Mazatlan Beaches?

[SEANPARTS]

I am traveling on the Oosterdam on February 19th to the Mexican Riveria. Can anyone suggest some good beaches in Mazatlan? Thought I'd ask the experts!

[1cruiselvr]

The best beach area I found was on Stone Island. You need to take a water taxi to get there. If you like horseback riding on the beach, try Randis Happy Horses excursion. You get the best of both options - a horseback ride on the beach,the opportunity to dine at Victor's as well as enjoy the beach/ocean after lunch. Other than Stone Island, I haven't found a great Mazatlan beach area. It's mainly a fishing town, not known for it's beaches. Happy Sailing!

[CanadianMAG]

. If you like horseback riding on the beach, try Randis Happy Horses excursion.
IS horseback riding on the beach legal there now??? (i guess if there is an ecursion) When I was there 5 years ago there were someone who had a tour and the hotel told us that it was illegal.... I did it anyways since other people did... needless to say the police there have us a hard time, it was scary cause they had machine guns with them!

[DJP]

We spent a week in Mazatlan a few years ago and the beaches are definitely not like the beaches in the Caribbean and snorkeling is marginal at best. The sand is brown and the color of the water is not the beautiful turquoise you find in the Caribbean. However, we loved Mazatlan and there's alot to do and see there. We stayed at the El Cid which had an enormous pool with a beautiful waterfall and there were a number of cruise passengers using the pool during the week. Not sure if that was an excursion or if passengers had just heard about the great pool and wandered up there. Of course, as hotel guests we were not at all pleased to have so many cruise passengers there taking up the pool lounges and seats at the swim up bar :-) Enjoy your cruise!

[1cruiselvr]

I don't why they told you horseback riding is illegal in Mazatlan. I've been doing Randi's excursion for at least 5 yrs, no problem. Of course, it's on Stone Island, not the city beaches of Mazatlan. Maybe that's the difference. I wouldn't do itwith anyone else, as horse care in Mexico can be poor, but Randi's horses are treated well and in good shape. Happy Sailing!

[CanadianMAG]

I don't why they told you horseback riding is illegal in Mazatlan. I've been doing Randi's excursion for at least 5 yrs, no problem. Of course, it's on Stone Island, not the city beaches of Mazatlan. Maybe that's the difference. I wouldn't do itwith anyone else, as horse care in Mexico can be poor, but Randi's horses are treated well and in good shape. Happy Sailing!

It was on the main beach that the Hotels are on, maybe thats why. I will tell you this, I will never mess with Mexican police again!!:cool:

[SEANPARTS]

Thanks so much for the info guys. Much appreciated!

[1cruiselvr]

We cruise Mexico alot. It has been our experience that the hotel manager doesn't mind if cruise pax spend the day enjoying their amenities, like pool, etc. as long as they are spending money on drinks, food etc. It's more revenue for them. We usually approach the hotel mgr and ask. We have never been turned away. Last time the hotel mgr said as long as we bought lunch in their restaurant, we were free to enjoy the day at their hotel which we did. Had great fresh fish tacos and margaritas, then a dip in the pool. So that's probably why so many cruise pax were at El Cid while you stayed there. Happy Sailing!

[cruznon]

Seanparts,

We're on the same cruise! (We have a few people signed up on the roll call board.)

We've never done the beach thing there(Mazatlan). My husband and daughter loved the shopping and restaurants in the Gold Zone. We have never found good beaches there.
I've never heard about Stone Island before--thanks for the info!:)

[SEANPARTS]

Cruznon Maybe we can get togther for a drink. I'm traveling with a fun group!