Many of these activities are only available during the high-season, Nov-Apr.

Sunday:
- La Cruz Market at the Marina (9am-2pm); this is a MUST DO! ;)
- Ribs at Las Costillas de Tono (dinner, Fri, Sat & Sun only)
- “Schnitzel madness” at the Black Forest restaurant (buy one get one free)

Monday:
- FYI, a lot of places in town are closed on Mondays (check hours on google first!)
- 8am Yoga by Rebeca Novoa (150 pesos per person); bring a yoga mat, water, and towel; message her on FB for details

Tuesday:
- 3-5pm Happy Hour at Yin Yang Sushi (buy 2 rolls, get the 3rd roll free!)

Wednesday:
- 8am Yoga by Rebeca Novoa (150 pesos per person); bring a yoga mat, water, and towel; message her on FB for details
- Vegetable market in La Cruz (10am-1pm); for veggies, fruit, cheese & eggs!
- Bingo (2:30pm), music (5:30pm) and Spaghetti Factory (dinner) at The Hideway

Thursday:
- Movie night at the La Cruz Marina (arrive by 6/6:30pm for 7pm start, bring your beach chairs, burgers sold on site)
- Bucerias Art Walk (7-9pm)

Friday:
- 8am Yoga by Rebeca Novoa (150 pesos per person); bring a yoga mat, water, and towel; message her on FB for details

Saturday:
- Ribs at Las Costillas de Tono (dinner, Fri, Sat & Sun only)

Many of these activities are only available during the high-season, November thru April.

MONDAYS
5:30–7:30pm – La Parota Grill (across from La Cruz Inn on the Square) – “Decadas” – Female violin/vocals duo

7:00–9:00pm – Casa Hule (at Octopus Garden) – “Pina Picante” – Mellow and soulful pop/rock hits

TUESDAYS
5:30–9:30pm – The Hideaway – Open mic
6:00–9:00pm – Lusty on Land – “Group Therapy”

WEDNESDAYS
5:00–7:00pm – Lusty on Land – Hitmix Musical Bingo!

5:30–7:30pm – La Parota Grill (across from La Cruz Inn on the Square) – Julie on keyboard and vocals

6:30–8:30pm – Iguanacaxtle – “Dogtown” – Softer rock/blues/country

7:30–10:00pm – Lusty on Land – “Peloz” – Rock

7:30–9:30pm – Black Forest – “Geo Luna Rumba” – World music, violin, jazz, flamenco, mystic arabic vibes

THURSDAYS
6:00–8:00pm – Iguanacaxtle – “Pina Picante” – Mellow and soulful pop/rock hits

FRIDAYS
5:30–7:30pm – La Parota Grill (across from La Cruz Inn on the Square) – Crazy Little Band – Pop/classic/rock/family band

6:00–8:00pm – Casa Hule (at Octopus Garden) – “Sergio” – Latina/flamenco/rumba

6:30–8:30pm – Iguanacaxtle – “Dogtown” – Softer rock/blues/country

7:30–10:00pm – Lusty on Land – “Las Mambas”, all-girl band – Rock

8:00pm – Amigo Sports Bar & Cocina – Karaoke

SATURDAY
3:30–6:30pm – Lusty on Land – “The Beast” – Rock

6:00–9:00pm – Amigos Sports Bar & Cocina – “The Bay Roots” – Classic rock/country

7:00–10:00pm – Falconi Restaurant – “The Traveling Band” – Soft rock

7:00–10:00pm – Lusty on Land – “The Lovers” – Rock

SUNDAYS
11:00am–1:00pm – La Cruz Market (marina) Amphitheater – Live Mexican music

12:30–3:30pm – Lusty on Land – “The Good Co with Leo” – Rock

1:00–4:00pm – Marina Bar & Grill – Open mic night

1:00–4:00pm – Cachos Bar (on the Square) – “Crazy Little Band” – Pop/classic rock/family band

4:30–7:30pm – Lusty on Land – “Brimstone Band” – Jamacian reggae

There re two ATMs in town near the center of town (sometimes it runs out of pesos and you have to wait a day or two until its refilled!). Withdraw limits are usually about 5,000 pesos.

