suggest a tropical top notch AI resort

[kirbytravels Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kirbytravels]

We need to find a NICE resort to request for our trade. Where is your favorite AI resort?

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

What part of Mexico are you looking for?

[kirbytravels Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kirbytravels]

either Cabo, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallerta, anywhere they might have decent snorkeling, and beautiful beaches. Been to Cancun and Cozumel so far.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

either Cabo, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallerta, anywhere they might have decent snorkeling, and beautiful beaches. Been to Cancun and Cozumel so far.

The snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta, like most of the west coast is pretty bad. Beaches are also pretty bad in Puerto Vallarta. Nuevo Vallarta has better beaches.

[kirbytravels Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kirbytravels]

thanks John! /good to know!

[JoshA Member Find all posts View Profile Close JoshA]

The snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta, like most of the west coast is pretty bad. Beaches are also pretty bad in Puerto Vallarta. Nuevo Vallarta has better beaches.

Actually....
I have to disagree the bay of Banderas has plenty beaches for all likes! south (Mismaloya, Yelapa, Las Animas, Caletas etc) are great snorkeling beaches! this time of the year cause of the rain it gets mirki (spell?) in the central part (hotel zone, downtown) and to the north (Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias) are great walking beaches and sometimes good to play in the surf, if you are a serious surfer then punta de mita el ancolte that area is pretty good, in any case vallarta has very good beaches for all types of likes and activities ,to answer your all inclusive question, The grand velas (Nuevo Vallarta) and casa velas (marina NOT on the beach) are great all inclusive and for snorkeling you can take a lot of tours that take you to the south side of the bay.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

Actually....
I have to disagree the bay of Banderas has plenty beaches for all likes! south (Mismaloya, Yelapa, Las Animas, Caletas etc) are great snorkeling beaches! this time of the year cause of the rain it gets mirki (spell?) in the central part (hotel zone, downtown) and to the north (Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias) are great walking beaches and sometimes good to play in the surf, if you are a serious surfer then punta de mita el ancolte that area is pretty good, in any case vallarta has very good beaches for all types of likes and activities ,to answer your all inclusive question, The grand velas (Nuevo Vallarta) and casa velas (marina NOT on the beach) are great all inclusive and for snorkeling you can take a lot of tours that take you to the south side of the bay.

When I talk snorkeling, I am talking about crystal clear water with a large variety of colorful fish and sea creatures such as found at the live reef by John Pennecamp State park at Key Largo Florida. I have also snorkeled at the Riviera Maya. Nothing on the West coast begins to compare.

When I am talking about beaches, I mean good beaches for swimming and body surfing. Most of the beaches around Puerto Vallarta are not good and are pretty polluted. I have been to several beaches from south of Puerto Vallarta to north into Nayarit. The beach in front of the Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta was pretty decent for swimming and body surfing.

[JoshA Member Find all posts View Profile Close JoshA]

When I talk snorkeling, I am talking about crystal clear water with a large variety of colorful fish and sea creatures such as found at the live reef by John Pennecamp State park at Key Largo Florida. I have also snorkeled at the Riviera Maya. Nothing on the West coast begins to compare.

When I am talking about beaches, I mean good beaches for swimming and body surfing. Most of the beaches around Puerto Vallarta are not good and are pretty polluted. I have been to several beaches from south of Puerto Vallarta to north into Nayarit. The beach in front of the Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta was pretty decent for swimming and body surfing.

well the original question was about resorts on the west coast... Ixtapa,Cabo,Puerto Vallarta obviously if you were to compare to the east coast those areas would win, but the question was for ´decent´ snorkeling not world class

and about the beaches Puerto vallarta hotel zone and downtown beach are the number one rated in Mexico as far as cleanliness is a new certification they are giving to beaches in by cities, nuevo vallarta is great but there are many great beaches in B o Banderas

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

well the original question was about resorts on the west coast... Ixtapa,Cabo,Puerto Vallarta obviously if you were to compare to the east coast those areas would win, but the question was for ´decent´ snorkeling not world class

and about the beaches Puerto vallarta hotel zone and downtown beach are the number one rated in Mexico as far as cleanliness is a new certification they are giving to beaches in by cities, nuevo vallarta is great but there are many great beaches in B o Banderas

To each their own. I guess it depends on what your standards are.

