Stone Island Beach Getaway

This tour is interesting because it turns a Mazatlan hotel stop or cruise port layover into a choose-your-own beach day on Stone Island. I like how it feels organized and personal for a small group, with a max of 15 people, plus hotel or port pickup and drop-off so you are not figuring out local logistics mid-vacation.

I also like the rhythm. You get a quick taste of Old Mazatlan first, including scenic viewpoints tied to the Spanish Fort area and a cliff jump show from 45 feet down into about 8 feet of water, then you head out by boat near the lighthouse and spend the bulk of your time on the sand.

One possible drawback: while the open bar and lunch are included, some people rate them as basic or limited, and beach shade and seating can run tight. If you are the type who needs lots of lounge space and top-shelf drinks, plan for a more casual beach-club setup.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Stone Island time with 2 included activities, so you can tailor the day to your energy level
• Boat ride near the lighthouse to view the ocean-side caves without doing a long excursion
• Old Mazatlan mini-tour with viewpoints and a cliff jump show from the 45-foot platform
• Unlimited open bar plus lunch (handy for cruise day budgets, but drink options can be limited)
• Small-group size (up to 15) that usually keeps things calmer than big bus tours

Stone Island in 6 hours, the “choose two” beach plan

This is a half-day-style outing, about 6 hours, built for people who want beach time without surrendering an entire day. The big idea is simple: once you reach Stone Island, you choose two beach activities that are included in your ticket, and you can build the rest of your time around swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the shoreline.

The small-group cap matters more than you might think. On cruise days, the schedule can get squeezed, and groups that are too large make everything feel like a cattle line. Here, max 15 people is usually enough to keep transfers moving and still let your guide answer questions and check in.

If you are traveling with kids, the “pick two” approach is also a win. One family member can go for a bigger thrill activity while someone else keeps it mellow with boogie boards and beach time.

Old Mazatlan before the boat, a short sight-stop that sets the mood

The day starts with pickup from either your Mazatlan hotel or the cruise ship terminal area. Your guide then takes you through key Old Mazatlan stops and viewpoints, with time to get out and look around.

Two parts of this portion really help the whole trip feel less like a beach-only transfer:

First, you get views tied to where the Old Spanish Fort was located, plus a chance to see an original cannon still placed in the area. Even if you are not a museum person, it gives context for what you are seeing across the water and streets.

Second, you get that cliff jump show. The staging is dramatic: a diver jumps from a height of about 45 feet into roughly 8 feet of water. That is the kind of moment that makes people stop and stare, and it gives the day a fun, local flavor before you hit the sand.

Here is a practical note. In one case, people felt certain Old Mazatlan items were not included as expected. So if Old Mazatlan and the cliff jump show are a must for your group, I would go in with a calm expectation, not a checklist attitude. When you arrive, ask your guide what is on the plan for your exact day.

The boat ride by the lighthouse, plus ocean-side cave views

After the Old Mazatlan time, you head to the water. The experience includes a boat ride near the base of the lighthouse, with a route that takes you around the lighthouse so you can see natural caves on the ocean side.

This is not a long ocean cruise, and you should not expect a full-blown “tour boat party.” But it does add something important: it gets you to Stone Island with sea views, not just a direct ferry feeling.

One review specifically mentioned that the boat was not what they expected in terms of vessel type. So if your mental picture is a big catamaran-style day, keep it flexible. What matters most is that you get that quick lighthouse-and-caves look, then you get to the beach with time to enjoy it.

Stone Island beach time, and how to choose your 2 activities

Once you land, you choose two beach activities that are included. The listed options are:

• boogie board
• short horse back ride
• horse cart ride
• banana boat ride

Here is how I would choose, based on how people described their day:

If you want the clear crowd-pleaser, pick the banana boat

The banana boat ride is the most consistently praised activity. Families and couples both call it a blast, and it is usually the best “everyone gets in the fun” option. If your group has mixed ages, this is often the easiest choice because it adds energy fast, then you can spend the rest of your time lounging.

If you want a gentler thrill, boogie boards are a great default

Boogie boards work well when you want water play without committing to something more intense. Many families liked this because it is easy, low-pressure, and it lets kids burn energy while adults keep a watchful eye nearby.

For horses, know that the rides can be short

Both the horse back ride and horse cart ride are included, but multiple people described them as relatively quick. That is not a deal-breaker if you treat it like a fun add-on rather than the main event. Also, if you have riders who are nervous around animals or uneven ground, consider starting with boogie boards or the cart option, then reassessing from there.

