Tours & activities in Mazatlan

Before you leave, make a copy of your passport, driver's license, travel insurance card, and any visas or vaccination records. Keep one copy in your luggage separate from the originals and store a photo of each in the cloud (email them to yourself or drop them in your phone's photo app). If anything is lost or stolen, replacements are far easier when you can show a copy.

A charge from another country can look like fraud and get your card frozen at the worst possible moment. Set a travel notice with each bank and card issuer, confirm your cards won't expire mid-trip, and jot down the international collect-call number on the back of each card in case you need to reach them from abroad.

Many cards add a 2–3% fee to every purchase made abroad. Bring at least one card that waives foreign-transaction fees and use it for hotels, restaurants, and tours. When a card reader or ATM offers to charge you in US dollars instead of the local currency, always choose the local currency — the 'convenience' conversion rate is much worse.

Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, and airlines can deny boarding if it isn't. Check the expiration date now — passport renewals can take several weeks, longer during busy seasons.

The best experiences — sunset cruises, private charters, fishing trips, and small-group tours — fill up fast, especially during high season and around holidays. Reserve your must-do activities before you arrive so you're not left out, and you'll often lock in a better price too.

A good travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation, lost luggage, and — most importantly — medical care and emergency evacuation. It's inexpensive relative to the peace of mind, and it means an unexpected illness or a missed flight doesn't derail your whole trip.

Save an offline map of your destination and download an offline language pack in a translation app before you go. That way you can navigate, find your hotel, and communicate even when you don't have a signal or want to avoid roaming charges.

When you enter Mexico you'll receive a tourist card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). Keep it somewhere safe with your passport for the whole trip — you must surrender it when you leave, and losing it can mean a fine and a delay at the airport on departure day.

Tipping is customary and appreciated for guides, drivers, bartenders, and housekeeping. Bring a stash of small-denomination bills for tips and small purchases — many vendors can't break large notes. Local currency is usually best value, though US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Stick to bottled or purified water, which your hotel and resort will provide. Reputable restaurants use purified water and ice, so you can eat out with confidence. As an extra precaution, use bottled water for brushing your teeth and skip ice from street vendors.

It depends on the destination, but for our Mexico and Caribbean beach spots the winter months (December–February) bring the best weather and the biggest crowds, while spring and fall offer great conditions with fewer people and lower prices. Summer is hot, humid, and the least expensive, but it overlaps hurricane season, so keep an eye on the forecast and consider travel insurance.

US and Canadian citizens need a valid passport to fly to Mexico and most of our destinations; a tourist visa is generally not required for short stays. Requirements vary by nationality and destination, so check your government's travel advisory page and confirm your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your trip.

US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll usually get better value paying in the local currency. Bring a mix of a fee-free card and some cash in small bills for tips and small vendors. Check today's rate in our Currency Exchange section before you go.

Tipping is customary. As a rough guide: 10–15% at restaurants (check whether service is already included), a few dollars per day for housekeeping, and a tip for guides and drivers who take good care of you. Cash in small bills is always the easiest way to tip.

The resort and tourist areas we operate in are visited safely by millions of travelers every year. Use the same common sense you would anywhere — keep valuables secure, use reputable transportation, and stay in well-traveled areas at night. Our local agents are available 24/7 if you ever need help.

Yes. We arrange private and shared airport transportation at most destinations so you have a driver waiting when you land — no haggling with taxis after a long flight. Add transfers when you book, or ask our team to set them up for you.

No. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and on tours throughout our destinations, and our team communicates in English. Learning a few basic phrases (hola, gracias, por favor) is always appreciated and goes a long way.

Mexico and most of our destinations use the same flat two-prong (Type A/B) outlets and 110–127V power as the United States and Canada, so US and Canadian devices work without an adapter. Travelers from the UK, Europe, and Australia should bring a plug adapter.