May 16–17, 2025

Marti Eicholz

Mazatlán is one of the oldest ports in the Americas, one of the most historically fascinating cities, and one of the most authentic destinations in Mexico, combining historic colonial city with a modern coastline. The name Mazatlan means “Land of the Deer” in Nahuatl, a language used in the region before the Spanish conquest. Mazatlán's origins (over four hundred years) are tied to the discovery of gold and silver in the Sierra Madre mountains, attracting immigrants and shaping its early history, 

The standout destination of Mazatlán is a lively Mexican city on the Pacific coast known for its stunning beachfront, historic architecture, rich history, stunning beaches, and thriving cultural scene. Due to its natural beauty and splendor, it is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” The name has historic origins from when Spanish galleons came for Baja pearls and gold.

Mazatlán offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, promising memorable experiences.

Mazatlán features some of the best stretches of beautiful beach in all of Mexico's Pacific coast. The popular Playa Gaviotas' pristine blue water features moderate waves and lovely golden sand.

Mazatlán's Malecón is the longest oceanfront promenade, stretching thirteen miles, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride while enjoying find sculptures, monuments, and breathtaking views. Several monuments represent Mazatlan’s heritage, culture and economy. The Fisherman’s Monument (Monumento al Pescador) represents the city’s roots as a fishing village, a man with fishing net and a woman representing the Tropic of Cancer. Fishing, shrimping, agriculture (mainly tomatoes), and tourism are the top industries of the Mazatlan economy. La Continuidad de la Vida (Continuity of Life) depicts a naked couple standing on a giant snail’s shell above leaping dolphins, symbolizing life in harmony with nature. It’s a humming hub of activity day or night.

Plazuela Machado, rich in architectural heritage, is the heart of Mazatlán’s 19^th century historic center. This charming plaza, a cultural hotspot, hosts cafes, restaurants, and live music venues. An epicenter of local life.

The majestic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, located in Old Mazatlan, built between 1875 and 1899, is a beacon of Mazatlán's historical and architectural grandeur, a beautiful stately structure, a stunning example of religious architecture with intricate details and impressive stained-glass windows. Each twenty-eight stained glass windows feature a Star of David, commemorating the funding that came from Jewish families for the church’s construction. A place of worship and a significant landmark.

A thrilling sight is the cliff divers at El Clavadista. Brave souls dive from high cliffs into the shallow, crystal-clear waters below. Captivating. Watching these divers is an exhilarating thing to do.

Take a short boat ride to Stone Island, a quiet retreat with a tranquil atmosphere and pristine sandy beaches, but perfect for snorkeling, horseback riding, or lounging by the sea. A peaceful escape from a bustling city.

The Angela Peralta Theater is a beautiful 19^th century restored performance hall that hosts a variety of performances, operas, concerts, plays, dance shows, named after a famous Mexican opera singer. A cultural experience not to be missed. And a large group of my shipmates did not miss out; they attended a performance of the ballet “Don Quijote” at this historic Angela Peralta Theatre.

The Mazatlán Aquarium highlights a wide array of marine life and a wonderful place to learn about marine conservation efforts. A sea lion show, bird area, and botanical garden add to an educational outing.

Mazatlán has world-class golf courses that offers stunning oceanfront views and challenging layouts.

The culinary scene is as diverse as its culture, especially its incredible seafood. Sample local dishes like spicy shrimp ceviche, grilled fish and fresh ceviche. Shrimp and beer are popular local products. Tasty regional flavors can be found at casual beachfront eateries to upscale dining establishments.

Take a day trip. Travel forty-five minutes outside of Mazatlan through rural areas into the jungles of Sinaloa to Huana Coa Adventure Park for zip-lining fun. Located nearby is Los Osuna tequila distillery, take tour of the facility and learn the process of making 100% pure blue agave tequila and then sample the delicious Los Osuna Spirits. From there visit El Quelite, a small town with colorfully painted houses, beautiful flowers, and a lovely old church.

From there we were off to visit El Quelite, a small town with colorfully painted houses, beautiful flowers and a lovely old church and then back to the city of Mazatlan. In El Quelite they play Ulama, a sport dating back to 1600 BC, played by the Aztecs. It involves two teams dressed in loin cloths, hitting a seven-pound rubber ball back and forth, using only their hips to score points on a short and narrow dirt court.

Another day trip outside of Mazatlan took us to rural Sinaloa, winding roads through rural areas with small farmhouses and rooster farms. Cockfighting is a tradition in Mexico and involves great sums of money. Cockfighting is illegal in the United States, considered cruel by many, including me. But it is part of Mexican heritage and an important part of Mexican culture. At this rooster farm, there were about nine hundred roosters, each kept in its own small shelter.

Las Labrades, an isolated beach, is home to Mexican history and hidden treasures. Ancient petroglyphs, three hundred carvings of shapes and faces, were discovered on rocks on Las Labrades Beach. Physically fit shipmates climbed the rocks, searching for the petroglyphs. Who carved them? What were their purposes? When were they carved? These mysteries have not been solved. Some agree they were carved between 1000 to 1500 years ago. Other evidence indicates it could be several millennia earlier. There are many unknowns.

Some interesting tidbits:

In Mexico, they eat the entire flesh of an animal, wasting nothing. So, at the market you see carved cow heads and pig snouts.

Riding on one of Mazatlan’s pulmonia (pneumonia in English) taxis, is named because the open air would give you a cold.

Sailing away from Mazatlan, we realize we are leaving people proud of their heritage, hard-working, friendly, and quick to give you a smile or offer some help.

Leaving Mazatlan for a night and day of sailing before we reach out next destination, Topolobampo, Mexico.

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