Top 30 Things To Do In Mazatlan, Mexico - Updated 2024 | Trip101

Top 30 Things To Do In Mazatlan, Mexico - Updated 2024

things to do in mazatlan mexico
Herine
Herine 
Updated
| 13 min read

Welcome to this resort town along the Pacific shoreline in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Endowed with beaches that have resort hotels, delicious cuisine, perfect weather, and friendly and welcoming locals, Mazatlan is a popular tourist destination. It also features Airbnb vacation rentals for visitors who are not sure where to stay. This resort town is known to be home to Banda Sinaloense, which is a popular music style in Mexico. Its economy relies on tourism and fishing although there are also a lot of narcotics in the area. Tour this town and get to see attractions such as Del Malecón, that is rich in history, Aquatic Park Mazagua, which is a water park for kids and adults with pools and slides, Playa Las Brujas, where you enjoy sunbathing and surfing at the beach, and Mazatlán Cathedral with its spectacular architecture. Be sure to enjoy a variety of fresh seafood. Read on to know more about the best things to do in Mazatlan, Mexico.

1. Experience a Mazatlan city sight-seeing tour (from USD 39.0)

This five-hour highlight tour of Mazatlan incorporates city sightseeing, the beach, shopping and delicious shrimp for lunch. After hotel pickup, the tour starts with a visit to the Spanish Fort from which you will marvel at spectacular views of the city. Proceed to watch locals dive off a cliff that is 45 feet (13.7 m) from the water. Tour the city’s historical center and the cathedral where you can capture amazing photos. Enjoy a ride along Malecon, the longest boardwalk in Mexico, to the shopping area where you will get time to shop. Finally, enjoy eating delicious Mexican shrimp at a beachfront restaurant for lunch and then you’ll be dropped back at your hotel or cruise ship.

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Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour: Shopping, Beach, Lunch

Duration: 5 hours

193 reviews

2. Relax in a mud bath and let a shaman guide your experience (from USD 95.0)

This tour combines a traditional sweat lodge and tequila tasting. After hotel pickup, proceed to a Temazcal where you will relax and enjoy a mud and steam treatment under the guidance of a shaman. Indulge in some local foods including tequila cheese, machaca burritos, beans, salsa, tortillas and a beverage of your choice. Then, go to town and visit the Museum of History, the beautiful Church, hot springs and the tequila factory where you will taste the best tequila in town. The tour then ends with a drop-off at your hotel.

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Temazcal Sweat Lodge and Tequila Tour

Duration: 4 hours

13 reviews

3. Wander around the Old Town and enjoy shopping (from USD 40.0)

Explore the resort town of Mazatlan on a small-group sightseeing tour with hotel or port pickup and drop-off included. Start by seeing highlights such as the Old Spanish Fort, then watch the brave divers diving off a cliff 45 feet (13.7 m) high, into the water while dodging the sharp rocks below. You’ll also get to visit the historical center, cathedral and the downtown market. Then board an air-conditioned minivan, pass by the boardwalk to the shopping area where you can shop for souvenirs and also enjoy some beach time.

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Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Beach Time and Shopping

Duration: 4 hours

54 reviews

4. Have a fun day in the Golden Zone area (from USD 59.0)

Go on this tour that takes approximately six hours and starts with a pickup from your ship, in an air-conditioned vehicle that takes you to Las Flores Beach Resort which is on the Oceanside Golden Zone. With your full day access pass, you can soak in the hot tub, swim in the pool, sunbathe at the beach and go kayaking, water crafting or high-flying parasailing. Eat a scrumptious meal of seafood and two drinks. Enjoy exploring the resort before being dropped off at your ship.

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Mazatlan Beach Front Resort Day Pass with Lunch

Duration: 6 hours

15 reviews

5. Go on a Segway tour of Old Town Mazatlan (from USD 67.0)

Explore Mazatlan while gliding on a Segway on this guided two-hour tour that is limited to only six people. Meet your guide at a central location and be trained on how to operate the Segway. Explore the Old Town and waterfront. See landmarks such as the Plazuela Machado, the beautiful Cathedral, Olas Altas, the Clavadista and witness a diving tradition in Mazatlan at the oceanside park on the Malecon.

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Old Town Mazatlan Segway Tour

Duration: 2 hours

313 reviews

6. Catch a live performance at the Angela Peralta Theater

Teatro Angela Peralta
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ElPattMedina used under CC BY 3.0

??A unos minutos de comenzar la obra “En Algún Lugar” protagonizada por el niño Pablo Alejandro Leal. ? #TAP #TodosSomosCultura ?

