Mazatlan is exploding. Although historically not as fancy as Puerto Vallarta to the south or Los Cabos to the west, it's getting there. A middle-sized city that used to depend on its shrimp fleet and a few other industries for its livelihood, Mazatlan has sprung to life with aspirations of becoming a major beach resort as renowned as Los Cabos or Cancun. Its long-stagnant marina development has received injections of new capital, and the state of Sinaloa has funded the construction of a sparkling
malecon (seaside promenade) that stretches more than 3 mi/5 km from the edge of Old Mazatlan at Olas Altas to the southern edge of the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone). There is also major construction ongoing between the marina and the northern edge of the city.
Because tourism isn't its only business, Mazatlan accept its visitors gracefully. Unlike some resort towns that become completely consumed (and jaded) by the travel trade, Mazatlan maintains its Mexican character and offers vacationers the things they go for—relaxation and entertainment in a pleasant seaside setting. In a single visit, travelers can experience comfortable resorts, and the sights and smells of a Mexican city. It's as simple as moving from one part of town (Zona Dorada—the tourist area) to another (Old Mazatlan).
Location
When your ship arrives in Mazatlan, you'll see land on both sides. The Puerto Mazatlan port is located on the south side of town along the navigational channel that runs between Mazatlan's curved peninsula and the Isla Belvedere. Two steep hills, Cerro del Vigia and Cerro del Creston, rise beside the channel, although the rest of the city is fairly flat. The dock area is devoted to commercial fishing, industry and the navy.
When you get off the ship, you'll be transferred by open-air tram to the depot at the opposite side of the long dock. A few feet/meters beyond the depot is a wide plaza that contains Internet access, phones, a pharmacy, restaurant, bar, flea market, private tour companies and taxi stands. From there, it's a five-minute cab ride to downtown (or a 20-minute walk, which we don't recommend—you'll pass through an industrial area with little scenery). It's a 15-minute cab ride to the Zona Dorada.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see the area, but you won't have to waste time making arrangements—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship. Shore excursions and their prices vary from cruise line to cruise line. Typical excursions might include a city tour followed by a folkloric dance performance; a day of shopping, lunch and beach time; horseback riding; golf or deep-sea fishing. Multiple-time visitors might want to take a tour of the countryside to Copala or to El Quelite. Check with your travel agent or your ship's shore-excursion staff for additional information.
