Mazatlan is located in the state of Sinaloa on Mexico's northern Pacific Coast. Its appeal lies in its timeworn and laidback vibe. Apart from the spring break season when students take cheap flights to Mazatlan to party, most visitors are families, surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave, and fishermen.
It's called the billfish capital of the world, the best place to catch marlin, swordfish, sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo and tuna. It's also the shrimp capital of the world - heaven for lovers of seafood.
Use the Malecon to get oriented. The boulevard stretches from the Golden Zone to Old Town. Old Mazatlan is home to the outstanding twin-towered cathedral. Nearby, the Plazuela Machado has plenty of historic buildings and sidewalk cafés.
Stone Island Mazatlan (Isla de la Piedra) is just a short boat ride across Navigation Channel. It's quieter than mainland Mazatlan and boasts one of Mexico's largest coconut groves, sandy beaches and gentle waves.
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