Mexico is the second most visited tourist destination for Canadians after the United States, offering everything from sun-soaked, sparkling white sand beaches to rich history, flavorful cuisine, vibrant culture, and more.
While the Riviera Maya attracts many Canadians from the eastern provinces, Mexico’s Pacific coast offers unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
I recently visited Mazatlán, Mexico’s seafood capital, expecting to see some of the country’s typical tourist attractions, including breathtaking beaches, delicious food, and warm locals. However, this coastal gem offers much more than soft, sandy shores and tasty eats.
Here are some of Mazatlán’s attractions for people of all ages from the perspective of a Vancouverite:
Grand Aquarium of the Sea of Cortés
The Grand Aquarium of the Sea of Cortés, or Gran Acuario Mazatlán “Mar de Cortés,” features 25 habitats showcasing everything from sharks to sea lions, penguins to rays, and much more.
My group had close encounters with three penguins, each with a distinctive personality. We got to pet one, feed another, and play tug-of-war with the third. One of my personal favorites was Ray Bay, where you can pet the slimy sea creatures as they eagerly pop out of the water. The rays, appearing to have smiling faces on their undersides, flock to the side of the tank for gentle pets.
The aquarium houses six ray species, including the California butterfly ray, longtail stingray, blotched stingray, golden cownose ray, round stingray, and speckled guitarfish. The sea lion shows are also a hit, with the animals leaping out of the water and clapping their hands after performances.
One of the most impressive areas is the ocean tank with several shark species, including blacktip, bignose, and sandbar sharks. Nurse sharks can also be seen congregating overhead while waiting for food. During a nighttime event, we interacted with a boa constrictor, an owl, a falcon, and other unique animals.
Adult tickets cost 470 pesos (C$32) and children’s tickets cost 370 pesos (C$25).
The 1873 Observatory Tourist Park
Visitors take a funicular ride up the steep hillside to reach the Observatory, offering scenic ocean views that are breathtaking day and night. At 75 meters above sea level, you can explore Cerro del Vigía, originally built as a military observation post. The interior has been reimagined for tourists and serves as a museum showcasing the region’s history through artifacts and pictures. The Skybar 360 offers panoramic views and serves fancy cocktails and sophisticated bites.
The El Nido Mexican Bird Sanctuary houses over 70 bird species, including toucans, flamingos, and parrots. Guests can step inside and admire the beautiful exotic birds. Our guides introduced us to a talkative parrot that chirped “hola” several times.
The Agaviary, located outside the bird sanctuary, offers over 30 species of cacti and agave. A tour includes a tasting of three different mezcals, historical information, and awe-inspiring views from the observatory.
Visitors can also partake in a cacao ceremony, connecting with the region’s ancient traditions and culture. My group sipped freshly made cocoa and were asked to close our eyes and connect with ourselves and nature. The experience left me with an overwhelming sense of calm and love.
An adult ticket costs about 500 pesos (C$34) and a child’s ticket costs 350 pesos (C$23).
Mazatlán offers a unique and enriching experience for travelers, making it an ideal destination for Metro Vancouverites seeking a memorable Mexican holiday.
National Whale Museum (Munba)
Mazatlán’s National Whale Museum (Munba) is a remarkable testament to conservation and education efforts led by director Óscar Guzón. Visitors can learn about at-risk species, discover rare skeletal remains, and explore new technologies. Located in the area of the 1873 Observatory tourist park, the museum is an ideal stop after enjoying the views from above. A visit to the whale museum is included in the ticket to the observatory.
Our tour began with a journey under a nearly 50-foot blue whale skeleton, followed by an exploration of the evolution of whales from a common ancestor. Guzón, who has studied cetaceans worldwide for over two decades, highlighted the grave threats facing marine inhabitants. “During the industrial whaling 200 years ago, all whale populations were hunted at over 90 percent. Many are barely recovering,” he explained.
The oceanologist guided us through the center, where we discovered more massive skeletons. We learned about the ocean’s largest predator, the sperm whale, which is also the largest-toothed mammal on earth. Unlike other predators, larger whales have baleen that sieves food from salt water.
The center offers unique learning opportunities for children, including a portal that mimics the process of tagging humpback whales for research. Our group enjoyed tagging the ocean dwellers as their massive fins appeared above the water. Guzón explained that researchers identify the animals by documenting the distinctive black and white pigment and scars on their tails. Having worked with humpbacks for 20 years, he has identified several that migrate from Mexico to B.C. waters.
Focusing solely on whales and dolphins, the center is a unique attraction. It was designed to be a “magical place” that takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of species and the challenges they face today. Guzón’s passion for preserving ocean life in the Sea of Cortez was evident, and we left with a greater appreciation for declining species.
New Zipline at 1873 Observatory
A new zipline spanning 1,265 meters above the ocean from the lighthouse to the lookout will open in mid-December at the Observatory. While it won’t be Latin America’s longest, it will be the longest one running above the ocean in Mexico. The Observatory described the new attraction as perfect for “the most avid adventurer” looking to explore the scenic destination at speeds up to 120 km/h. The trip’s duration from platform one to two will likely be 1.15 to 1.2 minutes, depending on factors like wind and temperature.
The height from the lighthouse’s entry to the launching platform is 155 to 165 meters, offering a bird’s eye view of the ocean, city, and coastline. The activity is expected to cost 1,800 pesos (approximately C$124) and includes a visit to the observatory and the National Whale Museum.
Shekinah Beach Club
The new Shekinah Beach Club offers a blend of sophisticated glamour and bohemian charm. Guests can relax poolside or gaze at the mesmerizing Pacific from lounge chairs. The oasis features an infinity pool, a waterhole with natural filtration, a unique sweat lodge, a meditation area, and more.
I spent the day with friends, lounging by the pool and sampling the club’s food and drinks. We also enjoyed a sound healing and meditation ceremony that allowed us to completely relax. For an extra fee, guests can enjoy a massage or detox in the sweat lodge (Temazcal) or access private cabañas.
Hot snacks from Fuego include pizza, hot dogs, club sandwiches, costillas baby back (Mexican baby back ribs), and nachos. At Kai, visitors can try fresh seafood options and a variety of sushi, including sashimi, nigiri, tempura, and rolls.
Shekinah Day Pass prices are 949 pesos (approximately C$65) for adults and 649 pesos (approximately C$45) for children. The day pass includes a food and beverage credit of 475 pesos (approximately C$33) for adults and 350 pesos (approximately C$24) for children.
Baseball
The Venados de Mazatlán are a professional baseball team in the Mexican Pacific League. Unlike other popular tourist destinations like Los Cabos, Mazatlán offers the chance to see pro sports up close. The team plays at Estadio Teodoro Mariscal, a beautiful outdoor stadium visible from many of the city’s resorts and top destinations, including the 1873 Observatory.
North American visitors may be surprised by the wide range of snacks and meals available at a game. Attendees can try everything from seafood to individual pizzas, tacos to hot dogs, spicy candy to empanadas, fresh fruit, and more.
I tried a Marranda bag, which includes Doritos (I chose Flaming Hot) topped with fresh seafood, candy, apple slices, chickpeas, and other treats. While the combination may seem bizarre, it transforms into an addictive mix of flavors. It pairs well with a light beer or margarita, both available at the food stalls.
The team also features unique “cheerleaders” performing between innings. Instead of a female squad, several nearly shirtless men with cowboy hats entertain the crowd.
The name Venados (“deers” in English) is a nod to the city’s etymological roots, as Mazatlán means “Land of the deer” in the Nahuatl language.
Source: Vancouver is Awesome
