Relax at Vallodolid, Yucatan © larry&flo

Often a one-day stop on Mexican Riviera cruises, Mazatlan is a working commercial port moonlighting as a tourist beach haven. Despite its port industry and status as a wildly popular beach resort, Mazatlan retains the ambiance of a colonial fishing town. Although mega-resorts specialising in all-inclusive package holidays 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 the breathtaking spectacle of cliff divers plunging into the sea add to the charm but the miles of beaches are what lure most visitors.

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 is ideal for 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, and the Old Town also boasts some wonderful restaurants and shops. Many choose to stroll the popular waterfront walkway and visitors should be sure not to miss seeing the local 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