Stone Island Beach Getaway

Stone Island is less a polished resort than a lively beach day with a short boat crossing, a plate of lunch, an open bar, and a menu of simple activities. You can ride a banana boat, use a boogie board, take a short horseback ride, or simply claim a patch of shade and watch the Pacific roll in.

I like the all-in-one format, especially for a cruise stop. I also like the freedom to choose two activities, so children can boogie board while adults ride the banana boat or take a horse cart. The main catch is that standards vary: food, chairs, restrooms, drink strength, and transport timing may not match every visitor’s expectations.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat crossing is short and practical: Expect transport toward Stone Island, not necessarily a long scenic cruise along the open Pacific.
• Two activities are included: Choices can include a banana boat, boogie board, short horseback ride, horse cart ride, and, when available, kayaking.
• Lunch and drinks are part of the package: The meal includes a choice such as breaded shrimp, quesadilla, or beef burrito with rice, beans, and vegetables.
• Guides can make the day: Victor has received special praise for helping large family groups, while Pancho has been singled out for working hard to keep the outing on track.
• The beach setting is casual: Shade and chairs may be limited, facilities can be worn, and local sellers may approach you.
• Cruise timing needs care: Pickup is generally around 9:00 to 9:30 a.m., but delays between vans, boats, and beach transfers have occurred.

The basic shape of the Stone Island day

This is a roughly six-hour outing built for people who want an easy beach escape without arranging every part themselves. Pickup is offered from hotels and Airbnbs within Mazatlan city limits, as well as from the cruise ship terminal building.

The small-group size is capped at 15 people, though the beach itself may be shared with many more. That distinction matters. You get a guide and organized transport, but you do not get a private island or a quiet beach club reserved only for your group.

The day usually starts with a van ride toward the boat departure point. Some outings include a short look at Old Mazatlan, with stops near the former Spanish fort, its original cannon, and a cliff-diving show. This part has not been consistent for every group, so treat it as a possible extra rather than the main reason to book.

After the boat crossing, you reach Stone Island, also called Isla de las Piedras. The pace changes here. You are given time to eat, have a drink, select two activities, and enjoy the beach in your own way. At the end, the same general chain of beach transport, boat, and vehicle takes you back to your pickup point.

The boat ride near Mazatlan’s lighthouse

The boat portion is one of the tour’s more appealing ideas, but it is worth setting your expectations correctly. The description presents a catamaran ride near the base of the lighthouse, with a route around the lighthouse and views of natural ocean caves.

In practice, some people have found the boat ride to be mainly a ferry crossing near the port. That can still be pleasant, especially if the water is calm and you enjoy seeing Mazatlan from offshore, but it is not the same as a full coastal cruise.

The lighthouse and ocean caves add interest to the transfer. Still, I would not book this outing mainly for the boat. Book it for the complete beach package, with the crossing as a pleasant bonus.

Safety equipment has also been a concern for one family, particularly for children. Ask where life jackets are and check that they buckle properly before the boat leaves. This is simple travel sense, not needless fuss, especially when you are crossing with young children.

What Stone Island feels like when you arrive

Stone Island offers a broad, sandy beach and a relaxed day outdoors. You can spend your time in the water, take part in an activity, listen to live music when offered, or sit beneath an umbrella with a drink.

The mood is informal and local rather than polished. Sellers may walk along the beach offering food, drinks, souvenirs, or rides. Some people enjoy the extra energy and the chance to see more of everyday beach life. Others find the attention tiring, especially later in the day when the beach becomes busier.

The setting is attractive, but the facilities are not consistently well kept. Bathrooms may be basic, and one account described the area as dirty and in need of repairs. Another pointed out that horse stables across a narrow road created an unpleasant smell near the beach club.

Shade is another practical issue. Several people have found the number of lounge chairs and umbrellas limited. Large families may not receive enough seats together, and spare chairs may be old or damaged. If shade is important to you, make that clear when you arrive and do not assume every member of your party will have a chair.

Choosing your two beach activities

The activity choice is the strongest part of the package. You get two included selections, which gives the day some shape without forcing everyone into the same program.

