Stone Island in Mazatlan

[rcauteru]

Hello, we are taking a Carnival cruise in April and were thinking of doing the Stone Island Bay and Beach Party Excursion (NOT through the ship but through a company called Shore Trips. Has anyone ever been??

[alaskakat]

I haven't been there but plan on going next month while we are there. There has been several discussions on this site about Stone Island, and how to get there on your own. Do a search, you'll find a ton of info!

[r&rfraz]

our group of 14 went to stone island of part of our 7-day mex. riv. cruise on the carnival splendor. we did in on our own with no excurions through the carnival or otherwise. we had a blast. we boogie boarded,ride horses, enjoyed some food and had a great beach day. if you search the boards you will find tons of info from myself and others about getting there and doing it own your own if you choose. brfiefly: it is extremly easy to get there on your own. after you walk through the flea market area in the port walk out the gate and head LEFT down the side walk along the wall. it is a 5-7 minute walk to the end of the street. across the street you will see a sign for the water taxi to stone island. take the dirt road to the small ticket booth. purchase your round trip tickets(just a couple of dollars per person). it is a 5 minute water taxi across the port to the dock for stone island. walk up and over the small hill/burm and you will see stone island stretched out in front of you. walk down aways until you reach the area around victors restaurant. that is where most of the action is. stone island is very laid back and simple. it is not a 5 star beach resort. the restaurants a very basic and right on the sand. there are limited lounge areas and shade. if you camp out in front of one of the restaurants they will gladly allow oyu to use their seating and shade if you are willing to purchase a little food and drink. we spent our day at the restaurand next to letties and victors. they were great to our group of 14 people. we bought sodas & a little beer and also enjoyed some tacos & chips/salsa. the restaurant owner helped up rent some horses for the girls in our group . they took a fun ride along the beach. the boys rented some boogie boards and spent hours riding the waves. it is a very kid friendly beach. it has a very gradual slope and the bottom is pure sand. excellent for kids. it was not crowded at all and we had no problem just paying for the things we wanted to be once we got there. when it was time to leave we jusy walked back over to the small dock to catch the water taxi back. if there is not a boat waiting for you when you get there they will see you from across the port ands will quickly send once over to get you. take the 5-7 minute walk back to port and you are back and the ship! we really loved our day on stone island. our group ranged in age from 6 to 50ish. everyone found something to do. it was a very relaxed atmosphere which was a nice change of pace from the ship. i hope you enjoy your cruise and your day on stone island.:)

[rcauteru]

Wow cool cruiser, thanks so much for all the info! Of course, now I don't know what is going to happen...Carnival did not stop in Mazatlan this past week and I can only hope the situation there does not get worse. Would be too nervous to book an excursion in advance now anyway!!