Explore the Depths of Mazatlan’s Gran Acuario

The vibrant city of Mazatlán, renowned for its golden beaches and sun-kissed shores, is also home to one of the destination’s most impressive attractions: Gran Acuario Mazatlán. As a hallmark of marine discovery and the most important aquarium in Latin America, this architectural marvel offers visitors an unrivaled experience of the mysteries of the deep with a special focus on the rich local waters of the Sea of Cortez.

Opened in April 2023, this $99.3 million masterpiece is the largest aquarium in Mexico and anchors Mazatlán’s sprawling 75-acre Central Park. Behind its walls lies a captivating world of more than 30 habitats showcasing the impressive biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez. Among its many attractions are dedicated sea lion and Humboldt penguin experiences, giving visitors even more opportunities to encounter and learn about the aquarium’s remarkable residents. From vibrant corals to majestic manta rays, the Gran Acuario Mazatlán is home to hundreds of marine species, making every visit a new journey of discovery. The world-class leisure destination also features a botanical garden, numerous exhibition spaces, and educational and entertainment programming for visitors of all ages.

The creative talent behind the building’s impressive design is renowned Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao Estudio. Seamlessly merging architecture with nature, the space embodies the point where “the sea and terrestrial nature encounter architecture and the human world,” according to Bilbao Estudio. The concept echoes throughout the aquarium, from its cascading 32-foot waterfall and the suspended walkways in the aviary to the mesmerizing 42-foot-tall glass window that reveals the wonders of the Great Ocean Tank.

For visitors who want to go beyond observing marine life from behind the glass, Gran Acuario Mazatlán also offers snorkeling and diving experiences inside its massive 740,000-gallon Ocean Tank. Snorkelers ages 12 and older can spend approximately 15 minutes in the water alongside schools of colorful fish, lemon sharks, spotted rays, and stingrays, all under the supervision of the aquarium’s professional team. Necessary equipment is provided, making it an exciting way to experience the aquarium’s marine life from an entirely new perspective.

Certified scuba divers can venture even deeper during an approximately 60-minute experience that includes a safety briefing, equipment fitting, and time exploring the depths of the Ocean Tank. With wetsuits, tanks, and other necessary equipment provided, divers have the rare opportunity to share the water with sharks, rays, and an extraordinary variety of fish in a carefully controlled environment. Whether you choose to snorkel at the surface or descend into the tank as a certified diver, these immersive encounters bring the wonders of the marine world remarkably close.

As you navigate the three floors of the facility, you’re met with an array of exhibits that educate, entertain, and inspire. But beyond its visual allure, the Gran Acuario Mazatlán is on a mission. To maintain its keen focus on conservation, a slice of the revenue is allocated to support a research center dedicated exclusively to preserving the biodiversity in the Sea of Cortez — a place so special that famed French oceanographer and explorer Jacques Cousteau labeled “the aquarium of the world.”

But this monumental project would not have seen the light of day if it weren’t for the collaborative spirit of its public-private partnerships. Pueblo Bonito Resorts’ founder and Mazatlán native, Ernesto Coppel, played a significant role in turning this vision into reality. Bolstered by support from institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism, Bancomext, Banobras, and the Government of Sinaloa, the Gran Acuario Mazatlán stands as a testament to collective ambition and community sponsorship.

In the heart of Mazatlán, the Gran Acuario Mazatlán beckons you to discover, learn, and be enchanted by the treasures of the deep. It promises not just a visit but an adventure — an immersive experience that sparks curiosity and fuels a passion for the marine world. If you're ready to dive into this world-class experience, the Gran Acuario Mazatlán is waiting for you. Whether you explore from dry land or take the plunge yourself, Gran Acuario Mazatlán offers an extraordinary window into the fascinating marine life of the Sea of Cortez.

Entrance fees are included in the all-inclusive plan for guests and owners staying at any of the Pueblo Bonito resorts in Mazatlán. For guests who did not purchase the plan, fees are as follows:

Admission Fees*
Adults (12 and over) – $520 MXN  (approx. $30 USD)
Seniors (65 and over) - $414 MXN (approx. $24)
Children (3-11) – $424 MXN (approx. $25 USD)
Children under 3 – FREE
*subject to change

Days and Hours of Operation
Monday – Sunday | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (last admission 4:30pm)

For a detailed journey and to chart your own adventure, check out their website at granacuario.com.

Plan your Mazatlán trip today, and then dive in—the wonders of the Sea of Cortez await!