SHORE EXCURSIONS

Your tour begins with an interesting ride along Mazatlan’s oceanfront for a view of the lighthouse and offshore islands. Continue into the heart of the old downtown for a short visit to the imposing cathedral before a stop at a waterfront rocky promontory to view the brave cliff divers.

You’ll have time to browse or shop at the Golden Zone before heading for a resort for an afternoon of swimming, sunning and relaxing, where you’ll also enjoy a delightful lunch with a colorful Mexican folkloric show. Your escort will guide you to a place to change and show you where lunch will be served.

The return to your ship will be by taxi in groups of four.

Are you ready to try Mexican salsa, margaritas and learn how to dance the Salsa? Then this tour is for you. Upon arrival at one of Mazatlan’s beachfront resorts, you’ll learn the art of making the best Mazaritas “Mazatlan Margaritas” in town and experience a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn about spices and make a variety of sassy salsas while snacking on fresh cheese quesadillas and chicken taquitos. After your cooking lesson, get ready for some real fun. A salsa instructor will show you step by step, the moves and swings of the salsa. By the end of the tour, you’ll be ready for the dance floor and armed with fantastic recipes. After the class, you’ll have the choice to relax on the beach, enjoy one of the hotel’s pools, or shop at the stores of the Golden Zone which is just a short stroll from the resort.

Explore the heart and soul of Mazatlan and be amazed by Mexico´s ancient culture and Post-Hispanic era. Your tour will begin by stopping at Vigia Hill for a perfect view of the world’s highest natural Lighthouse, offshore islands and Mazatlan’s scenic coast line. Then, ride through the city’s historic center for a visit to the 19th-century cathedral. Take a short drive to see the famous cliff divers. Next, enjoy a show at the Spectaculare Theatre, the history of Mexico with a semblance of Mayan rituals and their prophecies combined with the most representative folkloric dances. A complimentary drink will be offered at the show venue. After the show, you’ll have some free time to shop in the Golden Zone.

If you would like to get the best view of all of Mazatlan, you’ll find it at this magnificent lighthouse, 515-feet (157 m) above sea level. This is the highest natural working lighthouse in the world and at night, light can be seen more than 30 miles out at sea. Your invigorating day starts when you board your transport for a five minute ride to the foot of El Creston hill, where the lighthouse is located. Soon after, your challenging hike will take you up the winding path to the world’s highest natural lighthouse.

If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss this opportunity to see iguanas, tropical birds, butterflies and some exotic varieties of cactus and flowers along the way. Arriving at the top, your reward is the stunning view, which includes the Pacific Ocean, your ship by the harbor below and miles of Mexican coastline to the south and north. You’ll have 25 minutes to relax, have a drink and take photos. Pass by the Historical Center before on the way back to your ship.

Your journey starts with a short "Auriga" ride, an open-air converted pick-up truck, to the city’s main square. Your walking tour begins at the site of the Post Office and the 19th-century Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Explore into the heart of the Historical Center of Mazatlán, strolling through its narrow streets, while your guide informs you about the area’s history and learn about old houses along the way. See where once the “Grand Hotel” was and now the House of Music. Visit the magnificent and recently restored to its original European style “Angela Peralta” Opera House, named in honor of the world-famous Mexican opera singer. Walking through these cobblestone streets, you´ll arrive to the Old beachfront called “Olas Altas” aligned with bars, coffee shops and restaurants. As you continue your way to a rocky promontory to watch the local cliff divers who jump into a scant 8 feet of water, you’ll learn about several monuments on this beach promenade.

Your walking tour ends at one of the local restaurants, where a complimentary refreshment and some salsa & chips will be served, before proceeding back to your ship. You have the option to return directly to your ship on a complimentary transportation or take a taxi at your own expense to the Golden Zone for some shopping. If you decide to go to the Golden Zone, it will be your responsibility to get back to your ship on time.

Discover beautiful Mazatlan in a two passenger mini-Rhino. See various sites that most tourists never get to see. This is a perfect vehicle to drive through the narrow streets of the Historic District. Before starting your tour, you’ll receive a brief orientation and safety instructions from your guide. Start by visiting the Cathedral, Machado Plaza which is considered to be the heart of the historic district as well as the Opera House and its museum. Next, stop at the Diver’s site for an amazing cliff diver’s show; continue driving north along the ocean front boulevard towards New Mazatlán. Here, enjoy the scenery and views of ‘Puerto Viejo Bay’, beaches and islands. Upon arrival to the Rhino’s base camp in the Golden Zone, you’ll have time for some shopping before returning to your ship.

