You really don’t need to be. One of the precious things about Mazatlan is the wonderfully open and accepting attitude of the Mazatlan people. Almost everyone will be able to speak at least rudimentary English, and even if they don’t, you’ll find that you’ll be able to communicate an incredible amount with smiles and sign language.

Here are some comments that Mazatlan experts from the TripAdvisor forum had to share on the topic:

One member, rchpjf, thinks the best thing is to just get out among the people and try to communicate:

Just go for it. You will be fine. It is amazing how tolerate the people are of “us stupid tourists.” Getting out there and making the effort is the catalyst for learning and will be some of your fondest memories in years to come as you pick up more and more conversational skills.

Another regular Mazatlan visitor, neils, also had some very encouraging comments:

You will find that everyone is so friendly, there is absolutely no problem blundering around having fun, with lots of sign language.

And if you want to start speaking the language, si and no are obvious, and liberal use of por favor and gracias, with a smile, will help, as in any civilized society. You will be surprised how quickly you pick up more useful stuff.

And here’s one other comment worth sharing, from Vegasonmymind:

I have traveled to Mazatlan for the past three years and will be returning the second week in December. I “try” to speak Spanish and have found everyone to be most helpful with directions, purchases, reservations and anything I have needed. Each time I return I feel like I have been adopted a little bit more into that fantastic town.

The people in Mazatlan, merchants, hotel folks, service people and the like are extremely tolerant and very cordial and understanding to us tourists. Don’t be afraid of the “stupid tourist” thing because most of the people will treat you like you would like to be treated no matter what mistake you make.

So, look forward to your vacation, and don’t be worried about speaking Spanish. You’re going to love Mazatlan and the Mazatlan people, and the language barrier is not going to be a problem!

On Monday October 27, 2008, the Aquarium officially opened their new Ocean Tank, the largest in all of Latinamerica.

The new Ocean Tank at the Mazatlan Aquarium, the largest in Latin America

The new Ocean Tank was inaugurated with much pomp and circumstance by the mayor of Mazatlan accompanied by a host of other officials. The approximately $850,000 USD project ($8.5 million pesos) was jointly funded by the city of Mazatlan, the state of Sinaloa, and the Aquarium itself.

This new tank provides the biggest “window into the ocean” in all of Latinamerica, and is intended to promote tourism to Mazatlan, adding another outstanding attraction and making Mazatlan stand out even more among the beach destinations of Mexico.

The Ocean Tank holds an impressive 1,600,000 liters of water, and apart from its distintion as the largest in size, it is also special because of its semi-circular shape. The tank is built over a foundation of approximately 483 square meters, and has several different windows to see into the tank, the largest of which is about seven (7) meters wide.

Giant sea turtle in the new Ocean Tank at the Mazatlan Aquarium

The Ocean Tank will be home to a great variety of species of ocean life, especially larger varieties such as sharks, giant sea turtles, and sea rays, among many others, all living together as they do in the ocean.

This addition to the Mazatlan Aquarium, already a favorite among tourists to Mazatlan, makes it even more attractive. The Aquarium also offers a large variety of other attractions, including a sea lion show, a shark exhibition, a parrot show, botanical gardens and a zoo with a variety of animals, and much more.

Giant sea ray in the new Ocean Tank of the Mazatlan Aquarium

More information (in Spanish) can be found at the following sites:

• Mazatlan Aquarium Official Website
• Mazatlan Forum on UrbanFreak - Announcement of opening of the new Ocean Tank, with some commentary and a collection of great photos
• Mazatlan Interactivo - Announcement of opening of the new Ocean Tank, with photos
• Mazatlan Interactivo - Description of the Mazatlan Aquarium and everything it offers
• Noroeste - Announcement in the local Mazatlan newspaper, with links to a video and a gallery of photos
• Noroeste photos - direct link to the photo gallery of the new Ocean Tank
• El Debate photo gallery - photo gallery and article on the new Ocean Tank from El Debate, another Mazatlan newspaper

Information in English:

• Frommers - Brief description of the Mazatlan Aquarium with important information

Beach Access:

• El Cid Marina is not built on the beach, it’s built on the marina. You can take a free water-taxi to a beach that’s 1 minute away on the other side of the marina.

Pools:

• El Cid Marina has two large pools with underwater caves, a swim-up bar, and a lagoon area.
• It also has the largest hot tub in Mazatlan.

