Isla de Venados Deer Island
A serene island paradise in Mazatlán, offering tranquil turquoise waters, stunning city views, and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy calm waters before crowds
Isla de Venados Deer Island
Best Time
Enjoy calm waters before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene island paradise in Mazatlán, offering tranquil turquoise waters, stunning city views, and a peaceful escape.
"A hidden jewel with white sand and crystal clear, turquoise waters, a paradise in the middle of the city."
🎒 Pack It In, Pack It Out
This is an ecological reserve! Bring a trash bag and take all your waste with you. No facilities here .
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The seabed can have stones, so water shoes will make walking and swimming more comfortable .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Turquoise Waters
The shores of Isla de Venados
Experience calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxation, offering a serene escape.
Breathtaking City Views
From the island's vantage point
Enjoy a unique perspective of Mazatlán's skyline, a stunning backdrop to your island day.
Abundant Marine Life
Shallow waters around the island
Snorkel or simply observe the variety of fish visible in the clear, shallow waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Bring Your Own
Getting There & What to Expect
While some offer round-trip packages including chairs and umbrellas, confirm details beforehand. Be prepared for a lack of restrooms on the island.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack It In, Pack It Out
This is an ecological reserve! Bring a trash bag and take all your waste with you. No facilities here.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The seabed can have stones, so water shoes will make walking and swimming more comfortable.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks
There are no vendors on the island, so pack all your food and drinks for the day.
🚤 Water Taxi Logistics
Boats typically depart from Gaviotas Beach. Negotiate your round-trip fare and confirm return times.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack It In, Pack It Out
This is an ecological reserve! Bring a trash bag and take all your waste with you. No facilities here.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The seabed can have stones, so water shoes will make walking and swimming more comfortable.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks
There are no vendors on the island, so pack all your food and drinks for the day.
🚤 Water Taxi Logistics
Boats typically depart from Gaviotas Beach. Negotiate your round-trip fare and confirm return times.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun can be intense. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and consider renting an umbrella for shade.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Isla de Venados is praised for its beautiful, calm, and clear waters, offering a relaxing escape with breathtaking city views. Visitors appreciate it as a family-friendly spot and a great place for swimming and observing marine life. However, the lack of facilities, particularly restrooms, and the need to bring all provisions are recurring points of consideration.
"Nice calm waters, chill place to relax and enjoy the water"
Luis De La Vega
"Boats can be taken from Gaviotas Beach. It's recommended to bring food and drinks because nothing is sold there, and don't forget to bring a trash bag. The water is crystal-clear, with beautiful scenery, and you can see plenty of fish. It's the perfect place to spend an unforgettable day. The view of the city from the island is breathtaking."
Rosario Ortiza
"Getting to the island cost us 150 per person, they leave from Playa Gaviotas and you go by boat. The people are very friendly.
I recommend arriving at 9:30 or 10 to enjoy the island before it fills with people. You should also bring drinks, snacks, and a bag to bring back your trash.
Those who took us to the island rented us a table and chairs. The sea was very calm and clean when we arrived, the later it got the sea started to look dirty, we suppose because of the sunscreens and so many people on the beach.
On the shore we saw some bad water and a puffer fish. You have to be careful with animals. It is highly recommended to bring sea shoes because there are many stones.
What we didn't like is that there is NO bathroom. There is one but it is private to the CID hotel and they do not let anyone enter who is not staying there.
The view is beautiful and the sea is very calm."
Verónica Luna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Isla de Venados is by water taxi, which can be found at Gaviotas Beach.
Prices can vary, but travelers have reported paying around 150 to 250 pesos per person for a round trip. It's advisable to confirm the price before boarding and to inquire if chair and umbrella rentals are included.
Public transportation does not directly reach Isla de Venados. You'll need to take a water taxi from a beach like Gaviotas Beach to access the island.
No, Isla de Venados is an island and is not accessible by car. You must use a boat service to reach it.
