Virgin Voyages' guide to Mazatlán, Mexico
From the sprawling golden beaches to the bodacious five-mile long boardwalk, Mazatlán’s cobblestone streets, endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, savory seafood and palatial Pacific views are just the beginning of the beauty here.
Pearl of the Pacific
Golden hour glamour, vibrant beach vibes and the sweet smell of ocean air welcome you as you step foot in Mazatlán, Mexico. Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Pacific” this Pacific oasis features stretching streets of pastel colonial buildings, lively plazas with live music, 19th century architecture and a fabulous five-mile boardwalk. Stroll along the nearly thirteen-mile malecon sporting breathtaking views, stunning street art, iconic eateries and (so much) more.
A magical place to enjoy fresh salsa in the sunshine, indulge in both history and hedonism, or to dip your toes in the sand and a lime in your margarita, Mazatlán will leave you with a good taste in your mouth and better memories in your heart.
Shore Excursions
Make Magic in Mazatlán
Pirate pasts, prize-worthy prawns & palatial promontories.
Old Mazatlán Observatory
First built as a military outpost against pirates, it became a meteorological and seismological center in 1910; today, it’s been restored to reflect the city’s history, nature, and traditions. It features a sanctuary with over 70 bird species in their natural habitat, and a xeriscape garden filled with cacti and agave. Stroll the grounds with a guide and admire the 360° panoramic views — then put a stunning photo finish on the day with a visit to Sky Bar, where you'll enjoy local beer and tacos.
Shrimp Feast at Villa de La Cruz
You'll head to the exclusive Villa de la Cruz to see that claim proven firsthand! With the unforgettable backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific, you'll enjoy a succulent buffet of freshly caught shrimp prepared three ways (accompanied by chips, salsa, and guacamole). Savor the feast with live music and an open bar that offers both margaritas and local beer. After the meal, you can opt to head right back to port, or to be dropped in Old Mazatlán and explore the historic center.
The Best of Mazatlán
The cathedral's organ and striking design, with twin towers and yellow domes, make it a must-see. Your tour continues along the water, where you'll spot the iconic Three Islands sitting off the coast before you stop at a rocky promontory to watch local cliff divers perform death-defying feats of skill. At the Hotel Playa Mazatlán, you'll enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch accompanied by a colorful folkloric show, then split off for free time to explore and shop before returning to port.
More Shore Things for your wishlist...
We have even more in our curated catalog.
Miles and miles of… lagoon?
The Huiziche Lagoon covers 40 square miles!
As you depart Mazatlán you’ll hopefully have mastered the subtle art of vacation balance. One part old-world soul, one part beach bliss, this Mexican gem is the epitome of what a restful vacation should look like. From the candy-colored facades of the Old Town and historic charm of Centro Historico to the gorgeous golden sand beaches and palm-lined paradise that is the Malecon, Mazatlán will soon be one of your favorite places to visit again and again.
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