Posted by Teatro Ángela Peralta on Thursday, 8 November 2018

Angela Peralta Theater is a performing arts theater in Mazatlán, Mexico, that hosts sophisticated theater and musical performances. Visit this beautiful theater with amazing acoustics and great seats in the entire theater. Catch an amazing show free of charge or for a reasonably priced ticket. Being a cultural and development center too, Angela Peralta Theater is home to a municipal cultural center, art galleries and an internationally acclaimed fine arts school.

Angela Peralta Theater

Address: Carnaval S/N, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Angela Peralta Theater

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7. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay from the Mazatlan Lighthouse

Mazatlan El Faro lighthouse
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Stan Shebs used under CC BY-SA 3.0

For those who like trying non-touristy things to do while keeping fit at the same, this is the activity for you. Mazatlan Lighthouse is located at the top of Cerro Creston which is Mazatlan’s highest hill. It is 523 feet (159.4 m) above high tide. Put on your comfortable hiking shoes and climb up the hill through a hiking trail and stairs which should take about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. At the top, marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the ocean. Pay 5 or 20 pesos (0.3 or 1 USD) depending on the queue you can choose to walk out on a glass-bottomed lookout to enjoy more amazing views and experience the thrill.

Mazatlan Lighthouse

Address: Ángel Flóres s/n Centro, Mexico

Website: Mazatlan Lighthouse

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

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8. Watch the sun go down while enjoying a walk on the Malecón

Mazatlán "El Malecón"
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Danimussino used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Enjoy walking on the Malecón which is a broad esplanade, roadway and seawall that stretches for 8 km (5 miles) along the coast in Havana, Cuba. On one side is the ocean while on the other side is the city landscape. See buildings like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, important monuments like General Máximo Gomez, the statue of José Martí and the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Platform. Capture amazing photos of the ocean and of the sunset while sitting on the seawall.

Malecón

Address: Centro Habana, Havana, Cuba

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9. Admire the architecture of Mazatlán Cathedral

Basilica Immaculate Conception ~ Mazatlan, Mexico
Source: Photo by user Prayitno / Thank ... used under CC BY 2.0

Pay a visit to this main religious building in Mazatlán, whose architecture includes stained glass windows that have Jewish stars of David on them. This cathedral is amazing and worth seeing. Marvel at the lavish interior with chandeliers, icons, frescoes and mosaics. Join the many people who go there to pray or maybe catch a mass that will leave you feeling enriched spiritually.

Mazatlán Cathedral

Address: 21 de Marzo, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

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10. Take your children to Acuario Mazatlán

Acuario Mazatlán
Source: Photo by Flickr user David Stanley used under CC BY 2.0

Looking for a fun activity to do with your kids? Acuario Mazatlán is the place to go. This aquarium has over 250 species of fish, a marine museum, Gulf of Mexico Oceanic Fish Tank, a walk-through aviary, a crocodile and frog area and live marine animal shows. Enjoy shows such as a sea lion show, a bird show and a diving exhibition. There are play areas for the kids, if they get tired of seeing animals. For the daring ones, you can go swimming with sea lions and sharks.

Acuario Mazatlán

Address: Av. de los Deportes 111, Tellería, 82017 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Acuario Mazatlán

Opening hours: 9.30am - 5.30pm (daily)

Price: Adults: 115 MXN (6 USD); Children:85 MXN (4.50 USD)

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11. Learn water sports at Aqua Sports Center

Posted by AQUA SPORTS CENTER on Saturday, 19 August 2017

At Aqua Sports Center, it does not matter whether you are beginner or an expert in watersports, your fitness level or age, there is something for everyone. At this center, there are trainers on the various watersports. There are various activities to choose from including deep sea fishing, banana boat, boating, parasailing, scuba diving and surfing. Come here and rent out equipment for surfing and get to experience the fun as your surfboard is lifted by the waves and you cruise on the water.

Aqua Sports Center

Address:Av. Camaron Sabalo S/N, En la Playa Hotel El CID Castilla, Zona Dorada.Mazatlán, Sinaloa 82110

Website: Aqua Sports Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9.30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

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12. Be a part of the pomp and color of the Mazatlan Carnival

Posted by Carnaval Internacional Mazatlán on Sunday, 3 March 2019

Known to be the third largest carnival in the world, Mazatlan Carnival attracts a lot of different exhibitions, such as tradition and arts, food fair, naval combat fireworks, the crowning of the queens, etc. It is a seven-day festivity. Watch the street performances, live music, and parades that definitely showcase a lot of talent. They are fun to watch and will give you unforgettable memories.

