Its beaches dominate the rest of Mexico’s beaches in terms of length: they stretch for several miles along the coast, all within the city limits. Some of them are designated with the valuable ecological Blue Flag award, attesting to the high level of the beach. Mazatlan also offers ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts: surfing, snorkeling, jet skiing, and water skiing.
- You can even witness the annual surfing championship here. It is also one of the best places in the world for sport fishing and hunting.
1.Las Gaviotas Beach
The soft golden sands and gentle waters of the beach make for ideal conditions for swimming and sunbathing, as well as a wide variety of water sports. Las Gaviotas offers tours and excursions to neighboring islands, fishing and scuba gear rentals. You can also buy handicrafts or souvenirs from the merchants. In the evening, you can watch a breathtaking spectacle on the beach as the sun sets behind the three islands of Venados, Pajaros and Chivos on the horizon.
The main difference between this beach and the others – it is always very crowded because of its location in the epicenter of the resort area.
Therefore, if you are looking for solitude and tranquility – this beach is better to bypass.
Where is the beach:
- The beach of Las Gaviotas is located in the heart of the lively tourist area – Zona Dorada.
The best entertainment near Las Gaviotas beach:
- Las Gaviotas Beach offers a wide variety of activities for all tastes: banana boat rides, catamarans, water skis, kayaks, skydiving and snorkeling. You can also enjoy your beach activities by visiting
popular local restaurants, shopping malls, and nightlife.
Why it is one of the best beaches:
- In addition to its safety, Las Gaviotas beach boasts its cleanliness. It is marked by the Blue Flag, an award given only to those beaches that meet high quality standards.
2.Cerritos Beach
This is the place to come for those who want to fully enjoy the beauty of nature without being distracted by the fruits of civilization.
Cerritos Beach is not really suitable for swimming because of the strong currents and high waves. However, it is a great place for surfing, but only surfers with a high level of training should come here. This is because the waves can be several meters high and there are no lifeguards or instructors on duty on the beach.
On the beach you can often see tourists and locals who come to watch the beautiful sunset, which offers a magnificent view of the evening ocean expanse. You can also go horseback riding or visit a cozy open-air restaurant.
How to get to the beach:
- Cerritos Beach can be reached by rental car or cab in about 17 minutes from the center of Mazatlan.
The best entertainment near Cerritos Beach:
- Even though it’s not safe to swim here, this place is perfect for romantic sunset strolls or dinner at an open-air restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Why it is one of the best beaches:
- Cerritos Beach is very quiet, there are few people and no vendors – perfect conditions for a secluded quiet holiday and enjoying the surrounding nature.
3.Sabalo Beach
It is a picturesque place with wonderful views of small islands on the horizon and high-rise hotel buildings stretching in the background.
Excellent beach conditions attract a huge number of tourists. Thanks to the absence of large waves and shallow entrance to the water all holidaymakers can feel comfortable and safe, even the smallest children.
Sabalo Beach offers services such as umbrella and sun lounger rentals, as well as equipment for all kinds of water sports. There are many restaurants with local cuisine, so you can diversify your leisure time with a meal in one of them.
Where is the beach:
- Sabalo beach is located in the northern part of the Zona Dorada, near the marinas of Mazatlán.
The best entertainment near Sabalo Beach:
- Any excursion can be booked on the beach. The most popular is a boat trip to snorkeling or fishing spots.
Why it is one of the best beaches:
- Sabalo beach is great for families. It is sandy and shallow and has a shallow entrance to the water, so children of all ages can safely swim and frolic on the shore.
4.Bruchas Beach
The majestic waves, which can reach a height of six feet, attract both experienced surfers and those who just want to learn the sport. For those new to the sport, experienced instructors are on hand to help you get on your board and ride your first wave.
Brujas Beach is also a favorite destination of those vacationers who like a more secluded atmosphere than what they can find on the other beaches of Mazatlán. You can swim here, but be very careful as the currents in the area can be quite strong. There is a small restaurant near the beach where you can enjoy seafood dishes and Mexican food. It’s also a great place to take everything you need and have a picnic at sunset.
Where is the beach:
- Brujas Beach is located in the Cerritos area, about 10 minutes north of the Zona Dorada.
The best entertainment near Bruchas Beach:
- Here you can rent a board right on the beach and take surfing lessons from professional coaches who will let you ride your first Mexican wave.
Why it is one of the best beaches:
- Bruchas Beach is one of the few beaches in Mazatlán with a quieter and more secluded atmosphere without the crowds of tourists.
5.Camaron Beach
In addition to the golden soft sand and ideal bathing conditions, the beach offers everything you need for active sports, from beach volleyball and parachute flying to body boarding and sailing.
On the beach of Camaron you can find many vendors offering to buy souvenirs, shrimp and other gifts of the sea. In the evenings, the whole beach is strewn with people who want to enjoy the sunset. After all, this place offers a mesmerizing view of the ocean when the sun is hidden below the horizon.
Camarón is also the epicenter of local social life with a huge number of restaurants, stores and nightclubs. So it’s a great place to stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the local flavor.
Where is the beach:
- The beach of Camaron is located in the heart of the lively tourist area of Mazatlán, the Zona Dorada.
The best entertainment near Camaron Beach:
- Right from the beach you can go on one of the best tours of Mazatlán, to Isla Venados. You can go there by boat, kayak of your choice, stop along the way at a beautiful reef for snorkeling and, upon arrival, hike around the island.