Restaurants:

• La Marina International Restaurant
• Calypso Snack Bar - located near the pools
• They also have a snack bar in the beach area

Room Types:

• Junior Suite - Pretty much a standard hotel room with two double beds
• One-bedroom Suite - A true suite with a King size bed and a living room with couch
• Two-bedroom Suite - A suite with two bedrooms, each with a King-size bed, and a living room with couch
• Presidential Suite - A suite with 3 bedrooms (a two-bedroom suite combined with a junior suite)

The really cool thing about the list is that you can add to it, and you can vote on your favorites!

Also, the list contains only those restaurants that have a website, so you can take a look at their website to find out more about the restaurant.

The list is located at the following link:

MexicoLarry’s List of Mazatlan Restaurants

Enjoy! And don’t slobber too much!

This is the fifth post in a series about the different options for lodging in Mazatlan. For the overview of the different types of options, see the page Mazatlan Lodging.

Yet another worthwhile option for lodging in Mazatlan is a Mazatlan condo. Condos are a great way to spend your vacation. They are simple, yet they offer more than just a hotel room.

Let’s take a look at the options available for condos in Mazatlan.

Mazatlan Condos in the Downtown Area

If you’d like to spend your vacation near the historical center of Mazatlan, enjoying the Plazuela Machado, the Angela Peralta Theater, and a lot of other historical and cultural treasures, you can find a condo in the area to serve as your base of operations! For any condo in the downtown area you can expect a very economical rate, though they might have a minimum rental period of a month, as well as an authentic Mexican atmosphere all around you. The Malecon is also nearby, and Olas Altas beach. You can enjoy a nice walk in either place, though the nature of Olas Altas beach makes it less than ideal for swimming.

Mazatlan Condos in the Golden Zone

The Golden Zone is the premier tourist area of Mazatlan, and there are definitely condos available there for your lodging needs. The Golden Zone is a busy and active place, with plenty of action. Bars and restaurants abound, there are plenty of shops of many kinds, and the beach is very nice with a good number of people.

The condos in this part of Mazatlan come in two varieties. Some are individual condos, and others are in a tower as part of some sort of complex. None of the condos are directly on the beach, so you’ll have to walk at least a block or two to get some sand between your toes. Size and amenities vary widely, as do prices.

Mazatlan Condos in the Marina

The marina on the north end of the Golden Zone has seen a lot of development, and now has several condominium complexes. Since these are located in the marina, they are not directly on the beach, though some have access by a water shuttle to the beach on the north end past the marina. All of these condos are located in a tower, and the amenities depend on the complex.

Mazatlan Condos in New Mazatlan

New Mazatlan is the area north of the marina along Cerritos Beach and Playa Bruja. It’s the most exclusive area of Mazatlan, and has seen major development recently. New Mazatlan has some of the best beaches in all of Mazatlan, with wide stretches of soft golden sand, and the added advantage of having much fewer vendors than the Golden Zone, meaning you’re actually able to relax in peace while you enjoy the beach.

Most of the condos in New Mazatlan are in high-rise towers, and the majority of the new developments are condos for sale, not available for vacation rental.

Mazatlan Condos at “El Rancho” Beach Resort

This information is provided by “El Rancho” Beach Resort, and we would simply like to let you know about the condos that we have available. We honestly believe they are the absolute best option for people looking for a relaxing vacation on the beach in Mazatlan!

“El Rancho” is located in New Mazatlan, near the marina, meaning you have the quiet and relaxing atmosphere of this exclusive area, but you’re not far removed from the Golden Zone and the rest of Mazatlan. Our condos are spacious and convenient, offering all the comforts of a bi-level vacation home. We offer individual condos at ground level, giving you the convenience of stepping out your door directly onto the beach or pool area, with all the services of our resort only steps away. But best of all, due to our small size we have a truly relaxing atmosphere, so that you can do what a vacation is really intended for - rest, and relax, and rejuvenate. Imagine how you’ll feel when you get back from your vacation! You’ll be a new person!

No where else in Mazatlan can you find a condo with direct access to the beach and the convenience of our beachfront condos, let alone the relaxing atmosphere of our resort. Unfortunately, due to our small size, space is definitely limited, so we encourage you to make a reservation now. See our reservations page to call or send in a form with the details of your reservations request and we will respond to you personally and do our best to accommodate you. Or use our online booking engine to make a reservation immediately!

