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Stone Island, Off-the-Beaten-Path in Mazatlan
By Nancy Norris

While Mazatlan has much to offer visitors, I prefer to get away from the mega-resorts and hordes of tourists that crowd the beaches along the Golden Zone. On a recent Mexican Riviera cruise, my traveling companion and I ventured out on our own to laid back and relaxing Stone Island. Stone Island, or Isla de la Piedra, is actually not an island but a peninsula south of Mazatlan. While cruise passengers can book an excursion to Stone Island, it is very easy to do on your own:

Port Trams

●Mazatlan is an industrial port, and as such, you will need to take one of the complimentary trams from the cruise ship to the cruise terminal. Once you arrive at the terminal, work your way through the vendors and cab drivers to the pier exit.

The Road to the Water Ferry

●As you exit onto the city street turn left and walk along the concrete port wall about 4 blocks.

The Road Curves to the Right

At this point, the street curves to the right and you will notice a gate that marks the entrance to the Mexican Navy on your left.

Follow This Dirt Road

●Do not turn, but cross the street and continue straight ahead onto a dirt road. Follow this dirt path about 50 yards to a small yellow building which is the ticket booth for the water taxi.

Yellow Ticket Booth

●Purchase a round trip ticket for 20 pesos ($2 US) making sure to keep your ticket for the return trip.

The Water Taxi

●Board the water taxi for your short ride across Navigation Channel.

The Stone Island Dock

●Once you get to the other side, walk forward over a small mound, follow the path that turns slightly left and the wide expanse of beach lined by palapa restaurants is in full view.

The Pathway to the Beach

On past visits, I have walked to the end of the stretch of beach and enjoyed the food, lounge chairs and hospitality of such restaurants as Victor's, Lety's and Pili's. While I have no trouble recommending any of these great spots, on this trip I discovered a much more perfect setting for my Stone Island respite. If you are looking for a beach day completely devoid of pestering beach vendors and persistent hawkers interrupting your sojourn, while sipping on killer piña coladas or margaritas and dining on succulent shrimp prepared to perfection, then take a detour from Stone Island's main beach zone.

The View From Benji's

Once you get off the water taxi, rather than taking the path straight ahead focus your sights on the path to the right. At the very end of this path, at the tip of the peninsula lies my latest paradise discovery, otherwise known as Benji's. While you could traverse the path on foot, it is much easier to grab one of the red truck taxis waiting at the water taxi dock. In fact, if you’re lucky and there is no surf breaking, Elijah, the proprietor and relocated San Diego surfer, may be waiting at the dock to personally invite you to enjoy your day at his home.  

A View of Benji's From the Beach

A calm and crystal clear cove with a soft sandy bottom fronts the restaurant perfect for a leisure swim or floating in one of the available inner tubes. As an added bonus, if you enjoy snorkeling, no need to book an expensive excursion. Bring along your own snorkeling equipment and you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the area, located just on the other side of the tranquil cove for free. While relaxing on the beach, make sure to sample the freshly prepared quality food and drinks at value prices. I can personally recommend the garlic shrimp.

Shrimp and Margaritas Anyone?

Between the beach and ambiance and the Mexican hospitality and food, spending the day at Benji's on Stone Island was one of the best experiences of our cruise. If you choose this DIY excursion in Mazatlan, I hope you find this review helpful and I would love to hear your thoughts. You can e-mail comments to trvljrnlst@aol.com .