Why it is one of the best beaches:
- Kamaron Beach is one of the best beaches in Mazatlán because there is something for everyone: parasailing, diving, surfing, bodyboarding and beach volleyball. You can also visit local restaurants and nightlife, or just stroll along the promenade and enjoy the sunset.
6.Olas Altas Beach
But with the emergence of the lively tourist area of the Dorada, the beach has become less visited and less crowded. For this reason, Olas Altas is a great option for travelers on a tight budget, as this area is not overpriced compared to the city center.
The name of the beach does not mean «Beach of High Waves» for nothing – the place has long been beloved by surfers. Waves here can reach a height of six feet or more. In addition to surfing, the beach is a great place to sunbathe. It’s not safe to swim here, but if you want to swim, head to the north end of the beach to Carp Oliver’s indoor pool.
Olas Altas Beach is also the beginning of the Malecon waterfront, which stretches across the city and includes many restaurants, shopping centers and nightlife. From extreme surfing to spectacular sights in the area, Olas Altas Beach should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Mazatlán.
How to get to the beach:
- Olas Altas Beach can be reached by rental car or cab in about 19 minutes from downtown Mazatlan.
The best entertainment near Olas Altas Beach:
- The nearby Malecon Promenade as well as the historic city center offer ample opportunity to walk and enjoy the views and local architecture.
Why it is one of the best beaches:
- On the beach of Olas Altas you can find the famous spectacular Punta de Clavadista («diving spot»), where locals collect coins from spectators and jump from high cliffs into the water – in the evening with torches for greater spectacle.
7.Norte Beach (North Beach)
Waves here sometimes allow to swim, but they can often be quite strong, so it’s better to stay close to the shore and lifeguard areas. Three miles of gorgeous white sand invite vacationers to enjoy sunbathing, and there are some water sports such as bodyboarding and fishing.
Northe Beach is often the site of beach volleyball and soccer tournaments, and athletes use it for their morning jogs. The northernmost part of the beach has the highest waves, so it is not uncommon to see surfers there. There are also several local restaurants and bars near the beach, where you should definitely try fresh fish and seafood dishes, and of course, drink margaritas!
Where is the beach:
- Norte Beach is located to the north of Old Mazatlán, next to the lively Malecon promenade.
The best entertainment near Norte Beach:
- Norte Beach is a great place to cast a fishing rod at any time of day or night. Here you can watch the local fishermen who launch their boats for the daily catch or rent a fishing rod and fish for yourself.
Why it is one of the best beaches:
- Norte Beach is one of the few beaches in Mazatlán where patches of the softest white sand can be found.
8.Stone Island Beach
It can only be reached by water through a canal. Because the beach is located in a sheltered cove, the water is calmer and the waves are much smaller, which is why it is so popular with families with children.
The beach offers ideal conditions for safe swimming, snorkeling and water sports such as kayaking or banana boat rides. The island is also dotted with cozy restaurants under palapas that offer shaded areas with lounge chairs and hammocks.
Stone Island has everything you need for a day trip, and it’s a great place to enjoy an unspoiled beach surrounded by tropical palm trees away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
How to get to the beach:
- You can get to Stone Island Beach by water cab for about 30 Mexican pesos round trip from the Embarcadero at the Port of Mazatlan.
The best entertainment near Stone Island Beach:
- The calm waters of Stone Island Beach are ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and canoeing. Many on-site restaurants and rentals offer equipment for rent. ATVs are also a popular way to explore the island.
Why it is one of the best beaches:
- There is no highway to Stone Island, which is why this beach is kept so quiet and unspoiled, with few people getting to this wonderful place.
9.Los Pinos Beach
There are not many beach activities, but it is famous for its pools and puddles that remain at low tide. You can see a variety of marine life there: crabs, spiny sea urchins, snakes and sea stars. The beach also has a reputation as a beach for the elderly and small children, because it is very shallow and the waves are very small.
On Los Pinos Beach, beginners and experienced surfers are often spotted. Fishermen are regulars here as well, who launch their boats every day and easily cast off the rocky outcroppings. They sell their catch right on the beach. You can buy freshly caught fish from them or already cooked fish on a stick, which is one of Mazatlan’s favorite street food.
How to get to the beach:
- Los Pinos Beach can be reached by rental car or cab in about 16 minutes from downtown Mazatlan.
The best entertainment near Los Pinos Beach:
- There are not many opportunities for water sports, so the best solution is just to enjoy sunbathing or picnicking on the warm sand.
Why it is one of the best beaches:
- Los Pinos Beach has frequent low tides that allow you to observe some marine life, such as crabs, sea urchins, and starfish.
10.El Verde Camacho Beach
It is not just a beautiful beach, it is one of the most important ecological reserves in Mexico and a nesting place for the Ridley’s olive sea turtle. El Verde Camacho Beach is also a feeding, breeding and migration site for other species, including bisected, leatherback and black turtles, all of which are threatened with extinction.
The local flora is represented by mangroves and tropical thickets, and among the animals you can find a red heron, great horned owl, American stork, boa constrictor and many others. If the topic of ecology is close to your heart and you have desired for a long tome to get in touch with wildlife, a trip to El Verde Camacho Beach is an excellent choice.
How to get to the beach:
- You can book a tour to the beach, or you can drive yourself in a rental car or cab about 40 minutes from the center of Mazatlan.
The best entertainment near El Verde Camacho Beach:
- Upon arrival at the beach, you will be greeted by an experienced environmental company, happy to show you the wildlife in all its glory and give you an extensive tour of the beach.
Why it is one of the best beaches:
- El Verde Camacho Beach offers a unique opportunity to see the rare Pacific sea turtle Ridley.
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