Last Updated: January 26, 2025
Mazatlán, located in Sinaloa on Mexico’s Pacific coast, sits north of Puerto Vallarta. It is across from the Baja Peninsula’s southern tip. Once a glamorous retreat for Hollywood stars, presidents, and writers in the mid-20th century. Mazatlán remains a favorite destination for domestic travel. It keeps a low profile with international travelers due to Sinaloa’s unfortunate notoriety. A shame, considering Mazatlán is a traqui beach city with plenty of attractions to gush over.
Known as The Pearl of the Pacific, a nickname tied to its ambiance and beauty, and now-defunct pearl diving industry. Mazatlán also proudly claims the title of “Shrimp Capital.” With that reputation, you can expect abundant breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, and seafood to fuel your Mazatlán shore excursions.
We were fortunate to pass through Mazatlán cruise port on our Central American voyage. On cruise ship docking days, the city swells with visitors, so to get to know the destination on a more personal level, we decided to bypass the pre-packaged tours in Mazatlán and opted to DIY our Mazatlán shore excursions. Here are our recommendations for self-guided things to do in Mazatlán from cruise ship if you want to explore independently.
Best DIY Mazatlán Shore Excursions
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Mazatlán
In Mazatlán cruise port, you disembark at an industrial port and get whisked to the cruise terminal on a shuttle, allowing you to maximize your time seeing the city. The best way to do that is a self-guided walking tour of Mazatlán, which couldn’t be easier to execute thanks to the famous Blue Line Walk.
Once you make your way through touters clustered at the terminal exit, you’ll spot the blue line on the ground, which continues across the street. The line is a lofty idea created by the local community to help direct foot traffic in the right direction and improve the experience for visitors in Mazatlán. Its mission is to take you through the city’s most iconic and significant sites.
Although the line occasionally disappears, signage and, on busy days, blue shirt-clad volunteers will keep you on track and answer all your questions. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to pick up a map at the tourist center in port or have one downloaded on your phone before setting out. The walk to the center takes about 30 minutes, from there you can explore the historic sites or venture out to the famous boardwalk. Here are some of the best attractions in Mazatlán worth checking out.
Centro Historico
The blue line will take you to Plazuela Machado, the heart of the historic center surrounded by beautiful color-splashed architecture dating back to the 19th century and home to cultural events. One of the key buildings to stop by is Angela Peralta Theater, named after the famous Mexican opera singer. Declared a National Historic Heritage building, it’s lovely outside and even more spectacular in the main hall.
The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is another must-see attraction in Mazatlán, located on Plaza de la Republica. Built in Baroque-Revival style at the end of the 1800s, the Catholic cathedral features vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows depicting religious motifs. Surprisingly, one of the depictions is the Star of David dedicated to the Jewish community who supported the construction.
Olas Altas
Olas Atlas, meaning high waves, is a small beach on the southern end of the Malecon promenade, which is more of a surfing and lounging spot, not safe for swimming. To remedy that, there is a saltwater pool replete with a slide built into the rocks. The neighborhood reminded us of the old hotel zone in Acapulco – vintage, tacky but charming nonetheless. Not only is Olas Atlas the old hot spot of Hollywood stars but it’s also the stage of cliff divers like the ones in Acapulco. These brave men launch themselves into tumulus waters from 50 feet, expertly timing their jump with the waves. It’s a heart-gripping show that’s been going since the mid-1900s in the spot referred to as El Clavadista, performed on a donation basis three times a day for one hour: 9:30, 12:00, and 6:00. However, the schedule is subject to change.
The Malecon
A beachfront promenade is kind of a given for coastal cities, but Mazatlán’s, called the malecon, is a whopping 13 miles long, one of the longest in the world. Does that make the malecon the perfect marathon training destination, or what? We think so! Especially when accompanied by those signature Pacific sunsets and with extra oomph from banda music played live along the beach (courtesy of German settlers, by the way).
Like in Puerto Vallarta, another stop on our cruise voyage, the malecon is studded with monuments of Mazatlán’s unique features. Some notable ones include statues paying tribute to fishermen, celebrating pulmonias – open-air taxis only found in Mazatlán, mermaids, Jacques Cousteau pointing in the direction of his “aquarium” the Sea of Cortez, installation of the Beatles more for photo ops than anything else, Mexican singers, composers, musicians, and a deer, which is the symbol of the city and translation of its name.
