Mazatlan’s 16 Best City Tours

Mazatlan is a lively city that deserves more than just a passing glance. Its blend of historic sites, colorful neighborhoods, and seaside charm makes it an ideal destination for city tours. Whether you’re after a quick overview or an immersive experience, Mazatlan offers a variety of options. We especially enjoyed the Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch for its comprehensive coverage of key sights like the cathedral and Malecon, combined with an optional seaside lunch. For something uniquely local, the Mazatlan: City Tour in a Traditional “Pulmonia” Open-Air Car delivers a fun, authentic ride through narrow streets and along the seafront. And for those looking for a full day of action, the Beach Blast ATV’s & City Tour combines city exploration with off-road adventures on the beach. Each of these tours offers a different taste of Mazatlan, helping you decide how best to spend your limited time.

Quick Overview

Our list of the best city tours in Mazatlan includes options for every style and pace. From comprehensive guided tours like the Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch to fun open-air rides such as the Pulmonia City Tour, there’s something for all. For thrill-seekers, the ATV Beach Adventure offers sand, sea, and dirt trails, while families and cruise visitors may prefer the Private Mazatlan City Tour for personalized attention. If aquatic life is your thing, the Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour combines marine exhibits with city views. Read on for detailed descriptions and insights into each.

1. Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch

This popular 5-hour tour is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded experience. It covers Mazatlan’s top sights like the Cathedral, Old Spanish Fort, and El Faro lighthouse, with a dedicated stop at the Malecon, Mexico’s longest boardwalk. You’ll enjoy two-way air-conditioned transfers, making it easy to relax between stops. The highlight for many is the optional beachside lunch featuring Mexican shrimp, which offers a tasty break and a chance to unwind after sightseeing. The tour is praised for its friendly guides and relaxed pace, with reviews highlighting how much travelers appreciate the detailed narratives and generous exploration time. The small-group format ensures a more personal experience, which is ideal for first-time visitors who want an overview without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: Great for cruise passengers and first-timers who want to see the highlights, shop, and enjoy good food—all in one easy package.

2. Mazatlan: City Tour in a Traditional “Pulmonia” Open-Air Car

For around $68, this 2-hour tour offers a quirky, authentic way to explore Mazatlan. Riding in a pulmonia, a classic open-air vehicle, adds a local flavor many find fun and memorable. The tour cruises through narrow streets and along the seafront, giving you a glimpse of the city’s colorful neighborhoods. You’ll also see the cliff diver in action and enjoy panoramic views from El Vigia Hill. The guide’s lively commentary enhances the experience, making it suitable for those who want a quick yet immersive snapshot of Mazatlan’s charm. The tour’s intimate size and open-air aspect make it ideal for photo ops and soaking in the atmosphere.
Bottom line: An entertaining, offbeat way to get the city’s essentials in a short time, especially for those looking for a unique local experience.

3. Beach Blast ATV’s & City Tour

This 5-hour adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers wanting a mix of city sights and sandy thrills. It includes riding semiautomatic ATVs along the shoreline, exploring Old Mazatlan’s noble 19th-century buildings, and relaxing at a beach restaurant. The tour comes with ground and sea transportation, making logistics seamless. It’s rated a perfect 5.0 based on 12 reviews—many travelers mention how much fun they had, especially riding the ATVs on the sand and enjoying the beach facilities. The ground and sea transport, combined with the inclusion of a guide and lunch, offers excellent value. It’s well-suited for active families and groups who want to combine sightseeing with a dose of adrenaline.
Bottom line: A high-energy, all-in-one experience that blends city exploration with beach fun, ideal for active travelers.

4. Private Mazatlan City Tour

If personalized attention is your priority, this private 3- to 5-hour tour is a fantastic choice. For about $359, you get a custom itinerary that can focus on your specific interests, whether that’s history, shopping, or scenic views. It includes visits to the Cathedral, Old Mazatlan, and the Old Spanish Fort, with a flexible schedule tailored to you. The air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup make it comfortable and convenient. With a perfect 5.0 rating from three reviews, travelers appreciate the customization and professional service. This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, tailored experience or are traveling in a small group or family.
Bottom line: The best option for those seeking a bespoke experience with complete flexibility and privacy.

