holland america mazatlan excursions

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Excursions & Tours

Mazatlan City Tour

Stone Island Beach Getaway

Sinaloa Zipline Adventure

Highlights with Lunch

Resort Day Pass

Beach Horseback Ride

Mexican Hot Springs

Presidio River Adventure

Stone Island and Old Town Sightseeing Tour

Sierra Madre Villages and Old Town

E-Bike Tour

Tequila Factory and Villages

Best of Mazatlan

Deer Island Kayak

Magic Village and Dancing Horses

Brewery and Beach

Mazatlan Land and Sea

Two Facets of Mazatlan: City and Rancho Tour

Mercado and More Delights Tour

Hike to Creston Mountain Lighthouse

Old Mazatlan Walk

El Quelite Rural Tour

El Rosario Artisan Tour

Delights of the Barrio Bites Tour

Copala Colonial Tour

Private Best of Mazatlan City

Private Lake Picacho Fishing

Private Sierra Madre Villages and Old Town

Private Tequila Factory and Local Villages

Mazatlan cruise excursions to mexico.

With no shortage of pristine beaches and a surplus of natural beauty, Mazatlan, in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, is the perfect place to for a cultural, historical, and scenic Mexican experience. Majestic mountains that rise up from behind the city mark Mazatlan's surroundings. At Shore Excursions Group, we invite you to learn about Mexico's cultural history on this Mazatlan shore excursion. Learn about Mexico's colonial period while visiting some quaint, charming villages around Mazatlan. Follow up with the opportunity to enrich your mind with an artistic shore excursion experience. You can travel to La Noria and other places to see Mexican artists in action, creating and displaying original Mexican artwork.

Mazatlan, Mexico

Mazatlan is the sportfishing capital of the world. As the ship pulls into harbor, passengers will catch sight of the El Faro lighthouse, the second-tallest lighthouse in the world. The most popular excursions are city tours that visit the main square, the historic district and the beaches, and an all-day tour to the Sierra Madre mountains to see the villages of Concordia and Copola.

• Cruising / Mexico / Ports of Call

A Review of the Estuaries & Bird Watching Expedition Excursion in Mazatlan

by Prof. Cruise · Published February 4, 2022 · Updated February 4, 2022

The Estuaries and Bird Watching Expedition: Introduction and Context

I didn’t fill out the provided comment card at the end of this excursion or submit a review directly to Holland America for three reasons. First, I was worried that my snarky comments translated to “entitled American jerk” in Spanish:

“Now I remember why we don’t allot a month’s salary to a single cruise ship excursion.” Translation: Titulada idiota Americana.

“Every nursing home that serves soggy partially defrosted generic-brand unseasoned mixed vegetables can now legally advertise that they offer residents authentic Mexican food.” Translation: Titulada idiota Americana.

“I’d have ordered the chicken had I known it was the only bird I was going to see.” Translation: Titulada idiota Americana.

“I can only assume you told me to wear a swimsuit under my clothes as a science experiment to see if the crotch would emerge from my mouth after getting jostled about on the back of a tractor pulled wagon with wooden plank seats for 2+ hours, because there sure as heck wasn’t an opportunity to swim.” Translation: Titulada idiota Americana.

Second, I didn’t want there to be negative repercussions for our lovely guide Polo who did his absolute best under difficult circumstances and was in no way responsible for the shortcomings of this excursion. And third, there was a couple in our group who had taken this exact same excursion with the exact same guide three times prior (that’s how much they loved it) and assured us that if we were to look up the word “atypical” in the dictionary, below a photo of Prof. Cruise, there would be a description of how this excursion went for us.

All that was my long-winded way of telling you to approach this review with the appropriate context which I’ll discuss more at the end.

The Estuaries and Bird Watching Expedition: The Basics

Before I get into the mangroves (see what I did there) of our specific experience, here’s how the excursion was advertised by Holland America:

I know Princess offers a nearly identical excursion called “Estuary Cruise & Tropical Birds” and other cruise lines may as well. To summarize, we paid $89.95 each for the promise of a “cruise down mangrove and palm tree-lined waterways in Mexico’s largest estuary/wetlands system,” an “opportunity for bird-watchers and nature-lovers to spend a day in absolute relaxation,” “time to swim, ” and “a delightful Mexican lunch.” As amateur bird watchers and nature enthusiasts with a kid who loves playing in ocean waters that don’t result in hypothermia before a single toe is fully submerged like at our local beaches in Seattle, we were sold. We didn’t care much about the Mexican lunch, seeing as we had all-you-can-eat food included on our cruise and it was already well after lunchtime when we set about our journey, but thought trying some yummy Mexican food was a nice bonus.

But here’s how the day actually went (read to the end before judging me hopelessly surly):

Our Experience on The Estuaries and Bird Watching Expedition Excursion in Mazatlan

When asked, “what are your weaknesses?” in job interviews, I always answer with, “I’m compulsively early” followed by, “which might not seem like a bad thing except that there won’t be any coffee or donuts left for those who show up to meetings on time.”

And true to form, my family and I arrived at our designated meeting location (just off the ship on the pier) 15 minutes early and quickly located a crew member holding up a sign for our tour. They checked our names off their list and directed us to a large tour bus. “So far, so good,” I thought.

But my optimism started to fade after sitting on the bus, which appeared full, for 20 minutes after our scheduled departure time of 1pm, which meant that I’d been entertaining my 9 year-old and reassuring him that “these birds are going to be so cool!” for 35 minutes. What I should have said was, “settle in for another three and a half hours of this, kid. And there may or may not be any birds at the end of it. But we are hearty folk and will endure whatever comes our way.” A good lesson, yes, but not one I was eager to give over our Christmas vacation.

Once we were finally under way, our guide Polo introduced himself and gave an estimated time of return to our cruise ship of 5pm. That made the tour about two hours shorter than advertised, but was fine with us (6 hours was a long excursion for a 9 year-old and 5pm would get us back in plenty of time for dinner in the dining room).

Polo talked a bit about himself and the area on the 20 minute bus ride to board our boat. Once we arrived at a tiny pier, we were divided into two groups and boarded two small boats (pictured behind the pelicans in the photo above) via an awkward transfer from a larger boat. Fifteen minutes later we arrived at Stone Island where were were greeted on our approach by dozens of pelicans, some of which landed on the roof of the boat to the delight of my son. Had I known these would be the only birds we would see up close and in full daylight, I would have taken more photos!

