Day 4, Part 2 – World Famous Cliff Divers ??!
After a good twenty minutes at the cathedral, we boarded the bus. Our next stop was to “watch the world famous cliff divers take the plunge." I had been looking forward to this part because I'd always wanted to watch world famous cliff divers take the plunge. In my mind's eye, world famous cliff divers would be standing regally in tiny speedo's at the top of impossibly high cliffs, executing perfect swan dives into deep blue waters below.
I came to find out that cliff divers such as these do in fact exist!...in Acapulco!
Cliff diving in Mazatlan is of a different sort.
Here is a Mazatlan cliff:
The cliff here was more like a 50-foot high rock formation.
The cliff diver looked more like your run-of-the-mill crazy guy diving from 50 ft. rocks ...
...into waters and rocks like these...
I was terrified that he was going to crack his skull open, and was relieved when he completed the dive and came up unharmed to collect tips (his only pay.)
Although the cliff diving was a disappointment, I had to admit that the scenery was beautiful.
There were a lot of street vendors here. They definitely were not shy about getting into your face but did respond to a polite, firm “no thanks.”
Back on the bus we embarked on the next part of the excursion described on the DCL website as “Be surrounded in the magnificent beauty of Mazatlán as you journey via air-conditioned motor coach — past scenic seaside views and captivating coastal terrain — along one of the longest and most picturesque waterfronts in the world. During the 15-minute journey, learn about the fascinating history of the renowned city and bay from your friendly guide. Then, marvel at the picture-perfect views of the late 19th-century El Faro lighthouse and snap a picture of the offshore islands in the distance during a stop at Cerro del Vigia, commonly known to the locals as "Lookout Hill."
The coastal route did indeed pass many scenic seaside views and monuments.
The Cerro del Vigia stop was also very beautiful.
These islands are a Mazatlan landmark called "The Two Brothers."
I was disappointed and did not "marvel at the picture-perfect views of the late 19th-century El Faro lighthouse." We could barely see it!
On maximum zoom:
We boarded the bus and made our way back toward the city on a more inland route.
Here is a canon that long ago was used to defend the city.
This is the Pacifico Brewery where Corona beer is brewed.
Downtown Mazatlan:
A local fish market:
Coming soon: Fiesta & Flyers