Ideas on what to do & see in Mazatlan?

Travel Info
We are taking a cruise to Mexico in October. Please let me know any ideas of things to do in Mazatlan. We will have one child with us also.

Travel Tips

Your ship will probably arrive around 8:00am if on schedule. Cruise Liners have been going to Mazatlan for at least the past 20 years. Mazatlan is on the cruise route referred to as the Mexican Riviera. If it were me, I would get transportation to the beach. Taxis are probably not available. You will be taken by a tourist vehicle at a set rate per person if the cruize line hasn't taken care of the cost, it could be in the 10 dollar (U.S.) range per person. Tell the driver you want to go to a popular restaurant/bar on the beach in the most popular area of the beach. Tell him he will lose his tip if he takes you someplace just because they will pay him for each person he brings them. Good spots don't have to bribe the drivers and Depending on when you go, the place can get pretty wild with the younger crowd. Drinking age is 18 in Mexico. This is where I would make contacts for the remainder of the day. There will be many American and Canadians at the tables near you that actually live in Mazatlan. Spark up a conversation. See if something special is going on anywhere in town. They will know and be happy to make suggestions from a local viewpoint but with U.S. mindsets. You will have plenty of offers from time share salespeople. If you have a hard time saying no, just tell them you don't have a credit card and they will leave you alone. Your credit card provides the only means by which they can transact business with you.

The Mexican people are among the friendliest on the planet. Your child will be welcome at any place you wish to visit. This word of caution regarding the Mexican people, they are so friendly that they will give you directions even if they have no idea where something is. Only trust taxi drivers for directions. Walk through the shops, take some side streets if they look interesting. Some of the architecture is great. Taxis are very inexpensive as are the buses. I advise taxis to take you anyplace more than a few blocks. You don't have much time on land, use it efficiently. You should have a wonderful time even if you do nothing more than sit under a beach palapa and sip Pina Coladas or Margaritas. Mango Daquiris are also awesome. Made with fresh fruit and rum. When you depart, your ship will sail off into one of the most spectacular sunsets imaginable.

Hasta luego

P.S. For those who have answered this question with, "Duh, I don't know where it is" Mazatlan is located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the State of Sinaloa. It is nearly straight across the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) from the tip of Baja California at a latitude that locates it in the arid (non-tropical) part of the country. Source(s): I lived in Mexico for 17 years.

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