ATM One: inside a small store with beach goods

ATM Two: On the street just outside of the vegan ice cream shop

You will pay lower fees and get larger amounts of pesos from ATMs in banks or grocery stores in Bucerias. There are several banks in the same strip mall as the Mega grocery store in Bucerias.

There is not a bank in La Cruz. Bucerias has most major Mexican banks and is a short (and cheap) Uber ride.

If you want to exchange currency, you will need to bring your passport to the bank!

You will pay lower fees and get larger amounts of pesos from ATMs in banks or grocery stores in Bucerias. There are several banks in the same strip mall as the Mega grocery store in Bucerias.

Huanacaxtle Family Beach: Quiet, calm beach ONE BLOCK from the property. Amazing for sunrise walks, picnics, launching kayak/paddleboards, or hanging out at the beach all day. It is allowed to have bonfires on the beach!

Manzanilla Beach: Busier beach (vs. the Quiet Beach) with restaurants, lounge chairs, and vendors. Reachable by walking around the west side of the marina or through town.

Playa Destiladeras: Great beach just north of town with a little more wave than next to the marina but still not as strong as you'll find outside the bay in Sayulita or Lo de Marcos. You’ll need to drive or take an Uber. The beach has a parking lot for a small fee and a nice bathroom for a small fee as well. There is 1 beach club there that serves food and beverages.

Playa La Lancha: Great beginner surf spot. There is a shop on the main street to rent boards or book a lesson (WildMex Surf Shop). A nice 10-minute walk through a cleared jungle path to the beach.

All the beach clubs offer nice lounge chairs and umbrellas. There's usually a flat fee for all-you-can-eat-&-drink (but it's reasonable).

Eva Mandarina Beach Club: the nearest beach club to the house (10 min walk).

Sabbia Beach Lounge: on the walk to Playa Manzanilla to the West of the Marina (12 min walk from the house).

La Saranderia Beach Club: on Playa Manzanilla. Closed Tuesdays (20 min walk from the house).

Sukha Beach House: to the east at the closest end of Bucerias. No admission fees if you’re drinking/eating (closer to Bucerias/not really walkable, so take Uber).

Carneceria Kenny: Walking distance to get chicken, beef, lamb, eggs, etc.; they own a ranch just outside of town, so you know it’s fresh.

For a private car service, we have a few recommendations - you can contact them via WhatsApp or Facebook:

Sam Tejeda (our fav!!):
MX +52 311 270 5238

Humberto Aguilar Moreno:
MX +52 322 294 5681
https://www.facebook.com/humberto.aguilarmoreno

Javier and Christina at Luxury Car Services:
MX + 52 322 171 8550
https://www.facebook.com/p/Luxury-Car-Services-100090632539967/

Jonathan Antonio Canuero Lopez at Ride with Style:
MX +52 322 148 7726
https://www.facebook.com/jonathanantonio.canuerolopez.7/

Michele Strohman-Pakulak:
MX +52 322 321 3005
https://www.facebook.com/michele.strohmanpakulak/

My Mexican Kitchen, Bucerias Cooking Classes and Food Tours (multiple): https://www.mymexicankitchen.com/food-tours

Also, here’s a good list of more cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta.

Sayulita/San Pancho: Extremely popular year-round. You'll find plenty to do on a day-trip to Sayulita or it’s smaller neighbor to the north, San Pancho: Set up on the beach to watch the people, puppies and surfers, take your own surf lesson, shop local crafts and eat at many of the amazing restaurants. These are only 30-45 minutes from La Cruz.

Lo de Marcos: The next town north of San Pancho has become a fav of ours. We assume it is like turning the clock back on what Sayulita used to be (more pueblo magico, less Burning Man). It also has some of our favorite beaches outside the bay. Ask us and we may tell you how to get to our favorite—if you promise not to tell too many people.

Puerto Vallarta: SO much to do and only 30-40 minutes away. Zona Romantica, Art Walk Wednesdays, walk the melacon, shop the day away, or make dinner plans for traditional or modern cuisine! Here’s a list of some of our fav things in PV: https://www.casazorrolacruz.com/pv-favs

La Cata del Mar: Located IN the fish market, so you know it's the freshest seafood in town. Owner/chef is a veteran of fine dining in PV and it shows. The tuna tartar and seafood stew are a few of our favorite dishes. Note: only open till 6 pm, so lunch or early dinner only.

