hklukas

Hi,

My husband and I are going to Mazatlan for 11 days in April. I went 15 years ago for Spring Break and had a great time. I am sure it has changed quite a bit since I was there last time and am looking for some information. When I was there last all I did was lay in the sun and drink, I never really saw the area. My questions are as follows: 1) What are the must do/see things in Mazatlan? 2) What are the restaurants and bars that we shouldn't miss? 3) We want to go deep sea fishing and need to know who is the best. 4) What is the cheapest way to get from the airport to our hotel? We are 37 and do still like to have fun so any and all suggestions are welcome. Look forward to hearing from anyone, thanks!

betteC

hklukas,

I am also going to mazatlan in Feb or April...looking to get more info...not sure what it's like...I have been to Cancun (spring break) and Cozumel..now want to see the west coast...not sure if should go with boyfriend or one of my girl friend's.

Have you had any responses yet? found any information? Seems like there is limited info on Mazatlan on this site.

thanks,
BetteC

suze

For whatever reason Mazatlan seems difficult to get information on, both on Fodors and generally speaking on the internet. I ended up buying 3 guidebooks from amazon.com in consideration of a trip there. Actually I ended up in Hawaii instead (this past February) since it was carnival time that I planned to travel and things in Mazatlan were all booked up.

suze

for BetteC- not to say anything negative about Mazatlan, but if you haven't made reservations yet you might want to check into Puerto Vallarta for an alternative West Coast destination. there's tons of information readily available about PV.

loves_to_travel

I know you are not going on a cruise, but there is tons of information on Mazatlan on Cruise Critic.com. Just go to the boards and click on Mexican Rivera.

betteC

Thanks, all....I will check those sources for Mazatlan. I would like to go to Puerto Vallarta (heard there is more action) but I have a timeshare in mazatlan ( I got the week there this year). I actually didn't want to go to a Cancun-ish place.....rather go somewhere more remote...Just need to find out the gems there...like the great mom-and-pop restaurants, the historic/neat places to see, where to go have a mango margarita, good entertainment/music, good snorkeling, and what to avoid! I appreciate all input! thanks.

jmcgill

Hi,

I am also traveling to Mazatlan this spring and was having trouble finding sites with info. I did find a site called advantagemexico.com that has a little bit of info that might help.
Happy Travels !

suze

If any of you make it to Mazatlan, maybe you can post a report when you return? Fodor's needs your help!

muleyshooter

Wow. So many people wanting infomation. There's a GREAT website hosted by a couple who live there.

http://www.maztravel.com/

I've been down there (from WA State) many times. I was just down there last December and once again stayed at Marina El Cid. I've also been to Pueblo Bonito. Both fantastic resorts.

Eat here: Zarapas, Casa Country, El Shrimp Bucket and most importantly El Paraje "The Place." 14 bucks will get you fresh lobster, fillet mignon, a baked potato, bottomless margaritas or daiquiris, vegetables and rice. It's awesome. Just ask a pulmonia driver. They'll get you there. There's no shortage of places to eat, those are just my favorites off the top of my head.

Do this: Get out of town in a pulmonia and go relax at Playa Bruja. The waves are larger and there's a great little open air restaurant. When you get tired, catch a bus back to the golden zone.
Walk the golden zone, stopping in at various hotels and talking with the locals.
You can find a charter fish boat from just about anybody. Never hesitate to ask your hotel desk or bell boy for any information. Marina El Cid has a nice fleet and can take you. Go see Miguel in the lobby.
Bull fighting every Sunday. It ends early April. Not for everybody (as they DO kill the bull) but interesting nonetheless.
Climb El Faro, the natural lighthouse at the south end of town and stop to see the cliff divers on your way.
Rend a scooter/moped and see the town on your own terms.
Visit the downtown market. It's everything you'd expect.

Feel free to ask me particulars. If I can help, I will.

Hope this helps.

muleyshooter

As far as transportation to and from the hotel:

Pulmonias (the open air taxis) are no longer allowed to go to the airport. They'll get a ticket if they do. You only option is to take a cab for about $25 USD each way. Plan on that. If you're traveling solo or with one person, strike up a conversation on the plane with the person next to you. If they're willing, split a cab. You're all probably going to the Golden Zone anyway. For those who don't know, the Golden Zone is the beach front hotel area that stretches for a couple miles. All the major hotels are there, as well as the best restaurants and activities. So, splitting a cab with someone to the zone will most likely end up with you both staying at hotels that are just a few blocks from each other.

suze

i noticed the forum at trip advisor for mazatlan appears quite active.

hklukas

Muleyshooter,

Thanks for the info on the Taxi from the airport. For two people it should be $25? I looked into setting up a transfer but they want $24 per person which seems like a lot to me. Trying to find a reasonable way that is easy. Have also looked on a bunch of the sites mentioned and there's lots of good info.

Thanks again!

muleyshooter

$24 per person is outrageous. Don't worry about getting a transfer in Mazatlan. You will get off the plane, clear customs and walk toward the main exit/ticket counters. Once you walk outside you'll be bombarded with cab drivers. A reservation for transportation is totally unnecessary. Just expect to pay about $25 each way.

I believe I remember seeing shuttles or vans, but the majority of the taxis (not the open air pulmonias which only operate in town) are the equivilant of a small 4-door car. We've had three people in one plus a driver and fit comfortably. It's about 15 - 20 minutes to the Golden Zone.

Don't worry about prearranged transportation to and from the airport.

Have fun.

muleyshooter

To claify: $25 per car. Not per person.