The spacious, comfortable villas that you get to enjoy on your vacation with us are an incredible value, offering two large bedrooms, two complete bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living/dining area. When you combine that with the convenience of being able to step right out your door onto the beach or the pool area (since we offer individual villas, not rooms on a corridor inside a tower) and our unique relaxing atmosphere, you begin to appreciate what makes a vacation with us a true escape to paradise!

But we want to make our villas attractive not only to families (who will take advantage of having room for up to 6 people), but also to couples and groups of four. So we are offering discounted rates for smaller parties, because we know that even if you won’t use all the beds, you still appreciate having the space and comfort of our bi-level villas. Of course, there are hotels in Mazatlan that still offer cheaper rates, but we know that those who really want the best for their vacation will appreciate all the extra value that we offer.

Discounted Rates for Fall 2008

All prices are in U.S. Dollars (USD) and do not include taxes

What do these discounts mean?

• You and your loved one can spend a week together right on the beach for about $750! That’s a savings of about $450! And you can even enjoy our “Parrillada” (a $50 value) for free while you’re with us! (You can see more info about our Parrillada in our other post about Mazatlan travel deals.)
• If you want an even more economical option, you can vacation for a week in our poolside villa for about $600! Again, we will also give you our “Parrillada” free!

Click the following link to go to our Reservations page, and there you can make a reservation online immediately, or you can fill out our request form and we will promptly respond to you:

FREE “Parrillada”!

(Seafood Grill Combo for two)

value: $50

Make a reservation for 4 nights or more this fall and you can enjoy the most mouth-watering seafood on us!

The “Parrillada” is an exquisite seafood combo that will absolutely delight your taste buds! It includes lobster, shrimp, and fish filets, all caught fresh from the Mazatlan coast, and seasoned and grilled to perfection. And in our beachfront restaurant you can enjoy not only this fabulous feast but also the spectacular view of Mazatlan Bay spread out before you. Add to that the relaxing atmosphere of our restaurant and the excellent service of our staff and you have all the ingredients for a moment in paradise! But of course, that’s what a vacation at “El Rancho” is all about!

We’re offering the “Parrillada” (a $50 value) free for reservations this fall because we just wanted to make your vacation extra special! Come and enjoy all that “El Rancho” has to offer!

• Just make a reservation for 4 nights or more
• For reservations from September 1, 2008 - November 14, 2008
• You even get to take advantage of our new discounted rates! (see below)
• Click the following link to go to our Reservations page, and there you can make a
  reservation immediately online or fill out our online form and we will promptly
  respond to you:
  I want to make a reservation!
• Note: Our online reservations system is not able to reflect your free “Parrillada”, but
  when we receive your reservation, we will email you a certificate which you can present
  in our restaurant
• This offer of a free “Parrillada” is for consumption in the restaurant and does not include drinks or tip.

We are pleased to share the following video of “El Rancho.” Professionally produced in conjunction with US Airways, it highlights the unique atmosphere of “El Rancho” - just right for a relaxing vacation!

If you enjoyed the video, we encourage you to view it on YouTube where you can rate it, share it or leave a comment so that others will be able to find it. Many thanks!

This is the fourth post in a series about the different options for lodging in Mazatlan. For the overview of the different types of options, see the page Mazatlan Lodging.

As we continue to look at all the different types of lodging available in Mazatlan, we’re now going to discuss Mazatlan vacation rentals. Staying in a Mazatlan vacation rental is a great option that appeals to people who want something different than the typical hotel room.

It’s not possible to discuss the specific vacation rentals available in Mazatlan, but I want to give you an overview of the type of vacation rentals available and the different areas of Mazatlan where they are located so that when you view a listing for a particular vacation rental you’ll be able to evaluate it more clearly.

Vacation Rentals in Mazatlan

There are a good number of vacation rentals in Mazatlan, giving you quite a few options to choose from. Vacation rentals come in a couple different varieties. There are a few vacation rentals that are large individual homes, but the majority are condos or suites that are part of a resort. There are also a few that are directly on the beach, with the majority being close to the beach but not right on the beach.

Location of Vacation Rentals in Mazatlan

Mazatlan vacation rentals are located in several different areas of the city, from the historical downtown area (which isn’t a very touristy area) to the totally tourist area of the Golden Zone to the newer development areas both north and south of Mazatlan.