The boat ride to Isla de Venados is typically quite short, usually around 10-15 minutes, depending on the departure point and sea conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no formal entrance tickets for Isla de Venados itself, as it's a natural reserve. However, you will need to pay for the water taxi service to get there.
Isla de Venados is a natural area and doesn't have set operating hours. However, water taxis typically run during daylight hours, and it's best to visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds.
The primary cost is the water taxi. Some boat operators might include chair and umbrella rentals in their price, but this should be confirmed beforehand.
Yes, many tour operators in Mazatlán offer excursions that include a visit to Isla de Venados, often combining it with other activities like kayaking or snorkeling.
While it's an ecological reserve, there isn't a separate entrance fee. The focus is on responsible tourism, meaning visitors are expected to pack out their trash.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming in the calm waters, sunbathing, snorkeling to see fish, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach. The island also offers beautiful views of Mazatlán.
Unfortunately, there are no public restrooms on Isla de Venados. Visitors are advised to use facilities before departing for the island.
Some water taxi services may offer chair and umbrella rentals, often as part of a package. It's best to inquire about this when booking your boat trip.
Yes, the calm, shallow waters make it a safe and enjoyable place for families with children to swim and play.
You can often see various types of fish in the clear waters, and the island is a natural habitat for some native species.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food vendors or restaurants on Isla de Venados. You must bring all your own food and drinks.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, sandwiches, or any other food items you'd like to enjoy. Consider items that are easy to eat on the beach.
Absolutely! Isla de Venados is a perfect spot for a picnic. Just remember to bring everything you need and take all your trash with you afterwards.
While there are no dining options on the island itself, the mainland of Mazatlán, particularly near Gaviotas Beach, offers numerous seafood restaurants and eateries.
It is strongly advised not to feed the wildlife. This helps maintain the natural ecosystem and ensures the animals remain healthy.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning turquoise waters, the panoramic views of Mazatlán's skyline, and the marine life visible in the clear sea.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour light, but be mindful of the return boat schedule.
The entire island offers great vantage points. Try to find slightly elevated spots for wider shots of the beach and the city in the distance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean and city views. Waterproof phone cases or action cameras are useful if you plan on getting in the water.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local advisories before flying a drone, especially as it's a natural reserve.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a water taxi that might offer chair and umbrella rentals to make your family's day more comfortable. The opportunity to see fish in the clear water can also be a fun educational experience for children. Just ensure you bring a bag to collect all your family's trash, reinforcing the importance of environmental care.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the natural beauty – swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the shoreline are all free activities. While some may opt for chair and umbrella rentals, bringing your own beach towels or mats can be a cost-saving alternative. The experience of a beautiful, tranquil island getaway is accessible without breaking the bank.
couples
Consider arranging for a water taxi that might offer a bit more privacy or a slightly later return time to catch the sunset. The tranquility of the island, away from the bustle of the mainland, makes it an ideal spot for couples seeking relaxation and connection.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Isla de Venados
Travelers often mention negotiating fares, with round trips typically costing between 150 to 250 pesos per person.It's important to note that while the water taxis provide access, they are the only service available. There are no public transport options that will take you directly to the island. Planning your departure and return times with your boat operator is crucial, especially if you want to maximize your time on the island or if weather conditions are a concern.
Key takeaway: Confirm your fare, what's included, and your return time with your water taxi operator before setting off for Isla de Venados.
Island Amenities & What to Pack
Beyond sustenance, consider packing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong rays. Many visitors also recommend bringing water shoes due to the presence of stones on the seabed, which can make walking and swimming more comfortable.
While some boat services might offer chair and umbrella rentals, it's not guaranteed. If comfort is a priority, you might consider bringing a beach towel or a small mat to sit on. The focus here is on a natural, unspoiled experience, so packing smart is key to enjoying your day.
Experiencing the Waters and Views
Beyond the water, the island provides a unique vantage point for viewing Mazatlán's skyline.
Some visitors have noted that the water clarity can decrease later in the day due to increased activity and sunscreen use, so an earlier visit might offer the best conditions for both swimming and underwater viewing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit