Stone Island is a solid cruise port reset. You start in Mazatlán with pickup taken care of, then spend your afternoon on Stone Island (Isla de las Piedras), where the beach and sea time feel like the real point of the trip. I love the straight-up beach time and the chance to do a banana boat for that quick adrenaline burst.

You also get a proper all inclusive setup, with lunch and drinks included while your group hangs out under palapa shade. One possible drawback to plan for: the ride-and-activity parts can feel short, and the day can run on firm timing, so you have to go with the flow.

If you want a simple, value-focused Mazatlán beach outing, this one fits. It is more about relaxing and swimming than long sightseeing detours.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Stone Island is the main event: plan for a true beach day, not a tour of town stops.
• Your thrill options are limited but fun: banana boat and boogie boards get the most love.
• Staff support matters here: names like Pancho, David, Victor, and Lobo come up often for keeping things moving.
• Transport is built in: van pickup plus ferry and beach transfer keeps you from dealing with logistics.
• Vendors exist, but you can manage them: there are vendor zones, and you control how close you get.
• Food is included, but menus may vary: lunch gets you fed, though some plates are described as basic.

Stone Island beach time, the part you’ll actually remember

Stone Island is where this tour earns its keep. You are not doing a “drive around and admire from the bus” kind of day. The whole schedule is designed to get you to a beachfront resort area where you can swim, hang out in the shade, and pick from included beach activities.

That matters in Mazatlán because a port day can get eaten alive by travel time. Here, you trade most of that wasted time for saltwater time. The sea is a big deal on this outing, and in cooler months it can feel warmer than you expect for the region, especially once you’re in and moving.

This is also a good reminder of what to prioritize. If you book this thinking you’ll snorkel for hours, you might be disappointed. If you book it thinking you’ll swim, body surf a bit, and do one or two fun activities, you’re in the right place.

Getting to the island: pickup, ferry, and why timing can feel tight

Pickup is offered from hotel lobbies and from the cruise ship terminal Mazatlán. That’s the practical win, especially if you are on a cruise and don’t want to build your own transport plan.

In most cases, you’ll be moved to the ferry and then transferred again to the beach area. The “about five hours” duration makes sense for this kind of route, but it also means you should treat the day like a schedule, not a suggestion. One group reported confusion because they were told a later pickup time and then received a text saying they had to arrive earlier. The key takeaway for you: confirm your exact pickup and arrival expectations the day before, and if you get a new message, follow it.

Also consider a simple cruise-ship reality: sometimes the terminal area can be slow, and you may need to walk a short distance to reach the transport point. It tends to be a minor hiccup, but it is good to know so you do not panic if you are not parked at the exact door you imagined.

The beach setup: loungers, shade, and vendor zones

Once you’re at Stone Island, you’re set up to do beach life. You’ll find shaded palapa areas and a place to relax, with access to chairs at the beachfront area. Many people love the advantage of arriving early in their group time window, because seating can get tight later.

Then come the vendors. Mazatlán has a constant rhythm of people offering goods, tours, and services, and Stone Island is not immune. The good news is that you can stay in the areas where vendors cannot reach you easily. There is typically a boundary line that vendors are not supposed to cross, so you can choose your comfort level.

Here’s how I’d handle it:

• Say no once, clearly, then stay in the vendor-free zone.
• If someone gets too pushy, keep walking back toward the restaurant or bar area.
• If you want to shop, do it calmly, after you’ve settled in.

You’ll likely still get approached. The difference is whether you feel harassed or simply interrupted, and the setup helps you control that.

Food and drinks: what all inclusive means here

The package includes bottled water and soda/pop, plus lunch and alcoholic beverages. In plain terms, that’s why the excursion feels like value. You are not paying for every small thing once you hit the beach.

Lunch is typically served at the resort with a set menu. Some people describe it as filling with choices available, while others call it basic. Either way, the lunch is part of the structure of the day, not an afterthought.

Drinks are where expectations matter most. This is an all inclusive style setup, and many guests are happy with the open bar feel. Still, a couple of details show up in real-world experience: the bar selection can change during the day, and the bartender may adjust what’s available after a certain time. Also, some guests mention that you pick up drinks yourself at the bar rather than having servers bring them to your chair.

One smart move: if you drink cocktails or specific spirits, ask what’s currently available when you arrive. If you just want beer and standard mixed drinks, you’ll probably be fine.

If you do not drink alcohol, you can still enjoy the day. Some people note that non-alcoholic specialty drinks are offered, so you are not limited to water and soda only.

Included activities at Stone Island: banana boat and boogie board first

Your included activity options are banana boat ride, boogie board, horseback riding, and horse carriage ride. Most people tend to treat banana boat and boogie boards as the main draws because they’re active, fun, and easy for a day like this.

