On the Pacific Ocean, Mazatlan, Mexico, is a vibrant city with roots back in the 1500s. It is the winter home to many whale species, like Humpback Whales. Travelers can learn more about the mammals at the Whale Museum. As the Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatlan is home to many beaches and stunning sunsets. Other top activities include visiting Faro Mazatlan, its lighthouse, outfitted with a crystal bridge and zipline. Here are 25 out of the sea things to do in Mazatlan.
25 Out of the Sea Things to Do in Mazatlan Mexico
Climb the Lighthouse Mazatlan
Look Down from the Crystal Bridge
Zipline on Creston Island
Visit the 1873 Observatory
Tour the Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Visit the MUNBA, Whale Museum,
Go Whale Watching or Take a Scenic Cruise
Explore the Mazatlan Aquarium
See the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Walk through the Historic Center
Scroll the Plaza Machado
Stop by the Angela Peralta Theater
Visit the Market
Stroll Through the Plaza Republica
Sit Along the Mazatlan Malecon
Find Liverpool Alley
See the Mazatlan Cliff Divers
Hit the Beach
See the Sunset
Ride in a Pulmonia
Attend a Baseball Game
Relax at the Shekinah Beach Club
Take a Food Tour
Tour the Pirates Mansion
Spend the Night in a Boutique Hotel
13 Magical Things to Do in Loreto Mexico
Lighthouse Mazatlan
The Faro Mazatlan, or Lighthouse, is located on Creston Island, south of the city and overlooking the port. Visitors can climb the hill to see the views from the hill, but not enter the lighthouse, located at the top of the hill. This is one of the top things to do in Mazatlan.
It started as a simple lamp on the hill in 1879. Then 1892, a bigger building was added. Worth noting, the lighthouse building is just 7 meters high (22 feet) and still in use, so visitors can’t enter it.
Travelers hike up the switchback stairs and path to reach the top. It offers views of the entire city, including the port. It is a challenging 1.4-mile hike with an elevation gain of 324 feet, including 336 stairs.
During whale migration, guests might see whales, especially if they bring binoculars. On top of Creston Island, there is a glass bridge over the water and a dramatic zipline.
Located on Creston Island. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. You can take a pulmonia, or a taxi, to get there. Bring bottled water, and the restroom is located at the base (additional MX$10). There are places to rest along the trail. It is free to hike to the top.
From Beaches to Teide to Whales: Best Things to Do in Tenerife Spain
Crystal Bridge
In the shadow of the lighthouse, the Puente de Cristal juts out over the water below. Near the top of Creston Hill at 515 feet, or 157 meters, is an observation deck, built in 2018.
Visitors take off their shoes and venture out in groups of 10. Each visit lasts about 3 to 5 minutes.
Located on Creston Island. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. To enter, it is MX$30 per person, cash only. Paid at the entrance of Faro Mazantlan.
Zipline from Faro Mazatlan
Visitors can hike back down Creston Hill, or they can fly through the air at speeds up to 35 mph (60 kph) on a .75-mile zipline on the Farolesa. Best of all, guests zoom over the water that connects Creston Island with the mainland. Zipliners arrive at the 1873 Observatory.
Located on top of Creston Island. Age and weight restrictions apply. Reservations recommended. It is $69 USD per rider and offered through tour operators.
1873 Observatory
This is the site of an old military observation point; the restored 1873 Observatory offers a Sky Bar with views over the water, an event terrace and an exhibit on tequila, including plants. For zipliners, this is where you land after leaving Creston Hill.
The house at 1873 Observatory is a restored and furnished home from the 1800s, filled with Spanish Colonial antiques.
One of the highlights is the bird sanctuary located at the 1873 Observatory. During my visit, I saw a dozen or more macaws in red and green. There were flamingos wandering on the lower level. The treed aviary also had a few toucans, with their bills that look like bananas. There is also an iguna sanctuary.
For visitors who didn’t zipline in, a funicular scales the side of the hillside location.
Located at P.º del Centenario 218, Cerro del Vigía, Mazatlan. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult admission is MX$500, students are MX$400 and kids are MX$350.
National Whale Museum (MUNBA)
The MUNBA, Museo Nacional de la Ballena, or the National Whale Museum, is dedicated to cetaceans. From majestic whales to friendly dolphins, this facility features 29 whale skeletons, such as gray whales, blue whales and a sperm whale.
Perched on the side of Cerro del Vigía, a Mezatlan hillside, visitors can learn more about the part-time residents of Mexico, whales. They migrate to the Mexican Pacific to breed and raise their babies.
There are exhibits on the social groups that whales use to communicate, mate and survive. Another exhibit explains the skeletal features. Find a VR area where visitors can swim with sea creatures.
