SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Cruise the turquoise seas off Mazatlan in a sleek triple-hulled trimaran and enjoy an array of water activities while anchored off Deer Island. While cruising along the coast with a refreshing mimosa in hand, you will pass Bird Island, part of a pristine ecological reserve that is protected from development. Similarly, only wildlife inhabits larger Deer Island, which also lies within the reserve. Depending on where the trimaran drops anchor, you may spot seabirds, pods of dolphin and seals along the coast. You will be free to enjoy the crystal-clear waters as you please. You might take a leisurely dip, float around on a swim noodle, paddle off in a kayak and bask in the sun while stretched out on a water mat. All the gear is available on board as is a box lunch whenever you get hungry. The open bar will make the adventure all the more enjoyable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the tropical views while sailing along the coast in a triple-hulled trimaran.
• Engage in all sorts of water activities while anchored off uninhabited Deer Island.
• Enjoy a box lunch on board and an open bar throughout the cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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.

OVERVIEW

Ride an open-air trolley through Old Town and hop off at attractions where the city’s history comes to life. Being on the coast, Mazatlán has long revolved around the sea as you will discover at the Monument to the Fisherman, a statue by the large, multi-colored letters that spell “Mazatlán”. Nearby, you will see street vendors selling freshly caught shrimp and pause to watch daring cliff divers leap into the crashing ocean 50 feet below. Playa Olas Atlas – Mazatlán's Old beach front (not recommended to swim)– helped fuel its early tourism in the 1950s and is still a popular draw. Even so, Old Town’s attractions aren’t all water related. The trolley will also allow time for shopping and to visit the twin-spired 19th-century Immaculate Conception Cathedral. From Watchman’s Hill, you will see why the Spaniards found Mazatlán's natural harbor so appealing when they established a settlement there nearly 500 years ago.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride through Old Town on a trolley for an outstanding overview of Mazatlán.
• Drop by the Fisherman’s Monument and pass by the city’s Old Beachfront..
• Admire architectural treasures such as the 19th-century Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
• Watch cliff-divers perform death-defying leaps into the sea.
• Snap a selfie at the sign that spells “Mazatlán” in large colorful letters by the Fisherman´s Monument.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes and a hat.

A day of tranquility on the unspoiled Stone Island awaits you. Board a catamaran for a 25-minute cruise to Stone Island and pass by the Pacifico Brewery, the naval base and the fishing and shrimp fleet along the harbor. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported via a typical tractor-pulled cart, that will take you, on a bumpy ride, to the soft waves, and natural landscape which makes Stone Island an isolated and relaxed environment.

For nearly three hours you’re free to enjoy its unspoiled beaches that stretch for over 12 miles. For included optional activities, when available, you can take a relaxing trek atop a carriage pulled by horse or ride a horse while admiring the abundant palm trees cultivated by ejido farmers or just enjoy a swim in the clear Pacific Ocean.

An island style lunch of fish, chicken, quesadillas served with refried beans, Mexican rice, salad and Mexican sauces, is served in a rustic thatched roof restaurant. Beer, soft drinks, bottled water and domestic drinks are included.

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.

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.

Enjoy a day of fun in the sun at one of Mazatlan’s most well-known beach resorts set right in the heart of the Golden Zone. Take an approximate 30-minute bus ride to the Golden Zone where your resort and all its amenities await. At the resort, your tour escort who will show you all the facilities that are yours to enjoy for the day, including the resort’s five swimming pools and beautiful beach. Learn about the myriad of optional activities that the resort has to offer. Enjoy two complimentary beverages and a delicious Mexican buffet lunch prepared by the resort’s chef.

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.

OVERVIEW

Watch a highly entertaining Lucha Libre wrestling show much like the flamboyant performances of the mid-20th century, the heyday of this classic Mexican sport. To prepare for the fun that follows, you can take advantage of the open margarita bar on arrival there and snacks at the venue. You can expect the performance that follows to be wild and woolly. Lucha Libre means “free fight,” although there are some rules to keep the fast-moving action from getting out of hand. Most luchadores wear colorful masks – even in public when not wrestling – that conjure up images of ancient Aztec warriors and spiritual figures. A wrestler that removes an opponent’s mask in the ring is instantly disqualified. The luchadores will execute high-flying aerial maneuvers throughout the show, moves similar to those in mixed martial arts. It will be easy to get caught up in the action, so feel free to cheer loud and long.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See a wild, gravity-defying performance by masked Lucha Libre wrestlers.
• Be awed by the wrestlers’ acrobatic, high-flying maneuvers.
• Enjoy the open margarita bar and traditional Mexican snacks at the venue.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing and a hat.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Shekinah Beach Club, a resort setting in northern Mazatlan that will seem worlds away. On the way there, you will ride past the popular Malecón promenade that hugs the coast and on into the Golden Zone, a bustling hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. The atmosphere at the beach resort is more refined and serene, which will encourage you to completely relax. You might lie back on a lounge chair and bask in the sun, ease into the refreshing infinity pool, and let the swirling waters of the jacuzzi soothe both body and soul. There is even a private adults-only pool with a temazcal sauna said to have healing benefits. If you are looking for more physical activity, you might join a game of volleyball. The sand court is right in front of the two restaurants where you will dine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take full advantage of the amenities at the Shekinah Beach Club.
• Enjoy the laidback atmosphere meant to soothe both body and soul.
• Swim in the pools, bask in the sun and relax in the jacuzzi.
• Dine on traditional Mexican dishes or another tasty option.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and biodegradable sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Celebrate like a local at the Mexican fair held daily at El Tenampa, a restaurant in a country-like setting. You will first visit the 19th-century Mazatlan Cathedral for an understanding of how religious traditions influence Mexican fairs and the annual Carnival that is held in the spring. To prepare for those festive events, many locals shop at a nearby market, where you will see a variety of colorful merchandise. After a short walk through the historical district, you will drop by a store that sells jewelry much like that worn during Carnival. By the time you arrive at the restaurant, you will be well versed in the traditions of Mexican fairs. After dining on an array of dishes that may include gorditas and tacos filled with ingredients such as Jamaican flowers – which are dried red hibiscus buds – you can join in a host of games typically played at fairs. Tastings will also be offered.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Play traditional Mexican games at a restaurant that celebrates every day with a lively fair.
• Dine on a hearty lunch of classic dishes usually served at Mexican fairs.
• Visit a market and jewelry store where locals buy merchandise in preparation for fairs.
• See how religious tradition influences fairs by visiting Mazatlan Cathedral.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.