Mazatlan

Mazatlan Port Guide

Mazatlan, Mexico Cruise Port Guide

Welcome to Mazatlán, the "Pearl of the Pacific"! As a key destination on Mexican Riviera cruises, Mazatlán greets ships from major lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. This vibrant port city captivates visitors with its unique combination of a beautifully restored historic old town, miles of golden beaches, and a lively, authentic Mexican culture. Whether you're seeking colonial history, beachside relaxation, or thrilling adventures, Mazatlán offers a memorable day ashore for every cruise passenger.


Key Mazatlan Port Information

Top Attractions & Excursions

One of Mazatlán's top attractions is its stunning Centro Histórico, or Old Town. Just a 10-minute taxi ride from the port, this area is filled with colorful, 19th-century buildings, charming plazas like the Plazuela Machado, and the elegant Angela Peralta Theater. For breathtaking panoramic views, energetic travelers can embark on the challenging hike up to the El Faro Lighthouse, one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world. If a relaxing beach day is preferred, the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) is a 15-20 minute ride away, offering expansive beaches, water sports, restaurants, and shopping.

Last updated on February 18, 2026

Nearby Cities & Attractions

A popular and easily accessible nearby destination is Stone Island (Isla de la Piedra), a rustic peninsula known for its tranquil beaches and laid-back atmosphere. It's just a short water taxi ride from a landing near the cruise port, making it perfect for a half-day beach escape with options for horseback riding and fresh seafood lunches. For a glimpse into Mexico's colonial past, many cruisers opt for a guided Sierra Madre tour to the mountain towns of Concordia and Copala. Located about an hour's drive away, Concordia is known for its colonial church and furniture making, while the historic silver mining village of Copala charms visitors with its cobblestone streets and preserved architecture.

Last updated on February 18, 2026

Port Location

The Mazatlán cruise port is a commercial and industrial facility located approximately 2-3 miles (about 3-5 kilometers) south of the main tourist areas. It is not within comfortable walking distance of the historic center or the Golden Zone, so transportation is required. Ships dock directly at the pier, so there is no need for tendering. Inside the secure port terminal, you will find a small shopping area, restrooms, and official taxi stands and tour operators. Shuttles are often available for a fee to take passengers into town.

Last updated on February 18, 2026

Local Currency

The official currency in Mazatlán is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While US dollars are widely accepted in most tourist-oriented shops, restaurants, and by taxi drivers, you will likely receive a more favorable exchange rate by paying in pesos. Change for US dollar transactions is almost always given in pesos. ATMs are available inside the cruise terminal and throughout the city for withdrawing local currency. Major credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and stores, but it is wise to carry cash for smaller purchases, market stalls, and transportation.

Last updated on February 18, 2026

Safety Considerations

Mazatlán is generally considered safe for cruise passengers, especially within the main tourist zones like the Centro Histórico, the Malecón (boardwalk), and the Golden Zone. As in any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and keep your valuables secure. It is best to stick to well-populated areas and avoid venturing into unfamiliar neighborhoods, particularly after dark. While exploring independently during the day is common, using licensed taxis and booking shore excursions through your cruise line or a reputable local operator is always a good practice.

Last updated on February 18, 2026

Weather & Climate

Mazatlán features a warm, tropical climate year-round. The primary cruise season, from November through May, coincides with the dry season, offering plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and very comfortable temperatures typically ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit (18-28°C). The summer and early fall months are hotter and more humid, marking the rainy season which also falls within the Pacific hurricane season. Passengers visiting during this time should be prepared for afternoon showers. Packing light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses is recommended for any time of year.

Last updated on February 18, 2026

Getting Around

A variety of transportation options are available right at the cruise port. Official taxis are plentiful, and it's best to agree on the fare before beginning your journey. For a unique local experience, look for the open-air golf cart-style vehicles called 'pulmonías', which are an iconic and fun way to travel along the waterfront. Negotiating the fare for a pulmonía is expected. For getting into town, many passengers use the convenient, low-cost shuttles offered from the port terminal that drop off at the Centro Histórico and the Golden Zone. Public buses are also an option for the more adventurous traveler, but can be difficult to navigate on a tight schedule.

