Mazatlan, Mexico
While
other beach resorts in Mexico work hard to dazzle visitors with
mega-resort excitement, the equation for a great vacation in
Mazatlan is a simple one of fun, plus exotic food, plus lots
of world-class fishing. As Mexico's largest West Coast port
and the second largest coastal city, Mazatlan combines affordable
accommodations with tropical seaside charm and plenty of ways
to have fun in the sun.
There are 3 distinct zones: the port and downtown area, known
as Old Mazatlan, the Zona Dorada, home to nearly all of Mazatlan's
visitor attractions, and a long stretch of mostly undeveloped
tropical beach that separates the two. Open-air bistros and
bars line the uncrowded but active shore, where water sports
break the surf and strolling vendors mix with sunbathers.
A tropical palm-lined seaside promenade connects the shopping
district to the old section of the city, which is home to
restored 19th century buildings. Mazatlan also has excellent
dining, especially for seafood, and great nightlife.
MAZATLAN RESORTS
MAZATLAN ACTIVITIES
Fishing:
Mazatlan is renowned for its fishing, and more than a dozen
sport fishing fleets are in operation. Some of the favorite
catches that abound in the waters nearly all year include mahi
mahi, black marlin, blue marlin, and swordfish, among many others.
Hotels can arrange charters or you can hire them directly.
Sabalo Estuary:
Bring lots of film for this cruise down mangrove-lined waterways
in Mexico's largest estuary/wetland system. Explore the private
world of countless bird species like the Mexican Brown Pelican,
Blue Heron, Sea Hawk, Osprey and other exotic water fowl in
this protected wildlife refuge.
Waterpark:
The waterpark at the El Cid has 2 huge pools connected by
a maze of shallow "rivers." One palm-studded pool
caters to adults, and it much quieter than the other, a "jungle"
complete with a huge rock diving platform. There's a waterslide
made of simulated boulders, a large waterfall, and some "caves."
Rock music plays loudly and it's very crowded and hectic,
so small children should be watched closely.
Beaches:
- Playa Isla de la Piedra's 10 miles of spotless beaches
give you plenty of elbow room. On weekends, music and games
take over, and refreshments are available at nearby thatched-roof
huts.
- Playa Sabalo and Playa Las Gaviotas, at either end of
the Zona Dorada, are Mazatlan's most popular beaches. Vendors
sell everything from blankets to pottery to silver jewelry.
The beach is protected from heavy surf and it is safe even
late at night.
- Playa Olas Atlas was the first tourist beach in Mazatlan,
and surfers flock here during the summer when they waves
are at their highest.
- Playa Los Cerritos, the northernmost beach, is the cleanest
and least populated. The rough waves are ideal for surfing.
- Deer Island ferries leave frequently from the Zona Dorada
hotels to take you on a 10-minute ride to the offshore Playa
Isla de los Venados, a pretty and uncrowded beach with shell-covered
coves.
Day Trip to Concordia:
Less then 30 miles northeast of Mazatlan, Concordia is known
for its furniture makers. The trip itself includes some beautiful
scenery, and an enormous wooden chair marks the town's entrance.
There's also an 18th-century church and impressive pottery
made of the local brown clay.
Day Trip to Copala:
This scenic Colonial mining town is set at the foot of the
Sierra Madre Occidental, just 15 miles east of Concordia.
The town features a delightful zocalo, charming ironwork balconies
and cobblestone streets.
Golf:
The Estrella del Mar resort has a championship 18-hole Robert
Trent Jones course that's open to the public. The 27-hole
course at El Cid, designed by Robert Trent Jones and Lee Trevino,
is open to the public in high season.
Water Sports:
Wind surfers, hobie cats, and jet skis are available for rent
at most hotels. Parasailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling
are also popular.
Acuario Mazatlan:
Children and adults alike love this aquarium, with its tanks
of sharks, lobsters, eels, sea horses, and colorful fish.
There is also an aviary in the adjacent botanical garden.
Mazatlan Cathedral:
Built in 1890 and made a basilica in 1935, it has a gilded
and ornate triple altar, with murals of angels and small altars
along the sides.
Bullfights:
Toreadors face-off with bulls on Sunday afternoons between
December and Easter.
Shopping:
In the Zona Dorada open-air markets, you'll find a fun mix
of goods from designer clothing to piñatas. The best
place for crafts is the Mazatlan Arts and Crafts Center. There
are lots of souvenir-type curios to buy such as sombreros,
sandals, and coconut masks. Madonna has a wide selection of
jewelry, and Sea Shell City has 2 floors filled with a huge
variety of objects made out of shells. To shop with the locals
at the best prices in town, head to the Mercado Central.
