Endless beaches and sunshine, plush all-inclusive resorts, delicious Mexican food, daring cliff divers and one of the longest seawall promenades in the world.

Mazatlan's attractions abound.

And, starting Friday, they are all just a four-and-a-half-hour, non-stop flight away from Kelowna.

That's right, Mazatlan is the latest hotspot destination to launch this season from Kelowna airport with WestJet flying weekly on Fridays.

Photo credit: WestJetJet to Mazatlan and stay at a resort like the Pueblo Bonita Mazatlan Beach Resort.

This season's inaugural flight with WestJet takes off Friday at 10:30 am and arrives in Mazatlan at 4:07 pm (local time).

The return flight is also on Fridays, leaving Mazatlan at 5:10 pm (local time) to land in Kelowna at 8:54 pm.

WestJet's weeklies will continue through April 18, 2025.

Mazatlan is located on the west coast of Mexico and is known as the "Pearl of the Pacific."

It's a large working port and bustling city with a population of half a million, but it's also a desirable tourist destination.

Photo credit: Mick Haupt on UnsplashCatch the cliff divers at El Clavadista Plaza off Mazatlan's Malecon.

Its beaches are peppered with all-inclusive resorts; restaurants feature seafood (Mazatlan is the shrimp capital of the world, after all); at seven-kilometres, its oceanfront malecon is one of the longest promenades in the world; and cliff divers entertain every day from a platform just off the malecon.

"The strong Canadian dollar will take you far in Mazatlan," said Veronica Rivas of Inter-Active Consulting, which represents Mazatlan in Canada.

"Eating out, concerts or professional sports tickets and activities are more affordable in Mazatlan than other beach destinations in Mexico."

Photo credit: WestJetWestJet flies Kelowna-Mazatlan weekly on Fridays, starting tomorrow.

Rivas goes on to say that Mazatlan is for all ages.

"Our city is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities (think pool, beach, ziplining, ATVing, horseback riding or the National Whale Museum and Gran Aquarium of the Sea of Cortez) for young families. It is also perfect for older travellers who seek unique and authentic Mexican and cultural experiences (think sightseeing, dining, cooking classes, walking and cycling tours)," she said.

"Mazatlan has a vibrant cultural life that makes its historic downtown the best place to be. Mazatlan is also great for long-stay with special rates for snowbirds."

Photo credit: Inter-Active ConsultingSabalo Beach in Mazatlan.

As a regional airport serving most of the Southern Interior of BC, YLW has more non-stops to sun destinations than ever before with 23 flights weekly to seven hotspots.

Here are the other six:

 – Cancun

Up to six-times weekly with WestJet started Oct. 11.

 – Los Angeles

Starting Dec. 19, Alaska Airlines will fly daily between Kelowna and La La Land.

The dailies are scheduled to continue through to March 17, 2025, but the hope is they will become year-round.

 – Puerto Vallarta

Up to three times a week started Oct. 10 with WestJet.

 – Los Cabos

Up to twice weekly started Oct. 26 with WestJet.

 – Phoenix

WestJet launched twice weekly flights on Oct. 27.

 – Las Vegas

Up to twice weekly with WestJet started Nov. 4.

_{Thumbnail photos by Thrillist and WestJet}