Banana boat

The banana boat is the most consistently praised activity. It suits families, couples, and groups who want a quick burst of fun on the water. Several people have called it the highlight of the day.

Do not expect a long session. The activities can be brief, sometimes around 10 to 15 minutes. That is enough for a taste, but not enough if you are looking for a full water-sports outing.

Boogie boards

Boogie boards are a good choice for children and anyone who wants to play in the surf without committing to a more intense ride. Families have especially liked this option.

Conditions can affect what is available. Strong wind has prevented kayaking on some days, and water activities may be adjusted according to conditions. Ask what is operating before you make your two selections.

Kayaking

Kayaking is listed as an option, but it has not always been available. Wind was one reported reason for its absence. If kayaking is your main goal, confirm availability before you count on it.

Horseback riding

The horseback ride is short, often about 15 minutes. It may take place along a road or through the nearby town rather than along the beach, despite what some people expect from a beach excursion.

That short ride can still be enjoyable. One family liked seeing inside the town, and others felt the ride offered a quick taste of local life. But inexperienced riders need clear instruction before mounting. One account described riders nearly losing their balance because no one explained how to handle the horses.

The age rules may also vary. Some families have been told that only adults can ride, while children were offered a horse cart instead. If a child in your group is eager to ride, confirm the age policy before booking.

Horse cart

The horse cart is a calmer alternative for grandparents, young children, or anyone who does not want to ride independently. A large family group found it worked well for different ages, with adults on horseback, children on boogie boards, and grandparents in the cart.

Again, this is a short activity, not a long countryside ride. Think of it as a brief local outing before returning to the beach.

Lunch and the open bar

Lunch is included, which makes the package easier to budget. The stated choices are breaded shrimp, quesadilla, or beef burrito, served with rice, beans, steamed vegetables, and related sides. Vegetarian options are available.

Food quality is the most uneven part of the experience. Some people have found the meal good or delicious, while others describe it as mediocre or barely adequate. Portions can be small, especially the beef burrito. Children may want extra chips or familiar snacks, and those extras may cost more.

The open bar includes unlimited drinks, with the minimum drinking age set at 18. Tequila-based drinks and cocktails have received better marks than some other options. Beer may be limited to one brand poured from a larger bottle, and some people have found non-tequila drinks weak or watered down.

This is not a reason to avoid the tour if you mainly want a beach day. It is a reason to avoid booking it for a food-and-cocktail experience. Drink sensibly, keep water in mind, and do not assume every item at the restaurant is included. Staff may still offer additional food and drinks for sale.

Tipping is also part of the local rhythm. You may be asked for tips by several people beyond the main guide. Bring small bills and decide in advance what service deserves an extra thank-you.

Transport, pickup, and cruise-port timing

Hotel and port transfers are included, and many people have found pickup and drop-off prompt. Cruise passengers can meet the operator at the terminal building, and the departure time can be adjusted to fit the ship’s schedule.

That said, cruise passengers should leave room for delays. One particularly slow day involved waiting at the port, a late van departure, a missed ferry, another wait, and a second van ride before reaching the beach. The group arrived around 11:30 a.m., losing a large part of the beach time.

The return can also take longer than expected because you reverse the same chain of transfers. Mazatlan’s cruise ships may look close to Stone Island, but the van and boat connection can still take about an hour.

Confirm the exact meeting point and departure time before the morning of your tour. Keep your phone on, arrive early, and do not schedule a tight onboard activity immediately after the excursion.

The Old Mazatlan stops and cliff-diving show

The city portion can add useful context to the beach day. Possible stops include Old Mazatlan, views from the former fort site, the original cannon, and a cliff-diving performance from a height of about 45 feet into roughly 8 feet of water.

That is an impressive local tradition and a good way to see more than just the beach. It also gives your guide a chance to explain some of Mazatlan’s past and point out city landmarks.

The important caution is that this segment has not appeared reliably for every group. Some people received a short city tour and a final look at local sights, while others went straight through the transport chain and were told nothing about the Old Mazatlan or cliff-diving stops.