Last updated on February 18, 2026

Shopping

Mazatlán offers excellent shopping opportunities for cruise visitors. For an authentic experience, head to the bustling Mercado Pino Suárez in the historic center, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts, leather goods, and souvenirs. The streets surrounding the Plazuela Machado in Old Town are also lined with artisan boutiques and galleries. In the Golden Zone, you'll find more traditional souvenir shops and modern stores. Popular items to buy include Mexican vanilla, silver jewelry, handmade pottery, and local tequila. Haggling is common in the markets, but prices are generally fixed in established shops.

Last updated on February 18, 2026

Shore Excursions & Tours

Old Town Mazatlan Segway Tour

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★ 5.0 (378)

Explore Mazatlan’s top sights in a fun and modern way on a Segway tour. These easy-to-use, self-balancing devices allow you to zip around the city without the fatigue of a long walking tour. Enjoy a more personal experience in a small group as you discover the history of Old Town Mazatlan.

Barrio Bites tour

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★ 5.0 (146)

Take your taste buds on an adventure and get a real taste of Mazatlan's street food culture. The Flavor Teller will guide you off the beaten path to the best hidden gems and family-run food stands. Experience authentic flavors on culinary backstreets while learning about Mexican culture through its food.

Mazatlan routes of taste food tour

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★ 5.0 (67)

Discover that Mazatlan is more than just beaches with a tour that combines history, sightseeing, and amazing food all in one. You will taste the most representative dishes of the port while learning about its history and traditions. This unique tour is given by local Mazatlecos, making you feel like a real local for the day.

Scenic Tour in Traditional Vehicle Pneumonia in Mazatlan

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★ 5.0 (25)

Discover the best of Mazatlan aboard an iconic, open-air Pulmonía, the city's most representative transport. This tour takes you to main stops including the Historical Center, the cliffs of High Waves to see divers, and Cerro de la Nevería for spectacular views. Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Malecon and Golden Zone accompanied by lively music for a fun atmosphere.

Mazatlan Pulmonia Experience

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★ 5.0 (24)

Explore Mazatlán like a local aboard your own traditional pulmonía. This flexible tour lets you discover historic streets and stunning ocean views at your own pace, with no rush and no tourist traps. Enjoy personalized stops for photo ops, history, or tasting authentic flavors as you design your perfect day in the ocean breeze.

Bird Watching Mazatlán - Birding Tour

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★ 5.0 (22)

This tour is designed for birdwatchers of all levels and nature lovers. Discover the region's rich biological value by observing over 200 bird species, including around 20 endemic ones you won't find anywhere else in the world. Look for unique birds like the Purplish-backed Jay and the Sinaloa Crow in Mazatlán and its surroundings with our extensive knowledge.

Mercado walking food tour

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★ 4.9 (141)

Get a taste of the real Mexico on a street food tour that takes you to the best hidden gems. Your guide, the Flavor Teller, helps you connect with the people who create culinary magic and learn about the culture through food. This tour operates in small groups, allowing you to break from being a tourist and eat like a local.

Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan

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★ 4.9 (129)

Enjoy a personalized cooking experience in the coziness of a local home. In this small group class, you will cook very traditional family recipes using fresh, local ingredients native to Mexico. You will discover how to use these unique ingredients and are promised one of the best meals of your trip.

Private Van and Bilingual Local Driver

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★ 4.9 (88)

Create your own perfect itinerary and tour Mazatlan exactly as you wish. With a private van or suburban and a certified English-speaking tour guide at your beck and call, you simply name the place and you'll be taken there. This is your day to explore the city your way.

Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan

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★ 4.9 (27)

Embark on a captivating tour to delve into the origins and culture of the iconic taco. You will visit hidden, off-the-beaten-path local spots to savor some of the region's most traditional tacos. The experience includes a taco and beer pairing session and concludes with a visit to a Mezcalería to try the ancient spirit of mezcal.

Seafood Secret Tour in Mazatlan

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★ 4.9 (14)

Dive into Mazatlan's famous seafood scene on a tour that takes you to the traditional 'marisquerias' that locals love. Traveling by Auriga taxi in a small group, you'll venture outside the tourist zone to discover the freshest seafood and fish. Learn about local cuisine, meet the families behind these culinary businesses, and sample their scrumptious delicacies.

Ultimate Mazatlán Shore Excursion City Tequila and Beach Club

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★ 4.8 (31)

This shore excursion is tailored for cruise passengers, with convenient pick-up and timely return to the cruise terminal. Your tour features Mazatlán's highlights, including the Cliff Divers, the Historic Center, and a local market. After a tequila tasting and shopping in the Golden Zone, you will unwind for three hours at a private beachfront club with full service.

