I didn’t see or step on one single stone. And it’s not an island either, although the quickest and easiest way to arrive is across water.
Stone Island takes its name from a town that needed to be relocated years ago. However, today all you need to know is that it’s a perfect place to enjoy a beach day. Whether your aim is to relax, be active, or just sip cervezas Stone Island offers an escape for all.
The local tour company, Viajes El Sabalo, provides a full day excursion to the beach that includes 3 and 1/2 hours on the “island” with a 90 minute boat tour of Mazatlán by sea. The entire day includes hotel transfers, music, drinks (open bar), and lunch with an option to add two activities of your choice. The list of activities; horseback riding, kayaking, banana boat riding, snorkeling, and at times jet skiing offers something for nearly everyone. Sadly, I did not take the tour, but it seemed rather reasonable at its $350 pesos (~$30 USD) price tag.
Most visitors elect to visit on a tour, but the water taxi provides more freedom to the traveler and many opt to arrive by this means. Our group did since we only spent an hour on the “island.”
Yet even with the shortened time, I noticed something special – stretches of undeveloped beach. Beyond the last beachfront restaurant palapa was only sand, surf, and a coastline of trees for as far as the eye can see. It stretched for miles. To find such an oasis so close to a vibrant coastal city seemed unlikely, but it existed.
Later I discovered the local community plans to keep the beach clean and pristine. I always applaud such efforts. It seems Mazatlán plans to keep this oasis.
stay adventurous, Craig
This is post 2 of 13 in the Winter Series – Beach Thursday and one of the Special Series. In addition, I’d like to thank the Mazatlan Hotel Association and GoMazatlán for opening my eyes to Stone Island.