Banana boat ride: short thrill, expect a quick splash

This is the “best part” option for many groups. It’s a short ocean ride, and the fun can be less about distance and more about the ride itself, life vest on, waves in your face, and a bit of bouncing. Some riders get dumped during the ride, which is part of the chaos and why you should treat it like a water activity, not a photoshoot.

Practical tip: skip sunglasses or hats you can’t afford to lose. If you wear them, keep them secure or leave them behind for the ride. Even with warnings, the ocean can be rough in spots.

Boogie board: best between the bigger activities

Boogie boards can be a great “in-between” activity. When the banana boat ride finishes and your adrenaline calms down, you can still spend time in the shallows or on waves. It’s also a nice option if you’re traveling with kids, because it’s lower stakes than horse activities and easy to fit into beach time.

Horseback riding and carriage ride: often more local than you expect

Horseback riding and horse carriage ride exist in the included lineup, but don’t imagine a long beach trail. Many guests describe these rides as short and focused on moving through nearby residential areas or streets rather than a scenic route.

There’s also an important safety note to consider for families. One clear guidance shared for young kids is that if children cannot safely reach the stirrups, they should not ride. That’s a common-sense rule, but it matters because the activity is only safe when it fits the rider.

If you want the beach day to be mostly swimming and water play, horses can be optional extras. If you expect them to be the main attraction for the entire trip, adjust your expectations.

What the day feels like: pacing, crowds, and group size

This is a beach-first half day with a group cap of up to 99 travelers. That number sounds large, but your actual experience can still feel relaxed if your arrival timing is good. The best-case scenario is you get to the beach early, claim chairs and shade closer to the action, and then enjoy long stretches of swim time while later groups filter in.

Most of the included activities are quick. That can be frustrating if you booked hoping for long adventure segments. But it can also be perfect if you’re on vacation and you just want a fun beach rhythm without committing a whole day to logistics.

Think of it like this: you’re trading long tour time for a focused block of seaside fun. When it works, it feels like the cruise port day you wanted all along.

Money and value: where your $58 goes

At about $58 per person for roughly five hours, the value comes from two things: transport plus food and drinks, and included activities that replace add-on costs.

If you tried to do Stone Island on your own, you would likely pay for transport, ferry access, beach entry, and then still have to pay for lunch and drinks. Here, those basics are wrapped into one price. For many families and cruise passengers, that predictability is the real advantage, because port days are expensive days.

That said, you should judge the value based on your priorities. If you want a deep program with long excursions and detailed sightseeing, this will feel basic. If your goal is to leave the beach day satisfied because you swam, relaxed, and did one or two fun water activities, then it’s a strong buy.

Who should book this Stone Island tour

This tour makes the most sense for:

• Cruise passengers who want an easy, transport-included beach day.
• Families who want kids-friendly water fun like boogie boards and banana boats.
• People who prefer relaxation over a packed sightseeing itinerary.
• Groups who like having lunch and drinks handled.

You might want to skip or rethink it if:

• You need long snorkeling time or underwater exploration.
• You’re very sensitive to vendor interruptions and prefer a private, vendor-free beach.
• You expect the horseback and carriage rides to be long or scenic.

Tips to make your day smoother at Stone Island

A few small choices make a big difference:

• Confirm pickup timing the day before, especially if you get a new message.
• Wear a swimsuit and plan to get wet during the banana boat ride.
• Leave fragile valuables behind. If you do wear sunglasses, bring a secure strap or keep them off the boat.
• Bring small bills for small tips, many people find it handy.
• If you want quieter relaxation, arrive with your group early enough to claim shade.

Also remember that the day is built around comfort. You are meant to eat, drink, swim, and do quick activities, then head back.

Should you book the Mazatlán Stone Island beach package?

Book it if you want a straightforward beach day with pickup, a good amount of swim time, and included fun like banana boat and boogie boards. The all inclusive package is the main value engine, especially for families and cruise passengers who do not want to juggle logistics.

Skip it if your idea of an ideal excursion is long thrill rides, major sightseeing stops, or serious snorkeling. This is a beach and activities combo, not a full-day adventure.

If that matches your vibe, you’re likely to come away feeling like you used your port time well.

FAQ

Where are the pickup locations for this tour?

Pickup is available at hotel lobbies and at the cruise ship terminal in Mazatlán.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about five hours.

Is this tour ticket mobile-friendly?

Yes. A mobile ticket is offered.

What is included for food and drinks?

The tour includes lunch, bottled water, and soda/pop.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included.

What activities are included at Stone Island?

Included activities include a banana boat ride, boogie board, horseback riding, and a horse carriage ride.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.