I was a little confused as to why we were getting off the boat, thinking I must have missed the estuary while digging a stray lash out of my eye, but I’m generally a go-with-the-flow kind of gal and assumed things would eventually come into focus. At this point it was explained to us that our ship’s later-than-usual arrival in Mazatlan meant that we would be doing the tour in reverse. So now we were headed for “lunch” (by this point it was around 2pm and we’d already eaten lunch on the ship).

We reunited with the rest of our group from the second boat and were packed onto the tractor-pulled wagon with wood plank benches pictured above. It’s probably worth pausing for a moment to mention that my mom had cracked several ribs on a bus in La Paz a few days prior to this, so the discomfort of the wagon ride was amplified by about 100 fold for her. But even the average 43 year-old (admittedly a bit bloated from 7-days of cruise binging, but otherwise all my pieces fit together properly), found the long ride through the narrow, unpaved, and badly pot-holed streets of Stone Island unpleasant (there was more demand for inflatable butt donuts than Covid tests in the ship’s medical center following this excursion).

Prior to arriving at the restaurant, we were given a small sheet of paper to indicate what we’d like for lunch and advised of an additional “vegetarian option” as well as several items available for an up-charge (grilled shrimp and the restaurant’s specialty: mango margaritas). I’m a vegetarian, so I went with the vegetarian option and my son’s a boring kid (#facts) so he went with the cheese quesadilla. I was surprised that Mr. Cruise and my mom also selected the vegetarian option (Polo’s description sounded good and I think they wanted something lighter as we’d already eaten lunch on the ship).

We arrived at the restaurant, located along a vast beach packed with locals and tourists, and secured a table. At this point we were told “your food will arrive in around 30 minutes,” but we still had our little menu cards and no drink orders were being taken. So we waited and waited and waited for something, anything to happen.

At this point I started having flashbacks of a prior cruise ship excursion that dumped us in an upstairs room of a Hard Rock Cafe for over an hour for “free fountain drinks.” We were handed food menus with a hard sell even though no one expressed any interest in ordering anything and after 10 minutes of awkward and increasingly annoyed silence, a few people ordered sodas assuming they were complimentary fountain drinks. After sitting there for over an hour, abandoned by our tour guides and low-key wondering if we’d been kidnapped, two people in our group (one being Mr. Cruise) received a bill for their sodas with the explanation that Coke came in a bottle and therefore wasn’t complimentary (this wasn’t mentioned when they ordered it). Mr. Cruise paid for both drinks as the other gentleman didn’t have any money with him and joked: “No worries, next time we’re in Cartagena together you can pay for my unwanted, “free” Coke.

We tried to have a sense of humor about the whole thing, but that experience coupled with several others over the years has generally soured me on cruise ship excursions – they’re overpriced, usually crowded, and sometimes not that great. But I still occasionally book them if I have onboard credit to cover the cost (as was the case with this excursion in Mazatlan) or if it’s a port I don’t feel comfortable exploring on my own or booking a private, non-ship excursion.

But back to our estuaries and bird watching expedition…

After waiting for over 30 minutes at a table with nothing to do, waiters finally started coming around to take drink orders and collect our menus. With no indication of how long it would take for our food to be ready and no explanation as to the itinerary for the rest of our stop on Stone Island, I decided to take my son exploring along the adjacent beach for a few minutes. We didn’t go far as I assumed we’d have time after lunch to enjoy the beach and I didn’t want to miss our food arriving.

We waited for another 20 minutes for our food and, when it arrived, all simultaneously looked at our plates, a little dazed and confused, and then looked around for hidden cameras, sure we were being pranked. I examined the plain tortilla that accompanied my entree of cold, unseasoned “Great Value” frozen vegetables looking for the Virgin Mary in the char markings like, “there has to be something more to this.”

We kept up a positive attitude for our son who enjoyed his cheese quesadilla and the free virgin mango margarita our waiter brought him (which was a very kind gesture – I think he felt bad that my son had sat there for so long).

After finishing our “delightful Mexican lunch,” we waited and waited and waited again until Polo finally instructed us to load back onto the wagon. By now it was after 4pm and several people in our group asked, clearly irritated, “are we ever going to see any birds?!?” Polo reassured us that, “we’re heading there now,” and it occurred to me that all that waiting around at the restaurant was, in fact, our beach time despite there being no communication as such and no changing facilities, loungers, “water activities available for purchase,” etc. The #silverlining was that we didn’t get wet which would have made an already chilly boat ride through the estuary unbearably cold.

After another long hour on the tractor-pulled wagon through mango and coconut farms (the landscape was beautiful, but we were all so tired and worried that it was going to get dark before we even got to the estuary, we didn’t really enjoy it), we finally arrived at the estuary after 5pm, just as the sun was beginning to set and past the time Polo said we’d be back to our ship.

Once onboard our vessel, I channeled my best “Dory” (just keep swimming) and tried to forget about the past hours and enjoy the portion of our journey for which we’d all been waiting. Polo provided interesting commentary on the mangroves and pointed out different bird species (heron, ospreys, pelicans, and hawks), but most of them were too far away to see or photograph well, especially in the dim light. Even so, it was a peaceful, relaxing journey through the estuary with a grand finale to come.

Lemonade and Cotton Candy

There wasn’t actually any lemonade or cotton candy on this carnival ride (I should note there was complimentary Mexican beer and sodas onboard the boat), but as we exited the narrow channels of the estuary out into more open waters, this lemon of an excursion turned into lemonade.

We were treated to a sunset that can only be described as magical. With rippled water in the foreground, a palm tree lined horizon and cotton candy skies, I took a slow, deep breath and thought to myself, “this crazy beautiful world – and I’ve been so lucky to see so much of it thanks to cruising, even if everything doesn’t always go perfectly.” And a few minutes later, as if on cue, we sailed by our cruise ship, Holland America’s ms Zuiderdam, all lit up like a spectacular constellation in the night sky.

Now if the excursion had ended there, I’d have happily wrapped up this review on a positive note concluding with my usual:

and with that…

Class Dismissed.

Instead, I have to scold you for prematurely packing up your belongings “don’t pack up just yet, we still have 20 minutes left of excursion!”

Just When you Think it’s Finally over, it’s Only Just Beginning

After we disembarked our boat in order to load into vans (our 5th mode of transportation), our tour guides lined us up to sign liability waivers they’d forgotten about at the beginning. I admit to thinking, “should we blame mom’s cracked ribs on the potholed wagon ride on Stone Island and cash in before signing this thing?” But I decided to sign as long as we didn’t have to do the excursion again à la Groundhog Day: “I’ll sign anything, just take us back to the ship.”

