Mazatlán Cruise Port Guide: 10 Top Things To Do
Mazatlán Cruise Port, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast near the southern tip of Baja California, is a key stop on many Mexican Riviera itineraries.
While there are plenty of things to do in Mazatlán, our focus was on the food when we were last there. As much as we love the Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles, nothing compares to the freshness and authenticity of dishes in Mexico itself. With our short itinerary on the Mexican Riviera, Mazatlán was the perfect spot to explore some local foodie gems.
Beyond the food, Mazatlán’s charming historical center is just a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Tourist aide volunteers are available as you step off the ship, guiding you along a blue line straight to the heart of its historic center.
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In this article, I’ll share what to expect at the Mazatlán Cruise Port and highlight some of the best things to do while you’re there.
Mazatlán Mexico Cruise Port
Mazatlan Mexico Cruise Terminal Address
Av. Emilio Barragán 517, Lázaro Cárdenas, 82040 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Wiew from cruise ship sailing into Mazatlan cruise port
Mazatlán is a popular destination for cruise ships sailing from the West Coast, often included in itineraries alongside other Mexican ports like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Most cruise ships dock at the Port of Mazatlán, about 15 minutes from the historic city center. While it’s not a tender port, the cruise ships dock in a commercial area, so a quick shuttle ride is provided to the terminal for safety reasons.
Traveling to Mazatlán is considered safe for U.S. citizens, even after the U.S. raised security threat levels. During our visit, we explored the city extensively and never felt unsafe. Locals assured us that Mazatlán is safe for tourists, especially in well-traveled areas like the historic center and the Golden Zone. As with any destination, taking standard safety precautions is always wise.
Mazatlán offers a variety of activities for cruise visitors. You can spend the day exploring Old Town, take a water taxi to Stone Island, embark on a food tour, or hike up El Faro for breathtaking views. These are just a few options to make the most of your time at this vibrant port.
Mazatlán Cruise Terminal
painted blue line in mazatlan that take you from the cruise terminal to the city center
All passengers must take a shuttle from the cruise ship to the terminal. While the seats aren’t the most comfortable, it’s a short ride. The terminal has shops offering souvenirs, leather goods, jewelry, food stands, and restrooms. There’s also a lovely outdoor area with more vendors and a few bars. If you prefer, you can easily do some shopping within the terminal without leaving.
The Blue Line
Mazatlán makes it easy for cruisers to explore Old Town. Blue lines are painted on the sidewalks and streets leading directly to Centro Historico. Tourist Aide Volunteers wearing identifiable shirts are posted along the blue line, handing out maps and ready to answer any questions.
Money
US currency is widely accepted in Mazatlán, so exchanging money is unnecessary. However, if you prefer to have pesos, ATMs are available in the cruise terminal.
Transportation
There are plenty of taxis and Pulmonia (open-air taxis) waiting outside the terminal. Always ask for the rate before getting in or ensure they start the meter. Buses are available, but taxis are recommended for convenience.
Essential Items Not to Forget:
- Cruise Ship Card
- Identification
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Beach towels (if it’s a beach day)
- Comfortable shoes
- Phone
- Camera
Tours and Shore Excursions
- You can book a shore excursion with the cruise ship in advance or arrange a tour independently, either in advance or by negotiating with a tour operator at the terminal.
- Explore on your own: Speak to a Tourist Aide Volunteer for ideas on things to do in Mazatlán. They are there to help and provide helpful maps.
- Hire a “Pulmonia” taxi for a city tour. These open-air taxis can seat up to four passengers and will take you to all the major attractions around town. Rates are usually around $20-$25 per hour; negotiate and set the price first.
Read more: Independent Shore Excursion Booking Tips
Things to Do in Mazatlán Cruise Port on a Cruise
When chatting with fellow cruisers onboard, many mentioned they didn’t expect much from Mazatlán. Some even described it as “eh.”
But the truth is, Mazatlán has plenty to offer. While it may not have the same reputation as Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán is a port that can surprise you—just as it did for us.
Here are some of the top things to do in Mazatlán Cruise Port.
1. Visit the Historic Old Town (Centro Historico)
One of the top things to do near the Mazatlán cruise port is to visit Old Town. You can easily walk there from the cruise ship, following a blue line painted on the sidewalk and street, guiding you directly to Centro Historico.
Centro Histórico is the oldest part of Mazatlán and is a colorful, vibrant area filled with history and charm. We enjoyed exploring the architecture and discovering hidden gems around the buildings.
Following the blue line, you’ll arrive at Plaza Machado, a small square surrounded by restaurants and cafes. On cruise days, the plaza often hosts live music or cultural events. During our visit, there were Mayan dancers. Although not historically accurate for Mazatlán, it added to the festive atmosphere.