Ala Braza: Take a break from seafood for some of the best BBQ around, served in the front yard of the chef's home. We honestly can't decide if the wings, ribs or ribeye win the award for top item on the menu. Easy walk, just half block past the Cross north of the main square.

Falconi Pizza, Pasta & Bar: a great option for pizza, pasta, and salads. Really wonderful service.

Sushi Coin: Cute little courtyard, excellent sushi and service. They also deliver!

Restaurant Masala Bar & Grill (and wine bar next door!): Upscale but unpretentious. Great options for either surf or turf (or both!) here. Closed in the summers.

Las costillas de Toño: Excellent bbq ribs, only open Saturday and Sunday nights. They also have our very favorite dessert Flan in town!

La Peska: the restaurant is located at the start of the marina with amazing sunset views. Good for drinks and snacks. Tourist prices - you definitely pay for the view.

All the breakfast spots in La Cruz are easily walkable from the property…

La Cruz:
Bistro Marina
Tree House Cafe & Grill
Tortas & Ring (known as “El Ring”)
Cafe Shule’l
La Ballena Blanca
Iguanacaxtle Restaurant
Ramones

Bucerias:
Luna Luna
Mr. Cream Pancakes & Waffles

Tacos La Catrina: Really good cheap tacos/quesadillas. Get them "con todos" with all the toppings including beans, onions and cilantro. Don't overlook the mushroom taco either which is one of our favorites.

Tacos Junior: Tacos al pastor! Delicious, cheap, fast service. We crave these tacos more often than recommended by 9 out of 10 cardiologists. There's another one in Bucerias as well. They also deliver (see “Delivery Food” category below).

Ramones: Best chilaquiles verde in town. Small outdoor shack by the main road. Walk away from the ocean from our place till you hit the main road, then take a right and you'll find it on the frontage road.

Tacos on the Street: They do one thing and one thing well: Grilled steak tacos! Well, 2 things if you count the margaritas. You won't find cocktails at many cheap taco joints, so if you're craving grilled steak and tequila, this is your spot.

Organic Love Cafe: We adore their vegetarian enchiladas!

We’ve found a few great coffee shops/bakeries in town…

Sugar Mamma

Octavia Cafe

MAEO Barra de Cafe (part of the Nueva Vista Inn)

So far, we’ve only found a few establishments that deliver food, but the good news is that they are very tasty!

Tacos Junior: +52 322-318-3103
Here’s a link to their menu on FB

We love the “Gallito” and “Tacos al Pastor”. They will deliver on a motorbike and you will need to have cash.

Falconi’s Pizza & Pasta: +52-322-235-0184
Here’s their menu
Again, we would recommend paying in cash upon delivery.

Sushi Coin: +52-618-108-9114
Here’s their menu on Facebook

Lusty on Land: Live bands, no cover. Music every night.

Lleve Cheve: A cool little spot, live music every night. Beer and cocktails.

Amigos Sports Bar: New sports bar; folks are liking the food too.

Cerveceria Artesenal: Great beer selection and some snacks. Live music regularly.

The Hideaway: 2 blocks away from our property. Open Mic Tuesday. Bingo and Trivia during the week.

Ballena Blanca: On main square, sports watching, good fish tacos.

Marina Bar & Grill by Oso’s: 1 block away on the water. Live music some nights. See schedule here.

For Police and Fire Services:

• You can dial 911 from your US phone to reach the emergency services in Mexico. 

• Dial 080 from Mexican cell phones (Dialing 080 will NOT work from U.S. Canadian or European cell phones).

• 066 or 089: These can be used for police, fire, and Red Cross. 

• 078 (Tourist Assistance Hotline): This number can provide information for tourists on a variety of issues. 

• Please dial 01-329-291-0049 from foreign cell phones.

Pharmacies: There are many pharmacies in town and here’s the location of one, that actually has a doctor on staff for consults: google maps link

Hospital: The closest hospital is located in Bucerias (15 mins away):

Hospital CMQ Riviera Nayarit

• google maps link

• Open 24 hours a day

• +52 329-298-0717

• Av. Héroes de Nacozari 280 Bucerías, 63732 Riviera Nayarit, Nay., México

This hospital also has ambulance services. They will ask to pre-approve your credit card for any charges (i.e. we went to the emergency room to treat a stomach virus and they approved our card for 50,000 pesos; the final bill ended up being 14,000 pesos). They typically do not take foreign insurance. We personally received excellent medical assistance at this hospital.

