Last updated on February 5th, 2021

Mazatlán Cliff Diver, El Clavadista, Visit Mazatlán

Mazatlán Cliff Diver, Flickr / Jennifer Williams

Visit Mazatlán – Cliff Divers

When you visit Mazatlán, watch the cliff divers at El Clavadista.  The cliff divers don’t jump from as high as the cliff divers in Acapulco, but it’s still impressive.  Collections are made from the crowd until the jump is made.  When the cliff divers finally jump, they almost hit the rocks at the base of the jump.  The water is very shallow, so the dive must be timed with the waves.

It’s very sobering to see a diver emerge with cuts and scrapes after a jump that earns only a few dollars.  You can also visit the Monument to the Mazatlan Woman immediately south of the cliff diving area.

Sheik Restaurant, Malecon, Visit Mazatlán

Sheik Restaurant, Malecon

Visit Mazatlán – Malecon

The Malecón – the walkway along Avenida del Mar is one of the longest beach fronts in the world.  The Malecon covers 13 miles.  Beaches include Playa Olas Altas and Playa Gaviotas.  Stop at Sheik for drinks.

Mazatlán Cathedral, Basilica of Immaculate Conception, Shore Excursion Mazatlán

Mazatlán Cathedral, Basilica of Immaculate Conception

Mazatlán Cathedral

The Mazatlán Cathedral is a special stop for those who visit Mazatlán.  It’s also called the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.  The Mazatlán Cathedral is a beautiful church and it’s open free of charge to the public.  The Cathedral is in the Old Town.

When you visit Mazatlán Cathedral, you can also see the Plaza Machado, the Ángela Peralta Theater, the Archeological Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, the Museo Casa Machado, the Pedro Infante Museum and the Pino Suarez Market.

Cliff Diver, El Clavadista, Mazatlán Shore Excursion

Cliff Diver, El Clavadista

Visit Mazatlán – Hotels

  • El Cid Marina Beach Hotel includes option for all-inclusive
  • Condominio Condesa
  • Holiday Inn Resort Mazatlan
Mazatlán Cathedral, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Visit Mazatlán

Mazatlán Cathedral, Wikimedia / Panza Rayada

Visit Mazatlán – More Sights

  • Old Town Tour and Ferry to Stone Island Beach
  • Mazatlan Aquarium
  • Bosque de la Ciudad – park and children’s playground.
  • Mazagua Aquatic Park and adjacent Estero El Yugo Nature Preserve.
  • Tour the Mazatlán Lighthouse at the entrance to the harbor.
  • Zipline and Kayak River Ride.
  • Sunset cruise
  • Deep sea fishing
Visit Mazatlán Malecon Beach

Mazatlán Malecon Beach

Sights near Mazatlán

  • Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and El Quelite Village
  • Take a ferry to La Paz on the Baja California peninsula.
Creston Island, Visit Mazatlán

Creston Island

Mazatlán Weather

The Mazatlán weather in the winter months attracts tourists and retirees.  From December to April, expect Mazatlán weather to have winter highs around 80 F (26 C).  Average lows during the winter months are about 60 F (15 C).  During the summer months from May to October, the average highs are 90 F (32 C) and average lows are 84 F (29 C).  The ocean temperature increases in the summer, making the beaches more popular for swimming.  The rainy season extends from July to September.

Mazatlán Cathedral Interior, Visit Mazatlán

Mazatlán Cathedral Interior

Get to Mazatlán

Tourists get to Mazatlán through General Rafael Buelna International Airport (MZT).  Mazatlán doesn’t have a subway system or rapid transit, because it’s a small town.  The cab ride from the airport takes about 30 minutes to the downtown waterfront.  In the downtown area, it’s inexpensive to catch a ride in an open air golf cart type taxi known as a pulmonia.  Cruise ships don’t often visit Mazatlán, but the port can easily dock a couple of cruise ships.

Visit Mazatlán – Background

About half a million people live in Mazatlán.  The city is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico to the north of Puerto Vallarta and to the east of Cabo San Lucas.  Mazatlán was founded by the Spanish in the 1500s.  During the 1800s German immigrants settled in the city.  The German immigrants had a big impact on the culture of Mazatlán.  The city is a popular tourist destination for its weather and beaches.  A large number of resorts line the coast.  The low cost of living and excellent medical coverage in Mexico have made it a popular retirement location for North Americans.