In and around Old Town, be sure to visit these essential sites:
You can explore the area with a self-guided walking tour map provided by the Tourist Aides or sit at a café and take in the lovely surroundings.
2. Take a Food Tour
Drinking a coconut milkshake in Mazatlan
We love food tours and always include them in our trips. In Mazatlán, we took the Barrio Bites Tour with Flavor Teller, which included seven stops across different parts of the city. It was fantastic!
Food tours are a great way to experience the local cuisine, and we often consider them as part of our meal for the day. This tour provided so much food that it covered both breakfast and lunch. We enjoyed everything from fish tacos at a beloved neighborhood stand to local delicacies like fish stew and smoked marlin.
One highlight was visiting one of the few remaining tortilla factories, where we tasted freshly made tortillas. Just when we thought we were full, we sat down at a traditional cenaduria to share an authentic Mexican breakfast (even though it was lunchtime). The meal included chilaquiles, refried beans, machaca (beef), chilorio (pork), and tortillas. We ended the tour with a coconut milkshake or a local craft beer.
This was an authentic experience; every bite was as delicious as the next. While the dried shrimp wasn’t everyone’s favorite, it was a small part of an overall feast that offered a deep dive into what locals eat.
Our guide, Maaike, the owner of Flavor Teller, made the experience even better. Having made Mazatlán her home for the past 19 years, she shared her love for the community, its history, and the food.
This is a small group tour, so be sure to book in advance to reserve your spot. The tour meets at the historic center, which is an easy walk from the cruise ship. It also includes transportation to areas outside the center. Flavor Teller also offers a food walking tour to the Mercado if you prefer a walking experience.
Other Food Tour Ideas:
Mazatlán Mercado Walking Food tour [book here]
3. Hike to El Faro Lighthouse
If you want a spectacular view, hike to El Faro Lighthouse. Located on Cerro Creston, the southernmost and highest hill in Mazatlán, this spot offers stunning coastline views and surrounding areas.
Most cruisers take a taxi or pulmonia to the trailhead base, but you can also walk—it’s about a 20-25-minute walk before you even start the hike. The hike is roughly an hour roundtrip and includes a steep incline with around 340 steps, which can be challenging but is well worth the effort. The path is paved, making it more manageable for those up for the climb.
Climbing the trail is free, and once at the top, you can take in breathtaking views of the city and coastline. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction, making the hike to El Faro Lighthouse an unforgettable experience. For an optimal view of Mazatlán, you can pay 30 pesos to enter a glass platform called “El Mirador de Cristal.”
We suggest doing this hike early in the morning before it gets too hot. Bring water and maybe a light snack with you. For more details, check out AllTrails.
Did you know that El Faro means “Lighthouse” in English?
Tour Ideas:
City Tour & Mazatlán Lighthouse [book here]
4. Take a Boat to Stone Island Beach (Isla de la Piedra)
One of the top things to do in Mazatlán is to spend the day on Stone Island Beach, locally known as Isla de la Piedra. While it’s called an island, it’s technically a peninsula off the coast of Mazatlán, famous for its beaches.
You’ll need to take a boat ride to reach this off-the-beaten-path adventure. Once there, you can relax at a bar or restaurant offering beach chair rentals, food, and drinks. Spend your time sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the beach atmosphere. You’ll also find vendors selling food, souvenirs, clothing, and more, so bring some cash if you’re interested in shopping.
How to Get to Stone Island from Mazatlán Cruise Terminal: To reach Stone Island, exit the terminal and make a left. Walk for about 15-20 minutes until you reach Embarcadero Playa Sur Ferry Transportation (you can use Google Maps to find it). Look for the sign that says “Water Taxi to Stone Island.”
Once you arrive at Stone Island, turn left at the road and walk until you see the beach on your right, then make a right onto the beach. It’s about a 5-minute walk. You can continue along the coast until you find a spot you like.
When you’re ready to return, head back to Stone Island’s water taxi drop-off point. Be sure to give yourself enough time to get back to the ship.
Tour Idea:
Stone Beach Island Getaway [book here]
5. Take a Stroll or Bike Ride Along El Malecón de Mazatlán
El Malecón is a long, wide boardwalk that runs along the Mazatlán beach, popular with locals and tourists. It’s an excellent spot for walking, jogging, or bike rides. Our guide mentioned that she runs here every morning.
Getting There from Mazatlán Cruise Port: It’s about a 30-minute walk or a 7-minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal to El Malecón [Google Directions], the downtown waterfront. You can also walk to Old Town and continue north towards El Malecón.
The boardwalk stretches 13 miles, but you don’t have to walk the entire length. If you’re coming from the cruise port, you’ll likely explore the city’s waterfront closer to downtown. It’s a great place to stroll, plan a bike ride, or people-watch along the beachfront.