We’ve found this is where to find out what’s happening in town and around the area:

Inside La Cruz

La Cruz Events

La Cruz Yoga, Health, and Wellness

Bucerias, La Cruz, and La Bahia Literally Everything You Need to Know

Bucerias, La Cruz & Nuevo Nayarit Anything Goes

At Casa Zorro, you’re only one block away from the freshest fish, shrimp and seafood available at amazing prices. The fish market is a co-op, so there are different vendors. Some have added staples to make your seafood shine (citrus and salsa macha is all you need!). Our favorite restaurant in town is also IN the market (see Dining above).

There is also a small marina bodega to the right of the fish market if you need a cold cerveza for the walk home: Super Deli La Cruz

If you’re interested in deep-sea/sport fishing, we recommend:

Columba’s Tours
Fidel Ramirez (captain)

Facebook page
MX + 52 322-306-4083
MX +52 322 148 1287
columbafishing@hotmail.com

We had a great experience with them and caught 4 mahi-mahi!

Morus Tours

Morus Tours has two boats and does whale watching, tours of the Bay, Los Arcos, and fishing trips. They do a really great job with service and food options. Here’s a link to view their brochure with trip options. Contact them via WhatsApp:

MX +52 322-143-9735
And on Facebook here

There are several large grocery stores in Bucerias (Mega, La Comer, Chedraui) that you can easily Uber to.

There are a couple of small grocery-like convenience stores in La Cruz that will have staples:

Mini super la colonia

Super Marios

Also, to buy alcohol:

Mini Super Max Beer

Massages in town are very cheap and good! (usually 700 peos for 1 hour). They typically need 1 day’s notice for booking and are closed after 5pm. We really like:

Spa Reiki Stella Maris
Native Spa
Spa Erimar

Every Thursday is free movie night at the La Cruz marina! Bring your beach chairs and the show starts around 7-7:30pm. They also usually have someone selling food options. Check out their Facebook page for the movie schedule: https://www.facebook.com/groups/280326301981730

Doing a day trip to PV is very easy. We suggest an Uber (about 45 minutes, ~$40 one way). Here’s a list of our fav spots in Puerto Vallarta!

Our small town of La Cruz is very safe overall, but also please use your best judgment.

If you need unexpected immediate assistance, there is a 24-hour security guard at the Formentera condo two doors down at Pelicanos 12 (they typically don’t speak English, but they could call someone for you in an emergency).

There are also 24-hour security guards at the marina. You’ll see them walking the perimeter in light blue shirts. The security guard shack is located just off the main town square here: google maps link

See the “Emergencies” category for emergency phone numbers and hospital.

Ysuri Sailing
Ysuri is a beautiful, large catamaran that holds 12 guests and departs from the La Cruz marina. They offer a half-day tour of the bay (6 hours) with alcoholic beverages and lunch included (ceviche, chips, sandwiches, fruit). They also stop for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. We have sailed with them several times and it’s a great experience. They actually do put up their sails if there’s enough wind! They will also stop for whale watching. Our guests receive a 20% discount! Mention “Casa Zorro” when booking.

The half-day trip is $80 USD per person (that is with the discount). You will share the boat with other guests, but there is plenty of room. You can also privately rent the entire boat.

You can WhatsApp the company directly to set a date:

MX +52 322-194-0363
https://www.ysurisailing.com/en

Ada Sailing
A gorgeous sail boat for 12 people with food and beverages–they sail every Wednesday afternoon for 5 hours, 3,600 pesos per person. You can book seats online:
www.lunaloungebucerias.com/ada-sailing.html

Morus Tours
Donna at Morus Tours has two boats and does whale watching, tours of the Bay, Los Arcos, and fishing trips. They do a really great job with service and food options. Here’s a link to view their brochure with trip options. Contact them via WhatsApp:

MX +52 322-143-9735
And on Facebook here

We recommend shopping for gifts, etc. at the Sunday La Cruz Market.