Mazatlan Carnival

Address: Av. Miguel Alemán 203, Centro Mazatlán, Sinaloa

Website: Mazatlan Carnival

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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13. Have a fun day at Mazagua Water Park

Cómo llegar ? : https://goo.gl/maps/RF6RvByMBgL2 Para mayor información comunícate al: (669) 988 00 41 o (669) 988 02 05 ? WhatsApp: 669 160 49 01 ?

Posted by Parque acuatico Mazagua on Saturday, 13 April 2019

Visit this large, whimsical water park for kids and adults, with magnificent pools, various slides and dining palapas. On a sunny and bright day, grab your swimsuit and head to this water park. Sunbathe or experience the adrenaline rush as you go down the slides while you scream and shout, before dropping in the pools. You can carry your own food or purchase from the various joints there. This is definitely a fun and refreshing way to spend a hot, sunny day.

Mazagua Water Park

Address: Entronque, Av. Sábalo Cerritos, Sábalo Country, 82110 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Mazagua Water Park

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 170 MXN (9 USD)

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14. Go on a boat tour with Onca Explorations

Face to face with a super pod of spinner #dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in the thousands!! Join our Wild Dolphin...

Posted by Onca Explorations on Friday, 17 May 2019

Onca Explorations - Nature & Wildlife Adventures, takes pride in taking guests into the wild for amazing encounters with animals in their natural habitat. Go on a guided swim with the dolphins’ session and you will also have a hydrophone on board to listen to dolphin whistles and live whale songs. Get enlightened by a lecture on the humpback whale ecology and conservation. This is an amazing way to get in touch with nature as you marvel at the scenery and capture spectacular photos and videos.

Onca Explorations - Nature & Wildlife Adventures

Address: Avenida Camaron Sabalo 2100-G, Sábalo Country, 82100 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Onca Explorations

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: From 1898 MXN (99 USD) for adults, From 1323 MXN (69 USD) for Children

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15. Pose to take pictures in front of the Fishermen Monument

Monos Bichis, Malecón de Mazatlán
Source: Photo by user David Adame used under CC BY-SA 4.0

See Fishermen Monument, which dates back to 1958, and honors local fishermen while acknowledging the popularity of fishing in Mazatlan. It has a tall tiled multi-colored tower with the representation of a lighthouse at the top and a nude man with a fishing net as well as a nude woman lounging at the base. Water shoots out from the several spouts to about 2 feet (0.6 m) high into the large basin. Pose to take photos with this iconic monument as your backdrop.

Fishermen Monument

Address: Av del Mar s/n, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Fishermen Monument

Opening hours: 24 hours

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16. Browse through the artwork at Museo de Conchas


There is always the comfort that comes with seeing sea shells. For the lovers of sea shells, Museo de Conchas is the place for you. Marvel at the exhibits of jewelry made from shells of all shapes and sizes and from all over the ocean. Admire the works of artisans who create with shells. For example, there are ornaments, curtains, centerpieces, photo frames and lamps. Apart from observing, you can also purchase the shells, artwork or jewelry as a souvenir. It is worth a visit and it is free.

Museo de Conchas

Address: Av. Playa Gaviotas 407, Zona Dorada, 82110 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Museo de Conchas

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

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17. Try your luck at Casino MonteCarlo

Casino de Monte Carlo - Monaco 2014
Source: Photo by user José Luiz used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Visit Monte Carlo Casino and try your luck at gambling in the different kinds of games included. These include different kinds of roulettes, stud poker, blackjack, video poker, slot machines, craps, baccarat and Trente et Quarante. Maybe lady luck might be on your side on that day but even if that is not the case, you will still get to enjoy yourself at this sophisticated gambling and entertainment complex. You can also just visit the casino to admire its Belle Époque architecture and Bohemian crystal chandeliers.

Casino MonteCarlo

Address: Monaco-Ville, Monaco

Website: Casino MonteCarlo

Opening hours: From 2pm (daily)

Price: 372 MXN (19.40 USD) per person

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18. Learn about the life of Pedro Infante at Museo El Rincón de Pedro Infante


Visit this small house museum with memorabilia from the life of Pedro Infante, the idol of the golden age of Mexican cinema, and see where he was born and lived. Among the collections are his belongings such as charro costumes and costumes used during filming, original posters, discs, photographs of his childhood and a copy of the birth certificate that confirms that Pedro Infante was born in Mazatlan. It is quite an experience for his fans and also for those who love art and history.

