Snorkeling and Diving Experiences at Gran Acuario Mazatlán Are New Guest Favorites
Popular Attractions Boost Appeal of Latin America’s Best Aquarium
Mazatlán, Mexico (September 4, 2024) – The recent debut of snorkeling and diving experiences at the world-class Gran Acuario Mazatlán add an exciting new interactive dimension to the already popular tourist attraction and research institute.
Visitors can now swim with sharks and learn about hundreds of pelagic species both large and small in a safe environment. These new attractions have been an instant success with adventurous visitors.
The minimum age to enjoy the snorkeling experience is 12 years old; cameras and video adapted for underwater use are permitted. For the scuba diving experience, a patron must be a certified diver. Pictures and videos can be taken per the divemaster’s approval.
The Gran Acuario Mazatlán, opened in May 2023, anchors Mazatlán’s 75-acre Central Park. This spectacular new attraction, which welcomed nearly one million visitors in its first year of operation, is the largest aquarium in Latin America and is the only one in the world dedicated to the Sea of Cortéz. Focused on the preservation of seas and coastlines, the Gran Acuario Mazatlán combines unrivaled architecture, majestic exhibits, and state-of-the-art conservation technology.
The facility houses some 260 marine species, including 36 species of mammals, 31 cetaceans, five of the seven global species of sea turtles as well as sharks, jellyfish, and manta rays. Overall, its exhibition tanks hold more than 1.2 million gallons of water, in addition to nearly 53 million gallons in its large lake. The main exhibition, the great Oceanic habitat, has a window that is over 42 feet tall by 23 feet wide.
Highlights of the three-story facility include massive fish and coral tanks as well as 19 halls, four interior courtyards for exhibitions, and a 240-person auditorium for educational and entertainment programs. Outside are separate meeting rooms and a botanical garden, including space dedicated to Jacques Cousteau, the late French oceanographer who called the Sea of Cortéz “the aquarium of the world.”
Introduced last year, the aquarium’s Humboldt penguins and California sea lions also 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.
To demonstrate the facility’s commitment to conservation, a portion of the aquarium’s revenue supports a research center dedicated to preserving biodiversity in the Sea of Cortéz. The Gran Acuario Mazatlán is a testament to the success of a public-private partnership financing model, bringing together the community and private sector for the greater good.
Ernesto Coppel, founder of Pueblo Bonito Resorts and a native of Mazatlán, played a pivotal role in realizing this ambitious project. The collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, the National Bank of Foreign Trade (Bancomext), the National Bank of Works and Public Services (Banobras), the Government of Sinaloa, and the City of Mazatlán underscores a commitment to science, education, and tourism.
Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico, Miguel Torruco Marqués, stressed that the Gran Acuario Mazatlán is a long-cherished dream. “Having an aquarium of international stature in this port will support the identity of Mazatlán and generate well-being through economic development, culture and science,” he said. “The aquarium’s research programs will help preserve the rich biodiversity of the Sea of Cortéz and will promote sustainable practices for all aquatic animals in our region.”
Admission fees range are $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 4-11. Children under three are free. Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission fees are incorporated into the all-inclusive packages available at either the Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay or Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán.
For additional information or to schedule an experience, access the website at http://granacuario.com/