Unique, Unusual, & Offbeat Things to Do in Mazatlan
Yes there’s plenty of white sand and cheap eats in Mazatlan, (and plenty of cheap flights to get you there too), but you can’t spend every day either at the beach or stuffing your gob (or maybe you can.) If, however, you’re in the market for some interesting ways to spend your non-beach days, check out some of these suggestions of Quirky Things to Do in Mazatlan.
1. Get Kissed
The sea lion show at the Mazatlan Aquarium is not only fun and engaging, it’s also interactive (and even a little interspecies.) Just remember, this isn’t SeaWorld though, but that’s a good thing. This is much smaller and intimate operation, which means you can get up close and personal with the critters – like this lady did above.
2. Go Diving (or maybe just watch)
Many people think of Acapulco when they think of cliff-diving, but Mazatlan has a pretty healthy (and harrowing) cliff-diving scene as well. The clavadistas have been hurling themselves into the seas off Mazatlan’s rocky cliffs since their youth, so don’t be too scared. A small tip for the divers is appreciated, if they make it back to shore of course. If they don’t, well, a small prayer will do just nicely.
3. Meet the Locals
Not all Mazatlecos are as colourful as this chap above, but the inhabitants of Mazatlan are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality. There’s even a large expat community. You can check out the goings-on and some of the transplanted locals at MazatlanMyCity.com.
4. Go to a Drive Thru
Leave it to Mexico to find yet another way to beat the heat. While drinking and driving anywhere of course is just plain stupid, you’ve got to admit a drive-thru liquor store is pretty handy when you need a to pick up a couple of cold ones for back at your hotel.
5. Take in an Art Show
Mazatlan has a thriving Arts Scene, and not only in its galleries. Funky street art like the mural above can be found throughout the historic centre of town. You’ll have to venture outside the Zona Dorado into the Old Town to see the best of it, but don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe and you’ll be rewarded with much more authentic art than you’ll find in your hotel lobby.
Note: I was a guest of the Mazatlan Hotel Association during my stay here, but these views on Quirky Things to do in Mazatlan are entirely my own.
You forgot “Stare dumbstruck at the crazy-stupid nails the lady getting kissed has!”
Amy recently posted..How to Get Twitter Followers Free, Fast & with SOME Dignity
Let’s make it a nice round “6″ then.
Apparently there is a lot more street art than just around the historical district. I really want to go back and do a street art tour.
Ayngelina recently posted..Eiffel Tower Reunites in New York City
I think I want to go back and give that sea lion my number.
I feel like I’ve dismissed Mexico in the past because it seems so close by and therefore not as “exotic” — but posts like this remind me how wrong I am!
Alex recently posted..Whaling in Iceland: My Plea to Tourists
A lot of Canadians are the same way — there’s so much more than just the resorts though.
I liked Mazatlan when I was there several years ago, it seemed very laid back.
Emily in Chile recently posted..Saturday in Santiago: Esquina de Dioses
I was digging the vibe there too.
I love that first picture. That woman’s nails are fierce!
Caanan @ No Vacation Required recently posted..We Want Marriage Equality – We Need Your Help
I thought the sea lion was fiercer. Or maybe that’s just my love of sea lions rearing it’s fierce head.
Haven’t made it here yet…will remember these!
Federico recently posted..Extreme Zip Lining in Copper Canyon, Chihuahua
You should go — Mazatlan is a great town…
I love the pic of the local!
Erica recently posted..Faster than a New York Minute
She’s hot!
I die for that dude and his dog on the bike.
He was AWESOME!
Once again, I love that street art. The cliff diving is pretty incredible, but I think I’d stick to just watching!
Yeah I get butterflies I have to jump off something higher than 10 feet!
The sea lion is so cute- I want a kiss!
I actually did get a kiss. I smelled like fish for 2 days after.
The sea lion is super sweet! Such a pain to see them in an aquarium instead of free to wander in their habitat..
Angela recently posted..A maze of cliffs, water springs, white beaches: welcome to Beberibe
When the beaches look like this…
http://globetrottergirls.com/2012/08/where-the-other-shoe-drops-clean-up-project/
…sometimes I think they’re better off in the aquarium.
Raymond Walsh recently posted..From Cranes to Caves: Unique Accommodations to Live Like an Eccentric
Cool photos! Looks like an interesting place
Mazatlan was a lot hipper than I imagined.
That cliff diving looks awesome. And a drive through liquor store? It’s been a while since I’ve seen one of those.
I walked through, so I guess I never had the real Mexican experience.
I got “kissed” by an elephant in Thailand so I wouldn’t mind adding a cute sea lion to the list!
Reena @ Wanderplex recently posted..The most visited site in Athens? It’s not the Acropolis.
I guess getting kissed by an elephant is better than getting stomped by one.
Now that’s some risky diving! I am impressed. I’ve done some cliff jumping in Portugal which was great fun but that takes it to another level!
Awesome article. I wish I could get a kiss from the sea lion! I love the photo of the local guy on the motorbike, never seen something like this before, the motorbike’s cool!
If you don’t mind fishy mouth, then I’m sure the sea lion is more that willing to lay one one you.
I would love to take a ride through the liquor store drive through with the dude on the colorful motorcycle. You would be king of Mazatlan for pulling off that feat!
That would be awesome!