We waited another 15 minutes as everyone signed their waivers and boarded several smaller vans that dropped us off well short of our cruise ship where we loaded onto people movers (our 6th mode of transportation) that finally delivered us back to our cruise ship at 7:30-ish, exhausted and starving and vowing to never take another cruise ship excursion (stay tuned for my reviews of the cruise ship excursions I’ve booked on my upcoming Princess cruise…”just keep swimming!”). And with that…

This is the Review that Never Ends

If it feels like this is never going to end (second verse, same as the first!), now you know how the excursion felt. But this last part is important. It’s like this review’s version of the liability waiver I saved until you’d already suffered through the whole thing. I wanted to conclude with some context and another perspective, provided by a couple from our ship who’d done this exact same excursion with the same tour guide three times previously and loved it so much they spent the first 30 minutes of this, their fourth time, raving about how great it was going to be only to spend the next five and a half hours getting glared at like a couple of politicians caught partying during lockdown: “You liars!”

Here’s the context: It turns out we visited Mazatlan on one of the busiest tourist days of the year (over the Christmas holiday), our ship arrived in port in the afternoon instead of the morning, and because of the timing, we did the usual itinerary for this excursion in reverse (the first time that had ever happened and probably the last).

And the excursion should have gone like this: We would start by boarding a boat to the estuary where we’d spend several hours identifying dozens of bird species and other wildlife as we glided through narrow channels lined with mangroves. Then we’d transfer to a tractor-pulled wagon and make our way through coconut and mango farms to the beach. The tractor would take us on a scenic ride along the gorgeous and nearly deserted beach to a restaurant where we’d savor a delicious Mexican lunch (just don’t order the vegetarian option) at the appropriate time. Then after lunch we’d have an hour to relax and enjoy the beach before heading back to our ship.

And while that wasn’t our experience, it will very likely be yours (I’d put the odds at 75% based on the track record of the repeat couple) if you decide to book the Estuaries & Bird Watching Expedition in Mazatlan. And with that…

finally…

at long last…

please say we don’t have to board another vehicle…

Class Dismissed!

Homework : No homework, that lecture was enough to endure. But be sure to subscribe to the blog to receive new course materials directly to your e-mail and follow  Prof. Cruise  on your favorite social media sites:

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Mazatlan (Sinaloa, Mexico Riviera)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Hawaii - Mexico - Panama Canal

Local Time 2024-09-16 22:08

Port Mazatlan cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico Riviera. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Mazatlan is a cruise port in Mexico's Sinaloa state. The city is located on Mexico's Pacific coast, across from Baja California Peninsula's southernmost tip. By population (around 440,000) the city is ranked Sinaloa's 2nd-largest - after Culiacan. Mazatlan is a popular tourist- and vacation travel destination, featuring a 13 km (8 mi) long beach promenade lined with world-class hotels and resorts.

The town was founded by the Spaniards in 1531. A large group of German immigrants arrived here in the mid-1800s. They developed the city into a major cargo shipping port. Mazatlan today is one of the Mexico's largest cargo ports.

A car ferry service is available between Mazatlan and La Paz. The city is also served by the General Rafael Buelna Airport. Mazatlan is famous with its Zona Dorado area - white-sand beaches, shops, eateries, bars. Closer to the cruise ship port is the Old Mazatlan destrict - colonial-style architecture, numerous bistros and cafes.

The number of cruise ships to Mazatlan (scheduled / booked port calls) for 2016 was 94, bringing over 300,000 tourists. The port's business peak was in 2010 - with a total of 194 calls. In 2011, the port took a steep fall due to severe drug wars that prompted all major cruise lines to pull their ships out. The first cruise ships came back in 2013. Since then, the port reinforced its security by installing more surveillance cameras and increasing the security measures to keep cruise passengers safe. The city's downtown was renovated. The walking path from the port to the historic district was updated and a blue line was added to be followed.

The Mazatlan cruise port also has the ambition to become a departure port (homeport) with potential northbound itineraries (into Sea of Cortez) or southbound itineraries (to Mexican Riviera ports).

Mazatlan cruise terminal

Cruise ships to Mazatlan dock in the port's cargo area, where also berth various cargo carriers and container ships .

The port provides free tram service for cruise passengers between the terminal and the city. At the terminal, there are also a large parking and taxi ranks for local cabs, plus several small shops.

The old city is approx 1 mi (1,5 km) from the cruise terminal. To get there, you can get a Pulmonia (open-air taxi cab) from the cruise pier. From here, the Golden Zone is approx 4 mi (6,5 km). Know that taxis outside the cruise terminal are usually cheaper.

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A Day Trip to the Charming Villages of the Sierra Madre from Mazatlán

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: February 25, 2022  - Last updated: March 15, 2023

On my recent Mexican Riviera cruise, I took the Charming Villages of the Sierra Madre shore excursion offered by Carnival Cruise Line. Here’s what I thought of this unique day trip from Mazatlán to visit Malpica, Concordia, and Copala .

Mr. SBC and I were so excited for the original shore excursion I had planned for us in Mazatlán, Mexico when we cruised on Carnival Panorama . We were going to visit a sea turtle sanctuary and release baby sea turtles into the Pacific—I was sure it would be the highlight of our cruise.

But sadly, a few days into our sailing we received a letter in our stateroom notifying us that our turtle excursion was canceled. No one seemed to know why (and as of the date I’m writing this that excursion is no longer listed on Carnival’s Mazatlán shore excursions page .)

I had to scramble to find an alternate shore excursion, and the most promising one that wasn’t sold out already was Charming Villages of Sierra Madre & Mexican Lunch . Was it as epic as meeting baby sea turtles? Absolutely not.

But it was still a fun tour, with some highlights—and some disappointments. If you’re considering this Mazatlán shore excursion on your next cruise, you’ll want to read my full honest review before you book.

Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. For more info, please read my  Disclosure Policy .

What the Charming Villages Tour promised

According to Carnival’s website, the seven-hour tour would include:

Sightseeing through the Sierra Madre mountain range by coach

A stop at a traditional adobe brickyard.

