Mazatlán is home to one of the most prestigious aquariums in the world – The Great Mazatlán “Mar de Cortés” Aquarium. This attraction is renowned for its dedication to marine research, education, and the preservation of aquatic ecosystems. The exhibits provide an immersive and educational experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the marine world. Below, I have listed some exhibits featured in the aquarium and some activities for visitors to enjoy.
This aquarium is a perfect attraction for marine enthusiasts and adventure lovers who desire to explore the underwater in depth. It is also ideal for families and young ones to spend the day visiting Mazatlán. I would love to work with you on sharing this information with your readers or include it in any summer vacation attractions roundups you may be working on.
Imagine stepping into a world where vibrant marine life thrives, and visitors can witness the enchanting beauty of the underwater realm up close. The Great Mazatlán “Mar de Cortés” Aquarium offers just that—a gateway to the wonders of the deep blue. Nestled within the heart of Mazatlán, this enchanting attraction is dedicated to the Sea of Cortez and constitutes the largest aquarium in Mexico and the most important in Latin America.
The Great Mazatlán Aquarium features a distinctive collection dedicated to the Sea of Cortez, also known as the “Aquarium of the World,” as named by the renowned oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. The exhibit allows visitors to appreciate the biodiversity found in the Sea of Cortez. Due to its outstanding beauty and biological wealth, the Sea of Cortez was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2015.
Visitors will find themselves immersed in a realm brimming with wonder and countless opportunities for exploration, all within a framework dedicated to education, research, and the dissemination of knowledge. The main tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing guests to acquaint themselves with the 26 distinct habitats within the facility, home to over 5,000 specimens representing 200 diverse species.
The aquarium’s blue waters are home to 36 diverse species of mammals, among them the endemic vaquita porpoise. Additionally, it harbors 31 types of cetaceans, including gray, humpback, and blue whales, as well as five of the seven sea turtles worldwide. Furthermore, it boasts over 700 categories of fish, encompassing sharks and totoabas.
In addition to its captivating exhibits, the aquarium provides many delightful activities visitors should pay attention to. These exceptional and unforgettable experiences include swimming alongside sharks and engaging in shark-feeding and stingray-feeding sessions.