Deer Island from the Mazatlán cruise port

Snorkelingabout 25 minutes to the Zona Dorada, then a boat5 hoursFits a typical call

The largest of the three islands off the Zona Dorada, about 1.85 km long and part of a protected reserve, with a calm, clear beach. Reviewers call it one of the few places near Mazatlán for snorkelling.

Getting there from the ship

From
Mazatlán cruise terminal
Travel time
About 25 minutes to the Zona Dorada, then a boat
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. Mazatlán taxi fares.
Cost
Carnival 'Deer Island Beach Escape with Lunch' US$92.99 adult, US$76.99 child, 5 hours (2026).
Time to allow
5 hours

Will you be back for all aboard?

Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm Mazatlán call you have up to 6 h 20 min at Deer Island, enough for a visit (allow 5 hours), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.
  1. 1
    8:00 am · Ship docks
    Allow about 20 minutes to get off and through the terminal.
  2. 2
    8:45 am · At Deer Island
    About 25 minutes to the Zona Dorada, then a boat from Mazatlán cruise terminal.
  3. 3
    3:05 pm · Leave Deer Island by
    That gets you back to the ship an hour before all aboard.
  4. 4
    4:30 pm · All aboard
    Typical for Mazatlán; your ship's time may differ. Check ship time vs local time

Tip

Easiest as a ship or trimaran tour from the Golden Zone, which includes lunch and drinks. Bring your own water and snacks if you go independently, because food stands may be closed, and watch for slippery rocks in the shallows.

Mazatlán cruise port: Deer Island FAQ

How far is Deer Island from the Mazatlán cruise port?

From Mazatlán cruise terminal it is about 25 minutes to the Zona Dorada, then a boat.

How much does it cost to visit Deer Island?

Carnival 'Deer Island Beach Escape with Lunch' US$92.99 adult, US$76.99 child, 5 hours (2026).

How much time do you need at Deer Island?

Allow 5 hours. Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm Mazatlán call you have up to 6 h 20 min at Deer Island, enough for a visit (allow 5 hours), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.

Can you visit Deer Island on your own from a cruise ship?

It is easier with a tour or a pre-booked driver, because transport there and back is not simple to arrange on the day. Easiest as a ship or trimaran tour from the Golden Zone, which includes lunch and drinks. Bring your own water and snacks if you go independently, because food stands may be closed, and watch for slippery rocks in the shallows.

Snorkeling tours in Mazatlán

Checked against a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm call with an hour's margin.

All tours

More things to do near Deer Island

All 11 places
  • Zona Dorada · Beach · about 25 minutes by taxi from the pier · 2.9 km from Deer Island
  • Gran Acuario Mazatlán · Attraction · 20-25 minutes by taxi from the pier · 4.0 km from Deer Island
  • Cliff divers · Attraction · a 26 minute walk from the pier · 5.2 km from Deer Island
  • Playa Olas Altas · Beach · a 20 minute walk from the pier · 5.8 km from Deer Island