Deer Island (Isla de Venados)
Deer Island (Isla de Venados)
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Amphibious vehicles take vacationers to this uninhabited island off Mazatlan for snorkeling trips and other beach activities.
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4.0
338 reviews
Excellent
154
Very good
94
Average
54
Poor
24
Terrible
12
Kimhedwards
Edmonton, Canada43 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
We had a great day. But, I couldn't not think about the hundreds of people that we're there, being supplied with non stop drinks and then NO bathrooms - NONE. The tour is for 4-6 hours so everyone is going to have to go to the bathroom. Your options are to sneak somewhere on the island or go in the water where folks are snorkelling. The snorkelling was terrible as there were way too many people and boats. With that many people visiting the island they need to get some amenities out there, terrible.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2muchplanning
Placerville, CA5 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Mazatlan is trying so hard to find something for tourists to do. We booked a tour with King David Tours leaving from El Cid Moro at 11:20. A truck came at 11:45. We picked another family up at El Cid Castilla. Got to the docks about 12:30. Finally got on the boat about 1:15. No directions. Rude people cutting ahead in line to turn in vouchers. 4 excursions offered. Horse riding for 10 minutes. Boogie boarding. Worthless as there are no waves. A cart behind a horse same circle as the 10 minute horse ride. Or banana boat being drug behind a boat that would be more comfortable if you rode in the boat. Lunch included at Molikay and open crappy mixed drinks. No beer. Just cheap tasting mixed drinks. If you have nothing else to do might as well see this peninsula called Rock Island. Just as easy to get a launcha and get dropped on the beach where the restaurants are. Not at the tourist dock.
Written 22 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MissBehavin1969
Thorhild, Canada171 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Booked this Deer Island excursion through Sunwing/Nexus Tours. We truly enjoyed this excursion...pick up at the hotel was on-time, we waited around for the catamaran to be ready to go. There was an open bar and they made a pretty decent mai tai. We had to take a boat from the catamaran to the island which was fine. My husband got me on the banana boat and that was really fun! I even tried a bit of snorkeling! I drew the line at kayaking. We walked along the shore looking for conches but didn't find any. I found lots of sea glass which was I was extremely happy with. Lunch was good. It was a relaxing day! We were a small group, Jose made sure everyone was happy.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amos G
2 contributions
Jan 2022
I took my nieces and nephews for this half-day trip and it was outstanding! I highly recommend it. Evelyn and Christian were our guides and they did a wonderful job. We kayaked, hiked and snorkeled. Incredible value. Absolutely loved it. Enjoy Mazatlan!
Written 7 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Culture13721
Sacramento, California7 contributions
Deer Island is one excursion available while docked in Mazatlan aboard most cruise ships. I went there the second week in May 2006. It is a popular side trip, and the catamaran hulled tour boat was filled with people. Our tour operator, Tropical Tours did an excellent job organizing a large group of people. The organized activities include the Kayak trip half way around the island preceded by safety demonstration and orientation. The second activity involves hiking to the crest of the island to view the Pacific Ocean and the skyline of Mazatlan.
If you pay attention to the demonstration; I am a testament to the fact that anyone can paddle these two man kayaks if you have the stamina. It is hard work but great fun! There are many safety features built in to the kayak adventure, so if you have never done it take a chance. The hike up the hill is strenuous, since it involves at least a 30% grade for the first half from the beach to the first rest stop. In May the temperature was close to 90 degrees F, so water is a must. It is a boutiful picture taking opportunity, but has little to offer someone looking for fun. The island is a great getaway from Mazatlan if your tastes lean toward solitude and white sandy beaches. I saw people arrive by small sail boats presumably rented in Mazatlan.
One unique feature of the island are two stray dogs who are rumored to have been abandoned on the island. The tour operators pay much attention to them and they are well fed and very friendly. No one has made any effort to return them to the mainland.
If you pay attention to the demonstration; I am a testament to the fact that anyone can paddle these two man kayaks if you have the stamina. It is hard work but great fun! There are many safety features built in to the kayak adventure, so if you have never done it take a chance. The hike up the hill is strenuous, since it involves at least a 30% grade for the first half from the beach to the first rest stop. In May the temperature was close to 90 degrees F, so water is a must. It is a boutiful picture taking opportunity, but has little to offer someone looking for fun. The island is a great getaway from Mazatlan if your tastes lean toward solitude and white sandy beaches. I saw people arrive by small sail boats presumably rented in Mazatlan.
One unique feature of the island are two stray dogs who are rumored to have been abandoned on the island. The tour operators pay much attention to them and they are well fed and very friendly. No one has made any effort to return them to the mainland.
Written 20 May 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zooks_9
Seattle, Wa U.S.A.1 contribution
I have spent 25 winters in Mazatlan.
