We have traveled the entire Pacific Mexico coast by sailboat for the past 3 years, and Mazatlan was our least favorite place because it felt shady and dangerous — a very unusual feeling in Mexico.

Unlike other beautiful spots along the coast, especially Bahias de Huatulco and the Sea of Cortez, Mazatlan was unnerving, especially when the taxi driver pointed out streets to avoid on our way back to our boat. Walking through the Zocalo everyone seemed very sullen. It bothers me to have upsetting travel experiences like that, and I am so glad your experience there was positive. I’m sure Mazatlan has its very beautiful side.

Siince we were there (2011), the port captain has closed the anchorage to visiting cruising boats because there were too many dinghy and outboard thefts. All cruising boats now have to stay in the marinas where there is lots of security.

So I’m really glad you had a good time. Cruisers that plied the coasts years ago all tell us that Mazatlan was one of their favorite cities to visit.

Mexico is a phenomenal travel destination, and we have felt totally safe everywhere else on the coast (except Acapulco), including many of the inland colonial cities.