One of the highlights of El Malecón is the Monumento al Pescador (Fisherman’s Monument), located near the beginning of the boardwalk. This statue pays tribute to the city’s fishing heritage and is a popular photo spot.
If you plan to bike ride El Malecón, you can rent bikes from Baika’s. We recommend taxiing to the bike rental store as it’s farther out on the boardwalk. Baika’s also offers bike tours—email them for more info.
Tour Ideas:
Mazatlán Smart Bike Tour [book here]
6. Spend the Day at the Beach
Can you walk to a beach from the cruise port in Mazatlán? Yes, you can. Playa Olas Altas, located right off El Malecón de Mazatlán, is just a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal. However, we recommend taking a taxi or Pulmonia to the beaches in the Golden Zone—the farther north you go in Mazatlán, the better the beaches.
While Stone Island is a great option, there are other beaches in Mazatlán where you can spend your day without taking a boat. All the beaches are located along El Malecón, stretching from the Golden Zone to downtown. Here are a few options:
- Playa Olas Altas: Just a 20-minute walk from the cruise port along El Malecón, this beach is known for its big waves, making it popular with surfers.
- Playa Los Pinitos: A secluded, family-friendly beach with calmer waters than Playa Olas Altas. It’s a 30-minute walk or a 7-minute taxi ride from the port.
- Playa Norte: This beach is 27 minutes on foot or a 7-minute taxi ride away. Nearby eateries include the popular Playa Norte Restaurant, known for its music, drinks, and food.
- Playa Las Gaviotas: Situated in the heart of the Golden Zone, this beach is worth the 20-minute taxi ride for its lively atmosphere.
- Playa Camarón Sábalo: Also in the Golden Zone, this quieter beach area is about a 25-minute taxi ride away.
Tour Ideas:
Mazatlan Sightseeing and Beach All Inclusive [book here]
7. Explore the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada)
The Golden Zone, or Zona Dorada, is Mazatlán’s main tourist area, about 4 miles north of Old Town. This northern part of El Malecón features the best beaches, resort hotels, shops, and restaurants along Avenida Camaron Sabalo.
You might want to combine visiting one of the Golden Zone beaches with exploring this vibrant area.
Getting to the Golden Zone from Mazatlán Cruise Port: From the cruise terminal, take a taxi to the Golden Zone—it’s about a 25-minute ride. Once there, you can shop, have lunch, and explore highlights like the Mazatlán Sign and The Beatles Tribute.
The Mazatlán Sign: The colorful Mazatlán sign, a popular photo spot, is located at the start of the Golden Zone along Avenida Camaron Sabalo.
The Beatles Monument: If you’re a Beatles fan, don’t miss the Beatles Monument in Olas Altas, between Ángel Flores and Mariano Escobedo. Four large bronze statues depict the band members crossing the road, a tribute to their iconic Abbey Road album cover.
Tour Ideas:
Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone [book here]
8. Explore Mercado Pino Suarez in Mazatlán
Just an 18-minute walk [Google Map It] from the cruise terminal, Mercado Pino Suarez is the perfect place to find locally handcrafted souvenirs and sample local foods. The Mercado is also within walking distance from Old Town.
As a foodie, this is a must-visit spot. Not only do locals shop here for fresh produce and goods, but you’ll also get to see what they eat and enjoy local food counters serving ceviche, tacos, tamales, and other regional favorites.
If you’re interested in a guided experience, Flavor Teller offers a walking food tour that takes you through the market, introducing you to local goods and feeding you at their top spots.
9. Watch the Cliff Divers
A unique and popular attraction in Mazatlán is watching professional cliff divers, known simply as “The Diver” on Google Maps. Despite the name, these divers leap from a platform about 50 feet above the water, not an actual cliff.
The tradition of cliff diving in Mazatlán dates back to the mid-1900s, with a platform constructed on El Malecón just north of Olas Altas Beach. Visitors can watch the divers for free, though giving a small tip is customary, as the divers are not paid for their performances.
You can catch the divers in action during the afternoon. The platform is located in Paseo Clausen, just north of Olas Altas in the Glorieta Rodolfo Sanchez Taboada Plaza [Google Map It], about a 26-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
After watching the cliff divers, walk north to see the Monument to the Continuity of Life. This monument symbolizes the start and end of life, the balance in life, and the importance of respecting nature.
10. Carpa Olivera Saltwater Pool.
Carpa Olivera is a unique oceanfront public saltwater pool with a concrete waterslide north of Olas Altas. Built in 1914 and remodeled in 2022 with new amenities, fountains, and a modern pumping system, this historic pool is one of the few ocean pools in the world, making it a unique experience in Mazatlán.
If you plan to visit, ask a tourist aide if the pool is open, as it sometimes closes for maintenance.
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Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.