Exploring the Riviera Nayarit in All Its Glory

One of the best ways to experience the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, is to explore its charming towns. Each has its own personality and signature activity, so you can match the stop to your travel style. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family or friends, these towns have something for everyone.

Formerly known as Nuevo Vallarta, Nuevo Nayarit is one of the region's most popular resort destinations. Its location along Banderas Bay makes it a convenient base for Riviera Nayarit excursions, while its wide, inviting beach makes it easy to slow down and unwind. And for a day of family-friendly fun, cool off at one of Nuevo Nayarit’s two local waterparks: Aquaventuras Park or Splash.

For an all-inclusive stay right on the sand, Occidental Nuevo Vallarta is a great choice. This five-star resort’s all-inclusive offer gives you access to five fabulous restaurants, five bars, three pools and a range of entertainment and activities. Kids can head to the Kids Club, while adults unwind at the spa. 

Bucerías is a stunning town featuring a mix of beach time, mural art, and small-town charm. Take yourself on a self-guided walk to discover gorgeous displays of murals and street art. Browse local shops and galleries until you find the perfect piece of art for your living room. Go for a swim at the local beach. Stop for fresh seafood. Bucerías will not disappoint those seeking a bit of charm, local life, and art on their Nayarit vacation. 

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a laid-back fishing village built around its marina, and it offers one of the most local-feeling experiences on the bay. The marina is lined with restaurants, cafés, and shops, and it's the starting point for many boat trips and fishing charters. So, if you're looking to enjoy a Riviera Nayarit fishing experience, this marina is the place to start. Sport fishing charters head out into Banderas Bay in search of marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna, depending on the season. Prefer to leave the catch to the experts? Local restaurants serve the day's haul fresh, from fish tacos to ceviche.

On land, spend an afternoon strolling the waterfront and watching boats come and go. Check whether the weekly Sunday marina market is running during your visit, where local vendors typically sell produce, crafts, and prepared food.

If you’re looking for a lively excursion in the Riviera Nayarit, Sayulita is for you. This former fishing village is now one of the most recognizable destinations on the Riviera Nayarit, thanks in part to its surf culture and bohemian vibes. Book a lesson or surf Nayarit’s waves on your own, then explore the colorful streets, browse the boutiques and galleries, and stay for dinner and nightlife.

Extra tip: Nature lovers ready for stunning beauty absolutely must hike to Playa Malpaso. Take the 1.4-mile out-and-back jungle trail north of town to find a secluded, wild stretch of coastline. Get ready to have the views take your breath away.

Just a few miles up the coast from Sayulita is San Pancho, and this Riviera Nayarit gem is a quieter alternative to its lively neighbor. Often called the "cultural capital" of the region, it's known for its community-focused atmosphere as well as its beach. Surf, paddleboard, snorkel or dive, then explore the town's restaurants, art scene, and cultural spaces.

San Pancho is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Wander the colorful streets to find local art, small boutiques, and relaxed cafés, and look for the community projects and cultural events that give the town its creative reputation. It's a great fit for travelers who want a laid-back beach town with a strong local identity, and an easy day trip for anyone staying nearby.

Tucked inside a lagoon in northern Nayarit, the town of Mexcaltitán is one of the region's most fascinating places to visit in Nayarit. Designated a Magical Town (Pueblo Mágico) by the federal government in 2001, this small island town is reached by boat, and the ride through the surrounding mangroves is part of the adventure. Its compact, circular layout and the way its streets can flood in the rainy season have earned it comparisons to Venice. (Plus, the main road in town is also called “Venecia.”)

Once on the island, explore the historic center on foot, stop by the local museum, and sample regional dishes, which often feature the fresh seafood the area is known for. Mexcaltitán works well as a full-day outing, and guided tours depart from several coastal destinations, including Nuevo Nayarit, so you don't need to change your base to see it. Make sure you check conditions and water levels before you go, as they can affect boat access.

With so much coastline, choosing the best beach in Riviera Nayarit can be tough. Beyond the beaches in the towns listed above, these two spots deserve a trip of their own.

The Marietas Islands are tiny, uninhabited islands just off the coast in Banderas Bay. Because they sit in federal waters, the islands are protected and are also one of Mexico’s many national parks. Visitor numbers are limited to protect the ecosystem, which helps keep the experience peaceful, so book ahead whenever possible.

The main reason visitors flock to the islands is to check out the famous Hidden Beach. This open-air crater beach is a breathtaking sight to see, and definitely worth the trip. The islands waters are crystal-clear, making them the ideal stop for snorkeling in Riviera Nayarit, with colorful fish and other marine life close to the surface. The islands are also a haven for seabirds, including the blue-footed booby, so keep an eye on the cliffs and sky as well as the sea. 

For a quieter day on the sand, Destiladeras Beach is Nayarit’s scenic stretch of coastline known for its white sands, rocky shoreline, and tide pools. It's a good pick for travelers who prefer a laid-back setting to a busy beach. Walk to the far end of the beach at low tide to peek into the tide pools, watch the waves crash against the rocks, and snap photos as the sun sets. 

The bay is the heart of Nayarit tourism, and some of the most memorable experiences happen out on it. Below are our top tips for the best Riviera Nayarit activities you can enjoy on land or in the water.

Whale watching in Nayarit is a seasonal highlight. Humpback whales travel to the warm waters of Banderas Bay to breed and give birth, arriving between December and March. Authorized tours let you see them while following regulations designed to protect them. Families, couples, and wildlife lovers alike can often spot breaching, tail slaps, and mothers traveling with their calves. Tours typically last a few hours, and the calm morning hours often offer the best conditions on the water. Dolphins and seabirds sometimes join the show, so get your camera ready.

If you’re looking to go off the beaten path in the Riviera Nayarit, head north and slightly inland to the Marismas Nacionales Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important wetland systems on Mexico's Pacific coast. This protected biosphere reserve is a maze of lagoons, estuaries, and mangrove forests that shelters an impressive variety of wildlife. It is also one of the most rewarding stops for travelers interested in Nayarit tourism that gets you closer to nature.

The best way to explore is by water. Small boat excursions and kayaking let you glide quietly through the mangrove channels while guides point out herons, egrets, pelicans and other birds. Many tours are led by local community guides, so your visit supports the people who help protect this fragile ecosystem. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, and bug spray, and go early in the day for the best chance of seeing wildlife.

A Nayarit tour by boat is an easy way to see the coast from a different angle. Excursions depart from the region's marinas, and snorkeling trips take advantage of the bay's clear water and abundant marine life. Choose a half-day outing or make it a full day on the water. Many tours bring the essentials along, such as snorkel gear, snacks, and drinks, so all you need to pack is reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and a towel. Options range from relaxed catamaran and sailing trips to smaller boats built for exploring the coastline. Pick the style that fits your group, and get ready to sail.

For travelers who prefer activities on land, golfing in the Riviera Nayarit is another popular option. Courses around Nuevo Nayarit and Punta Mita combine ocean and tropical scenery, making a round of golf a great addition to your beach vacation.

Book a tee time in the early morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and softer light on the course. Many resorts can help arrange rounds, and golfers of all skill levels will find a course that suits them, so even beginners can enjoy a day on the greens.