Waters may be a tad bit cold for corals to thrive up here, but those interested can still enjoy good snorkeling in Mazatlan off the coast on Isla Venados, or Deer Island.
Mazatlan, a charming coastal town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the state of Culiacan, is the Pacific Pearl, an apt nickname for a city with beautiful coastline and a rich history dating back to 16th century. Located two hundred fifty miles east of Cabo San Lucas across Sea of Cortez, the city boasts over ten miles of sandy shores, where visitors can bask in the year-round sunshine and feel the gentle touch of the ocean waves. Tourists can walk along the famous Malecon, one of the longest in the world, which snakes around high cliffs, monuments, roundabouts, historical buildings, and hotels.
As one of Mexico Pacific Coast’s premier destinations, Mazatlan is not only popular with American tourists but also locals. The beaches are gorgeous, but as one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, there are lots of run-offs from the cruise ships and fishing boats. For those seeking some underwater fun, the best place to go snorkeling in Mazatlan is a short boat ride away on Isla Venados, or Deer Island. The waters here are a bit too cold for any real presence of corals, but there is plenty of marine life to observe as you take a break from the hustle and bustle of Mazatlan.
Mazatlan Snorkeling Profile:
- Water Visibility: Average. The currents are decent up here and Mazatlan is a big port city so there’s some run-off from the ships, but water clarity gets better by Isla Venados.
- Current Strength: Good. There are some decent surfing spots all across the city with S-SW swells
- Coral Presence: No corals. Bottoms are mostly sandy and rocky.
- Marine Life: The diversity of marine life here is incredible with many local to the area, the best part of snorkeling in Mazatlan.
- Crowd: Beaches by Malecon get very crowded, and even Isla Venados can get crowded with boats, kayaks, and snorkelers. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Getting There:
Closest Airport: General Rafael Buelna International Airport (15 miles, 25 minutes away)
- The fifteenth busiest airport in Mexico as well as the airport with the most international connections in the state of Sinaloa, Mazatlan International Airport is conveniently located twenty-five minutes southeast of city center. The airport is served by American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, which connects to major cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, and Phoenix, as well as Aeromexico which provides daily flights to Mexico City.
Closest Major Metro: Mazatlan
- Mazatlan is the second biggest city in Sinoloa, after the state capital Culiacan, with almost 500,000 inhabitants within the metro. Mazatlan, which means the ‘Place of Deer’ in the native Nahuatl language, was one of the first European settlements in the region and has always been one of the most important cities, culturally and economically, in Mexico’s Pacific Coast. There are more than enough attractions in the city to keep visitors entertained over a week, not including the ten miles of beautiful coastline.
Best Transportation Method to Destination: Fly into Mazatlan and grab a taxi, which is the more cost-effective option during your stay here.
Introduction
Mazatlan is the Pacific Pearl of Mexico, blessed with miles of beautiful coastline, is a cultural melting pot that has been developed through years of immigration since its settlement in the 16th century. The city’s historic center, known as the “Old Mazatlán”, is laid out with charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful plazas. The iconic Angela Peralta Theater and the majestic Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception are two must-visit attractions here.
Whether you’re a beach lover or a water sports enthusiast, Mazatlán’s beaches are the definition of paradise. Playa Olas Altas, in the historic center, is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, while Playa Cerritos offers excellent surfing opportunities for wave enthusiasts. Two islands off the coast of Mazatlan, Isla Venados and Isla Pajaros, are some of the most visited spots in Mazatlan, just twenty minutes by boat.
The Malecon, which is one of the longest boardwalks in all of Mexico, is the main zone of Mazatlan. It is also the center of the city’s famous culinary scene, which is renowned for its delicious seafood dishes such as ceviche, shrimp tacos, and aguachile, a traditional Sinaloan dish that will delight your taste buds, is another compelling reason to visit. Head over to savor the catch of the day in beachfront restaurants and enjoy the sea breeze.
Where to Go Snorkeling in Mazatlan
The best place to go snorkeling in Mazatlan is Isla Venados, and it stands head and shoulders above the rest. Similar to its neighbor to the south, Puerto Vallarta, there are miles of beautiful beaches that are crowded here but with diverse marine life, so an island a short distance away from the city center logically makes sense. While some may suggest Stone Island, right across from the seaport, the location is not ideal and it would be a much better option to take some time to get out to Isla Venados for a much better experience.
There are no coral reefs here and the bottoms are mostly sandy and rocky, but there is significant marine life that will keep you amazed. The notable marine life here are various fishes such as porcupinefish, damselfish, puffers, sergeant majors, angelfish, goatfish, starfish, eels, and stingrays. It is a beautiful spectrum of life underwater that will make you realize that you made a great decision by going snorkeling in Mazatlan. While the lack of corals is a big drawback, it’s still worth taking the time to go out to Isla Venados to explore the marine life in Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Final Word:
Mazatlán offers an all-encompassing travel experience, combining stunning beaches, cultural richness, delectable cuisine, and thrilling adventures. From relaxing under the sun to exploring the city’s historical treasures, snorkeling in Mazatlán is a destination that caters to all interests and ensures a memorable and rewarding journey. And don’t forget to go snorkeling in Mazatlan, an experience which will reveal the wonders of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Snorkeling in Mazatlan Rating: 3/5 Snorkels
