Mazatlan port
Overview:
Often a one-day stop on Mexican Riviera cruises, Mazatlan is a
working commercial city moonlighting as a tourist heaven. Despite
its port industry and status as a wildly popular beach resort,
Mazatlan retains the ambiance of a colonial fishing town.
Although mega-resorts line its long beaches, Mazatlan still has
a historic colonial city centre, most apparent in Plaza Machado at
the heart of Old Town. An iconic waterfront walkway and a
breathtaking view of cliff divers add to the charm but the miles of
beaches lure most the tourists.
Cruises in Mazatlan dock at a primarily commercial port and
connect to the cruise terminal by a free tram. The cruise terminal
has a small shopping area and waiting taxis for a ten-minute ride
into the city centre.
Contact:
The main tourist office is on 100 Rodolfo Loaiza St
Tel: +52 (669) 985 1221
www.gomazatlan.com
Transport:
Taxis are the best way to get around Mazatlan, especially
getting to the Golden Zone from the cruise terminal. Taxis are
readily available from the terminal. Pulmonias, small open air
taxis that can hold four people, are unique to Mazatlan and can be
caught from the terminal as well.
Attractions:
A long stretch of sand across the beaches of Playa Camaron and
Playa Gaviotas attracts water activities of all kinds. Mazatlan is
also one of the premier deep sea fishing locations in the world.
The Golden Zone is a popular resort area for shopping and dining as
is Old Town, emitting an old world colonial ambiance. Many choose
to further stroll the popular waterfront walkway and don't miss
watching cliff divers from Divers Point.
Restaurants:
- Topolo - popular for fine dining and good seafood
- Te Amo Lucy's - a hole-in-the-wall diner with Mexican flair
- Pancho's - Mexican seafood restaurant right on the beach
Best dish: Shrimp cooked every which way
Shopping:
The Golden Zone is an aptly named golden opportunity for
souvenir and knick knack shopping and is made for tourists. Old
Mazatlan has slightly more authentic markets where crafts can be
purchased. A shopping mall, La Gran Plaza, offers any modern
necessities including a supermarket.
Best buy: Gemstones (only from licensed stores)
Excursions:
- Golf on top designed courses
- Go back in time in the abandoned town Copala
- Kayak to nearby islands
- Off-road in dune buggies
- Cruise into the sunset