Plan a CruiseMazatlan, often called the "Pearl of the Pacific," is a vibrant resort city located on Mexico's Gold Coast. It offers a relaxed Pacific lifestyle with a blend of full-service amenities and a rich local culture. Cruise ships dock at the commercial port, situated among cargo vessels and containers. The city boasts 10 miles of stunning Pacific beachfront and a variety of attractions, from challenging golf courses designed by Lee Trevino and Robert Trent Jones, Jr., to lively markets and historic sites. It's a destination that caters to diverse interests, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of local Mexican life.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival, a free tram will transport you from your ship to the cruise terminal. From the terminal, Old Mazatlan is approximately a one-mile walk, taking about 15-20 minutes. For destinations beyond walking distance, such as Old Mazatlan or the Golden Zone (located four miles from the pier), taxis and open-air golf cart-style vehicles called Pulmonias are readily available and are the best transport options. Tip: Consider negotiating an all-day rate with a taxi driver for visits to multiple attractions and arrange specific pick-up times, as this can often be more cost-effective than taking individual rides. Taxis found just outside the port gate may also offer cheaper fares. Divers Point is a short 10-minute walk or quick taxi ride from Old Mazatlan.
Attractions and Activities
- Old Mazatlan: Explore the charming historic district, reachable by a one-mile walk or a short taxi/Pulmonia ride from the port.
- Golden Zone: Head four miles from the pier to this bustling area known for its glitzy hotels, extensive shopping, and beautiful palm-lined beaches. For the heart of the action, ask your taxi driver to drop you at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan on Rodolfo T. Loaiza.
- Divers Point: Witness the daring high-flying divers performing impressive feats. This spot is a 10-minute walk or quick taxi ride from Old Mazatlan, with performances typically occurring when a crowd gathers.
- Mazatlan Aquarium: A fantastic family-friendly attraction featuring hundreds of marine species and entertaining sea lion shows.
- Stone Island: A great spot for families, offering activities such as horseback riding, boogie boarding, and snorkeling.
- Pacifico Brewery: Take a tour of one of Mexico's largest breweries and sample local brews that may not be available north of the border.
- Golfing: Enjoy a round on courses designed by renowned architects like Lee Trevino and Robert Trent Jones, Jr., which offer challenging layouts and stunning ocean views.
- Sport Fishing: Experience some of the finest sport fishing on the Pacific coast, whether you're interested in deep-water big game or shallow-water predators.
- Whale & Dolphin Watching: Seasonal tours are available for marine life encounters.
- Copala (Day Trip): Travel about 40 miles (40 minutes drive) from Mazatlan on the highway to Durango to this charming, restored ex-mining village. Explore its impressive 1740 church and enjoy a gourmet lunch at a local Mexican restaurant. Guided tours are available.
- Concordia (Day Trip): Often included on Copala tours, this town is famous for its furniture makers and locally made pottery with pre-Columbian motifs. Highlights include an old town square, a church over 350 years old (the oldest in Sinaloa), abundant mango sales, and nearby mineral springs.
- El Rosario (Day Trip): Located approximately 50 miles south of Mazatlan, this former mining town was once the richest in Northwest Mexico. Its church boasts an altar reportedly worth over a million dollars. You can also visit a sporadically open museum dedicated to Mexican singer Lola Beltrán and shop for local pottery, furniture, or leather goods.
Dining & Shopping
At the cruise terminal, you'll find a small souvenir market, along with a few craft vendors and shops. For a more extensive shopping experience, visit the Jose Mapino Suarez Mercado in Old Mazatlan. This giant market occupies an entire city block and is filled with small stalls selling nearly every imaginable item. The Golden Zone also offers abundant shopping opportunities amidst its hotels and beaches. For communication needs, internet access is available at the International Communications Center, located right at the pier, for $4 per hour.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Be aware that the peso symbol ($) is the same as for the US dollar, which can be confusing. Prices in US dollars (common in tourist areas) are typically labeled "US$" or with an S featuring a double stroke. The exchange rate is approximately 17 Mexican Pesos to 1 US Dollar. US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. However, credit cards are not as commonly accepted as in Europe or the USA, and some businesses may add an extra charge of around 5% for credit card transactions.