A Majestic State of the Art Facility Emerges from The Pearl of the Pacific!

As if there isn’t already enough to explore in Mazatlan, there is yet another experience you cannot miss. From the deep sea of the Pearlof the Pacific emerges a state of the art facility holding real life wonders and secrets that can only be explored here. We are excited to announce that the Gran Acuario Mazatlan has opened its doors, being one of the 10 largest aquariums in the world. Gran Acuario Mazatlan is the largest aquarium in Mexico and the most important in Latin America, dedicated especially to the Sea of Cortez, as it has hundreds of species native to this sea, as well as large fish tanks that you can appreciate with your visit to this place. The aquarium plant is the largest in Latin America, and its beauty is one of the main attractions for tourists, 900,000 of whom are expected to visit in the first year. It’s a big deal for the destination, and Tourism Minister Estrella Palacios Domínguez says the new aquarium marks “a before and after” in Mazatlán’s history.

“This abundant marine fauna and the crystal-clear waters that bathe the coasts of the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, and Sinaloa led Jacques Cousteau to call the Sea of Cortéz ‘the aquarium of the world,’” – Miguel Torruco Marqués, the Minister of Tourism.

Designed by Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao, whose works often fuse geometry with nature, the aquarium will house some 260 marine species (including gray, humpback and blue whales, sharks, jellyfish, stingrays and more) and 26 habitats inside the aquarium, where its architecture is designed especially for nature to envelop you.

“I like to think that nature took this building that was once built to develop its own life, that’s the concept of the project. As soon as the sea brought it to the surface we humans could get in to see what had happened there.” – Architect Tatiana Bilbao.

Facilities include a botanical garden and interactive and educational exhibits that promote the region’s biodiversity and its commitment to conservation. The modern buildings feature striking architecture, as well as terraces and vegetated roofs. In the interest of conservation, part of the aquarium’s proceeds will go to a research center to preserve biodiversity in the Sea of Cortés.

Where to go and how to enjoy the day.

The Gran Acuario Mazatlán will open its doors on the west side of Mazatlán, in the Central Park. This puts it right next to Mazatlan’s boardwalk, the city’s waterfront promenade lined with bars, restaurants, stores and installations by internationally renowned artists. In the afternoon, you can watch the cliff divers at a place called El Clavadista. Along the way, be sure to also look out to sea, so you don’t miss the high, beautiful cliffs that line the Pacific. Or if you want, you can  enjoy the sunset at one of the many restaurants along the boardwalk. If at night time you happen to stroll around in the Golden Zone, near the beach, enjoy a fabulous night view of the Malecon with the lights of the Avenida del Mar in one direction and the revolving light of the El Faro lighthouse on the other side of the bay. Or you can add to your experience a ride in a “Pulmonía” to the Plazuela Machado where you can enjoy a beautiful evening in a restaurant with music and dancing while the square is illuminated by souvenir, art and jewelry stalls. In conjunction with a day at the aquarium, these activities make a day at the bay the best of all, a perfect one to enjoy with your partner or your family when visiting Mazatlan. Don’t miss your chance to visit the Gran Acuario de Mazatlan!