COMBO Zip lines and ATV´s at Hacienda Los Osuna

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★ 4.8 (28)

Learn about 140 years of agave history on this outdoor adventure. You will get to zipline over agave fields and visit the breathtaking surrounding ancestral lands. Discover the history of the Los Osuna family and the agave distilling knowledge that has been transferred for five generations.

Beach Blast ATV's & City Tour

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★ 4.8 (16)

Ride a semiautomatic ATV right on the shoreline for a fun day of adventure in the sun. This excursion includes ground and sea transportation, as well as access to a beach restaurant and facilities. Two guides will provide instructions on shifting gears and will lead you through the trails.

5-Hour Private Historical Tour in Mazatlán with Pickup

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★ 4.8 (12)

Tour the natural wonders of the region and enjoy the best views these magnificent places can offer. This experience is led by experienced guides who will ensure your comfort and well-being throughout the journey. All you have to do is relax and enjoy this fascinating trip.

Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone Private Vehicle

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★ 4.8 (10)

Design your own private tour of Mazatlan with the help of a certified bilingual tour guide. Your tour includes a late model, air-conditioned vehicle, a beverage, and traveler insurance. You have the option to add lunch and two drinks for an additional fee.

Horseback riding & Temazcal combo with lunch and mezcal tour

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★ 4.7 (107)

Begin with a one-hour guided horseback ride on a quiet, virgin beach, through agave plantations and jungle. Afterwards, a shaman will welcome you to a mud bath to exfoliate your skin before you enter a temazcal. Inside this ceremonial sweat lodge, you will work with the four elements to purify and harmonize your body, soul, and spirit.

Mazatlan City Tour

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★ 4.5 (187)

Enjoy an excellent overview of this beautiful city, including its history, culture, and scenic points of interest.

Stone Island Beach Getaway

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★ 5 (24)

Cruise over to Stone Island, one of Mazatlan's most popular destinations, for a day filled with adventures and activities.

Sinaloa Zipline Adventure

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★ 5 (28)

Soar like a bird 350 feet high over and through the tree tops of Veranos in rural Sinaloa on this exciting 12-line zip line tour.

Highlights with Lunch

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★ 5 (62)

Discover the many sides of Mazatlan as you engage on this city highlights day tour with lunch, embarking on adventures through many locations such as the Immaculate Conception basilica and the Centro Historico district. Along the way enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch and hit the famed Golden Zone for some serious retail therapy.

Resort Day Pass

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★ 5 (8)

Enjoy a day pass at a beautiful resort full of amenities including a pool, beach with toys, hot tub, sumptuous food and more. Soak up the sun and relax in the heart of Mazatlan's Golden Zone.

Beach Horseback Ride

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★ 5 (7)

Ever wanted to know what it is like to ride horseback on a beach? Now you can, thanks to this fun horseback ride at Stone Island. Afterward, enjoy refreshments at the beach club.

Mexican Hot Springs

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★ 5 (27)

Countless people over the centuries have soaked in hot springs to improve blood circulation, relieve pain, reduce stress and much, much more. Now its your turn to experience the therapeutic benefits as you immerse yourself in 2 pools of hot springs.

Presidio River Adventure

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★ 5 (12)

Enjoy scenic views of Mexican nature as you paddle along the Presidio River on this kayak adventure.

Stone Island and Old Town Sightseeing Tour

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★ 4.5 (37)

See the main sites of Old Mazatlan then head over to Stone Island for some fun in the sun and surf.

Sierra Madre Villages and Old Town

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★ 5 (9)

This tour option is a great way to enjoy both the Old Town of Mazatlan and take a drive out into the countryside to experience authentic villages.

E-Bike Tour

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★ 5 (26)

Take to the Mazatlan streets on your own electric bike to visit iconic locations including the Mazatlan Heart, the Paseo del Centanario, El Faro lighthouse and the Old Town with its historic cathedral. Along the way, have your photo taken with the Mazatlan letters and their ocean backdrop.

Tequila Factory and Villages

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★ 5 (25)

Immerse yourself in the Mazatlan old ways as you visit the rural villages of La Noria, La Vinata and Puerto de Canoa. Along the way, tour a tequila factory and compare how this prized drink is crafted through both ancient and modern processes.

Best of Mazatlan

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★ 5 (23)

Discover the best Mazatlan has to offer on this half-day sightseeing and culture tour of the region's top attractions.

