Tips on Mazatlan Warnings or Dangers - Stay Safe!

Enjoy your vacation, just beware of some risks and take precautions.

Be sure you are aware of the colors of flags flying on the beaches of Mazatlan. They are as follows:

Yellow Flag: Caution

White Flag: Jellyfish

Red Flag: Danger (usually a stong undertow, but could mean other dangers, as well) - Do NOT go in the water!

Green Flag: Calm - Enjoy the water & safe for swimming

Be careful when drinking water or eating fresh produce in Mexico, as it can make you ill (it's called Montezuma's revenge). Fresh fruit and ice is ALWAYS possibly a risk, regardless of how nice your surroundings - stick with beer or straight tequila.

The chemical content of water and food is different in Mexico, and therefore it is strongly suggested that you do not over indulge for the first couple of days until you get used to it.

Mazatlán is mainly a beach destination and everyone coming here should swim in the Pacific Ocean - but when you do you'll run the risk of getting stung by a jellyfish. There seems to be more jellyfish close to the shore in the summer. If you get stung, remove the jellyfish from your body as quickly as possible to minimize the severity of the sting. Apparently, sand eases the pain. The jellyfish here are small, and if you get stung it will hurt, but otherwise you don't run any other risk.

Get a reliable translator if you plan on venturing out of the city and usual tourist places. Bring a book of helpful phrases if you don't speak Spanish.

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Mazatlan.