Club Nautico in Mazatlan’s inner harbour is legendary in Mexican Cruising circles. Located close to the old city the Club has served as a  focal point for anchorage, yacht services and good times with other yachties for decades. Sadly now the building is dilapidated (although the shower still worked in 2017!) but the staff still manage the boat ramp, dinghy dock and are very helpful and friendly to visiting yachts. Contact the Club’s harbour master on VHF16 for permission to anchor and use the dinghy dock for which a small fee is charged. Laundry, garbage and potable water services are available.

Old Mazatlan is very picturesque and the historic buildings, steep hills and narrow streets have a distinctly European feel. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1531 but remained just a quiet fishing village until the mid-nineteenth century when it was developed as a seaport to import equipment for the nearby gold and silver mines. A group of German settlers established the Pacifico brewery in Mazatlan and have been brewing great beer ever since.

The inner harbour is well sheltered except for a strong easterly which blows over the breakwater. When the wind blows from the west the smell from the nearby wastewater treatment plant can be quite overpowering.

Approaches

Mazatlan is a very busy port with container ships and cruise ships, ferries and fishing boats entering and leaving at all hours. Before entering the inner harbour call “Transito Maritimo” or “Mazatlan Harbour Traffic” on VHF16 to be allocated a time for entry between the other vessels.

Anchorage

Anchor in 7m off the Club Nautico dinghy dock in sand and mud. Make sure the anchor is well set as boats have been know to drag. Tie the dinghy up at the Clubs dinghy dock for a small fee. Make sure it is well locked and ask Martin to keep an eye on it.

Facilities

Mazatlan is a fascinating city full of old world charm, new world bustle and Latin spirit. Exploring the back streets of the old town by foot or bike is endlessly fascinating; cobbled streets, old buildings and great views around every turn. Visit the basilica and the market and later in the afternoon stroll along the Malecon to La Clavadista. For 300 pesos macho men dive off the 100’ crag into a tiny tidal pool where the surf crashes the rocks.

For provisioning the city has numerous supermarkets and grocery stores and stores of every other hue to suit most cruisers needs. The market which lies a couple of blocks north of the Basilica is great for fresh produce. The city is well served with banks, restaurants and hotels for every budget and medical facilities for every ailment.