• A visit to a village family home bakery to try Mexican sweet bread
• A stop at a furniture and/or pottery workshop in Concordia
• A stop at the “ghost town” of Copala to see ornate colonial houses, a jail, and a church
• Lunch including a Mexican platter of beef or chicken fajitas, rice and beans, chips and salsa, and tortillas. (Beer, hibiscus water, soda, or bottled water also included)

A visit to Mazatlán’s Golden Zone for souvenir shopping

What we actually did on the charming villages tour.

Although our shore excursion generally followed the itinerary, there were some differences between the description of the tour and what we actually experienced. Here’s a stop-by-stop rundown of what we did on the tour.

Boarding the coach and meeting our tour guide

When we arrived at the tour bus parking area to meet our coach, I had a bit of confusion that now makes me laugh.

Walking over to our tour bus, I noticed there was a sign in the window that said “Tour: Charming Villages, Guide: German”.

I grabbed Mr. SBC’s arm just before we hopped on and exclaimed, “Wait! That’s the right tour, but this one’s in German! This is the wrong bus!”

Since my German is extremely limited (I can say hello, thank you, do you speak English, and where is the toilet), I had a scary vision of accidentally boarding a coach for an all-day shore excursion where neither of us understands the language.

Thankfully our tour guide overheard my panic and explained that the tour is in English but his first name is literally German—pronounced like Herman with a Spanish accent. Phew.

Although it was listed as the last stop on our tour, we visited the Golden Zone first before heading out to the Sierra Madre area.

I visited Mazatlán many times when I was a flight attendant back in the ’90s, and I remembered its famous Zona Dorada or Golden Zone as a fun part of the city with beaches, shopping, golf courses, hotels, bars, and nightclubs.

But our short Golden Zone stop was nothing like I remembered it! Although we drove by some of the scenic parts of the Zona Dorad a (including the popular oceanfront Mazatlán sign that wasn’t there the last time I visited), we pulled down a dingy side street that was heavily under construction to visit a tacky souvenir shop.

Experienced cruisers know that tour groups often stop at specific souvenir shops where the tour company gets a kickback from any purchases the tour groups make.

Our tour guide told us we could only go into one specific shop because it was too dangerous to walk to any neighboring shops in the construction zone. Not that we’d want to—the few other shops that were actually open didn’t look very promising, either.

Although our Mazatlán Golden Zone shopping stop wasn’t at all what we expected, we were able to select a complimentary soft drink and bag of chips, and the shop had restrooms to use before we headed off on our adventure.

I thought that stopping at a traditional adobe brickyard would be really interesting! Adobe, which is made from earth, water, and an organic material like straw or dung, has been used to construct homes and buildings for thousands of years.

We pulled over on the highway to look down the hill through thick vegetation at a brickyard (it was about a football field away) and our guide explained a little about adobe brickmaking, what the bricks are used for, and how little money the brickmaker earns after a week of making bricks in the hot sun.

We all peered through the coach window to catch a glimpse of the faraway brickmaker as he went about his work, but he was only about ant-sized from our vantage point. Then we drove away—that was it!

This was a very disappointing stop on our tour, since we didn’t actually visit the brickworks or see how the bricks are made.

We also didn’t have the chance to support this local artisan. Not that any of us would want to purchase an adobe brick to haul back in our luggage—but if a small part of our tour price went toward an up-close demonstration I would have felt better about this stop.

Our drive to the Sierra Madres took about 45 minutes, passing through miles of lush farm fields before we headed up into the mountains.

On the way, we learned about the history of the area from our guide, German. As promised, he spoke excellent English—he had spent several years of his youth living in California—and his narration made the journey fly by.

The tiny village of Malpica

The first “charming village” we visited was Malpica , a tiny town of 600 people. No one was out on the streets, but we did see some goats, a wandering rooster, and a tiny stray Chihuahua with an injured leg who followed me around (I really wanted to take him home with me!)

Malpica was where our tour literature promised us a visit to a village family home bakery to try Mexican sweet bread .

I pictured a visit to a home. With a bakery. Or at least a visit inside a bakery that’s adjacent to a home. Maybe a bit of explanation about the baked goods, and a demonstration of how they’re made?

Nope, none of the above.

Instead, we had the opportunity to stand in line outside to purchase sweet bread through a window. The bread was actually pretty yummy, though!

Next we were off to the highlight of our stop at Malpica—a visit to the workshop of a local tile maker , a man who learned his craft from his father. We looked on as Jorge demonstrated how he creates decorative tiles one by one on an antique hand-operated press.

After the demonstration we had the chance to purchase small or large tiles from a selection on the wall. I picked out some of the larger tiles for $6 each to give as gifts—they work well as kitchen trivets!

Was the village of Malpica charming? Absolutely. But I must admit I felt like an annoying tourist as we pulled up in our giant bus to land in this sleepy little village and gawk at its rustic main street. It’s no wonder all the locals chose to stay indoors!

A stop at a local pottery shop

Just a short ride from Malpica, we stopped at a roadside pottery shop and studio where we watched some of the craftspeople handcraft garden planters from an enormous pile of clay just outside.

Although they seemed to specialize in these larger pieces of pottery, the studio also had a wide selection of smaller decorative pieces for sale, including brightly-painted wall art.

Our second charming village: Concordia

Our next stop was Concordia , a small city of just over 8000 people. Originally called Villa de San Sebastián when it was founded in 1585, Concordia is the oldest colonial city in the south of Sinaloa . It’s most known as a center for artisanal wooden furniture as well as for its baroque church.

The Church of San Sebastián , built in 1785, was the first place I wanted to see in Concordia. The pink-hued stone church looks huge from the outside but is actually rather small. Its towering facade (as you can see from the photo above) is actually a false front with a much smaller building behind it!

But despite its small size, the inside of this historic church is lovely with its elaborate altar, gilded carvings, and pretty rib-vaulted ceiling.

Exiting the church we stopped at Raspados Concordia , located in a small stand on the sidewalk. German had mentioned that we should try their famous raspados , a shaved ice drink with your choice of flavorings.

I also highly recommend stopping to try this treat when you’re in Concordia—I tried the leche quemada flavor (kind of like dulce de leche) and it was delicious and so refreshing on a hot day!

Across from the church in the center of Concordia’s main plaza is a leafy park that’s the perfect place to sit and enjoy your raspado in the shade.

The park is also a fun spot to take some touristy pics with the Instagram-friendly Concordia sign , as well as at the giant rocking chair or miner’s cart, symbols of the city’s heritage of furniture-making and silver mining.