5. City Tour with Beach Hotel Day Pass Included

At $45 per person, this 4- to 5-hour tour combines sightseeing, tequila tasting, and a day pass to a beachfront hotel. You’ll visit Look Out Hill, watch the Cliffs Diver show, explore Old Town, and shop at the flea market. The tour concludes with a relaxing stop at the Golden Zone, where you can enjoy lunch and beach time. Reviews mention the flexibility and the “beautiful” beach club, making it a relaxing yet active day. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting a bit of everything—culture, shopping, and beach relaxation in one trip.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure with added perks like the hotel day pass.

6. Mazatlan city tour

This 3-hour orientation walk is perfect for a quick introduction. It covers El Cid golf course, Olas Altas, Cerro del Vigía, and the cathedral. Rated 4.5/5 from seven reviews, travelers appreciate the informative narration and brief stops at key landmarks. It’s especially suitable for first-timers who want a snapshot of the city without a full-day commitment. The tour provides a good balance of scenic views and cultural highlights and includes a visit to the municipal market for local souvenirs.
Bottom line: A brief, friendly tour for newcomers wanting a rapid but insightful overview of Mazatlan.

7. BeachBlast ATV’s & City Tour

This is a different version of the earlier ATV tour, with an emphasis on adrenaline and fun. At $120 per person, it lasts about 5 hours and includes off-road ATV riding, city sightseeing, and stops at Stone Island. The tour promises off-road adventure and guided exploration with complementary beverages and lunch options. Rated 5/5 from just one review, it’s perfect for travelers who want a full-day adrenaline rush combined with scenic views and local culture. The logistics are taken care of, making it a hassle-free option for active groups.
Bottom line: For thrill-seekers who want to combine city sights with beach and off-road adventures, this tour delivers.

8. Mazatlan: Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour

This 4.5- to 5-hour tour combines skip-the-line aquarium entry with a traditional open-air vehicle ride. The Mazatlan Aquarium features 26 habitats and over 200 species, including manta rays you can feed. The city sightseeing complements this with a guided ride around key spots. It’s rated 3.9/5 from 31 reviews, with many appreciating the easy access to marine life and the informative nature of the city tour. It’s best for families or travelers eager to see marine exhibits and explore the city efficiently.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for wildlife lovers and those who want a quick yet comprehensive experience.

9. City Tour & Beach Club All-Inclusive HorseBack Ride & Water Sports

At $75 per person, this 5-hour tour offers a mix of water sports, horseback riding, and cliff diving. It includes lunch and all-you-can-drink beverages at a beachfront club. The cliff diver show adds a splash of excitement, while the boat ride to Stone Island offers more activity options. Reviews highlight “great food” and “safe, fun” experiences, making it suitable for active families or groups wanting a day full of water-based fun. It’s perfect if you want to combine city highlights with beach relaxation and adventure.
Bottom line: For those seeking a lively, all-in-one adventure packed with water sports and sightseeing.

10. Mazatlan – City Tour

This 4- to 5-hour tour offers a standard introduction, including the oceanfront drive, high divers, Old Mazatlan, and local markets. Rated 4.0/5 from 10 reviews, it’s good value for the money, providing a rundown with hotel pickup and drop-off. It’s suitable for first-timers or travelers with limited time who want a balanced mix of scenic views and cultural highlights. Highlights include visiting the Angela Peralta Theater and the main market for souvenirs.
Bottom line: A reliable, straightforward tour for newcomers to get familiar with Mazatlan’s best sights.