Museo El Rincón de Pedro Infante

Address: Constitución 1106, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Museo El Rincón de Pedro Infante

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

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19. Sample gelato at Helarte Sano

Disfruta momentos y descubre nuevos sabores en #HelarteSano ❤️ ¡Te esperamos!

Posted by HelarteSano on Wednesday, 13 February 2019

Indulge your sweet tooth by visiting Helarte Sano which is an ice-cream and frozen yogurt cafeteria. Try out their Mexican-inspired gelato which is finger licking good and will leave you craving for more. To add onto amazing gelato flavors, its location makes it easily accessible and it has remarkable customer service. Try it out and you will not regret, on the contrary, you will make it your favorite gelato stopover when in Mazatlan.

Helarte Sano

Address: Carnaval 1129, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Helarte Sano

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7.30am - 9pm; Sat: 7.30am - 10pm; Sun: 8am - 9pm

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20. Take a leisurely walk in Paco's Reserva de Flora y Fauna

Sendero de flora y fauna
Source: Photo by user Victorandresfratto used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Spend your day appreciating nature in all its glory at Paco’s Reserva de Flora y Fauna. This reserve has more than 2,000 wild species which have been registered through the NaturaLista platform. It is a sanctuary for more than 50 species of Mexican animals and plants cataloged as being at risk by national and international standards. Go hiking in this reserve and get to see these plants and animals and at the same time be enlightened about the flora and fauna.

Paco's Reserva de Flora y Fauna

Address: Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico

Website: Paco’s Reserva de Flora y Fauna

Opening hours: 24 hours

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21. Learn about native cultures at Museo Arqueológico de Mazatlán

Museo Arqueológico de Mazatlán 2012-09-08 18-13-46
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user wittenbergman used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Welcome to this archaeological museum in Mazatlán, Mexico, that presents a collection of archaeological artifacts from the pre-Hispanic culture of Mazatlan, Sinaloa. It highlights ancestral customs especially the funeral homes and the famous ball game known as ulama. The museum incorporates five rooms with each room showcasing something different ranging from the development of Sinaloan culture, way of life and geographical location of Sinaloa, funeral customs and construction tools, petroglyphs and history of ulama, to the process of the Spanish conquest in Sinaloa. Approximately 200 archaeological artifacts are exhibited.

Museo Arqueológico de Mazatlán

Address: Sixto Osuna 76, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Museo Arqueológico de Mazatlán

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 25 MXN (2.40 USD)

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22. Taste Mexican delicacies at Restaurant Pancho's

Pechuga de Pollo Mariposa !! solo en Los Panchos GRAN PLAZA Y PLAZA SENDERO !! Te esperamos !!

Posted by Restaurante Los Panchos on Friday, 4 August 2017

Dine at this seafront restaurant that serves Mexican, vegetarian-friendly and vegan options and seafood prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The food is very tasty and served in ample portions at a reasonable price. Its location by the water gives it even more ambiance. The staff is also friendly, which makes the restaurant a favorite among the locals. Bring your appetite and get ready to be treated to an amazing Mexican meal.

Restaurant Pancho's

Address: Av. Playa Gaviotas 408, Zona Dorada, 82110 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Restaurant Pancho’s

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 11pm; Sun: 8am - 9pm

Price: 151 - 300 MXN (8 - 16 USD)

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23. Enjoy drinks at Bora Bora antro


If you are looking for a place at night to party, dance and have fun with friends, Bora Bora antro is the place to go. It is one of the most famous bars in Mazatlan and it has a lively atmosphere. Located right next to the beach with some parts on the sand makes it an even more awesome location to party under the light of the stars and the moon. Drink exquisite drinks that will leave you feeling refreshed. Dance all night to the varied music with your friends and create memories of a crazy, fun night.

Bora Bora antro bar

Address: Av Camarón Sábalo S/N, Zona Dorada, 82110 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Bora Bora antro bar

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 9pm - 4am; Sun: 8pm - 6am (closed on Mon & Tue)

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24. Watch a movie at Cinemas Gaviotas


There is always the excitement and romance that comes with going on a movie date. Holding hands, getting cozy and close to each other coupled with great acoustics, surround system, ambiance and popcorn all make it one of the best experiences ever. Catch a blockbuster movie at Cinemas Gaviotas, at great prices.