The “ghost town” of Copala, Sinaloa

Our last charming village was Copala , formerly known as San José de Copala, a 400-year-old silver mining town that’s now nearly abandoned. As German explained, when the mines shut down most of the men of the village left to pursue work outside of the town and never returned.

Today Copala is inhabited by only a few hundred residents, primarily women.

Our lunch was at the (actually very charming) Restaurante Alejandro in Copala. The rustic tile-roofed restaurant featured tropical foliage, tiny caged songbirds, and a welcome breeze flowing through its open windows.

One soft drink or beer was included—I chose a “Manzanita Sol” fizzy apple drink and Mr. SBC had a Tecate.

Our server brought us complimentary chips and salsa to start, and we had the option to add on fresh guacamole for $5, which of course we did (I never turn down guacamole). We shared it with one of our cruise buddies who coincidentally had also re-booked on this tour, and there was more than enough for the three of us to enjoy.

As promised, we were each able to choose a lunch platter of beef or chicken fajitas with tortillas, served with a side of rice and beans. The food was good, but decidedly un-spicy—I have to assume that they serve a bland version of their cuisine for the tour bus special.

An added bonus was a slice of the restaurant’s signature banana cream pie , included with our meal. Yum!

Although this exact restaurant isn’t promised as your lunch stop on the tour, I’m pretty sure it’s one of only three restaurants in Copala (and the only one in the square)—so the odds are good that this is where you’ll stop.

Exploring Copala

After lunch we had the chance to wander through the little village of Copala, stopping first at a unique shop and studio in the main square. This is the studio of Alejandro Rodriguez , a world-famous mask maker known for his hand-tooled leather creations. We found out he also owns the restaurant where we had lunch!

Strolling through the village’s tiny main square, we passed through a small park full of tropical plantings, an ornate gazebo, and of course a couple of friendly dogs on the lookout for any leftovers we might have from lunch.

Just past the park stands the beautiful Iglesia Copala , built in the 1740s and one of the oldest churches in Sinaloa.

Although it’s been open to visitors until fairly recently, German let us know that it’s currently not safe to enter due to some needed repairs. But wandering around the building’s outside was still a treat, even just to admire its architecture, unique carvings, and the view of the lush valley below.

Was our shore excursion to the Charming Villages of the Sierra Madre from Mazatlán worth it?

For a seven-hour tour, just under $70 per person was a reasonable expense, especially as it included a tasty lunch.

However, I thought that some of the stops we were promised were misrepresented—especially the adobe brickyard visit, the home bakery stop, and the Golden Zone shopping that was just a visit to a construction area.

But if you’re looking for a really off-the-beaten-path shore excursion from Mazatlán , this might be the trip for you. Malpica, Concordia, and Copala are truly charming towns! Although we didn’t have time for a long stop at any of these spots, seeing these centuries-old villages was certainly a treat.

Tips for your visit to Malpica, Concordia, and Copala

• Wear sensible shoes, preferably with a rubber sole and closed toe. The uneven cobblestones can be tricky to walk on.
• Be prepared for stray animals (especially dogs) roaming the streets.
• Bring a small amount of Mexican pesos on your shore excursion. Some of the vendors you’ll visit will take US dollars, but others (like Raspados Concordia) only accept pesos.
• Pack some bottled water, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen (I love the MyCHELLE Dermaceuticals brand)

You may also like: Exploring the Marietas Islands on the Eco Discovery Tour From Puerto Vallarta

How to book the Charming Villages of the Sierra Madre tour

This shore excursion is operated by Tropical Tours Mazatlán , but they don’t have a website or any obvious way to book directly with the company to save money.

If you’re cruising to Mazatlán on Carnival, the easiest way to book this exact tour is through your online planner in the Shore Excursions section (or through this link if you don’t see it there).

Other cruise lines might offer the same or a similar tour (please let me know if you’ve taken the same tour through another cruise line so I can add that to this post!)

If you’d prefer a different or slightly shorter version of the same tour, check out these links:

• Sierra Madre Villages Half-Day Cultural Tour – This is a five-hour version of the tour that doesn’t include lunch
• Malpica Concordia and Copala Foothills Tour Private Vehicle – A very similar (but private) tour that doesn’t include lunch (but includes alcoholic beverages)
• Mazatlan 5-Hour Guided Tour – a guided tour and ATV ride through the Sierra Madre villages (includes lunch, alcohol, and wine tasting)

Have you visited the charming villages of the Sierra Madre on a shore excursion from Mazatlán? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

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Friday 3rd of February 2023

Having gone on this shore excursion many years ago, we bought a couple of the leather carnivale masks and often wondered about the artist and if he was still around. Thanks to your article, we're looking forward to seeing the artist again on our upcoming Mexico cruise.

Saturday 4th of February 2023

Hi Mikki, I'm so glad I could give you an update! His masks are so beautiful :) I hope you have an excellent time on your Mexico cruise!

Travel A-Broads

Friday 1st of April 2022

Thanks for sharing your honest review for future reference! I feel like things never go exactly as planned and you had to deal with a lot more of that than normal, but it also sounds like you made the best of it. Xx Sara

Saturday 2nd of April 2022

Hi Sara! Yes, this tour definitely had its hits and misses! Thanks so much for reading :)

Thursday 31st of March 2022

I appreciate your honest account of your visit to Malpica, Concordia, and Copala. Sharing both the highlights as well as a few stops that were not as great helps travelers like me decide which places to visit and those I might want to skip.

Hi Michelle, I'm glad you enjoyed reading about my visit to the villages near Mazatlán. I always strive to paint an honest picture of my travels, and I'm happy you appreciate that! Thanks for stopping by :)

Alaina Thomas

Wednesday 30th of March 2022

So sorry your turtle excursion was cancelled! That does sound like it would be a fun one. Also, thanks for sharing your honest experience. It sounds like parts of the tour were not what was expected or even somewhat a disappointment. However, there were a few nice stops and attractions as well.

Hi Alaina, I'm still sad about missing the turtles! I guess it's an excuse to return at another time :D But I'm glad we were able to book this tour at the last minute.

This sounds like a great tour experience. Exploring charming villages and checking out shops owned by local artisans are two of my favorite travel activities! It's too bad some of the stops didn't live up to your expectations but overall it sounds like an action-packed day.

Hi Erika, I enjoyed the sleepy villages and meeting the artisans on this tour. Those are some of my favorite parts of travel too!

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Holland America Mexican Riviera Cruise Review

This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated.