The facility utilizes recycled materials, like shipping containers, to guide visitors through its space. Each features the WWII black and white geometric pattern camouflage that confused the eye on a ship’s movement.
There’s a kids’ reading room. Outside, find water features with marine life sculptures.
Located at Del Mirador 42, Cerro del Vigía. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult admission is MX$300, students and kids (4 to 12) are MX$250.
Whale Watching Expedition with MUNBA
During our visit, we took a whale-watching excursion with MUNBA, the Whale Museum. It was late October, so a bit too early in the season, and we didn’t see any whales. However, during the season, about 9,000 whales live in the Mexican Pacific according to the latest estimate.
During the tour, we headed out on a zodiac boat about 3 miles out. With biologists on board, we learned about the species and listened to their calls. Our guides were bilingual and used an onboard hydrophone to listen for whale calls.
Whale-watching season is winter, so December to April is the best time. Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Mexican Pacific to mate and give birth to their calves.
It is also really common to see dolphins. They are playful and usually swim in pods; and we saw one pod during our excursion.
Adults are MX$1,800, are kids are MX$1,500 each. Whale watching departs at 8 a.m. and the tour lasts for 3 hours. Transportation from local hotels is included.
Excursion to Deer Island
If you are visiting outside of whale-watching season, then I recommend an excursion to one of the islands offshore. The big difference is the type of excursion experience.
Deer Island features a 12-mile-long stretch of sand. This excursion also offers horse rides, ATVs and Mexican food in palapa huts.
Bird Island is usually off-limits for landing. It is a seabird roost and protected. However, pangas or zodiac boats can circle the small islands to see the birds, especially the boobies, brown and the fabled blue boobie.
Gran Acuario Mazatlán
The Mazatlan Aquarium offers more than marine life. It is the largest aquarium in Mexico and is dedicated to the Sea of Cortez, or Gulf of California. Renowned explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau called the sea The World’s Aquarium for its diversity.
The aquarium dates back to 1980; however, its stunning aquarium building opened in 2023. The structure is poured concrete, designed by a Mexican architect.
In a series of indoor and open-air exhibits, visitors can learn more about marine life. Its largest tank is nearly a million gallons of seawater. The second largest habitat is half a million, and visitors can see nurse, silkie and lemon sharks. In total, the Mazatlan Aquarium is home to over 500 species
One of the best things to do at the Mazatlan Aquarium is an animal encounter. From the touch tanks with spring rays and buffer fish to a private Humboldt Penguin session, visitors can add an activity to their visit.
During mine, I met with the penguins, tried to feed the Love Birds, and walked through the Capybara exhibit. I also held a snake and pet a native deer, too tame to be released into the wild. There is a dolphin show, and I marveled at the diversity in the touch tanks, feeling the skin of a spring ray and a puffer fish.
Located at Av. de los Deportes 111, Tellería, Mazatlán. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult tickets are MX$445 and kids are (4 to 11) MX$353.
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Located in the Plaza Republica, the Mazatlan Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Basilica. Built between 1855 and 1894, it is an impressive church in the Baroque Revival Style.
During my visit, I went inside and services were being held. It features 28 windows that feature the Star of David, and a Jewish family helped fund its construction. It’s decorated in 23k gold leaf and includes a Grand Organ, made in Paris.
Located at 21 de Marzo Street, Mazatlán. Open daily from Tk. Free to enter, donations are accepted. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Historic Center of Mazatlan
The Historic Center is the Colonial Part of the city and favored by Europeans and Americans immigrants. Many of the buildings are from the 19th century and feature plaster walls and interior courtyards.
This area has been restored and features boutique hotels, restaurants and bars, plus shopping, like art galleries. It is walkable, and the narrow streets are from the horse-drawn days.
Plaza Machado
I loved the Plaza Machado; this is where the Dia de los Muertos Parade was held. It is a pedestrian plaza with tropical landscaping, including palm trees.
There’s a gazebo in the center, and that is where I saw a 20-piece Banda band play after the Day of the Dead parade. They shot off pyrotechnics, and the crowd loved it.
There are several restaurants along the Plaza Machado. During my stay, I dined at Casa 46 on the balcony overlooking the square. It features a chef-created menu, focusing on heritage Mexican products with a seasonal menu.
Angela Peralta Theater
The Angela Peralta Theater opened in 1869 and is one of the most beautiful and important buildings of its type in Mexico. It was declared a place of National Historical Heritage in 1990. It is located at Carnaval S/N, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán.
Mercado Pino Suárez
In the Historic Center, the active municipal market is a place of commerce since 1900. With separate areas for meat and produce, it is lively in the morning.
