Mazatlan Beaches
Mazatlan has great beaches. If you really want to enjoy the beach on your vacation, there's no better destination on the Pacific Coast than Mazatlan. The beaches in Mazatlan have a lot of advantages. For one thing, there is a lot of beach, with about 17 miles of Pacific coastline. That places Mazatlan as the tourist destination with some of the longest stretches of uninterrupted beach in all of Mexico. Mazatlan's beaches are also truly beautiful, with wide stretches of golden-white sand and a gradual drop-off into the Pacific Ocean so that it's easy to play in the waves.
There are a wide variety of Mazatlan beaches. Here is a brief description of the different beaches and the specific characteristics of each one.
Playa Olas Altas
On the shore near the historic downtown area of Mazatlan is Playa Olas Altas, the beach that first made Mazatlan famous. In the 1940's and 50's when Mazatlan first became a popular location for tourists, famous film stars like John Wayne and Robert Mitchum came to enjoy the sun and sand of Playa Olas Altas. Located inside a deep cove, this Mazatlan beach is actually not ideal for swimming, because the crosscurrents cause some of the waves to be dangerous, but it allows for wonderful sunning and surfing.
Icebox Hill (Cerro de la Neveria) / Diver's Point / Playa Los Pinos
On the north end of the cove is Icebox Hill, where you can find Diver's Point. Early in the morning on the shore below you can buy fresh seafood directly from the fisherman who dock their boats there. Expert divers also put on an excellent show here, diving into the surf and rocky water from an elevated platform on Diver's Point.
Playa Norte
Heading north from the downtown area the Playa Norte beach is flanked by the broad Avenida del Mar. The area is distinguished by the "Malecón," a wide beautiful promenade that overlooks the Mazatlan beach. The beach itself has fine white sand and waves that can be quite forceful, but the drop-off to the ocean is very gradual so there isn't much danger. There are plenty of palapa restaurants where you can get fresh seafood and cold drinks.
Punta Camarón
At the north end of the Malecón is a rocky promontory where beginner and intermediate surfers test their skills. On the point, "Punta Camaron," is Valentino's, a popular disco in Mazatlan.
Playa Gaviotas & Playa Sabalo / Golden Zone
The most popular and crowded beaches in Mazatlan are Playa Gaviotas and Playa Sabalo in the area of the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada). These Mazatlan beaches are the best for swimming, with a wide stretch of golden sand. At low tide it's possible to wade out up to 50m (160 ft.). The waves here are more gentle because there are three small islands just off shore, Isla de Chivos, Isla de Venados, and Isla de Pajaros, which break the incoming surf. The Golden Zone is an unashamedly touristy area with many large beach resorts. It also is the area with the greatest concentration of vendors selling crafts, jewelry, carvings, and even vacation timeshares, so be prepared to say "No" innumerable times.
Mazatlan Marina
At the north end of the Golden Zone is the Mazatlan Marina. The marina offers all the necessary services to take care of your boat or yacht.
Playa Cerritos
Uncrowded and with beautiful sand, Playa Cerritos is the best option among Mazatlan beaches for those who want to relax in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Originally the area only had a few resorts, and even though recently there has been considerable development of condominium complexes, the Cerritos area has maintained a more reserved atmosphere. The beach extends a good three miles without any interruption, allowing plenty of room for a sunset stroll. It also offers an excellent opportunity for collecting seashells at low tide. There are a few restaurants directly on the beach where you can enjoy some excellent seafood along with a great view. There aren't many hotels available in this area because the majority of developments are condominium complexes, but Villas El Rancho does offer full hotel and beach resort services with its spacious beachfront villas.
Playa Brujas
At the north end of Playa Cerritos is Playa Bruja, a popular hangout for serious surfers and other beach bums. The stronger waves make for great surfing, but swimming isn't much of an option.
One great thing about Mexican law is that all beaches are public property, so anyone is free to enjoy any of the beaches in any part of Mazatlan. Choose the beach that best suits your taste and make the most of the san and sand in Mazatlan!