Rent a Pulmonia
If that sounds like a lot of ground to cover, you are right – Mazatlán is spread out. You can order an Uber or rent a driver for the day to get around the city, but there’s no mode of transportation more quintessential than pulmonia. The open-air car amalgamation of a golf cart and Volkswagon was introduced in the mid-1900s and met with skepticism and jokes about catching pneumonia in winter, hence the name.
The cars grew in popularity and became an essential part of the city’s charm but the name stuck. Riding along the malecon, wind in your hair, in this mode of transport created right here is one of the best things to do in Mazatlán from a cruise ship. Pulmonias can comfortably fit four people at a time. They are available for hire throughout the city for a short ride. Alternatively, you can book a pulmonia tour that will take you to see all the key attractions in Mazatlán.
DIY Food Tour in Mazatlán
The best place to start your food tour in Mazatlán is the Mercado Pino Suarez, Mazatlán’s central market, located in the historic center. It has moved locations in the past but remains an important landmark of Mazatlán. Peruse piles of produce – fruit, veg, juices, seafood, meats, pastry – sample refreshing agua frescas, cheeses, carne asada, chicharron, and ceviche. On the second floor of the market, you’ll find venues for a proper meal.
Aside from tourism, fishing is the other main industry in modern-day Mazatlán, home to the largest fishing port in Mexico. Known as the shrimp capital, the main dish to try here is aguachile – a shrimp cocktail with chili. For those not into spice, there are infinite variations on dishes involving shrimp. You don’t have to search hard to find them either. Look out for Las Changueras or Shrimp Ladies who set up shop between El Centro and Playa Norte. They sell fresh shrimp, which local restaurants will cook to your liking.
Alternatively, head to no-thrills places like Mariscos Toño and El Toro Pesado for a Sinaloan seafood platter topped with raw onion slices. For something a little more upscale and a modern take on local traditions, try the popular favorite El Presidio. Grab a seat in their charming courtyard situated in a 19th-century house if you can.
Visit 1873 Observatory
Perched atop Cerro del Vigia, the 1873 Observatory is a former military observation post. It had been revived into one of the top attractions in Mazatlán. It houses a bar with views, tequila-making workshops, an agaviary with over 30 species of plants, an iguanarium, and a tropical bird sanctuary with over 70 species. Visiting the 1873 Observatory is not just a thing you do but an immersive experience, starting with taking a funicular up the hill to get to the entrance and watching a short film about the history of the place. The interiors create an ambiance of the late 1800s and you get to learn and partake in Mexican traditions while enjoying breathtaking views over the ocean. Truly an all-in-one type of activity in Mazatlán.
Hike to El Faro Skywalk
El Faro, or lighthouse, is the most iconic landmark in the city. Hiking it is one of the best activities in Mazatlán. Situated on Cerro Del Creston on an extended peninsula, it’s got the best vantage point. During the 1900s when it was built, it was the highest natural lighthouse in the whole world and presently still holds this title in the Americas.
Visiting the lighthouse is one of the best things to do in Mazatlán from a cruise ship to tick off a famous attraction and get the lay of the land. The trek to the lighthouse is a steep climb, but your reward is the Mirador de Cristal. It is a glass-bottom skywalk offering spectacular views. Your visit is timed and you must remove your shoes before stepping onto the platform. Bring socks if you are wearing sandals. To beat the crowds, we recommend visiting this Mazatlán attraction first thing in the morning.
Explore Stone Island Mazatlán
If you are in the mood for a tranquil beach escape, take a quick day trip from Mazatlán to Isla de Las Piedras or Stone Island, which is actually a peninsula. It’s a popular destination so there is no need to pre-book a tour. Just turn up at the pier and negotiate with a water taxi. Lounge on the beach, snorkel, and load up on seafood at Lety’s. You can also explore Amaitlan Botanical Garden or hike up Cerro de los Chivos for breathtaking views.
Our Mazatlán shore excursions revealed a city that is charming and authentic. We hope our suggestions in Mazatlán help you have an unforgettable time in port, too. Let us know what activity was your favorite!
Happy Journeys,
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