Mazatlán — Day 4

Arriving in Mazatlán — No Tender Required!

After the tender experience in Cabo San Lucas, one of the first things I noticed about Mazatlán was that the Navigator of the Seas docked directly at the pier. No tender boats, no bobbing around in the waves trying to board — just walk off the ship and you're there. If you've ever done a tender port you know what a relief that is!

That said — the moment you step outside the port gates you will be greeted by a very enthusiastic crowd of taxi drivers 😄 eager for your business, all competing loudly for your attention. It feels overwhelming at first but just take a breath, walk past them all with purpose and head out to the road. If you've booked ahead — and I strongly recommend you do — your driver will be waiting right there holding a sign with your name on it.

That's exactly what happened to us. Jesus, the owner of Pulmonia City Tour Mazatlan, was standing right there at the road holding a sign with our name on it. The owner himself came to meet us personally — that kind of customer care immediately told us we were in good hands. Then Ruben pulled up in the pulmonia, we climbed in and just like that our Mazatlán adventure began.

Pro tip: Search for Pulmonia City Tour Mazatlan with Jesus on Facebook to book ahead. We paid $100 for our group though we later heard from a fellow cruiser that she negotiated $90 for hers — so the price is flexible. Either way it's an incredible value for what turned out to be nearly 5 hours of personalized local touring. And remember — that fare goes entirely to Jesus who runs the company. Ruben works purely for tips so please tip your driver generously. We gave $20 and honestly wish we had given more. You'll understand why by the end of this post.

What is a Pulmonia?

Before I go any further let me explain what a pulmonia actually is because I had no idea before this trip! A pulmonia is Mazatlán's iconic open air taxi — imagine something between a golf cart and a dune buggy, completely open on the sides with a canopy overhead. It's breezy, fun, a little bouncy and absolutely the most enjoyable way to see the city. The name "pulmonia" actually means pneumonia in Spanish — legend has it the vehicles got their nickname because riding in them open air would give you a cold! 😄

Here's something most people don't realize — pulmonias are completely unique to Mazatlán. You won't find them in Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta. They are as much a part of Mazatlán's identity as El Arco is to Cabo San Lucas — and experiencing one is reason enough on its own to look forward to this port. In fact there is even a Pulmonia Monument on the Mazatlán Malecón honoring these iconic vehicles and their place in the city's history. When you ride a pulmonia you're not just getting around — you're participating in a Mazatlán tradition that dates back to 1965!

Meet Ruben — The Heart of Our Mazatlán Day

Ruben was not just a driver — he became one of the highlights of our entire Mazatlán experience. From the moment we climbed into his pulmonia, he narrated the city with genuine passion and made us feel like we were exploring with a local friend rather than taking a tour.

Things Ruben Taught Us About Mazatlán:

✔ Mazatlán hosts one of Mexico’s largest Carnaval celebrations.

✔ The tuna fishing industry plays a huge role in the local economy.

✔ Stone Island has become a popular area where many expats build homes.

✔ After the devastating 1975 hurricane, a seawall was built to help protect the city.

✔ Cars imported from China arrive through Mazatlán’s commercial port.

As for Cabo San Lucas — Ruben had thoughts. "Cabo is more touristy," he told us matter-of-factly, "and it costs more." Coming from a local who knows both cities that felt like high praise for Mazatlán — and based on our own experience I think he's absolutely right.

But Ruben Went Even Further Than That

I want to take a moment to tell you just how far above and beyond Ruben went for us that day — because $20 simply does not cover it.

Throughout our nearly 5 hours together Ruben provided drinks for our group. When he didn't have something on hand he went and bought it for us himself — out of his own pocket. When we needed a bathroom break — and yes public restrooms in Mexico typically require a small fee — Ruben paid for that too without a second thought. He took care of us like we were family, not just tourists passing through his city.

Looking back $20 was not enough. Not even close. But I hope that by sharing his story here and encouraging every single person reading this to search for Pulmonia City Tour Mazatlan with Jesus on Facebook and ask for Ruben — I can pay him back in the best way I know how. Send him your business. He has more than earned it.