The Gran Acuario Mazatlán, opened in May 2023, it is the crowning jewel of Mazatlan’s 75-acre Central Park. This spectacular attraction is the largest aquarium in Latin America and the only facility in the world dedicated mainly to the Sea of Cortez. The Gran Acuario Mazatlán combines unrivaled architecture, majestic exhibits and state-of-the-art technology for animal welfare.
Guests explore a world of wonders unveiled in 30 habitats that showcase the emblematic biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez. There are around 200 species, including sharks, sea turtles, seahorses and rays, which are all found in immersive displays. Explorers can begin the journey experiencing the desert passing by the reptile’s habitat and continuing by the sea dunes until arriving to the intertidal zone, where they have the chance to feel the textures of some marine invertebrates.
The immersion begins through an incredible crash tank, feeling the wave’s energy and giving a pass to Coral city. After this explosion of colors, the adventures continue to the great Oceanic habitat that boasts a massive 42×23-foot window that lets visitors dive into the depths like never before in a mesmerizing adventure. An amazing spiral staircase takes you to the gardens and lets you follow the path to the colorful Guacamaya house, finding a great diversity of birds, like macaws and parrots, and to the Agapornis habitat, where you can feed these lovely birds.
Education is at the heart of Gran Acuario Mazatlán. Interactive and educational exhibits beckon visitors, who can witness diving demonstrations or partake in educational tours, as a voyage of discovery for all ages. Outside the aquarium, lush regional plants adorn towering walls, evoking the aura of a long-forgotten ancient ruin. Space is inspired by Jacques Cousteau, the late French oceanographer who named the Sea of Cortez “the aquarium of the world.”
Gran Acuario Mazatlán is not just a place to see marine life; it’s an architectural masterpiece merging sea and terrestrial life that invites us to explore and to remember that we are part of nature.
The recent opening of the penguin and sea lion exhibits adds a new dimension to the already popular attraction and research institute. The aquarium’s newest residents, the Humboldt penguins and the California sea lions, have been a big hit with visitors. The penguins are whimsical little birds, while the sea lions, a very social species, have been entertaining guests with their energy and amazing skills.
Hours of operation are Monday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The last entrance is at 4 p.m. Admission prices in U.S. dollars are $20 for adults (12 years old and over) and $15 for children (ages 4–11). Children 3 and under are free.
Add an aquarium adventure to your Mazatlán itinerary to make memories that will last a lifetime. Learn more at www.granacuario.com.
Where to Stay in Mazatlan
Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán is the original Pueblo Bonito, a warm and welcoming all-inclusive resort beloved for its winning combination of old-world charm and modern luxury. Located on the beach in a lush tropical setting along the city’s celebrated Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) coastline, the hotel, treated to an extensive $26.5 million renovation project in 2021, was selected as one of the Top 500 hotels in the World by the readers of Travel + Leisure.
Private and secluded, Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa fronts a gorgeous crescent beach in an exclusive area known as New Mazatlán. The 375-suite property, featuring oceanfront swimming pools with swim-up bars, nestles on 20 pristine acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. And, perfect for family vacations, Emerald Estates Luxury Villas is a collection of villas, with a world-class spa, tennis courts and a private beach. The luxurious villas feature three spacious bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. A private pool and oversized hot tub can be found on the furnished terrace, with a barbecue grill for poolside entertainment.
Learn more at www.pueblobonito.com