I would consider these stops a welcome extra, not guaranteed core content. If they matter greatly to you, ask the operator to confirm them before you pay.

Guides and group service

The human side of the tour can be excellent. Victor has been praised for looking after a large family group, explaining local history, helping with activities, and giving people room to enjoy the day. Pancho has also been recognized for doing his best to solve problems at the beach.

That personal attention is especially useful when your group includes children, older adults, or people choosing different activities. A good guide can help coordinate the banana boat, horse cart, lunch, and return transport without making the day feel rushed.

Still, guide quality cannot fix every site problem. A friendly staff can work hard to find chairs, but they cannot guarantee new furniture, clean bathrooms, or calm water. This tour works best when you value the people and the easy organization more than a polished setting.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would recommend Stone Island to families and mixed-age groups who want several easy choices in one place. A child can use a boogie board, an adult can ride the banana boat, and an older relative can take a horse cart or relax under an umbrella.

It also suits cruise passengers who want a beach day with transport arranged from the terminal. The included food, drinks, and activities can offer good value compared with booking each item separately or buying a more expensive ship excursion.

You may be disappointed if you expect a quiet private beach, luxury seating, a long horseback ride, a true catamaran cruise, or restaurant-quality food. It is also not a good match for anyone who needs fully accessible boats, shuttles, or beach access. Although the experience was described as accessible at booking, one family using a walker found the transport and beach difficult.

The minimum group size is two, and the maximum is 15. Service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation, though the included pickup is simpler for most people.

Value, flexibility, and the real trade-off

The value comes from bundling several costs into one booking: transport, the boat ride, lunch, unlimited drinks, and two activities. You also save planning time, which matters during a single cruise-port day.

The trade-off is control. You do not choose the exact beach club conditions, activity length, meal size, drink brands, or number of available chairs. The package can feel like a bargain when everything runs on time and your group enjoys the included activities. It can feel ordinary when the transfer is delayed or the beach area is crowded.

The overall rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 84 ratings, which fits the mixed picture. The highest praise centers on the staff, banana boat, family flexibility, beach time, and the amount included. The lowest marks focus on delays, food, worn facilities, limited chairs, short rides, and features that were not delivered consistently.

Booking details and cancellation

Pickup runs every day, generally between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., from hotels or Airbnbs within Mazatlan city limits and from the cruise terminal building. Confirmation normally arrives at booking, though reservations made within two days of departure may take up to 48 hours to confirm and remain subject to availability.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations and changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a different date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Stone Island Beach Getaway?

Book it if you want a casual, activity-filled beach day with transport, lunch, drinks, and two simple activities in one package. It is particularly useful for families and cruise passengers who value convenience and do not need luxury.

Skip it if clean facilities, guaranteed shade, a substantial meal, a full ocean cruise, or a longer horseback ride are essential. Before booking, confirm the day’s activity choices, ask about the Old Mazatlan stops, and plan for possible transfer delays.

My practical verdict: this can be a good-value day when you approach it as real, busy Mexican beach life rather than a resort escape. Go for the banana boat, the friendly guide service, and the freedom to mix action with rest. Keep expectations modest, and Stone Island has a fair chance of delivering a fun day.

FAQ

How long does the Stone Island Beach Getaway last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours, including hotel or cruise-port pickup, transport to Stone Island, beach time, and the return journey.

Is hotel pickup available in Mazatlan?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels and Airbnbs within Mazatlan city limits. Pickup and drop-off are also available at the cruise ship terminal building.

How many beach activities are included?

Two beach activities are included with the tour. Options may include a banana boat ride, boogie board use, a short horseback ride, a horse cart ride, or kayaking when available.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes a choice such as breaded shrimp, quesadilla, or beef burrito, served with rice, beans, and steamed vegetables. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks from the open bar are included. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Does the tour include a city tour and cliff-diving show?

The planned route can include Old Mazatlan highlights, the former Spanish fort area, the original cannon, and a cliff-diving show. These stops have not been provided consistently, so confirm them before booking if they are important to you.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted or refunded. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations may qualify for a new date, another experience, or a full refund.