The OP stated that they had been to Cozumel and Cancun so it is relevant to compare the west coast with what they know.

[kirbytravels Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kirbytravels]

trying to start a new thread, why am I having trouble?

I don't see a place to post a new thread! Somehow I posted this one, but don't even remember how. HELP!

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

I don't see a place to post a new thread! Somehow I posted this one, but don't even remember how. HELP!

You go to the forum you wish to post in and then click on the "New Thread" button on the left side by the top.

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

The Pacific side of Mexico does not have the best snorkeling but it does have some nice beaches. No they are not the blue crystal water like the carribean but it is not pollution it is silt turning and very deep water etc...long explanation for this....

My favorite AI resort in Ixtapa which has like a teal colored water is Aqua Pacifica. I own a Penthouse there and it is fairly new so thus an awesome unit. The AI is inexpensive. It is located on a cliff, there are vans and a gondola to get you around and to beach etc. I love Ixtapa for its tranquility esp. where Pacifica resort is located. I suggest either Aqua unit, Master Sands, or Sands, the others are older,not bad but dated...

My favorite AI in PV....is Casa Velas, adults only , in the marina, not the maritime where cruise ships come in. Located on golf course but has private beach club they shuttle you to just 3 minutes away or you can walk in 5 minutes. Boutique, elegant hotel...some rooms with jacuzzi, private plunge pools etc..

Also a favorite in PV Velas Vallarta, right on the beach in the marina as well. large resort, beautiful grounds, great food....great staff..rooms have Mexican appeal.

In Nuevo Vallarta...favorite AI is Grand Velas.....top notch big resort.
I am also fond of Vallarta Palace in Nuevo. Small rooms though unless upgrade.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

The Pacific side of Mexico does not have the best snorkeling but it does have some nice beaches. No they are not the blue crystal water like the carribean but it is not pollution it is silt turning and very deep water etc...long explanation for this....

My favorite AI resort in Ixtapa which has like a teal colored water is Aqua Pacifica. I own a Penthouse there and it is fairly new so thus an awesome unit. The AI is inexpensive. It is located on a cliff, there are vans and a gondola to get you around and to beach etc. I love Ixtapa for its tranquility esp. where Pacifica resort is located. I suggest either Aqua unit, Master Sands, or Sands, the others are older,not bad but dated...

My favorite AI in PV....is Casa Velas, adults only , in the marina, not the maritime where cruise ships come in. Located on golf course but has private beach club they shuttle you to just 3 minutes away or you can walk in 5 minutes. Boutique, elegant hotel...some rooms with jacuzzi, private plunge pools etc..

Also a favorite in PV Velas Vallarta, right on the beach in the marina as well. large resort, beautiful grounds, great food....great staff..rooms have Mexican appeal.

In Nuevo Vallarta...favorite AI is Grand Velas.....top notch big resort.
I am also fond of Vallarta Palace in Nuevo. Small rooms though unless upgrade.

I agree with you completely. There are nice beaches on the Pacific Coast. They just aren't at Puerto Vallarta nor Mazatlan. It is a fact that there is a great deal of pollution in Banderas Bay. The beaches at PV are the most polluted in Mexico.

Most Polluted Beaches in Mexico are Around Puerto Vallarta - Lonely Planet travel forum

Not all waves are tasty: pollution report on popular beaches has some destinations washing themselves. (Special Report). - Free Online Library

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

You might be right but I still go to PV, Mazatlan, Ixtapa, Zihuatenejo, Acapulco and others.....
and my AI favorites remain...I go to PV for all it offers and that puts the beach just as something pretty to look at...

[JoshA Member Find all posts View Profile Close JoshA]

I agree with you completely. There are nice beaches on the Pacific Coast. They just aren't at Puerto Vallarta nor Mazatlan. It is a fact that there is a great deal of pollution in Banderas Bay. The beaches at PV are the most polluted in Mexico.

Most Polluted Beaches in Mexico are Around Puerto Vallarta - Lonely Planet travel forum

Not all waves are tasty: pollution report on popular beaches has some destinations washing themselves. (Special Report). - Free Online Library

Nice reports one from 2008 and the other from 2003?!!!
very current