Deer Island , Stone Island and all of old Mazatlan can be enjoyed " on the cheap "
If you are arriving by cruise line , forget the expencive packages.
You can rent a catamaran on the beach for 30 $ U.S an hour , Spend as much time on Deer Island as you like , and sail around the usually calm waters for the balance of your time. This is 30 $ per boat Not per person, Maximum 4 people for safety . Great time to relax, and take pictures of the city behind you. My favorite Captains are Cheto and Chuy Salcido. They can be found just north of Las Floris Hotel in the gold zone. They also rent snorkle gear and umbrellas if you want shade on the beach.
Stone Island can be reached quickly and inexpencive by catching a cab to the embarco de Stone Island. For 2 $ take a panga with the natives and walk across the island to the beach @ 1/2 mile . Keep your receipt , it is your ticket back !
If ever you want to be left alone by the sellers on the beach , put a nice smile on your face and shake 2 fingers softly in front of you or to your side. The universal sign for no. [ As you did with your kids in church ] Watch the natives and do as they do. It's that simple and is not misunderstood.
Old Mazatlan can be explored on your own or in a cab. Again charges are by car not per person. Pick up a copy of Viejo Mazatlan , a great monthly magazine with ideas on shoping and the arts.[ Free , and available in most areas ] There are lovely plazas within walking distance of downtown, great food, and a must see , the Angela Peralta Theater
Enjoy your trip !
Deer Island , Stone Island and all of old Mazatlan can be enjoyed " on the cheap "
If you are arriving by cruise line , forget the expencive packages.
You can rent a catamaran on the beach for 30 $ U.S an hour , Spend as much time on Deer Island as you like , and sail around the usually calm waters for the balance of your time. This is 30 $ per boat Not per person, Maximum 4 people for safety . Great time to relax, and take pictures of the city behind you. My favorite Captains are Cheto and Chuy Salcido. They can be found just north of Las Floris Hotel in the gold zone. They also rent snorkle gear and umbrellas if you want shade on the beach.
Stone Island can be reached quickly and inexpencive by catching a cab to the embarco de Stone Island. For 2 $ take a panga with the natives and walk across the island to the beach @ 1/2 mile . Keep your receipt , it is your ticket back !
If ever you want to be left alone by the sellers on the beach , put a nice smile on your face and shake 2 fingers softly in front of you or to your side. The universal sign for no. [ As you did with your kids in church ] Watch the natives and do as they do. It's that simple and is not misunderstood.
Old Mazatlan can be explored on your own or in a cab. Again charges are by car not per person. Pick up a copy of Viejo Mazatlan , a great monthly magazine with ideas on shoping and the arts.[ Free , and available in most areas ] There are lovely plazas within walking distance of downtown, great food, and a must see , the Angela Peralta Theater
Enjoy your trip !
Written 1 March 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan D
Boerne, TX96 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
We booked a three hour excursion for $35 USD to Deer Island through Gustavo with Pronatours at the Riu Emerald Bay. We were picked up from the hotel around 9:15 AM and taken to the El Cid Marina. We went up the coastline all the way to the city center of Mazatlan, turned around, headed back to Deer Island, and anchored off shore. The 'cruise' prior to ancoring lasted about 45 minutes to an hour and had plenty of beverage to drink on the way. Once we anchored off Deer Island, a smaller boat transferred us to the island where we had opportunity to ride a banana boat, snorkel, swim, or just sit around. We did the banana boat ride, then snorkeled and found fish towards the north end of the island where the sand gives way to rocks. It certainly is not the variety of the fish off Playa del Carmen or Cozumel, but fun nevertheless. And, it was one of the few places in Mazatlan where the water is calm and easy to float around in and enjoy.
The lunch was great, some type of shredded meat for tacos, rice, and beans. I went back for seconds. There was also a guy chopping up fresh mangos which were delicious. They had a couple of shaded tables where you could sit and look out over the water and a makeshift bar with beer and liquor as well, all included in the price. All in all, a great day for my wife and me.
In reading some of the more negative reviews prior to our booking, I can see how people might get bored if they need constant stimulation, as there is no 'civilization', shops, restaurants, etc. However, there was plenty of shade for those that wished to simply sit and watch. It's just you and other tourists on a stretch of beach. But, we enjoyed making new friends over a few Pacifico cervezas, and simply swimming in the ocean.
Again, most swimming in the ocean in Mazatlan is very rough/difficult due to the waves. If you want a calm area to enjoy in a secluded setting, I'd highly recommend this tour.
The lunch was great, some type of shredded meat for tacos, rice, and beans. I went back for seconds. There was also a guy chopping up fresh mangos which were delicious. They had a couple of shaded tables where you could sit and look out over the water and a makeshift bar with beer and liquor as well, all included in the price. All in all, a great day for my wife and me.