Deer Island Kayak

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★ 5 (1)

Skip the crowded bus tours and kayak around a secluded island instead! Head to Deer Island for some prime hiking and beach time, then return to the Golden Zone for a delightful poolside lunch.

Magic Village and Dancing Horses

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★ 5 (6)

Enjoy a day of rich Mexican culture, including local cuisine and famed dancing horses, on this guided half-day tour.

Brewery and Beach

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★ 4.5 (3)

Visit the only microbrewery in Mazatlan and discover what drew the Germans to brew beer in this part of the world. While on tour you will also sample mango tequila and spend some time in the Golden Zone to shop or walk on the beach.

Mazatlan Land and Sea

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★ 5 (8)

Experience Mazatlan from 2 angles as you explore this fascinating city by both land and sea. Enjoy a 90-minute guided boat tour past the El Faro lighthouse and more, then go onshore to the historic city center with its markets and cathedral. Wrap up your experience with some free time in the Golden Zone.

Two Facets of Mazatlan: City and Rancho Tour

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Explore a candy factory, feed giant frigatebirds, admire Baroque-style architecture and more on this exciting eco-tour in Mazatlan.

Mercado and More Delights Tour

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★ 5 (3)

Sink your teeth into Mexican ice cream, discover historic neighborhoods, delight your taste buds with local soda, and more on this guided walking tour in Mazatlan.

Hike to Creston Mountain Lighthouse

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★ 5 (5)

Hike up El Creston to visit a historic lighthouse, catch panoramic city views and more when you book this intriguing hiking tour in Mazatlan.

Visiting Mazatlan Cruise Deals

7 Night Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise
November 27, 2026
Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas
S M L XL
Los Angeles → Ensenada → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlan → Los Angeles
$309
$44 per day
Inside
PRICE RISING
7 Night Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise
November 15, 2026
Norwegian Encore
S M L XL
Los Angeles → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlan → Puerto Vallarta → Los Angeles
$479
$68 per day
Balcony
7 Night Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise
November 1, 2026
Norwegian Encore
S M L XL
Los Angeles → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlan → Puerto Vallarta → Los Angeles
$659
$94 per day
Suite
8 Night Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise
November 5, 2026
Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas
S M L XL
Los Angeles → Catalina Island → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlan → Los Angeles
$498
$62 per day
Outside
7 Night Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise
November 28, 2026
7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.70/5)
Discovery Princess
S M L XL
Los Angeles → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlan → Puerto Vallarta → Los Angeles
$627
$90 per day
Balcony

Upcoming Cruises to Mazatlan Cruise Deals

7 Night Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise
November 1, 2026
Norwegian Encore
S M L XL
Los Angeles → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlan → Puerto Vallarta → Los Angeles
$659
$94 per day
Suite
7 Night Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise
October 25, 2026
Norwegian Encore
S M L XL
Los Angeles → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlan → Puerto Vallarta → Los Angeles
$409
$58 per day
Inside
LOWEST PRICE EVER
7 Night Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise
October 24, 2026
7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.67/5)
Discovery Princess
S M L XL
Los Angeles → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlan → Puerto Vallarta → Los Angeles
$713
$102 per day
Balcony
8 Night Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise
October 24, 2026
8 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.31/5)
Carnival Panorama
S M L XL
Los Angeles → Puerto Vallarta → Mazatlan → La Paz → Cabo San Lucas → Los Angeles
$687
$86 per day
Inside
PRICE RISING
7 Night Los Angeles to Los Angeles cruise
October 31, 2026
7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.71/5)
Discovery Princess
S M L XL
Los Angeles → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlan → Puerto Vallarta → Los Angeles
$1,066
$152 per day
Balcony

Ships in Port Schedule

Map of Mazatlan port area
Mazatlan port location
Norwegian ship
Holland America ship In port
Royal Caribbean ship
Disney ship
© OpenStreetMap · © ESA WorldCover 2021

Showing 4 ships in the area

No ships scheduled in port today.

Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Mazatlan

Cruises visiting Mazatlan during the the peak season of winter are much more expensive than the low months of spring and summer. Overall Mazatlan is extremely inexpensive as a port of call. The chart below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Mazatlan.

Jan
$97
Feb
$140
Mar
$100
Apr
$111
May
$80
Jun
$108
Jul
$108
Aug
$88
Sep
$113
Oct
$140
Nov
$112
Dec
$184

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