On the first morning of our Holland America Mexican Riviera cruise husband Rob and I were thrilled as our ship slowly cruised within sight of the famous Land’s End rock formations near Cabo San Lucas at the southern point of the Baja Peninsula.

We wanted a North American destination close to our Arizona home. Holland America Line ’s Mexican Riviera round trip from San Diego fit the bill.

The Mexican Riviera cruise season runs October through April when temperatures are moderate. The 7-night cruise on the Oosterdam called on Cabo San Lucas as well as Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on the Mexican mainland.

Cabo San Lucas lies where the Pacific Ocean meets Sea of Cortes. Massive granite arches beckon cruise ships to this colorful port.

In Cabo, we rode an excursion boat for a closer view of Land’s End arch rocks, followed by a bus ride to a scenic location for photo ops. The local tour guide shared interesting history and area information.

At Mazatlan, Rob thoroughly enjoyed the estuaries and bird watching expedition down mangrove and palm waterways to see brown pelicans, sea hawks, blue heron and other exotic waterfowl.

Mazatlan celebrates its Aztec culture. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception’s majestic twin towers dominates the narrow cobblestone streets that are typical of Mexican cities. In contrast, the more contemporary section of this city of 500,000 has wider streets, plus breweries, a casino and resorts. Newer hotels, chain stores and fast-food restaurants welcome tourists and winter residents.

As the Oosterdam docked in Puerto Vallarta, we immediately noticed a different look. This thriving tourist town has spiffed up the port area to spur tourism development with familiar American stores and eateries. Crew members appreciate the nearby Walmart.

Shore excursions in the three ports include city, shopping, cultural and whale-watching tours. Beach excursions, as well as tequila and beer tastings, are popular options. Adventuresome guests can ride horses, snorkel, zip line, parasail, or go sport fishing.

My Mazatlan city tour did a quick take on cliff divers in an area surrounded by vendors. We spent about 15 minutes visiting the Cathedral. The main attraction was a professionally choreographed Mexican Folkloric show. The tour ended with free time for lunch or shopping.

After a short shared cab ride in Puerto Vallarta, we climbed the steep steps to Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral. The beautiful interior was worth the effort. After browsing the vendors in front of the church, we strolled along the malecón, an oceanfront promenade with sculptures, street performers, shops and cantinas.

Despite news reports of violence in some parts of Mexico, we felt secure on the ship’s organized tours as well as on our own. Tour guides, bus/cab drivers and merchants were polite and treated us with respect in all three ports. Taxis were plentiful and affordable.

Fabulous food – dining aboard Oosterdam

Holland America is known for great food, and this voyage raised the bar. At the upscale Pinnacle Grill ($35 dinner, $10 lunch on sea days) our tender, juicy steaks and vegetables were cooked to perfection. A subtle light show that played on the jellyfish shapes on the ceiling enhanced the elegant atmosphere.

The bi-level main dining room offers fixed times or open dining. It boasts an extensive menu with five-course meals elegantly presented. The maître’s deftly orchestrate seating guests quickly to avoid a long entrance line. Guests also can order room service. Our complimentary room service breakfasts arrived hot and on time.

In the Lido buffet, the smiling and eager-to-please crew created a happy dining environment for guests to meet and mingle. This carried through the entire ship. The Lido buffet salad bar boasts an extensive array of fresh greens chosen by guests and served by a gloved crew member. We enjoyed starting lunch with a large bowl of our favorite healthy greens.

Holland America ships consistently receive high health inspection scores, and hand sanitation stations throughout the ship facilitate staying healthy.

On the third day of the cruise guests received simple survey forms asking what they liked, what they disliked, and what would they wanted to change. Management listed and took appropriate action.

Ample onboard activities

Formal nights—now called gala nights–have a more relaxed dress code. Wall-mounted TVs enable guests to get ship and shore excursion information in their cabins. Guests can get Internet help by taking their device to the front desk.

During the cruise guests had ample opportunities to learn about Mexican culture, heritage and cuisine. A lively Mariachi band played Mexican music, and colorful Folkloric dancers created a fiesta atmosphere.

In addition to typical spa treatments, Evergreen Spa offered a 7-day pass to its relaxing warm hydro pool with many jets to sooth aching joints and tired muscles. Spa guests in the thermal suite could also use a steam room and relax on a heated ceramic lounger with soft music and an ocean view ($149).

A Microsoft instructor taught software classes in the Digital Workshop. Guests attended exercise and craft classes, improved their cooking skills in America’s test kitchen and worshiped at daily Catholic Mass. Bridge, bingo, trivia and other games were popular pastimes. Throughout the cruise observant guests saw numerous migrating whales and playful porpoises.

Read next:  12 Things I Like About Holland America’s Koningsdam

Live music venues.

The Oosterdam offered a plethora of music from a string quartet playing recognizable classical pieces to show tunes and contemporary sounds. B.B. King’s Blues Club was a popular venue and packed for each of their three performances. Arrive early for the dueling pianos and sing-along. Aside from music, comedians, dancers and other entertainers performed every night.

Today’s cruise lines want to attract younger guests, singles and families while retaining veteran cruisers. During our voyage, generations from all backgrounds blended together. Congenial, well-trained smiling international crew members were eager to serve.

In an era of mass shootings and abrasive discourse, this cruise was a model of civility and respect. The congenial mix of guests and crew was as beautiful as the warm sunny weather.

My lasting memory was returning from the Cabo San Lucas shore excursion. Just as the tender moved in position to transfer guests back onto the ship, wave intensity increased quickly. Four skilled crew members lifted a woman in a wheelchair safely to the ship platform from the bobbing tender. We all applauded the heroic crew.

When you go

Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes to navigate Mexico’s cobblestone streets, steep stairs and high curbs.

Visit: Holland America Mexican Riviera cruise for more info.

All photos: Pat Woods unless otherwise noted.

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Updated on February 25, 2019 by Sherry Laskin

MAZATLAN CRUISE EXCURSIONS

Save over 60% on mazatlan cruise shore excursions.

WE'RE PROUD TO OFFER MAZATLAN'S ONLY NO PORT - NO PAY POLICY THERE'S NEVER A RISK TO BOOK WITH US!

See Excursions in our other Ports of Call

CRUISE SHIP PASSENGER FAQ'S ( Also see our FAQs )

Q: WHAT'S THE CATCH? ARE THESE THE SAME EXCURSIONS THAT MY SHIP OFFERS? A: No catch.  Just real discounts, all the time.  No timeshare presentation - nothing.  Just saving you money in Mazatlan - that's what we do.  Yes, these are the same tours your cruise ship offers and even more to choose from.

