Introduction

Mazatlan is both a thriving fishing port and a successful tourist resort, which gives it an appealing air of self assurance. Since it doesn’t depend solely on tourism dollars to survive, unlike other major resorts, its welcome of visitors is that much more sincere. And while less glamorous than its closest west coast rival, Puerto Vallarta, it is also less commercial and often less crowded.

The resort is a favorite among US and Canadian tourists, especially in winter, due to its mild climate and proximity, with direct flights to much of the southern and western United States. Situated just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlan is cooled by northerly breezes but still pleasantly tropical.

Renowned for its sport fishing, it has numerous operators offering catch and release expeditions for tuna, marlin and sailfish. With a new marina offering slips for a variety of yacht sizes, it is coming into its own as a sailing destination and is also an important ferry port for the crossing to La Paz, in Baja California Sur.

The resort is growing, as a fledgling development to the north, called Nuevo Mazatlan, can attest. Plans call for the building of hotels, residences, a golf course and a bypass that will provide direct access from the international airport.