all, just enjoy your trip and chill a little!

SIGH So Sad!

PS I have no idea what brunch you are referring to as I have NEVER eaten a brunch in Mexico in 31 years,
But then you seem a very confused & compulsive person.
My last comment to you.

Our boy spent much of the AM swimming in our deep, cold pool with two young Mexican girls playing & jabbering in Spanish with them. At 11 he has become very proficient making us proud.
As our next to last night my Nieto desired some pizza of the Hawaiian variety therefore we went to a little Italian place a few blocks straight down the hill were he got The Pineapple pizza after we had a starter of Calamari, salads & I a mushroom pizza as pineapple is not my choice. We had shopped most of the PM so were ready for a Sunday evening on the Malacon watching the crowds, entertainment & sights before participating in the dancing at the gazebo. Then having worked off the dinner we ended the evening at the Uno/Dos ice cream parlor with each having their favorite before heading to our suite for a peaceful end of the night;

Brunch at La Playita (at Lindo Mar). Many recommend it and it's actually not good IMO. Enjoy.

The MARIETAS
Our last full day was a very special one. We booked a private tour to the Marietas for just us 3. As this included a underwater swim to a hidden beach we needed special permission for our slightly under age Nieto. They asked him to take a swim test which he passed with flying colors.
While the Negative Nellies will tell you such adventures in the PV area are not worth while as a guy with 100's of hours of dive experience since 1966 I can attest it was well worth the cost which IMO was very reasonable for a 6 hour trip.
We saw whales, dolphins & lots of other underwater creatures. My Grandson raved about this adventure & a great way to end his first Mexican adventure.I have signed him up for SCUBA certification on our return home so on our trip to my old home on St Martin,NA this Summer will be complete.
Makes a old guy young hanging with such an enthusiastic kid !

Some observations
While the growth of PV is almost over whelming there is still much to enjoy.
Among these is Los Cuatro Vientos virtually unchanged since my first visit in 1986. While not for those that need constant attention & plush surroundings it is perfect for the independent traveler.
Our 2 room suite with a view patio was immaculate with thick plentiful towels, lots of hot water with great pressure, very comfortable beds & lots of storage, hangers etc. What it does not have are TVs, a/c but excellent WiFi that streams well.
The staff is the best, well trained & friendly. The view from the Nido (The roof top bar/lounge) is the best in PV. The food remains as outstanding as it was in the days of John Huston, Liz, Dick & other famous folks. Twice a week 2 for 1 nights make it one of the best bargains in PV.
I love the peaceful afternoons for relaxing, the community round table included breakfast which is excellent. Friends from years past are there to renew acquaintances.
The many fine & variety of cafes in PV make it a great place to eat.
It was so much fun to introduce my grandson to places such as El Eden, The Marietas National Park, the Island & all of the old time pleasures of PV as well as discovering many new ones.
We will return next year for a longer visit.

Who did you use for the Marietas tour? What company?

Thanks so much for this fun trip report, Stewbear, it was really fun following along with you and your grandson!

Back again so soon??? -haha- suerte, Suze

Suze, we booked through Punta Mita Adventures on recommendation by a long time local resident friend. We actually booked last October as only 6 people are allowed on Playa del Amor at a time & I understand but a few companies are approved to bring visitors. A most special adventure.

Thank you very much Stewbear for the excellent reporting.

It was enjoyable to follow along.

Excellent. Thanks for the information. And sharing your trip report.

Sorry but I can't help but smile that after since a long absence, you're now planning to return next year? PV does pull on your heart.

PV as my first Mexican experience always has a soft spot in my heart. Add my love of Los Cuatro Vientos, the easy Bay area to PV connections, Linda's desire to do the sculpture class makes it a no brainier.
My first love is Guanajuato (God's gift to me) & I hopefully will be doing my normal 8 to 10 weeks there in '18 but some health issues this year shorten that up in '17. They seem to be behind me now.
Anyways after a great trip this year why would we not return?
Best Stew

Really enjoyed this thread, Stewbear. Last year I visited Guanajuato for the first time. I have always wanted to go there but the logistics just did not work out. This time I went to a writers workshop in SMD, so planned my visit to GTO - at last! I just loved it. Could have stayed for a long time.
I'm not sure how you navigate the tunnels....but since I won't be living there I will leave that to the paid drivers.

Now looking for a place to retire on the cheap - probably - or hopefully - Baja or some area where direct flights from the Bay Area are easy.

Some good friends just bought a retirement home on Baja's East Cape, a most lovely area with great beaches.
GTO as I have said before is "Gods Gift To Me" but I also love Trinity County, Ca (14,000 people & 18,000 bears) where I maintain a camper spending 4 months a year along with The San Francisco Bay area so 3 to 4 months in Mexico is my limit. Just so many months in the year.
PS Volaris has direct flights non-stop Oakland to Leon/Guanajuato Leave OAK at 2:00 AM arrive around 6:30 AM with the 2 hour time change.