Mazatlan is a city that lives and breathes the water. Its bustling port, scenic coastline, and abundant marine life make it a perfect place for boat tours and cruises. Whether you want to explore the city from the water, get up close to whales, or party on a cruise with drinks and music, Mazatlan offers a variety of options. One of our favorites is the Mazatlan van for hire at the cruise terminal [], which shows how flexible and personalized your experience can be. The tours we highlight below give you a good sense of what’s available — from family-friendly whale excursions to lively sunset parties.
Mazatlan’s boat tours stand out because they combine local scenery with authentic experiences, like diving from Punta de Clavadistas or helping with whale research. The city’s marine environment is rich and accessible, making every trip both fun and educational. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of local culture on the water, there’s a Mazatlan cruise for you.
Quick Overview of Mazatlan Boat Tours & Cruises
Our list covers a wide range of experiences. You’ll find private city tours that explore the historic and scenic spots of Mazatlan [], lively party cruises with dancing and sunset views [], and whale-watching trips led by marine scientists []. There’s even an option for yacht rentals for those who want to indulge in a more luxurious day on the water [].
Below, each tour is broken down with details that will help you decide which experience fits your interests and budget.
1. Mazatlan van for hire at cruise terminal – Bilingual Driver Incl.
This private van service offers more than just transportation — it’s a personalized city tour tailored to your interests. With fully air-conditioned vehicles and a bilingual driver guide, you’ll avoid tourist traps and see the real Mazatlan. The itinerary includes stops at Faro Mazatlan, the city’s iconic lighthouse built in 1879, and Playa Olas Altas, the historic beach lined with old hotels favored by locals and visitors alike. You’ll also get the chance to visit Punta de Clavadistas, famous for cliff diving from a 50-foot platform, and the charming Plaza Machado.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility. Guests praise the guide’s friendliness and the ability to customize stops, making it ideal for travelers who want a relaxed pace and authentic experiences. The reviews highlight punctuality, professionalism, and the attention to guests’ needs, with a perfect 5-star rating from 18 reviews. Price-wise, at $330 per group (up to 15), it’s a good value for a private experience that can last 3 to 6 hours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to see Mazatlan at their own pace with a local guide who cares about quality and authenticity.
2. Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise
For a lively, party-style cruise, this all-inclusive bay tour is hard to beat. With a live DJ, open bar, and onboard dinner, it’s a great choice if you’re looking to drink, dance, and take in the panoramic views of Mazatlan’s coastline and islands. The cruise lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the fun atmosphere.
Highlights include viewing the hotel zone, Valentinos, and the three islands dotting the bay. Guests love the music and dancing, with reviews praising the crew for their energy and service. The banana boat ride and other water activities add extra thrills. For around $57.44 per person, this tour offers good value for a party experience. Reviewers mention that while the food is tasty, it’s not gourmet — but who expects fine dining on a cruise?
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a festive, informal cruise with drinks, music, and socializing in a vibrant setting.
3. Private Tour through Mazatlán for Cruise Tourism
This private tour emphasizes customization. It lasts around 4 to 5 hours and includes stops at Mazatlan’s main landmarks, like the historic center, the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion, and the Cerro de la Neveria viewpoint. Your guide, who is local and certified, will tailor the itinerary to your preferences, making sure you see what interests you most.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized approach and the ability to include or skip certain sites. The guide’s knowledge is top-notch, and reviews praise the flexibility and friendly service. The tour does not include jewelry shopping stops, which some travelers prefer to avoid. For $356.55 per group (up to 13), it’s a bit pricier but offers value for those seeking an in-depth, private experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a tailored, comfortable exploration of Mazatlan’s highlights with a private guide.
4. Mazatlan, Mexico: Yacht Rental and Tour, the perfect summer
If luxury on the water sounds appealing, this yacht rental is the way to go. Although the price is higher at $1,666 for up to 12 people, it includes a 5-hour rental perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying the sea in style. You can customize your day with options like fishing, swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing and watching the sunset.
The experience is flexible — you can choose to explore Mazatlan’s coastline, do some marine life viewing, or have a private sailing adventure. Since the tour involves direct message booking, it’s best suited for those who want a personalized, high-end experience. It’s less about logistics and more about indulgence, making it ideal for couples or groups celebrating something special.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a luxurious, flexible day at sea with privacy, comfort, and personal attention.
$1,666 per group up to 12
5. Mazatlan: Private city tour for cruise-ship passengers
This private city tour lasts about 4 hours, focusing on Mazatlan’s iconic sights like the historic Plazuela Machado, the market, and the malecon. Your local guide will take you to the old Mazatlan, highlighting its architecture and cultural spots, with the flexibility to customize stops.
