Top 5 Things to Do in Mazatlán, Mexico

By Susie Reese

One of the most authentic Mexican destinations, Mazatlán is known as the “colonial city on the beach,” offering an exhilarating mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Its world-class resorts, world-renowned journeys, and historically vibrant sights make it one of the fastest growing travel destinations in North America. So what courts the travel enthusiasts and Mexican adventurers?

Mazatlan

Mazatlán – the colonial city on the beach!

 

1. “The Pearl of the Pacific”

Can you beat 12 miles of beaches? Great for surfers and relaxers!

Can you beat 12 miles of beaches? Great for surfers and relaxers!

If long walks on the beach are your thing, then Mazatlán is your beach, baby! The area has 12 miles of sugar-white sand, and at Playa Olas Altas, Playa Pinitos, and Playa Brujas, the fierce wind will whip through your hair and the waves will give you the most gnarly surfing scene in Mexico. For more tranquil retreats, Deer Island and Stone Island offer soft waves and sun-kissed sands to make a great day of relaxation and water-lounging. Spectacular rock formations and a pristine, powdery beach make Rock Island another wonderful stop in Mazatlán.

 

2. Mazatlán’s Aquarium

Mazatlán

You can swim with dolphin everywhere, but Mazatlán has swimming with sea lions!

Sure, you’re not going to fly to Mazatlán for the largest “Seawater Fish Tank” in Latin America, but the Mazatlán Aquarium is a must-see attraction when in the city. The aforementioned fish tank showcases sea life from the Gulf of California, with coral reefs, more than 26 marine species, and 130 organisms. The aquarium also hosts sea lions, birds, and diving shows, and you can swim with sharks and sea lions. The aquarium also has a great conservation program for turtles. Over the last 20 years, it has protected 4,400 turtle nests and freed more than 270,000 sea turtle hatchings.

 

3. The Jungle and Beach Tour

As seen on Animal Plant, the five-hour Jungle and Beach Tour takes you through the protected wildlife preserve with private beaches, a lush mangrove jungle, and natural waterways. You’ll also cruise through the harbor to see the largest shrimp fleet in Mexico and take a “Mexico limo” though a coconut plantation before returning to the city of Mazatlán for a fresh, traditional lunch of smoked fish with coco husk, mesquite, and tender green stalks from mangrove trees. Oh, and did we forget to mention the open bar?

 

4. Historic Sites

Mazatlán

Rich history and culture are embedded in Mazatlán’s streets and in its magnificent structures.

As the “colonial city with a beach,” Mazatlán is known for its beautiful, cultural centers. The Mazatlán Cathedral, which was finished in 1899, is revered as one of the most majestic in all of Mexico with three naves, French-cut crystal, and huge central candelabrum. One of the oldest plazas in Mazatlán, Machado Plaza is surrounded by 18th century buildings with sidewalk cafes, museums, hotels, and exquisite shopping.  Surrounding villages like Copala, Concordia, El Rosario, and El Quelite, all welcome you with fantastic gothic architecture, cobblestoned streets, old houses and old churches, showcasing the authentic side of Mexico’s culture. At Las Labradas, a beach with crystal clear water and soft sand, you’ll also find petroglyphs carved into the stones by the beach by Mexicans centuries before.

 

5.  Stingray Encounter

Stingrays are beautiful, natural serene creatures, so you’ll want to pull on your snorkeling gear and glide through the water with these fascinating animals. You’ll get to interact with them, pet and feed the little guys, and even take a picture with the stingrays. Stingray encounters are available at Mazatlán Aquarium and through tourist groups.

Mazatlán

Dive into the open blue with stingray encounters in Mazatlán!

 

Ready to head to the authentic, traditional capital of Mexico? Now’s the time to book with incredible offers to El Cid Castilla Beach, Riu Emerald Bay, and more, including kids free and nights free! Contact your local travel agent and request a GOGO Vacations package today!

 

We like to eat, so this is sponsored content.