| A
popular getaway from Mazatlán city life, the isolated beaches
of Stone Island are just a short trip from the mainland. Located
to the south, across the water from the ferry harbor, Stone
Island can be accessed by land or sea. The most popular way
to get there is by boats called "launches," which cross the
bay from the harbor continuously all day. The ride is only
ten minutes and costs six pesos round-trip. Or for those who
prefer guided group excursions, tours to Stone Island-- which
include a leisurely sightseeing bay cruise-- are available
from hotels and travel agents all over the city. The other
way to access Stone Island-- which is actually a peninsula--
is to take the International Highway southbound and turn off
just before the International airport (follow signs to "Isla
de la Piedra"). |
|
Though
once an island, a landfill road was built some time ago
so that trucks could transport the tons of produce harvested
on the island every year. In the 1930s, the government offered
free land (ejidos) to farmers living on the island to encourage
residents to improve their economic situation. These farmers
cultivate coconuts, avocados, limes, mangos, peanuts, squash,
sweet potatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, sesame, corn, wheat
and papaya. Once on the island, there is plenty to do. Horseback
riding and watersports, such as snorkelling and banana-boat
rides, are offered for a fee. In addition, there are volleyball
nets for an impromptu game, a selection of palapa-covered
restaurants that specialize in delicious, fresh seafood,
and miles of deserted beaches lined with palm trees to relax,
collect shells and work on the tan.
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