11. Mazatlan City Tour by Traditional Open Air Vehicle Pulmonia

This 2.5-hour tour in a pulmonia offers a relaxed ride through Mazatlan’s historic neighborhoods and along the second largest malecon. Led by a certified guide, it includes stops at Old Mazatlan and Cerro de la Neveria for panoramic views. Travelers praise the informative, humorous guide and the authentic local experience. It’s perfect for those who want a short, lively tour with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural insights.
Bottom line: A quick, fun, and authentic way to see Mazatlan in a small-group setting.

12. City Tour & Beach Day All-Inclusive W Horse Ride & Water Sports

This 5-hour all-inclusive option includes visiting Mazatlan’s main sights and sailing to a beautiful beach for water sports, horse riding, and a delicious lunch. Rated 3.5/5 from three reviews, it’s best suited for travelers looking for a full day of active fun and beach relaxation. The luxury transportation and included beverages make it leisurely, while the water sports and horse riding add adrenaline.
Bottom line: Perfect for active families or groups wanting a full day of diverse activities with minimal hassle.

13. Mazatlán: City Highlights, Shopping, Tequila & Beach Club

This tour introduces you to Mazatlán’s highlights, with stops at the cathedral, flea market, and Golden Zone. It includes a tequila tasting and beach access. Rated without reviews, it’s a flexible option for cruise passengers who want to see the city, taste local spirits, and relax at the beach. With a duration of around 5.5 hours, it strikes a good balance for those wanting both sightseeing and leisure.
Bottom line: An accessible, moderate-length tour with cultural tastings and beach downtime.

14. Mazatlan: Guided City Tour with Cliff’s Diver Show & Lunch

This 3-hour guided experience is a condensed but lively option. It features spectacular views from Look Out Hill, watching the Clifftop Diver show, and exploring downtown landmarks like the cathedral, flea market, and the Golden Zone. The tour includes lunch and a shopping stop. Perfect for cruise passengers with limited time, it offers a taste of Mazatlan’s best sights in a short window.
Bottom line: A compact, action-packed tour for a quick yet memorable city experience.

15. Mazatlan: Private city tour for cruise-ship passengers

Ideal for groups up to 13, this customized private tour offers flexible stops around the old town, the cathedral, and the Malecon. The private guide creates an intimate, tailored experience perfect for families or groups wanting to avoid crowds. It lasts about 4 hours and includes hotel pickup. With high ratings, this tour emphasizes personal attention and specific interests.
Bottom line: Best suited for those seeking a personalized, relaxed exploration with flexibility.

16. MAZALIFE City Tour Scenic Mazatlán Ride on a Double Decker Bus

This open-air double-decker bus tour is a budget-friendly way to see Mazatlan. For just $14.60, it takes about 2.5 hours exploring the Golden Zone, the Fisherman Monument, and the cliff divers. The panoramic views from the top deck make it a fun, relaxed option for those who want to cover a lot quickly. While it doesn’t have reviews yet, its value and easy access make it appealing for budget-conscious travelers.
Bottom line: An economical, casual way to enjoy Mazatlan’s sights with great photo opportunities.

How to Choose the Best Mazatlan City Tour for You

When selecting your tour, consider your interests, budget, and time constraints. If you want an in-depth, personalized experience, the Private Mazatlan City Tour is unbeatable. For families or adventure lovers, the ATV beach excursions provide action and scenery. Budget travelers may prefer the MAZALIFE Double Decker Bus, while those seeking a quick overview can opt for the Pulmonia Tour. Booking early, especially for the popular tours, ensures you don’t miss out—Mazatlan’s lively scene means spaces fill fast during peak times.

To sum it up, Mazatlan offers an impressive variety of city tours that cater to different preferences. Whether you want an organized full-day adventure, a charming open-air ride, or a private, customized experience, there’s something that fits. The Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Lunch and the Beach Blast ATV are standout choices for their value and well-rounded experiences, while the private tours cater to travelers seeking personalized attention. Take the time to match your style and interests with the right tour, and you’ll leave Mazatlan with memorable stories—and plenty of photos. Book early to secure your spot, especially during busy cruise season or holidays.