There are a few vacation rental houses in the downtown area, either in historical houses that have been renovated or in newly built houses. You certainly won’t be right on the beach here, but there are lots of other attractions in the area.

There are also a few vacation rentals in the Golden Zone, though not many. The big resorts pretty much control the beach in the Golden Zone, so most of the vacation rentals are a block or two away from the beach. If you stay there you can enjoy the advantages (lots of shopping, restaurants, activity) and disadvantages (very busy and noisy, lots of vendors, crowded beach) of the most popular tourist area of Mazatlan.

Another area offering some Mazatlan vacation rentals is the marina. Just north of the Golden Zone, the marina has several new developments, including some vacation rentals. One thing to keep in mind is that there isn’t much real beach in the area of the marina.

South of Mazatlan on a separate peninsula is the area known as Stone Island, where a development called “Estrella del Mar” is located. They have a famous golf course, and some vacation rentals are available there.

Probably the area with the most vacation rentals is the area north of the marina called New Mazatlan. The area has recently been developed, and there are several resorts that offer vacation rentals, some on the beach and some not. The area is quiet and peaceful, and Cerritos beach is very nice, and not at all crowded the way that the beaches are in the Golden Zone. Emerald Bay is a little farther along the coast, and vacation rentals there have the advantage of the nice Pueblo Bonito resort, though the beach is definitely not as nice.

Our Recommended Mazatlan Vacation Rental

The info in this blog is provided by “El Rancho” Beach Resort, which offers beautiful vacation rentals. The rental units are directly on the beach, and they are individual units not part of a tower so it’s perfectly convenient to the beach and pool and anywhere else you’d like to go. The resort is small and quiet and offers a relaxing atmosphere so you can really rejuvenate yourself on your vacation, and the rental units are bi-level villas with lots of room and a comfortable homey feel. For your convenience there’s a beachfront restaurant with absolutely mouth-watering seafood and mexican dishes, and as a special touch we have a unique beachfront jacuzzi. If you want a relaxing vacation with all the advantages of a vacation rental right on the beach, “El Rancho” is the place for you!

Find out more about “El Rancho” Beach Resort

This is the third post in a series about the different options for lodging in Mazatlan. For the overview of the different types of options, see the page Mazatlan Lodging.

We’re exploring the different options for lodging in Mazatlan, and the topic for discussion today is bed & breakfasts in Mazatlan. B&B’s are a very attractive option for many people. Let’s look at some reasons why.

Advantages of B&B’s

A bed and breakfast inn is a great option for lodging in Mazatlan for those who want a unique character for their accommodations, and who enjoy the personal service that the host of the B&B can provide. And of course, the breakfast that is included is also a nice touch!

Each bed & breakfast has it’s own unique character, formed by taste and character of the host/owner, and also by the house that it’s located in. Most of the bed and breakfasts in Mazatlan are in homes that have quite a history, where families might have lived for generations, and that sense of history is often reflected in the architecture and decoration of the home. This can make your stay much more interesting than being in a generic hotel room.

Also, because of their small size, B&B’s are able to provide a very personal level of service, giving guidance and insight and advice about how to enjoy and explore the beautiful city of Mazatlan. There’s nothing like having a local expert available to answer all your questions over breakfast!

Location of Mazatlan B+B’s

If you like the idea of staying in a bed and breakfast inn, you’ll probably end up staying in the downtown area of Mazatlan. This is ideal for those who prefer a quiet atmosphere, and who enjoy exploring the history and culture of Mazatlan. Obviously, it’s not the ideal for people who want to spend a lot of time on the beach. There are also bed & breakfasts along the Malecon, and in the area of the Golden Zone, which each have their own advantages.

Staying in a bed and breakfast can make for a delightful vacation! As you’re considering options, however, be sure that you talk with the host/hostess and are comfortable with them, because their character will greatly affect your vacation. Also, be aware that though most of the B&B’s in Mazatlan are close to the beach, and some even have beautiful oceanfront views, none of them are directly on the beach. So, for example, you won’t have your own section of beach with a palapa so you can lie on the beach in the shade. Instead, to enjoy the water and the sand between your toes, you’ll have to at least cross a busy street, or maybe walk a few blocks.

This information on the different options for lodging in Mazatlan is provided by El Rancho Beach Resort, offering unique spacious villas right on the beach. For more information, explore the website: El Rancho-Mazatlan Hotel & Beach Resort.