Stone Island Beach Getaway

Exploring the Stone Island Beach Getaway: A Practical, Honest Review

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to enjoy Mazatlan’s famed Stone Island, this tour might just be your ticket. Offered by Mazatlan Van Tours for around $75 per person, it promises a mix of beach relaxation, fun activities, and scenic sights—all in about six hours. It’s a package designed for travelers who want a bit of everything without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

What we like about this experience is how it combines a comfortable boat ride with plenty of beach time and a generous all-inclusive approach that covers lunch and drinks. The flexibility to choose how active or laid-back you want to be makes it appealing to a wide range of travelers—families, cruise ship visitors, or folks just craving some sun and sand.

That said, it’s not a flawless experience. Some reviews point out that the facilities can be a bit rough around the edges, and activities can be short. If you’re expecting a high-end resort vibe or a long, leisurely horseback ride, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re after a well-organized day of fun, good food, and authentic beach atmosphere, this tour is worth considering.

This tour is best suited for those who want a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation without breaking the bank. It’s especially good if you enjoy having options—whether lounging in the sun, trying a quick horseback ride, or hopping on a banana boat. Also, if you appreciate hassle-free transport and all-inclusive convenience, this tour ticks those boxes.

Key Takeways

• Comfortable boat ride to Stone Island offers scenic views and a chance to see caves near the lighthouse.
• Flexible beach activities allow you to choose two options like horseback riding, kayaking, or banana boating.
• All-inclusive pricing with lunch and unlimited drinks makes for easy budgeting.
• Small group size (up to 15 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience.
• Mixed reviews on facilities and activity durations suggest that expectations should be managed.
• Ideal for casual beach lovers who want a hassle-free, fun day without heavy price tags.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Starting from your hotel or cruise port, this tour kicks off with a pickup that’s generally smooth and on time, according to many reviews. The guide takes you on a brief tour around Old Mazatlan, highlighting key sights like the historic Spanish Fort and a cliff diving show—both small but charming extras that add local flavor before heading to the beach.

The highlight of this trip is the scenic boat ride around the lighthouse, which many find quite enjoyable. It’s not a large cruise ship, so you get a more intimate view of the natural caves along the coast—a perfect photo opportunity and a relaxing way to start the day.

Once at Stone Island, the real fun begins. Here, you have the freedom to pick two beach activities included in your ticket. Popular choices include horseback riding along the sand, paddling a kayak, or hopping on a banana boat. Multiple reviewers call out the horseback ride as short, around 15 minutes, but still enjoyable. Some mention that the activity durations are brief, around 10 minutes, which might leave those craving more slightly disappointed. Yet, many appreciate the chance to try a few different things without extra cost.

The beach facilities—like chairs and umbrellas—have received mixed feedback. Some reviewers say there are limited shaded spots and that the facilities can be a bit dirty or in need of repairs. This seems to be a common theme in many reviews, so if comfort and cleanliness are top priorities, it’s worth knowing that this isn’t a luxury resort.

Food and drinks are included, with a hearty lunch featuring breaded shrimp, quesadillas, or beef burritos, along with rice, beans, and vegetables. Vegetarian options are available, which is a plus. Many travelers note that the food is decent and convenient, especially since the open bar offers unlimited drinks, from soft drinks to cocktails like coco-loco. Several reviews mention the open bar as a high point, with friendly staff keeping the drinks flowing and making the day more festive.

The atmosphere at the beach tends to get busier as the day progresses—locals and vendors arrive, and the scene becomes lively and somewhat crowded. Some guests find the later part of the day less relaxing because of the increase in sales pitches and activity.

Transportation back to your hotel or cruise port is generally efficient, with many reviewers praising the punctuality and friendliness of the drivers. Small-group size helps ensure a more personal touch, reducing the feeling of being just another tourist.

What the Reviews Tell Us

While most travelers find the overall experience enjoyable and good value, there are some consistent themes. Some note that activities are brief, and facilities may be in disrepair. One reviewer pointed out the beach became very busy later in the day, which could impact your peace and quiet.

Others highlight the knowledgeable guides and the delicious food and drinks as high points. For example, one reviewer said, “Our guide was one of a kind. Made sure we were ok the entire time and also gave us our space. Food was great and drinks were unlimited included in price.” Conversely, a few found that the horseback ride and banana boat were only short, which might leave thrill-seekers wanting more.

On the whole, it seems like this tour offers consistent reliability and value, especially if you enjoy a mix of sightseeing, beach time, and casual fun. But it’s fair to say that if you’re looking for a luxury experience or lengthy activities, you might want to explore other options.

The Practical Details That Matter

Price-wise, $75 per person is quite reasonable for what’s included—boat ride, two activities, lunch, drinks, and transport. Many compare this favorably to similar excursions offered directly through cruise ships, often at higher prices. With a small group limit of 15 travelers, you’ll get a more intimate experience and more personalized attention from guides.

Duration of approximately six hours means you get enough time to relax and enjoy without feeling rushed. The pickup process is generally smooth, with reviews mentioning timely arrivals and clear instructions.

Accessibility has come up as a concern. One reviewer noted that beach and transportation weren’t accessible for disabled travelers using a walker. So, if mobility is a concern, it’s worth clarifying before booking.

Weather dependence is standard for outdoor activities, and the tour’s policy states that poor weather might lead to cancellation or rescheduling. Cancellations are free if made a day in advance, providing some peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for casual travelers who want to relax at the beach, sample local cuisine, and try a few quick activities without spending a fortune. It’s great for families, especially those traveling with kids who enjoy paddling or riding horses, as long as expectations about activity length are managed.

If you’re seeking authentic local flavor, the small-group setting and guided tour of Old Mazatlan add a cultural touch. For cruise passengers, it offers a convenient way to see Stone Island without the fuss of independent transportation.

However, if you’re after luxury amenities, longer activity durations, or disability access, you might want to look elsewhere. The facilities and activity lengths might not satisfy travelers searching for a more upscale or leisurely experience.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

In a nutshell, the Stone Island Beach Getaway offers a solid, budget-friendly experience that combines scenic views, a fun boat ride, and beach activities in a small-group setting. It’s best suited for those who value convenience and variety, and who are happy with a casual, no-frills atmosphere. The inclusion of lunch and unlimited drinks makes it a worthwhile deal for a full day of entertainment.

If your idea of a perfect day involves a mix of sun, surf, good food, and a bit of adventure, this tour will serve you well. Its friendly guides, authentic beach vibe, and value help it stand out among many Mazatlan excursions.

Just keep in mind the brief activities and basic facilities — it’s not a high-end resort, but that’s part of its charm if you’re after an authentic, fun-filled day on the coast.

FAQ

Is hotel or port pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup from your hotel or cruise ship terminal, which helps keep logistics simple.

How many activities can I do?
You get to choose two beach activities, with popular options being horseback riding, kayaking, or banana boating.

What is the lunch like?
The included lunch features options like breaded shrimp, quesadillas, or beef burritos, with rice, beans, and vegetables. Vegetarian choices are available.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, the tour includes an open bar with unlimited drinks, including soft drinks and cocktails like coco-loco.

How long are the activities?
Most activities last about 10-15 minutes, which some travelers find a bit short but still enjoyable.

Is the beach area accessible?
Some reviews mention limited accessibility and facilities that can be in need of repairs, so check in advance if mobility is a concern.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations are not refunded.

This tour offers a good mix of fun and relaxation for those wanting an easy, affordable way to experience Mazatlan’s famous Stone Island. Whether you’re after a quick adventure or a chill day in the sun, it’s worth considering—just keep your expectations aligned with the realities of the facilities and activity durations.