Reviews are glowing, with visitors praising the guide’s knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to adapt the itinerary to their interests. The tour includes stops at Catedral de Mazatlan and scenic viewpoints, ensuring you get a well-rounded view of the city’s vital spots. At $349 per group (up to 13), it offers good value for a personalized and comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for cruise passengers who want an in-depth, flexible introduction to Mazatlan’s history and scenery.
$349 per group up to 13
6. Mazatlan Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Marine Experts
This whale-watching tour is a highlight for nature lovers and families. Led by marine scientists, it’s a rare opportunity to see humpback whales in their natural habitat while contributing to conservation research. The high-speed boat is equipped with radar and sonar, which helps locate whales efficiently, though it may make for a noisier ride.
The tour lasts about 3 hours and is priced at $98 per person. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and the chance to collect data on whale populations, making it both fun and meaningful. It’s best during the annual whale migration season, so check local schedules. Since it’s a scientific and eco-focused experience, it appeals to travelers who want to learn and do some good.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or eco-minded travelers eager to see whales with experts and support marine research.
$98 per person
7. Mazatlan Cruise Port to Mazatlan Airport (MZT) – Departure Private Transfer
This private transfer service is designed for a smooth, hassle-free departure. It’s a comfortable, door-to-door ride from the cruise port to Mazatlan Airport. The price is $107.10 per person, and the service includes tracking your flight and providing a professional driver with a sign.
If you value efficiency and stress-free logistics, this is a good choice. It’s perfect for those with early flights or tight connections. Reviews are limited but emphasize the timeliness and professionalism of the service, making it a reliable way to finish your trip.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a seamless, private transfer to the airport without any worries.
$107.10 per person
8. Mazatlan Cruise Port to Mazatlan – Departure Private Transfer
Similar to the previous service, this private transfer is for getting from the cruise port to your hotel in Mazatlan. At about 25 minutes, it’s quick and easy. The driver will meet you at the port and take you directly to your destination, with no hidden charges.
This service is ideal for avoiding long taxi lines and ensuring a comfortable ride. If you’re arriving on a cruise and want to get to your hotel without fuss, this is a straightforward option.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want quick, reliable, and private transportation from port to hotel.
$107.10 per person
9. Mazatlan Cruise Port to Mazatlan hotels – Round-Trip Private Transfer
For those staying more than a few hours, this round-trip private transfer offers door-to-door service both ways. Price at $214.21 per person, it ensures smooth transportation from port to hotel and back, avoiding taxis or shared shuttles. The driver will wait at scheduled times and handle your luggage.
This is perfect if you have a tight schedule or want to avoid the hassle of coordinating pickups. The reviews note the reliability and professionalism of the service.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a stress-free, all-in-one transfer for their stay.
$214.21 per person
10. Munba Ballena Tour by Power Boat
This family-friendly whale tour combines marine research with fun activities. Led by marine scientists, it includes a chance to see humpback whales and contribute to data collection for the National Whale Museum. The tour lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes, with an itinerary that features scientific monitoring and marine life viewing.
What makes this tour special is its focus on conservation and education, making it perfect for families and eco-conscious travelers. Reviews highlight the expert guides and the unique opportunity to participate in meaningful research. For $100.33 per person, it offers a value that combines adventure and contribution.
Bottom Line: Great for families and those who want to experience marine wildlife while supporting conservation.
$100.33 per person
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour or Cruise in Mazatlan
Picking the best boat experience depends on your interests, budget, and time. For a personalized city tour, the Mazatlan van for hire offers flexibility and local insight. If you’re looking to party and relax, the Sensation Splash Party provides a lively atmosphere with drinks and music. Nature lovers should consider the whale-watching trip with marine experts, especially during migration season.
For those celebrating a special occasion, the luxury yacht rental adds a touch of elegance. Cruise passengers wanting seamless logistics will find the private transfers a stress-free way to get around. And families or history aficionados will enjoy the private city tour or the Munba Ballena whale experience for their educational value.
Book early, especially during peak whale migration seasons or holidays, to secure your preferred options.
Final thoughts
Mazatlan’s boat tours range from adventure-packed whale watching to luxury yacht charters and private city explorations. For a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and fun, the private city tour or the whale-watching trip are among the top choices. If you want to indulge and celebrate in style, the yacht rental offers a chance to do just that.
Whatever your style or budget, Mazatlan’s waters offer a memorable way to experience this lively port city. Don’t wait — book early, and prepare for a day on the water that’ll be one of the highlights of your trip.