Great Afternoon for All Ages – Friendly Hosts, Fun Activities, and a Local Touch
jcullinan, Jun 2025
I booked this excursion for a group of ten, ranging in age from 13 to 78, and everyone had a great time. There was truly something for everyone. The hosts were fantastic and very attentive from start to finish—during the van ride, the catamaran trip, and our time at the beach.Ricardo, who was in charge at the port, made sure our entire group was well taken care of as we arrived and departed. Poncho was our main guide for the afternoon. He walked us through how the beach club worked, gave tips on what to expect, and pointed out things to watch for. He was friendly, helpful, and made sure the younger ones got their food and fun while the rest of us were comfortable and cared for. Luis, our waiter at the beach club, was outstanding—constantly checking in to ensure everyone had what they needed.Keep in mind, this is a small port town and not as developed as places like Puerto Vallarta. While it’s marketed as an all-in-one tour, it’s actually a coordinated effort by several small local operators. So be prepared to tip multiple people along the way—bring plenty of small bills! In addition to Ricardo, Poncho, and Luis, we tipped the van drivers, the jitney drivers on Stone Island, and gave small tips to the horse ride and banana boat staff. It’s clear this is a less affluent area, and the locals are working hard to provide a good experience.The included food and drinks were good but simple, as expected for the price. The combo plate and burritos got good reviews from our group. You can also order additional items off the menu (credit cards accepted)—the guacamole with chips and beef nachos were especially popular. There was also a fresh oyster cart, though we didn’t try it.Drinks featured standard rail liquor. The Mai Tai was a hit, while most other drinks were just okay. Pacifico beer was available and a safe choice. One important note: bring water from the ship. Water is only provided during transportation from the port—not at the beach—which wasn’t clearly communicated.As for activities, the teens loved using the boogie boards all day and took a few banana boat rides using some of the older folks' tickets. The horse rides were short and more of a photo op—fun to see unexpected riders in action. It’s a brief walk through the neighborhood and back. The carriage ride was longer and a great option for our less mobile group members.Overall, everyone left happy, tired, and full of great memories. Highly recommended for a laid-back, well-rounded day that supports hardworking local businesses.