Ride by van to Mazatlán's Countryside. Upon arrival, your guide will provide instructions and mandatory safety gear. Drive your semi-automatic, all-terrain vehicle to an exciting ATV Adventure along a riverbed through the semi tropical brush. Here, you will find a nearby village with other scenic areas for some photo opportunities. Travel “Caravan style” along the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Drive through a blue agave plantation with its unique 130-year-old Distillery, La Vinata “Los Osuna”, where you can taste this Mexican liqueur. Ride for approximately 1 ½ hours, as you enjoy miles of endless back country roads, palm trees and the gentle river breeze. Returning to base camp, savor a delicious Mexican snack by preparing your own quesadilla, made with handmade corn tortillas, and enjoy cool bottled water to quench your thirst before returning to the ship.

Adrenaline will be pulsing through your veins after experiencing this canopy adventure! Situated approximately one hour outside of Mazatlan, the sprawling La Vinata Los Osuna plantation, where blue agave is grown and processed into tequila, is home to this exhilarating tour. Once you step off of your motorcoach, you'll be transported into a world that will take your breath away. The fun begins with the rush of an off-road experience in a classic converted Swiss Army Pinzgauer 6 x 6 vehicle delivering you from the valley floor into the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range that surround the plantation. From here, the action really begins. You'll get a thorough briefing on the techniques and safety measures used during your canopy adventure by a certified staff member who will provide you with equipment of the highest quality.

A series of 12 platforms with nine zip lines, a flex-walk bridge and nature trek await you. The course provides extraordinary views of the plantation's diverse flora and fauna while soaring above the valley floor. A rappel from the final platform located in an ancient Huanacaxtle tree will bring you safely back to earth among the vast rows of blue agave. Back at base station, where guides will help you to rid of the equipment, a snack of quesadillas and fresh apples will be offered. Before returning to your ship, if time permitted, you'll have time to visit the Los Osuna tequila distillery. You’ll see how this popular liquor is produced and be able to taste it as well. The return to your ship will be along Mazatlan's magnificent oceanfront boulevard passing by the Golden Zone.

Rising behind Mazatlan is the Sierra Madre range of mountains, which separates the coastal area of Mexico from the interior. Rich in mineral wealth and extremely rugged, these mountains have become the subject of spectacular legends. Your exploration will take you from historic Mazatlan to the Durango Highway, stopping at a brickyard where adobe bricks are handmade and fired, much as they have been for several centuries. On your next stop, meet a village family home bakery with a chance to try some typical Mexican sweet bread baked in an adobe oven. A short drive along the foothills of the Sierra Madre will take you to another colonial village full of history, Concordia, famous for its wooden furniture making, where you’ll visit a 230-year old church. Visit a furniture factory and a potter’s home who produces roof tiles, jars, flowerpots and dishes typical of this region.

A scenic drive of the Sierra Madre will take you to the village of Copala, once a thriving Spanish gold mining town founded in 1565, where you’ll take a leisurely walk through the cobblestone streets. See Colonial houses, the jail and a spectacular church dating back to the early 18th century and enjoy a delightful lunch of Mexican food at a local restaurant. Back at Mazatlan’s Golden Zone you'll have approximately 30 minutes of free time to browse and shop before the scenic drive back to your ship.

Hop on the Fun Bus for an open-air, sky view of Mazatlan. This roofless bus offers you a convenient way to discover this destination. Stop at key points for pictures, slow down at others so you get more than a passing glimpse. Pass by some highlights such as the cliff divers who soar from their towering perch into a tiny dot of water, the Glorieta Germania lookout point, and the 19th century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Cathedral is just one block from the public market in the heart of the downtown area. You’ll see colorful buildings from the Golden Age of European architecture in the Historic District as well as the Golden Zone Shopping Center located in the hotel area. Here at the Golden Zone Shopping Center you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy approximately 45 minutes of free time to browse and shop through the numerous craft and jewelry shops before returning back to your ship.

Come and enjoy one of Mazatlán’s greatest treasures, its shrimp! A short drive from the pier will take you to the exclusive residence of Villa de la Cruz, where your shrimp fest will begin. The backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountain range, the ocean, city and ships harbor will set the mood for your afternoon. Gracing the mountainside of Cerro de la Cruz, this lush private residence will be the setting for your afternoon of world famous shrimp, Mexican hospitality and live music.

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of freshly caught shrimp prepared three different ways – coco-nut shrimp, beer batter fried shrimp and shrimp fajitas. Chips, salsa and guacamole will also be served along with an open bar of margarita’s and local beer. You can either return to your ship or be dropped off at the historical downtown district of Mazatlan and return to the ship on your own.

In the waters off Mazatlan, Marlin runs from November to May and Sailfish from April to November. This is an ideal location for old pros to try their luck, and for hopeful beginners to experience the thrill of a catch. Board a 43-foot fishing boat with radio and safety equipment on board. Your experienced crew will pilot you to the fishing grounds and provide tackle and bait, and fishing tips if needed. Water, ice and limited beer and sodas will be provided on board, as well as a box lunch.