Road Trip - Jumping off Cliffs

There are several ways to jump off a cliff. It could mean that you've decided to take a big risk in your life or it could mean that you are literally jumping off a cliff.

The cliff divers of Mazatlan are probably not as well known as those in Acapulco but I can guarantee you that they are no less dramatic or dangerous. Our tour guide told us that the basic difference is that the divers in Mazatlan wear baggy trunks and the divers in Acapulco wear Speedos. Hmmmm, I might just have to check that out to make sure he's telling the truth.

As we prepare to leave the ship I am reminded of the military presence whenever the cruise ship is in town. As I mentioned, this is a working port and the ship docks at a very busy pier. Passengers are not allowed to walk on the pier. There are shuttles that take you to the gates, or tour buses waiting alongside the ship. They have a system that records your passport information on the ship, making it available to local authorities. At no time we were required to carry or show our passport.

Where's Waldo the Mexican soldiers?



The tour bus drives through interesting neighborhoods where the tour guide assures us that ex-pats can find 7 bedroom houses for $80,000 US. Slowly we make our way to the coast road that snakes behind the rock formation and lighthouse that we saw yesterday.



The coastline is very rocky and dramatic. We pull up to an area with a rocky outcrop. There's a platform on the top and a diver stands ready to plunge into the water below. If you look at the bottom right of the platform you'll see some type of small grotto with metal bars and what appears to be flowers behind.



There he is preparing to dive.



Here's what you don't see from the above perspective. They've constructed a beautiful set of steps that lead to the top of the rock formation.



The water under the cliff is only 4 to 5 feet deep, certainly not enough to avoid severe injury. The diver watches the incoming swells and waits until the water fills the bowl into which he'll dive. It reaches a depth of 8 to 10 feet which is still quite shallow. And then he dives!



There he is, safely making his way to shore.



The entire area is very rocky.



This is a feat that will be repeated up to 50 times per day! They pass a container for tips.

To the right of the diving platform is this sculpture.



Mazatlan must be the capital of memorial sculptures because they are everywhere. Here's a close-up of the mermaid.



There's even a copper brewing container from a beer factory that's been installed in a memorial by the sea. They'll honor anything it seems.

I think I promised a tour of the cathedral today but I'm going to save if for tomorrow (Sunday) because it will be photo heavty and what's more appropriate than visiting a cathedral on Sunday?

Thanks for visiting with me today and going along to see the cliff diver.