Cinemas Gaviotas

Address: Av Camarón Sábalo 218, El Dorado, 82110 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Cinemas Gaviotas

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25. Play a round of golf with friends at the Marina Mazatlan Golf Course


Marina Mazatlan Golf Course features an 18-hole golf course on the lush green grass. The course is challenging and fun and provides a chill place to spend your day. You can rent clubs and enjoy a day of teeing. If you feel hungry or thirsty, there is a ‘snack shack’ that serves very good authentic Mexican food and refreshments. In addition, the staff is great, friendly and professional.

Marina Mazatlan Golf Course

Address: Paseo del Palmar s/n, Marina Mazatlán, 82103 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico

Website: Marina Mazatlan Golf Course

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

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26. Explore Mexico’s gorgeous Pacific Coast on a day cruise to Stone Island (from USD 90.0)

Go on this catamaran cruise from Mazatlan to spectacular Stone Island, that takes approximately six hours. It includes hotel pickup and a bilingual guide. Explore the beautiful Pacific Coast aboard the catamaran and see attractions such as the lighthouse, caves and Bird Island. Once at Stone Island, pass through a quaint fishing village to the beach where you will enjoy a scrumptious complimentary lunch. Experience the thrill of riding an ATV as you marvel at the beautiful scenery. Get to choose from either horseback riding, kayaking or a banana boat ride or simply sunbathe at the beach while drinking an alcoholic beverage.

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Stone Island & ATV

Duration: 6 hours

1 review

27. Zip-line above Mazatlan’s beautiful forests (from USD 85.0)

Looking for some adventure and thrill? Then go on this tour that takes approximately five hours. Be picked up at your hotel and drive to Veranos which is 40 minutes away, and soar like a bird above the old-growth forest canopy on 12 zip lines of different heights and lengths. Then, enjoy an authentic complimentary meal with a beverage of your choice. The tour then proceeds to the town where you will visit the colonial center, Museum of History, a beautiful church, the hot springs and tequila factory. Feel the warmth cascade down your body as you taste the best tequila in town.

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Mazatlan Zip-Line

Duration: 5 hours

1 review

28. Visit Stone Island Beach and the Old Town (from USD 66.0)

For approximately six hours, you will enjoy this tour that starts with pickup and ends with your drop-off. Get aboard an air-conditioned bus and head to Centrol Historico that is home to the neoclassical Teatro Angela Peralta and the Plazuela Machado. As you explore, your guide will enlighten you on the city’s history. Proceed to see fearless cliff divers plunge into the ocean from dizzying heights. Board a boat to Stone Island where you will be treated to lunch and drinks from an open bar. You can also choose to indulge in two beach activities amongst kayaking, boogie board riding or horseback riding or simply bask on the beach and soak up the Mexican sun.

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Stone Island Beach and Old Town Sightseeing Tour

Duration: 6 hours

10 reviews

29. Enjoy a bike tour of the mystic ruins of ancient Mazatlán (from USD 35.0)

Enjoy exploring Mazatlan on this bike tour that takes approximately four hours. A guide will take you to places loved by locals and you will get to learn about the history of this port and see its famous beaches, Plazuela Machado, “31 de Marzo” Fort, the cathedral, Olas Altas, Pino Suarez Market and the longest boardwalk in the world. You will definitely cover more ground on a bike than when walking. Pickup and drop-off are at the Cruise Terminal Entrance/Exit.

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Half-Day Mazatlan City Bike Tour

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

10 reviews

30. Explore the bay of Mazatlan (from USD 995.0)

explore the bay of mazatlan
Source: www.viator.com

On this guided half-day tour, cruise through the small archipelago of Pájaros, Venados, and Lobos islands with a crew of marine scientists and naturalists. See dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and coastal birds while you get enlightened by the commentaries of the expert guides. Visit the best reef locations for snorkeling and swimming or relax on the beach on Deer Island. Refreshments and a light lunch are offered on board. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off for some select hotels.

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Private Catamaran Bay and Island Snorkel Adventure in Mazatlan

Get to know fascinating Mazatlan

Perfect weather, beautiful sandy beaches, art and history, nightlife and splendid architecture, Mazatlan has it all. Plan a trip here and be guaranteed an amazing time while indulging in these things to do in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Herine is from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. As a travel enthusiast, she always takes interest in learning about and visiting new places. She has traveled to many places within the country,...Read more

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