Deer Island: Explore Mazatlán's Most Iconic and Recreational Ecological Space
4.6
53 Ratings
Discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Deer Island in Mazatlán. Swim, snorkel, hike, and explore the stunning coastline and crystal clear waters.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Isla de Venados - ITINERARY
    • Pick up
    • Introduction to the use of kayak and snorkel
    • Kayaking over to Isla de Venados (no boat)
    • Hiking and sighting of flora and fauna of the island (tennis or hiking shoes are recommended)
    • Snorkeling (tell us what size shirt and shoe you wear)
    • Free time on beach
    • Kayaking back (no boat)
    • Drop off
What's Included
  • Towel
  • Lycra with UV protection
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Photos and souvenirs
Additional Information

The three islands of Mazatlán are considered one of the most iconic symbols of the region. They are at once an interesting ecological study and a fantastic recreational space, thanks to their natural attributes and terrain. The islands were named according to the main species that inhabit or once inhabited them: Birds, Deer and Wolves.

The largest and most popular island is Isla de Venados (Deer Island), located right in the middle of the three. It has the most extensive beach and is the best place in Mazatlan to practice snorkeling, thanks to small waves and crystal clear waters. Isla de Venados is ideal for swimming, jet skiing, banana boating, paddle surfing and also for hiking and exploring on land. With an impressive view of the coast of Mazatlan and the surrounding area, you’ll fall in love with the natural beauty and unique perspective that Isla de Venados offers. Don’t miss it!

  • Children under 10 must always be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak
  • Kayaking to the island is our only way, there is no boat
  • The maximum weight in the individual kayak is 102 kg (225 pounds) and in the double 192 kg (425 pounds)
  • Minimum age allowed 6 years old
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(53 Ratings)
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Kathy_l
Apr 15, 2024
Eclipse, Dancing and Bob Marley on Deer Island....YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 - This trio was remarkable!!! So fun and yet so professional. They took extra care of my husband who was not feeling up to par. They saw to it he made it through. They made assurances that everyone on the tour was looked after. It was eclipse morning so a lot was going on everywhere! This was the best part of our trip, which was fortunate because of course we came for the eclipse and got lucky choosing All Over Mazatlan for our eclipse moment. So Glad we got to share it with them!! Shout out to Lilo!!!!!!!!!!! For nurturing my husband and for dancing with me on the beach to Redemption Song!!!! ya mon
Review provided by Viator
John
Mar 14, 2024
Great kayaking to Deer Island - Did the kayaking to Deer Island, Mazatlan. We were picked up at our Airbnb, met guide Paul. Oriented to kayak. 2 couples in the group. About 20 minutes to kayak to the Island. Hike up the hill, beautiful views, swim and snorkel time. Kayak back to the Golden zone. Drive back to our Airbnb about 11:30. Paul and the driver very helpful. Highly recommend the tour. Early start meant that Island was very quiet when we arrived. Later, large boats arrived.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryannel352
Jan 19, 2024
A great experience!! - This is a great tour for those interested in something other than the typical party boat experience. Our guide Paolo was great! He was very knowledgeable about the area and very patient as we were a group of adults approaching retirement age! The tour starts with a half mile kayak (individual kayaks) trip out to the island. The water was calm on the way out to the island and a pleasant paddle to start. Once on the island we were able to rest a bit and then start up the trail ( if you could call it that) to the ridge line across the island. This part of the excursion does require a bit of physical fitness and good shoes for hiking. Flip flops are definitely not recommended for this portion! While a bit taxing, the hike was worth it for the views!! Once back down to the beach, we had a snack and then dove in for some snorkeling. In general, the masks worked well and the fish were plentiful, even if the water was a bit stirred up. The kayak trip back was a little more work than on the way out due to slightly rougher waters and just being a bit worn out from all the activity. The end of the tour ended with a splash as we were sure we had made it to shore and our entire group (4 of us) was up ended from our kayaks by a big wave! We were in shallow water and nobody was hurt. We joked that it felt like we had just completed a triathlon! On top of the great tour, we added some new found friends we will definitely keep in touch with!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniellg7580vg
Jan 19, 2024
Better than the party boat! - We had an excellent time doing this tour. Paolo was a great guide - very knowledgeable about the island and the area and very helpful. The kayak trip across was nice, due to the typically calm morning conditions. After a short rest on the beach, we went for a hike up to the central ridge of the island. The trail is rough and steep in places, so wear decent hiking shoes or sandals and be careful of the agave and cacti. The view from the top is worth the climb. After coming down and another rest break, we went snorkeling along the coast and saw a variety of fish including puffer fish. The masks provided worked well for most of our group, but they don't seal well if you have a beard. The kayak back was tougher due to being tired and rougher water, but it was still good, and getting wiped out by a wave at the beach was a fun but wet conclusion. Definitely a good tour, but it did require some basic fitness.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Harounm292
Jan 18, 2024
Great day trip - Fantastic day trip booked direct with illeauxcerfisland.com The experience was great from start to finish. The facilities on the island are fantastiv
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul
Apr 7, 2024
Challenging but fun! - The hike we took on Deer Island was a bit more challenging than expected, and the entire activity was not very structured. Overall, we had fun though.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Al_m
Mar 9, 2024
Deer Island is beautiful - The view from the top of Deer Island was great. The snorkeling was ok but not the greatest. Snacks provided, lunch would have been better
Review provided by Viator
Exploration663007
Feb 23, 2024
So fun & adventurous! - The views were to die for! Our tour guide was awesome! So friendly & knowledgeable We had the best time! Kayaking on the ocean wasn't as hard as I thought it would be - we loved it! Snorkel first thing when you arrive though, when more boats arrive & jet skis, visibility goes way down. We still saw a few pretty fish though. The hike was a bit challenging, wear good hiking shoes, but the view is worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer25077584723
Mar 14, 2024
Don’t bother - No place to go to the bathroom. The water is murky. It’s supposed to be a fish reserve but there are fish traps all over the place. We rented kayaks but there wasn’t enough for everyone so we had to take turns. Stick to the main beaches.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daja_p
Apr 10, 2024
Canceled without notice - The tour operator texted us a vague text the day before the tour ( after stating clearly that they would not text and that everything was confirmed). They did not read my response via Viator and they simply did not show up. We were left with no time to book something else and were very disappointed.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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