Q: what if my ship doesn't port?  do i get my money back? A: We are proud to feature Mazatlan's only No-Port, No-Pay policy.  If during your sailing, your ship doesn't make port as scheduled due to weather, mechanical failure or other unforeseen circumstances, just give us a call or drop us an e-mail to let us know (please tell us as soon as you know!), and we'll be happy to refund your money 100% - no service charges or other hidden fees.  We know how to take care of our customers - after all, you're the ones taking care of us! See our terms and conditions for complete details.

Q: why should i book my excursions through you? A: There are so many reasons!  See our General FAQs to see all the great reasons to book your excursions with us.  Among others, you get our local expertise, you get our exclusive discount card free with your reservation, we have a great cancellation policy (see our FAQ for details), we get exclusive privileges for our guests on some tours, toll-free English-speaking customer support, and of course - you save SO much money!

Q: HOW DO I BOOK AN EXCURSION THROUGH YOU? A: You can either use the online booking forms located at the bottom of each tour page, or you can call us toll-free at 1 (877) 847-7297 from the U.S. and Canada. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your checkout.  You will receive an e-mail receipt immediately, and within 24 hours you'll receive an electronic ticket that you'll give to the operator on the day of your tour. 

Q: HOW DO I CONTACT YOU ONCE I'M IN MAZATLAN? A: You can call us toll-free at +52 (669) 259-0211.

Q: HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO RESERVE MY SHORE EXCURSIONS? A: The sooner the better.  A minimum of 24 hours in advance is required, but activities do sell out, so make yours as soon as you know that you want to take it.

Q: I'M THINKING OF BOOKING 2 EXCURSIONS DURING MY STOP - SHOULD I? A: Before booking two excursions in one port of call, please call us.  We'll be happy to help you plan your schedule so that you pick only excursions whose schedules will work together, and with your ship's schedule, and let you know if you're cutting it too close.

Q: i'm on a cruise ship - how do I find my EXCURSION departure point? A: Many of our tours will pick you up at the cruise pier.  For those that don't, just take a taxi - quick and easy.  Just follow the instructions on your ticket.

We also offer Shore Excursions in Calica , Cancun , Costa Maya , and Cozumel .

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A Guide to All 11 Holland American Cruise Ships

Here's what you should know before booking your Holland America cruise.

Courtesy of Holland America

When you cruise with Holland America Line (HAL), a World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree , you can expect incredible food, exciting destinations (over 300 ports of call across all seven continents), and luxe service. This Travel + Leisure reader-favorite cruise line provides a luxury cruise ship experience without the luxury price tag.

Based on my Holland America experience, I can confirm that the service is top-notch. I sailed on the Eurodam , and the main dining room servers always greeted my sister and me by name. Being treated like a friend, not just another passenger, is a luxury, especially on such a large ship. (Each vessel accommodates between 1,432 and 2,668 passengers.) HAL “prides itself on its beautifully appointed ships and gracious services where all of its guests can expect to enjoy touches of luxury throughout the journey," Holland America Line specialist and Marvelous Mouse Travels travel advisor Charlene Recio says.

Other features include the cruise line's partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association — which outfits every ship with courts and complimentary lessons — and sophisticated dining options like the new Global Fresh Fish Program , which allows you to enjoy over 80 varieties of fresh, locally sourced regional seafood specialties, depending on your location. Think yellowtail snapper while cruising the Caribbean, sardines in the Mediterranean, and halibut in Alaska.

Though all 11 ships have things in common, it's essential to understand their nuances when choosing the right cruise for you. “The Pinnacle Class ships offer more dining options and entertainment, but the smaller-sized ships, such as those that are part of the R or Vista classes, allow easier access to more unique destinations,” Recio explains. Here, learn about each Holland America ship, including essential amenities and capacities, and make booking your next sailing a breeze.

Inaugural Year : 2021

Ship Class : Pinnacle 

Capacity : 2,668 passengers 

Holland America’s newest ship, Rotterdam , is extremely impressive. Expect incredible entertainment, contemporary staterooms and suites, swanky public spaces, and over 20 drinking and dining options. Post-dinner, you can check out the casino, catch an outdoor movie screening by the pool, or take in a performance in the dazzling World Stage theater. For live music, the "Music Walk" area offers several options, from pop hits at Billboard Onboard to soul at B.B. King's Blues Club.

Nieuw Statendam

Inaugural Year : 2018

Capacity : 2,666 passengers   

Nieuw Statendam offers a traditional cruising experience (formal nights, afternoon tea) with contemporary flair. Music is a big theme on the ship — its unique design draws inspiration from musical instruments, and there's a music-themed art collection on board. Additional highlights include an expanded Music Walk area, the two-level World Stage theater, and top-notch specialty dining options, including Tamarind for Southeast Asian and Rudi’s Sel De Mer for haute French-inspired cuisine.

Inaugural Year : 2016

Capacity : 2,650 passengers 

Thanks to its clean lines, modern decor, and natural light-filled spaces, Koningsdam has a brighter, airier aesthetic than Holland America's other vessels. It was the first ship in the line’s Pinnacle Class and is home to live music venues, outdoor movie screenings by the pool, pickleball courts, and a lively casino. For some well-deserved R&R, head to the spa or the adults-only Retreat area.

Nieuw Amsterdam

Inaugural Year : 2010

Ship Class : Signature

Capacity : 2,106 passengers 

As you might be able to guess by its name, this sophisticated ship pays homage to New York City. Design elements hammer the theme home: There's a crystal chandelier shaped like the skyline, tons of photos and paintings with motifs of "The City That Never Sleeps," and a full-size yellow cab in the kids club.

Stroll along the wraparound promenade, listen to live music at Billboard Onboard, and rent a plush cabana at the swanky adults-only Retreat. Be sure to indulge in the ship's dining options, too — this is the only Holland America Line vessel with a permanent Morimoto by Sea restaurant. Iron Chef alumnus Chef Masaharu Morimoto, who was named the line's Fresh Fish Ambassador when the Global Fresh Fish Program launched, designed Morimoto by Sea pop-up experiences on several HAL ships, but his pièce de résistance is the full-time, standalone Morimoto eatery exclusive to Nieuw Amsterdam.

