10 Best Beaches in Mazatlán

Olas Altas Beach is known to be one of the best beaches in Mazatlán and a favourite among locals in the city. It has an enviable location at the southern end of the Malecón, close to some of the main historical sights of the Old Town and you’ll find statues, such as La Mujer Delfín (Dolphin Lady) and the piano man sculpture close to the beach. 

Olas Altas Beach (High Waves Beach) is popular with surfers and body boarders, as well as serving up sweeping, golden sands to relax on. If the waves are too high, take a dip in Mazatlán’s historic saltwater pool, Carpa Olivera ‘Alberca de Mar’, which is calm, warm and free to use.  

To the north of Mazatlán, Playa Brujas (Witches Beach) is a beautiful white-sand beach lined with palm trees meeting crystal-clear blue ocean with sweeping waves. It's a popular spot for water sports and surfing, and you can rent boards or arrange lessons if needed. 

There is some development in this area with beach resorts dotted along the coast, but the beach is well-maintained and not usually over-crowded. There are some quality seafood restaurants, so tuck into juicy coconut shrimp, lobster or oysters under a palapa, watching the surfers hit the waves. 

If you want to escape the city for a day, Stone Island (Isla de las Piedras) is a peninsula just a quick hop over the water from Mazatlán Old Town. Arrange an organised tour or take a boat over from the port near the cruise ship terminal. You’ll be greeted with big stretches of fine, sandy beach, coconut trees and a chilled out, Mexican beach vibe.   

If water sports are your thing, you’ll be well catered for at Stone Island. Try snorkelling, scuba, kayak, parasail, jet-ski, fishing and more, with rentals and lessons available. Back on dry land, arrange horse-riding tours, or simply relax on the sand with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available to rent. 

Found close to Playa Brujas to the north of the city and just outside of the Golden Zone, Playa Cerritos is quieter and less developed than neighbouring beaches in Mazatlán. With a rugged coastline and expanse of uncrowded, golden sands that stretch on and on, it feels like a natural beach paradise in the city. 

You’re likely to see surfers hitting the big waves at the northern end of Playa Cerritos as well as fisherman hauling in their catch of the day. It’s the perfect place to chill out, read a book or watch the world go by from the soft sand. The beach is around 5 km long and you can walk to it from the Golden Zone or Centro. 

Playa Camarón Sábalo is a high energy beach in the Golden Zone, where you’ll find big resort hotels. This popular beach is often busy but there’s always something to do, with water sports such as banana boating, kayaking, jet-skiing or surfing. It’s also easy to swim in the sea with a gradual slope into the water.    

Situated close to Mazatlán Marina, you won’t be short of places to eat and drink with numerous seafood restaurants and beach-front bars, where you can sip a cocktail with your toes in the sand. Playa Camarón Sábalo is also one of the best beaches in Mazatlán to see a spectacular sunset, so prepare your camera to snap an iconic holiday photo. 

A Golden Zone staple, Playa Las Gaviotas knows how to have fun. Take to the waves on a banana boat or catamaran or enjoy a dip in warm, clear waters as the beach’s sheltered location makes it ideal for swimming. The soft, golden sand is great for sunbathing and the beach is well-serviced with sun lounger and umbrella rentals available. 

Due to its prime real estate in Mazatlán’s Golden Zone, you won’t struggle to find places to eat, drink and party into the night at Playa Gaviotas. It’s also a great area for shopping and there are numerous vendors selling street food, drinks and souvenirs on the beach and the Malecón. 

Playa Norte is a lesser-known beach in Mazatlán, stretching from the Monumento al Pescador, a monument honouring local fisherman, up to the Golden Zone. It’s a favoured chunk of coastline for sea fishing and you’ll see local fisherman bringing in their latest catch at the southern end of the beach. 

Stretching for 6km, Playa Norte is a long beach with a wide expanse of golden sand but it’s quiet and peaceful so don’t expect lots of water sports and activities. However, the water is calm for swimming if you fancy a dip. Plus, you’ll often see street food vendors selling shrimp tacos and cold drinks, so enjoy local treats as you chill out on the beach.  

If you’re looking for a beach day out of the city, head to Deer Island (Isla de Venados) off the coast of Mazatlán. The biggest and most popular of the 3 islands found here, it’s easy to catch a boat over and you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and a more laid-back vibe than you might find at the city’s main beaches. 

There’s a wide range of water sports available, including banana boats, kayaks, paddle boards and jet-skis. Due to its sheltered location, the water is warm and crystal-clear, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Back on dry land, explore the island and hike nature trails as well as take photos with incredible views of the city across the water.  . 

Situated to the north of the city, El Verde Camacho beach is a beautiful, natural beach, which is home to the El Verde Camacho Sea Turtle Sanctuary. As a special experience, don’t miss the chance to get up close with the turtle hatchlings at this important nesting site, which is a protected area in Mazatlán. 

Playa el Verde Camacho is surrounded by vegetation and mangrove forests, and you can see rare birds, fish and even crocodiles in this coastal ecosystem. There are several nature trails to hike or arrange an organised tour if you want to make the most of your visit. This beach is also a peaceful, secluded place to watch the sunset. 

Situated close to Playa Norte, Playa los Pinitos is a small beach found on the coast of Mazatlan’s historic Downtown. This sheltered cove is popular with local families as it’s a safe spot for swimming with calm, clear waters.  

A peaceful, secluded beach, Playa los Pinitos feels off the beaten track, but is conveniently located close to the main sights of the city’s bustling Old Town. Rent sun loungers and umbrellas and pick up drinks from street vendors, or grab a bite to eat at one of the seafood restaurants dotted along the beachfront.