A hidden gem near the Gulf of California, Mazatlán is aptly nicknamed the Pearl of the Pacific by locals and visitors alike. This charming coastal city is home to one of the longest boardwalks in the world, with Mazatlan’s Malecón spanning 13 miles of pristine coastline. The Golden Zone, spanning 3 miles of this shore, presents the ideal hub for water sports and visiting some of the most beautiful places in the city. During winter, temperatures rarely drop below 60°F, making Mazatlán a perfect spot for water sports in any season.

Known for its surfing, Mazatlan’s unique location ensures that wave size is perfect for surfers of all levels. Summers tend to be the best time for surfing in this area, with overhead barrels forming in prime conditions. Some of the most famous beaches for surfing in Mazatlán are Playa Pinitos, Playa Brujas, Playa Camarón Sábalo, and Playa Olas Altas (Big Wave Beach). Spots like Rucos and Playa Brujas require short trips to the city’s north, while El Camaron and Playa Olas Altas are accessible directly from Mazatlán’s coast.

The Three Islands

One of the coastal city’s most famous attractions is the Three Islands: Isla de Venados (Deer Island), Isla de Pájaros (Bird Island), and Isla de Lobos (Wolf Island). These islands lie just off the coast of the city’s Golden Zone, facing Mazatlan’s near-interminable boardwalk that lines the Pacific Ocean. The islands are government-protected ecological reserves due to the abundance of birds and marine species that call these islands home. Given their protected status, the Three Islands can be accessed from the city within 30 minutes to 1 hour via kayak or paddleboard, providing a perfect day trip for adventure-seeking travelers and families. Due to their proximity to each other, visitors can visit all three in one day or spread out the visits as they please.

The Three Islands offer snorkeling enthusiasts a myriad of things to see. You can explore the islands’ underwater beauty and learn about their flora and fauna firsthand. Some examples of sea creatures that visitors have spotted are Tangs, Damsels, Cortez Chubs, Pufferfish, Cortez Angelfish, and Octopi. Spots like Isla de la Piedra and Isla Cardones are great additional options for visitors looking to snorkel around Mazatlán. Scuba diving and kayaking are also available in the area. 

For a more relaxing aquatic experience, visitors can also explore nearby towns. The Presidio River, originating in the mountains of the state of Durango and flowing into the Pacific Ocean, offers a unique way to get to know the Pearl of the Pacific’s surrounding wildlife. Through kayaking, you can traverse winding rivers and its channels, and pass by charming small towns that surround Mazatlán. Another popular area visited by kayaking visitors is El Huizache, a lagoon just outside of Mazatlan that is accessible from the Presidio River. 

When not embarking on maritime adventures, visitors can enjoy some of the best seafood in Mexico and the Pearl of the Pacific’s pristine beaches.  With pleasant weather year-round and so much to see, Mazatlán is the perfect vacation spot for water sports enthusiasts year-round.

For more information, visit www.en.gomazatlan.com.

About Mazatlán Tourism Board  

Mazatlán is a Mexican resort town along the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1531, its Historic District, a 19th-century landmark, includes the performance hall Teatro Ángela Peralta and the towering Immaculate Conception Basilica. Mazatlán boasts of sandy beaches that line its four mile-long malecón (boardwalk), the newly developed Nuevo Mazatlán area where two marinas and two professional golf courses sit, and the modern district of Zona Dorada which is known for nightlife and hotels to suit any budget. Old villages with their unique charm such as El Quelite, Concordia, Copala and El Rosario surround Mazatlán, and guided tours are available from all hotels. Direct air service is available to Mazatlán from major U.S. and Canada cities. To learn more, visit www.en.gomazatlan.com/.