Olas Altas
This is the beach located in the area that is named after it.  It is a favorite of many locals and visitors since here you can experience how Mazatlan was a long time ago.  It takes its name from the big waves that crash on the beach and it is not recommend for casual swimming because of its current and rocks and big waves, but sometimes it is great for surfers.  Its malecon is a great place to stroll since here you can find families and friends doing the same, enjoying the sunset and view.  Also noteworthy is the phenomenon of the shifting sand.  The sandy beach moves from the north to the south, depending on the time of year.

Playa Norte
This is the long beach that extends along Avenida del Mar.  North to south, it begins where the Fishermen’s Monument (or Monos Bichis in local jargon) is located and ends right where the Golden Zone begins.  It frames the main bay of town and it is very long, offering an endless list of beach options.  At the extreme southern end, the fishing launches arrive with their daily catch early every morning.  Many people walk and run along the beach and malecon, enjoying the fun of doing exercise at the edge of the sea.  The southern end is also a great place for swimming since the waves are minimal and the water is tranquil, yet at the northern end at Valentino’s there is some of the area’s best surf.

Playa Gaviotas and Playa Camaron
These beaches are in the heart of the Golden Zone.  Their tranquil waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing or for more adventurous things like parasailing, banana boat or beach volleyball.  There are also many great restaurants along the beaches.  These are the sandiest beaches in Mazatlan and have the unbeatable vista of the three islands right across the channel.

Playa Cerritos
This is one of the beaches that is farthest away from downtown.  It is located at the extreme north end of the tourist-hotel area where Marina El Cid is located and currently is the site of the heaviest real estate development in Mazatlan.  It is notable for having few hotels and clear, clean sand.  Here you can sunbathe in peace since it is relatively unpopulated.  If you swim, take good care since the current and waves are somewhat strong.  The three islands don’t block any of the sky here, so the sunsets are even more brilliant and even though it is far from town, it is easy to get here in car or public transport.

Take along your sun block, bathing suit, an ice chest of Pacifico, snacks and forget about the quotidian world by visiting Mazatlan’s beaches.

TIPS

Carefully watch your children, don’t let them go into the sea alone

Don’t go swimming if you have eaten recently, drunken alcohol or don’t know how to swim

Be on the alert for dangerous rocks, big waves and stinging jellyfish

Observe and obey the flags

Bandera Verde: CALM
Bandera Roja: DANGER
Bandera Blanca: JELLYFISH
Bandera Amarilla: CAUTION