Legacy Mazatlán Aquarium (Acuario Mazatlán)

Important Closure Notice: The classic, legacy Mazatlán Aquarium on Avenida de los Deportes permanently closed its doors on May 1, 2023. It has been replaced by the world-class Gran Acuario Mazatlán (Sea of Cortez Aquarium), which is brand new and situated directly next door in Central Park.

For over 40 years, the legacy Mazatlán Aquarium (Acuario Mazatlán) stood proud as one of the largest, most significant, and beloved marine education centers in Latin America.

Opening its doors in 1980, this historic, family-friendly attraction was divided into an indoor zone housing vibrant reef fish tanks, local marine species, and educational taxidermy, and a sprawling outdoor zone containing custom botanical exhibits, crocodiles, an aviary, and a popular predatory bird auditorium.

While this specific legacy facility has finished its historic run, the park's spirit, animal welfare mission, and several of its world-famous live animal exhibitions have successfully transitioned over to the new, ultra-modern facility next door.

Historic entrance facade of the old legacy Mazatlán Aquarium — The Classic Acuario Mazatlán Frontage

Remembering the Legacy Exhibitions

Sea lion balancing a ball at the old aquarium show

Famous Sea Lion Show

Historically considered the crown jewel of the legacy aquarium, the high-energy sea lion performances delighted multi-generational families in a large outdoor stadium pool. This show, along with the sea lions, has transitioned safely into a beautiful new amphitheater in the new Gran Acuario next door!

Colorful Macaws performing tricks during the outdoor bird exhibition

Interactive Bird Exhibition

This exceptionally popular showcase taught children and parents about rainforest conservation, featuring highly trained macaws, parrots, and birds of prey performing clever tasks. These educational bird experiences are still hosted at the new park.

A diver hand feeding nurse sharks in the main marine tank

The Shark Tank Diving Show

Visitors used to crowd around a thick glass window to watch specialized divers plunge directly into heavy marine tanks filled with nurse sharks, piranhas, and schooling fish to hand-feed them and interact with guests using underwater communication lines.

Animal Predators & Hunters Show

This outdoor exhibition allowed travelers to experience close encounters with dynamic terrestrial species including birds of prey, majestic owls, exotic reptiles, snakes, and mischievous raccoons. Experienced wildlife handlers taught visitors about the evolutionary hunting adaptations of these creatures.

Legacy Acuario Mazatlán Photo Archive

Take a stroll down memory lane with our collection of nostalgic visitor photos captured inside the original aquarium property over the decades:

Exotic fish tanks inside old Acuario Mazatlán

Caiman and alligator habitat at the old aquarium

Dolphins and aquatic exhibits in old Mazatlán

Tropical botanical gardens surrounding the old aquarium path

Marine turtles pool at the old Acuario Mazatlán

Jellyfish tank display inside old aquarium halls

Backyard playground and pond at the historical aquarium site

Seawater shark exhibition viewing window

Stingray touching pool at legacy Acuario

Backstage filter systems at the original Mazatlán Aquarium

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The original 1980 aquarium was closed permanently to make room for the grand opening of the Gran Acuario Mazatlán Mar de Cortés (Sea of Cortez Aquarium). The new facility represents a massive $99.3 million investment, featuring modern marine exhibits, vast structural enhancements, and a dedicated marine life conservation research center.

Almost all of the major sea life, fish, penguins, and sea lions were safely and meticulously transferred into the brand-new, modern ecosystems built for them at the new Gran Acuario Mazatlán next door. Their new homes boast much larger volumes of water and state-of-the-art life support systems.

The new Gran Acuario Mazatlán is located just a few hundred feet from the old property, anchored inside the lush 75-acre Parque Central (Central Park), which sits two blocks back from the main Malecón seawall. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and you can easily catch a pulmonía or taxi from the Golden Zone to reach it.

Legacy Mazatlán Aquarium (Acuario Mazatlán)

Remembering the Legacy Exhibitions

Famous Sea Lion Show

Interactive Bird Exhibition

The Shark Tank Diving Show

Animal Predators & Hunters Show

Legacy Acuario Mazatlán Photo Archive

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did the legacy Mazatlán Aquarium close in 2023?

What happened to the animals from the old aquarium?

Where is the new aquarium located and how do I visit?

Mazatlán Links