Travelers enjoy the market for handicrafts. This is also the place for souvenirs, like leather and clothing.
Located at Melchor Ocampo, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sunday).
Plaza Republica
Plaza Republica is where the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, or the Mazatlan Cathedral, is located. It was where the public market was located from 1865 to 1900.
It is a central meeting place with landscaping and large pedestrian areas. There is shopping located in the area as well. Like most plazas, it is open 24 hours a day and free to visit.
Mazatlan Malecon
The world’s third-longest Malecon, the Mazatlan Boardwalk, is 13 miles long. It travels along Avenida del Mar from Olas Atlas to Playa las Brujas. It is one of the best places to see the ocean and to people watch.
The Malecon features a dedicated bike lane. There is ample room for strolling. The ledge along it is perfect for sitting and watching the sunset. There’s even outdoor gym equipment.
Along the route, there are several beaches. Travelers will also find monuments on the Malecon, like one dedicated to the Fisherman and another dedicated to the Pacifico Brewery.
It is free to enjoy. One of the best times to visit is sunset as the sun sets due west in the center of the Pacific Ocean.
Liverpool Alley
Opposite the Malecon in the Historic Center, visitors will find a replica of England’s Liverpool Street. There I saw the Fab Four, The Beatles, walking along the crosswalk.
Sculptor Óscar Ponzanelli created the statues of John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. There is also a replica of the famous Cavern Club.
Travelers will also find a red London telephone booth and a yellow submarine. In the roundabout in the street, travelers can find the “El Venadito” sculpture, or a deer.
Located at P.º Olas Altas 126, Centro, Mazatlan. Free to visit.
Cliff Divers of Mazatlan
On a platform jutting out from the Malecon, cliff divers climb up a set a stairs to the 50-foot landing built in the mid-1950s. Just north of downtown, the divers don’t have a schedule and take donations from the crowds.
Located on the Mazatlan Malecon at Paseo Claussen and Parque Gloreita Rodolfo Sanches Taboada. Free to watch.
Mazatlan Signs
With the Pacific Ocean in the background, the bright letters spelling is one of the top things to do in Mazatlan. They are located along the Malecon, and there are two sets.
One set is closer to the Historic District. The other is closer to the Golden Zone, and both are along the Malecon.
Located on Avenue del Mar, Tellería, 82149 Mazatlán.
Mazatlan Beaches
The Pearl of the Pacific is known for its beaches. There are several, and Mazatlan Malecon runs next to them.
The beaches are open to all. Most include flags to warn swimmers of dangers, like rough surf. During my visit in late October, the waves were high and it was advised not to get in the water.
Olas Altas
The Olas Altas beach is 550 meters long. It is the southernmost beach in Mazatlan.
The Olas Altas Beach is the closest to the Historic Center.
Norte Beach
This beach is north of Olas Altas and northwest of the commercial area. Visitors will find popular monuments on the Malecon in this area, like the Fisherman Monument and the Pulmonias Monument.
This area is busy both night and day.
Sabalo Beach
This long stretch of beach runs from the Fishermen’s Monument to the marina jetty, north of the Norte Beach. The street name changes at this beach, Cameron Sabolo.
This is the start of the Golden Zone, the main area for beachfront hotels and condos. It also features the Malecon along its edge.
Playa Brujas
This beach is located south of Cerritos Point. Its name means Witches Beach.
This area features some of the strongest waves. It is a favorite with surfers.
Cerritos Beach
The Cerritos Beach runs from Cerritos Point, a rocky landform. It is a quieter beach.
Ride in a Pulmonia
A pulmonia is like a vintage-inspired, street-legal golf cart. Tourists love them, and they are all over the Gold Zone, the Historic Center and the Malecon of Mazatlan.
Worth noting, at this time, you will need cash, like Mexican Pesos, to ride in one. They don’t accept card payments.
Attend a Baseball Game
Watching a baseball game wasn’t on my radar for Mazatlan. However, it was a great night.
Baseball is popular in Mexico, especially among the Mazatlecos. Their team is the Venados de Mazatlán, part of the Mexican Pacific League. The games are held from October through January.
We watched a night game in their modern open-air stadium. It is very similar to games in the US; however, they have a MALE dance team.
The games are held at the Estadio Teodoro Mariscal, with a capacity of 16,000 spectators. The Vanados mascot is a deer, and Banda bands play during the game, making for a festive atmosphere.
During my game, we ate at one of the two restaurants, located on the third level. It serves casual Mexican fare, like tacos.
Located at Justo Sierra S/N, Estadio, Mazatlan. Tickets are inexpensive and required. They can be purchased at the stadium.