Lunch and the open bar, what’s actually included

Lunch and drinks are included, and it helps your budget a lot, especially if you are starting from a cruise ship. The lunch options listed include breaded shrimp, quesadilla, and a beef burrito, served with rice, beans, and steamed vegetables. Vegetarian options are available.

On the drink side, you get an unlimited open bar. The practical reality from reviews is mixed. Some people loved the drinks, called them delicious, and mentioned specific favorites like a coco-loco-style drink. Others said alcohol options were limited, and some felt drinks were watered down.

So here is the best way to approach the open bar: treat it as a included bonus for a beach day, not a guarantee of high-end brands. If you want a very specific liquor or top-shelf mix, you might not get that from an open bar setup like this.

Where lunch can hit or miss

Lunch quality is also not consistent in people’s ratings. Some say it is delicious. Others say it is mediocre, portion sizes can feel small, and it may not satisfy big appetites.

My advice is to use the lunch as part of the deal, then plan for the possibility that you might still want snacks later if you are a light eater. If you have dietary needs beyond vegetarian options, you should ask questions before you go, because the included menu is limited to what is provided.

Beach club logistics: shade, seating, and crowd level

Stone Island is the main event, but the day’s comfort depends on the beach setup. Several reviews mention good shade, while others mention limited lounge chair seating and that chairs may be out or in rough shape.

That inconsistency matters if you go with seniors, or if you want a guaranteed spot under an umbrella. A common thread is that the beach can get busy with locals later in the day, including people trying to sell items. If you prefer a quieter feel, consider doing your “hangout” earlier in the session, then letting the crowd wash through as the afternoon approaches.

One review also mentioned an unpleasant smell from a nearby area because of proximity to horse stables. That means if you are sensitive to odors, you might not love the exact placement of the beach club area.

Transfers and timing: smooth when it runs, messy when it slips

Most of the feedback points to smooth operations: people praised prompt pickup to the docks, helpful staff, and easy finding of the group at the port. One family of nine specifically credited their guide, Victor, saying he made the day better with city history and extra help at Stone Island.

That said, there were also reports of delays and communication issues, including a missed ferry and late arrivals that pushed beach time later than planned. In other words, this experience depends on the day’s logistics, especially on busy cruise schedules.

So if you are booking this as your port stop anchor, do this one thing: keep your return buffer in mind. Do not schedule anything tight right after your tour ends, because the beach plus boat timing can move around.

What the small-group size feels like in real life

A max of 15 travelers means the tour can still feel like a shared day, not a faceless bus ride. You are more likely to get clear answers on questions like where to meet, how the schedule works, and which activity slots might be easiest to fit.

It also helps with the “family math.” People described the day as accommodating for families with kids and grandparents, with activity choices splitting into different groups. One review praised how they arranged beach chairs under shade for a group, so it seems like staff try to place people where they will be comfortable.

Who should book this Stone Island beach getaway

This tour is a good fit if you want:

• Beach time in a half-day window from Mazatlan
• included basics that reduce decision fatigue (boat ride, lunch, open bar, and 2 activities)
• a mix of quick city context plus actual sand time

It may be less ideal if you want luxury, top-tier lounge comfort, or very predictable meal quality. If you are the type who needs everything to be pristine and perfectly consistent, you should plan for some rough edges, like limited seating, basic drink options, and short-duration activities.

It is also worth thinking about comfort level with physical movement. Some people reported accessibility problems for walkers. If mobility is a concern, I would ask direct questions about the pathways, seating options, and whether the beach club setup works for your specific needs.

Price and value, does it feel worth it?

For cruise travelers, the big value is that lunch, drinks, and two activities are included. Several people mentioned it felt like a better deal than cruise ship excursion prices, especially if you are trying to control spending during your port day.

That value works best when you go in knowing what you are buying:

• a casual beach-club day
• a short boat ride and sea caves view
• two included activities that are fun but not necessarily long

If you treat this as a full-day luxury beach resort experience, you will likely feel disappointed. But if you treat it as a smart, included-beach package with real fun built in, it can be a very solid use of your time.

Should you book it?

I think you should book this tour if your main goal is a fun Stone Island beach day with predictable inclusions: transfers, boat ride, lunch, unlimited drinks, and two activity choices. The banana boat and the general staff help seem to be repeated winners, and the small-group size usually keeps the day from feeling chaotic.

Skip it or shop around if you care most about consistent drink quality, lots of guaranteed shade and seating, and a long, high-touch itinerary. Also, if Old Mazatlan time and the cliff jump show are non-negotiable for your group, ask questions before you confirm and plan for the possibility that the exact emphasis can shift by day.

If you want one practical move, do this: choose your two activities based on how you want the day to feel, then treat the rest as flexible beach time. This tour is at its best when you let it be simple.