In reading some of the more negative reviews prior to our booking, I can see how people might get bored if they need constant stimulation, as there is no 'civilization', shops, restaurants, etc. However, there was plenty of shade for those that wished to simply sit and watch. It's just you and other tourists on a stretch of beach. But, we enjoyed making new friends over a few Pacifico cervezas, and simply swimming in the ocean.
Again, most swimming in the ocean in Mazatlan is very rough/difficult due to the waves. If you want a calm area to enjoy in a secluded setting, I'd highly recommend this tour.
Written 8 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WSamantha
Calgary, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2011
The resort that we were staying at was red and white flaged for high waves and jelly fish. So we were unable to swim in the ocean so we booked the day to go to Deer Island and it was great! First we took the boat around the bay with the drinks coming and the tunes pumping. We were able to see things like the light house and other Islands. When we arrived we were all told to get out and swim to shore! What ???? Well our driver had a sense of humor! Not Funny LOL. There was a small boat that we could take or we could take the swim. The water was amazing so warm and calm and lots of little fish swimming about. There was lots to do there like swim, banana boat, and even rent ($) a ski doo for a bit. We bought a fresh mango that was to die for and they also had coconuts for purchace. For lunch we had smoked fish tocos and they were really good as well as there was lots to go around.
The only issue that I had was even though I reapplied sunscreen I was burnt the worst I have ever been in my life. The sun there is hotter then hot! I would say that this is a great trip if you want to play in the water and just relax.
The only issue that I had was even though I reapplied sunscreen I was burnt the worst I have ever been in my life. The sun there is hotter then hot! I would say that this is a great trip if you want to play in the water and just relax.
Written 7 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gumbas
Prescott Valley, AZ50 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Skip the all inclusive tours offered by the hotels and take a short walk to Aqua Sports Center who are located a short walk from EL CID hotels where we stayed (El Moro Tower). They own a huge tire powered boat ( travels on land and sea) that takes you across to the island for $12.00 round trip per person. Check out their web-site they have lots of pictures and they bring the banana boat too...off course that is extra and they do have the food and rides for additional cost. Raul runs the place and his men are all qualified and courteous too. My husband took the boat ride with another older couple and their 6 year old grandson.
He even got to be up front with the driver! Their boat is too cool..kids love it.
The water is too murky to snorkel anyway and way to rough with huge rocks, but on the left side of the island as you are approaching it there is a lovely spot to swim..sand is great and not too deep. There are chairs to sit on and umbrellas too, but definitely pack a snack and skip the food on the island..sounds like its not worth it.
There was a small fee to use the bathroom $1.00! We spent two hours there and it was a perfect memory, collecting sea glass and shells and my husband even saw a large animal near the trash cans, which was harmless. He talked to the guy that lives on the island as a caretaker with his two black dogs who are friendly and one of them had just given birth to puppies.
No electricity, but heck you're on an island what do you want!!!
Enjoy the beauty and peace of nature...there's plenty of food and entertainment at your hotels, right?!?!?!
He even got to be up front with the driver! Their boat is too cool..kids love it.
The water is too murky to snorkel anyway and way to rough with huge rocks, but on the left side of the island as you are approaching it there is a lovely spot to swim..sand is great and not too deep. There are chairs to sit on and umbrellas too, but definitely pack a snack and skip the food on the island..sounds like its not worth it.
There was a small fee to use the bathroom $1.00! We spent two hours there and it was a perfect memory, collecting sea glass and shells and my husband even saw a large animal near the trash cans, which was harmless. He talked to the guy that lives on the island as a caretaker with his two black dogs who are friendly and one of them had just given birth to puppies.
No electricity, but heck you're on an island what do you want!!!
Enjoy the beauty and peace of nature...there's plenty of food and entertainment at your hotels, right?!?!?!
Written 6 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jvs000
Edmonton58 contributions
Oct 2019
We decided - after going to Mazatlan for years and years - to do a tour to Deer Island.
My impression of the trip may not be one to write home about. We left around 10:00 and it was my understanding that we would be returning - leaving the island - around 2:00 pm.
I was wrong.
We started off with a short tour of the bay and then we headed out to Deer Island. The ride was pleasant and drinks were served. We got to the island and I proceeded to look around. There were a number of people on the beach. I struck up a conversation with a lady from Estonia. She and her children took a boat from Mazatlan - it cost her $12.00 US and her kids rode free. I thought it was a fairly good deal since our tour was billed at $65 US which included lunch.
Lunch wasn't anything to write home about. The fruit was great, and that was the best part of lunch. The rest wasn't worth writing about.
So, after lunch I thought I'd check out the beach, etc. I thought I had plenty of time for exploration so I went down to the end of the beach. Well, I almost 'missed the boat' back. Around 1:30, the people on the tour were rounded up and back on the boat. Because I was down the beach - someone had to go after me to bring me back.