Relax at the Shekinah Beach Club
During my visit, I stayed at a boutique hotel. For travelers who want a resort pool experience, head to the Shekinah Beach Club. Visitors will find a spa, a large infinity pool overlooking the beach with swings.
There are private cabanas with plunge pools available. I found the cenote area that’s adults-only.
During our visit, we had lunch at the Shekinah Beach Club. I sampled the beef tacos and the guacamole, both excellent It is family-friendly, but adults can find pockets of peace too.
Located at Ave Camarón Sábalo 702, Sábalo Country, Mazatlan. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Adults enter for MX$400 and kids (4 to 12) are MX$250.
Pirates Mansion
This is a new attraction in the Historic Center. The Pirates Mansion is an immersive experience that leads guests through the history of pirates with a costumed guide.
In a series of rooms of decorated rooms, the guide explains pirate folklore and history.
More on the theatrical side, it is good for families. However, it is a skip for an adults-only trip. The Pirates Mansion takes about an hour and is not good for those with sensory issues, like lights and sounds.
Located at Calle Gral. Ángel Flores 700, Centro, Mazatlan. Open Wednesday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Adults enter for MX$300 and kids are MX$200.
Take a Mazatlan Food Tour
The Tomatl, a Mexican Culinary Experience Tour, was a highlight. Guided by Paola Osuna, she is a bilingual native Pata Salada, meaning born in the city.
During the tour, we learned about the shrimp industry from its docks. We sampled the dried shrimp sold in marketplaces and eaten as a snack with hot sauce. Then we went to a fresh shrimp market.
We learned about Birria and the fact that it is an old goat cooked for a very long time. We sampled a taco at Lalo’s Birria, a popular open-air place and open for breakfast and lunch.
Cenaduria Chayito is another local’s place for Taco Dorados, or fried tacos. They are filled with meat, then deep-fried. They are topped with lettuce, tomatoes, purple onions, cucumbers and queso fresco. Then you pour a rich broth over it; very unique to Mazatlán and muy delicioso.
She took us to the Pacifico Brewery to drink a 7-ounce Pacifico beer, brewed on-site. For a non-alcoholic drink, try ToniCol, a naturally flavored vanilla soft drink popular in Mazatlan.
To book, head to its website. There are several tours available.
Where to Stay in Mazatlan
Located in Mazatlan’s Historic Center, the Pueblo Bonito Vantage is a 24-room boutique property within walking distance of many top sites. From Plaza Machado to the Malecon and the Beach to the Mazatlan Cathedral, this stunning property blends Old World Charm with modern amenities like an outdoor pool and on-site spa.
Built in the 19th century, this building was a school and features Spanish Colonial elements, including two outdoor courtyards. It is fully restored and features a spa, the Melville Restaurant with Mexican Fusion Cuisine and the Bar 1844.
The acclaimed Mexican design firm Victor de Rueda designed the interiors with a mix of timeless elegance blended with bespoke furnishings and luxurious appointments. Room 209 features an outdoor shower, the king room is perfect for a couple’s getaway with a four-poster king bed, large screen TV and in-room beverage center with stocked mini bar and Nespresso maker.
The bed is dressed with luxurious white linens and a black and white color scheme, accented with natural fibers and textures. The rooms open to outdoor courtyards with lush tropical landscaping, like orchids and bougainvillea.
For lounging and luxuriating, guests should visit the outdoor whirlpool and pool. This space is surrounded by plants and flowers and is a favorite with hummingbirds. This is where the spa and fitness room are also located.
The Melville Restuarant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a chef-created menu of Mexican fusion entrees, paired with continental classics. Head to the Bar 1844 for an evening cocktail, made by passionate mixologists with house-made garnishes.
The Pueblo Bonito Vantage is located at Constitución Blvd. Niños Héroes 300, Mazatlan, Mexico.
Below is a Video Review:
Disclosure: Visit Matzatlan hosted the writer for a familiarization trip. This article contains affiliate links.
Is Mazatlan Safe?
Safety is always important when traveling. This portion of Mexico experiences more violent crime than other parts, like Cabo San Lucas.
During my visit, I stayed in the Historic Center and the Golden Zone. I did not venture outside of those areas, except to go to the airport. I don’t recommend leaving these areas.
The military and police presence were constant during my stay. I saw multiple pick-up trucks outfitted with armed personnel.
Have a cell phone plan that includes Mexico.
Arrange a private transfer to and from the Airport.
Get Mexican Pesos since this area uses more cash compared to others, like Cancun.
Use well-known tour operators.
This area is a large city and less of a tourist destination, where everyone works in that industry. I did encounter residents who were not welcoming of Americans.
Comments are closed.