There is also a large permanent market everyday in Bucerias (for textiles, gifts, etc.). It starts just off the main plaza: Plaza Bucerias.

Golf: Flamingos Golf is located just outside of Bucerias: google maps link

Pickleball: There is a pickleball court near the marina in La Cruz (a 5-min walk from the property). The group itself meets in the mornings and is run by Susan Stopford, so you may want to contact her in advance to get on the list.

There is a very active pickleball group in Bucerias (the next town over, just 8-mins away via car): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1641228586262828

Tennis: There is a tennis court located just 1.5 blocks from the property. Send a message via WhatsApp to inquire about reserving a court: +52 322-133-1049, google maps link

La Cruz is famous for it’s amazing Sunday market, November - April. It located on the far side of the marina, and takes place all along the outside peer. It runs from 9am-2pm every Sunday. There are tons of local vendors and great food options at the end. Don’t miss it!!

Pro tip: The food is at the very end of the Point, so make your way past all the pretty things to buy, fill your belly, then do some serious shopping on the way back. Avoid getting too hot and hangry to make it to the end!

https://beachpleasemexico.com/es/la-cruz-farmers-market-sunday/

google maps link

Playa La Lancha is a great beginner surf spot. There is a shop on the main street to rent boards or book a lesson (WildMex Surf Shop). A nice 10-minute walk through a cleared jungle path to the beach.

There is a taxi stand in the middle of town near The Cross. You can walk to the stand here, or you can also call to request the taxi come to you: MX +52 322-295-5067.

My Mexican Kitchen, Bucerias Food Tours (multiple): https://www.mymexicankitchen.com/food-tours
*We’ve taken their taco tour in Bucerias and it was amazing!

Pepe’s Food Tour Bucerias: https://bicibucerias.com/pepes-food-tour

Los Dos Amigos, Tequilla Tasting La Cruz: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3cBtwJdh1QSGTdTA

For private car service recommendations, please see the category “Car Service” above.

Uber is legal and safe here as well as very easy and very affordable.

In town, you can rent a golf cart from Su Casa Rentals and Zip Cart Rentals (Michele Strohman-Pakulak): +52 322-321-3005.
You can also rent from “Rent Me La Cruz”: https://rentmelacruz.com/

There is a taxi stand in the middle of town near The Cross. You can walk to the stand here, or you can also call to request the taxi come to you: MX +52 322-295-5067.

Renting a car is also a great way to explore more of the Bay area and each property has secure garage parking available. We recommend Gecko Car Rental; they have an office in Bucerias and PV and they offer free pick-up from the airport. Simply send them an email to arrange it (they are very responsive via email): geckorentcar@hotmail.com, google maps link

Bus: small van/bus called a “Collectivo” is an affordable way to get to Bucerias or other local destinations. Just walk up Calle Atun to main Hwy 200 and you’ll se a busstop. Have 20-50 pesos ready to pay and look on front of van for the destination.

Most establishments in La Cruz would prefer you pay in cash( pesos). A lot of places accept credit cards, but you may also be asked to pay a 3-4% processing fee. We prefer to tip those who help us about 15-20%. This may be higher than what Mexicans would consider normal, but we are guests in this country and people in the service industry here are not well paid and work very hard.

Tortillas are made fresh daily and very cheap. Here’s two tortillerias in town:

Tortilleria Nayanix

Tortilleria La Marina

MVZ. Jorge Aldana:
MX + 52 329 295 5866
MX +52 322 291 4466
petsandvetslacruz@gmail.com

Defin #1, La Cruz

Dr. Jorge is an amazing vet. He speaks Engligh. Very reasonable prices. Just stop by with your pet.

There is a great Facebook page for La Cruz yoga, health and wellness, and many yoga schedules are available here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2765349403796979/

La Cruz has an awesome yoga studio called Octopus Garden, about a 6-min walk from our property. They typically post their schedule on their Facebook page. They have regular yoga daily and also visting teachers for other modalities like Tai Chi and Pilates.

https://www.facebook.com/HikuriOctopus
google maps link

A private teacher, Rebeca, also teaches at 8am every Mon-Wed-Fri (150 pesos per person); bring a yoga mat, water, and towel; message her on FB for details: Yoga by Rebeca Novoa