Inaugural Year : 2008

Capacity : 2,104 passengers 

The first vessel in Holland America’s Signature Class, Eurodam exudes elegance in every sense, sans any stuffiness. I cruised to Alaska on this ship in August 2022 and was especially blown away by the live music at Music Walk.

I also relaxed on a thermal lounger at the spa, tucked into crispy fish and chips (made with Alaskan halibut, of course), lounged by the Lido Pool — the retractable roof here comes in handy in inclement weather — sipped iced lattes and hot cocoa, and kept an eye out for whales in the Explorer’s Lounge.

Inaugural Year : 2006

Ship Class : Vista 

Capacity : 1,924 passengers 

Noordam boasts a gallery-worthy art collection and elegant staterooms. There are ample public spaces and activities, but don’t expect over-the-top entertainment. Instead, you can play pickleball, sing along to live tunes in one of the Music Walk venues, cozy up with a good book in the library, relax at the spa, or take a dip in one of the pools.

Inaugural Year : 2004

Capacity : 1,916 passengers

Westerdam celebrated its 20th birthday this year, but it feels as contemporary as any of the other vessels, thanks to the addition of music venues such as Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge. It also hosts activities like wine tasting and bingo. If you're a fitness lover, check out the sports court to perfect your pickleball game with a free lesson.

Inaugural Year : 2003

Capacity : 1,964 passengers 

Oosterdam — the second Vista Class ship in the fleet — is among the line’s most family-friendly vessels. Although all HAL ships have complimentary kids clubs for children ages three to 17, only a few ( Oosterdam included) offer High Score!, a game room where children and adults can play games like skeeball.

While the little ones play, grown-ups can enjoy a massage at the spa or cocktails at a stylish bar or lounge like Ocean Bar. Regroup for dinner before heading out to Billboard Onboard or Rolling Stone Lounge on a date night or trying your luck at the casino.

Inaugural Year : 2002

The 22-year-old Zuiderdam is a Holland America fan favorite for its classic nautical design elements, modern bells and whistles, and numerous dining options, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse and Dive In, a casual poolside eatery serving Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and fries.

The public spaces are equally impressive, including the posh cabana-lined Retreat (exclusively reserved for adults) and the buzzy Rolling Stone Lounge. The ship is also the 2025 home of Holland America’s annual Grand World Voyage , a world cruise that sails to six continents over an eye-popping 124 days.

Inaugural Year : 2000

Ship Class : R Class 

Capacity : 1,432 passengers 

Along with its near-identical sister ship the Volendam, Zaandam represents the small end of HAL's fleet. The vessel — designed to carry a line-minimum 1,432 passengers while offering plenty of room to roam — is ideal for a more personal and intimate cruising experience. The ship’s musical-inspired decor includes signed guitars from Queen, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.

Inaugural Year : 1999

Volendam is the line’s oldest operating ship, dating back 25 years. Despite its age, this small vessel delights with its elaborate public spaces, which feature elegant garden-inspired touches like fresh blooms, floral fabrics, and tapestries. Volendam is one of just two Holland America ships without a Music Walk, so expect a quieter, more low-key onboard atmosphere.

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What are the Fjords of Norway?

A fjord is a unique, long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs typically formed by submergence of a glaciated valley. Characterized by steep, rock-bound inlets, craggy mountain ranges, and often dramatic waterfalls, fjords are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and are significant geographical features of the regions they inhabit. Norway is home to several world-renowned fjords, making it a unique place to visit to experience an amazing feat of nature. 

What makes the Norwegian Fjords special?

The Norwegian fjords are characterized by their dramatic and untouched landscapes. Towering cliffs, snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery create a visually stunning environment. The fjords also have a unique ecosystem with a diverse range of marine life, including various species of fish, seals, and occasionally whales.

The fjords have also played a significant role in shaping Norway's history and culture. They were vital in Viking navigation and trade routes, and many communities and farms in Norway are still nestled along fjord coastlines. The fjords are not just natural wonders, but also living landscapes where people have been shaping the land for thousands of years. Today, they are popular tourist destinations, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and cruising, making the Norwegian fjords a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. Holland America Line offers several cruises and excursions to experience the Norwegian fjords in all their glory.  

Must-Visit Fjords in Norway

If you’re headed to Norway, visiting a fjord (or two, or three) is a must. Norway is home to some of the world's longest and deepest fjords so make sure to do your research and plan your itinerary accordingly to include some of these one-of-a-kind fjords.

Over 200 kilometers inland, reaching depths of up to 1,300 meters, Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, earning it the nickname “King of the Fjords”. Explore by boat, by train, on foot,  or by car stopping by fjord villages like Vikøyri, Solvorn, Sogndal, Høyanger, Balestrand, Lærdalsøyri, and Årdal to experience what life is like in the Norwegian countryside. Mountains, glaciers, local villages, waterfalls and more are all part of the journey through this UNESCO World Heritage site. For the most picturesque views in all of Norway, visit Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, two of the most well-known sections of the Sognefjord.

Sognefjord also holds a certification for Sustainable Destination which means it has made a commitment to maintain sustainable tourism practices. Whether you’re interested in excursions or just want to enjoy the views, a Holland America Line Norway cruise is the perfect way to experience the Sognefjord. 

Geirangerfjord

Hailed as the “world’s most beautiful fjord”, Geirangerfjord is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. Located in the Stranda Municipality, Geiranger is a quaint village nestled at the head of the inlet. The Geirangerfjord has a depth of almost 500 meters (1,640 feet). Known for its waterfalls like the Seven Sisters Falls, the Suitor, and the Bridal Veil, the Geriangerfjord has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Located in the Ryfylke area in Southwestern Norway, Lysefjord is most well-known for the Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) cliff overlooking the fjord. Many tourists embark on the 8-kilometer hike to reach the cliff and experience majestic views of the fjord. Mount Kjerag is the highest peak on the fjord and is home to the world-famous Kjeragbolten bolder, a large rock wedged in between too cliffs that offers once-in-a-lifetime photos ops. 

Hardangerfjord

As the second longest fjord in Norway, Hardangerfjord has a lot to offer including a selection of world-class hikes. Experienced hikers come from all over the world to experience the magnificent views at the top of Trolltunga, 1,100 meters above sea level. Don’t forget to visit the Eidfjord to see the Vøringfossen waterfall, one of the grandest attractions in the Hardanger region.

Want to experience the fjords of Norway in person? Holland America Line Norwegian cruises can take you there. From kayaking to ferry tours to world-class hikes and day trips to local villages, check out all our excursions to find an experience that fits your interests.

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