In my opinion, keep your $65 - skip the tour - and just have one of the boats bring you to the island with your own lunch.
My impression of the trip may not be one to write home about. We left around 10:00 and it was my understanding that we would be returning - leaving the island - around 2:00 pm.
I was wrong.
We started off with a short tour of the bay and then we headed out to Deer Island. The ride was pleasant and drinks were served. We got to the island and I proceeded to look around. There were a number of people on the beach. I struck up a conversation with a lady from Estonia. She and her children took a boat from Mazatlan - it cost her $12.00 US and her kids rode free. I thought it was a fairly good deal since our tour was billed at $65 US which included lunch.
Lunch wasn't anything to write home about. The fruit was great, and that was the best part of lunch. The rest wasn't worth writing about.
So, after lunch I thought I'd check out the beach, etc. I thought I had plenty of time for exploration so I went down to the end of the beach. Well, I almost 'missed the boat' back. Around 1:30, the people on the tour were rounded up and back on the boat. Because I was down the beach - someone had to go after me to bring me back.
In my opinion, keep your $65 - skip the tour - and just have one of the boats bring you to the island with your own lunch.
Written 15 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola
Mi pregunta es si en 2024 aún hay gente en la isla que te rente sombrillas
Written 18 July 2024
Hola, buen día!
En donde se puede tomar la lancha para que te lleven a la isla?
Written 4 April 2019
Puedes tomarla en frente del hotel Holiday Inn, te recomiendo una pagina de facebook se llama Patomar, ellos te trasladan a la Isla venados a precio de aproximadamente de $200 te dan camara Go pro y puedes realizar más actividades con ellos, suerte.
Written 5 April 2019
What was the GF food do you remember? Was the tour good?
Written 27 January 2019
Our family is GF so we just stopped at an XOXO market and grabbed some snacks. In terms of the restaurant/bar on the island, my daughter only got a coconut drink (coconut milk/water in a coconut) which was so-so.
We didn't take a tour, we just used Aqua Sports - they took us onto the island and provided our snorkel equipment and picked us up again.
Written 28 January 2019
hi, do you know, we are arriving by cruise ship. is it possible to walk to the beach where the kayak rentals are from the port? thank you
Written 18 January 2019
Hi there!
Yes, the main beach of Mazatlan usually has people all over offering the boat/sailing/jet ski ride over. We caught ours in front of Restaurant Pancho's, there's also quite a few beach front hotels near there. I forget the man's name who took us over but the sail boat was named "Linda I" but there were many more. Let me know if you have other questions! -darby
Written 18 January 2019
So you can kayak from the El Cid resorts to the island? Any guess how deep the water gets?
Written 14 January 2019
Yes, you can rent kayaks on the beach by the hour and paddle over to Deer Island. It’s a good way to go!
Written 28 January 2019
I'm going to be in Mazatlan next week and want to get to Deer Island to snorkel. I don't need an expensive tour, just a way to get to the island and back. Suggestions? In an earlier post someone said they took a motor boat for 200 pesos. that would work for me but where do you find it? Thanks
Written 14 January 2019
We used Aqua Sports, just north of The Mazatlan Inn, and they provided all the gear and a ride to the island. As I was not going to snorkel with my kids, they also brought me a chair and umbrella. We told them when we wanted to return and they came back at that time. It was $30 per person (about 600 pesos) for snorkeling and $15 for me (300 pesos).
Written 15 January 2019
Estimado hugo, en esa isla hay restaurantes junto a la playa donde comer y que no tengas que pagar el uso de camastros o es necesario la renta de estos y aparte el consumo o bien, uno tiene que llevar su comida tambien. cuanto tiempo es en la lancha para llegar al sitio y sabes en que horarios hay transporte a la isla? Gracias de antemano
Written 22 May 2018
Está muy linda la isla, y no está habitada solamente venden cocos, nosotros tomamos el catamarán Sensation en la marina en el dock 9 frente a la pizza la mona y nos dieron barra libre en bebidas y ceviche, y nos ofrecieron snorkels y Kayak, y muy buen servicio
Written 26 May 2018
There were two friendly healthy black lab looking dogs on the island. How long have they lived there?
Written 22 March 2018
aborsuk
Winnipeg, Canada
When we were there, someone came on the island with 2 black dogs. They weren't part of the tour, but I think they were a private group because we saw the dogs get off a small boat.
Hope that helps.
Written 25 March 2018
adrianahada60
Durango, Mexico
Hola iré en un Tour a mazatlan este fin de semana 16 y 17 de diciembre
Nuestro plan es acampar en isla de los venados que me recomiendan que llevemos
Avanzaremos el sábado por la noche
Es segura para este evento?
GRACIAS POR la información
Written 14 December 2017
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