SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT IN NAYARIT: 10 Spectacular Beaches
The Riviera Nayarit is a sun, sand, and beach destination: the perfect combination of ingredients for an ideal vacation. Visitors to the area will find plenty of places to enjoy the waves and indulge in watersports all along its 308 km (191 mi) of coastline that meanders along the municipalities of Bahía de Banderas, Compostela, San Blas, Santiago, and Tecuala.
The stellar position this destination has on the tourism stage is due in large part to the symbiosis between its natural landscapes, picturesque villages, and well-planned infrastructure of modern resort areas. Each of these elements is a potential attraction, although its beaches are definitely the real stars.
Below please find a list of 10 of these beaches, each one with its own distinguishing charm:
Playa Nuevo Vallarta – Hotels
The beach at Nuevo Vallarta is right across from the Fraccionamiento Náutico Turístico Residencial neighborhood. Tourist services in this area are all high-end and the properties are five-star and Gran Turismo, making it one of the most sought-after destinations domestically and internationally. The waves along its 5 km (3 mi) of beachfront are calm, the sand is soft, and the water is warm—it’s the perfect place to chill out and relax. Of course, should you be in the mood for movement it’s also great for water sports.
Playa Bucerías – Restaurants
Bucerías means “place of the divers.” This picturesque fishing village draws those who prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta but still need the amenities of a resort town. Bucerías’ cobblestone streets, warm Mexican hospitality, and charming atmosphere are a favorite with vacationers. One of its most important attractions is the gastronomy that can be enjoyed at any of the many restaurants near the main plaza or along Lázaro Cárdenas street, home to the best-known eateries.
Bucerías beach.
Playa La Manzanilla – For kids
This beach is very popular with local families and residents of the Riviera Nayarit. It’s just a few minutes from the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and is known for its calm waves and camping sites, which are very similar to Sayulita’s.
La Manzanilla Beach.
Playa del Amor – A must!
There’s no denying the fame Playa del Amor (also known as Hidden Beach) has brought to the Riviera Nayarit, so much so that it’s become this tourist destination’s top icon. Located on Isla Redonda, this place is chock full of wildlife and adventure—it’s a place you must visit at least once in your lifetime. The blue-footed booby is one of its unique inhabitants, but there are many other exotic species both underwater and on land.
Hidden Beach.
Playa Tortugas – Virgin beaches
Playa Tortugas is in the municipality of Compostela very near Punta Custodio. Located across from an old coconut plantation, this nearly virgin beach is 8 km (5 mi) long and a refuge for hundreds of bird and reptile species. Its name comes from the different species of marine turtles that arrive there to lay their eggs every year. This beach also the perfect destination for ecotourists and surfers, in fact, it’s considered one of the top surf spots in all of Mexico. We invite you to come and enjoy one of the most unspoiled and beautiful places in the Riviera Nayarit!
Tortugas Beach.
Playa Lo de Marcos – Water sports
The beaches of Lo de Marcos are great for working on your tan then going for a swim in its crystalline turquoise-colored water. Beach-goers can also enjoy watersports such as snorkeling, surfing, or SUP. It’s also a great place for kayaking, water skiing, water biking or tooling around on a banana boat. The best-known beaches include Los Venados, Las Minitas, El Atracadero, and Lo de Marcos.
Playa Sayulita – Trendy
Sayulita is the trendiest town in Mexico: according to a report prepared by Despegar.com it was the most-visited domestic destination for 2016 and it’s always being recommended on the Internet as “a must-see.” The town has a cosmopolitan air and is full of life, though its ambiance is also friendly and relaxed with a “love and peace” 60’s vibe. As do many of the Riviera Nayarit’s coastal villages, Sayulita has much to offer beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Playa San Pancho – Relaxation
You’ll find the beach just past the town of San Pancho at the end of Tercer Mundo avenue. The beach is very wide and clean, ready to welcome those looking for rest and relaxation by the water, as well as the adventurous ones who are ready to defy the Pacific on a surf board. Here you’ll find rustic restaurants where you can enjoy the authentic cuisine of the state of Nayarit: ceviches, aguachiles (shrimp marinated in lime juice), pescado a las brasas (charcoal grilled fish), and many other tasty delights.
Las Islitas Beach.
Playa Las Islitas – Tourism gems
Playa Las Islitas is one of the gems of the San Blas tourism corridor, with 40 kilometers (25 mi) of virgin coastline perfect for family fun thanks to its gentle waves—it’s a very safe and comfortable place for anyone looking to enjoy a stress-free vacation. This lovely beach’s name (Las Islitas means “little islands”) comes from a rocky formation near the edge of the water. The shore is lined with the typical thatched palapas serving an exquisite array of traditional dishes prepared with fresh local fish and seafood.
Playa Novillero – The longest
Located in the municipality of Tecuala, Nayarit, Playa Novillero boasts the Guinness World Record as the longest beach in Mexico. The beach extends over 82 km (51 mi) and is nearly 500 m (547 yards) wide, making it the second-longest in Latin America, the third-longest in the Americas, and the fifth-longest beach in the world. Its territory is part of the National Wetlands Biosphere Reserve, the most extensive ecosystem of mangroves, coastal lagoons, and swamps in the Mexican Pacific. Playa Novillero is ideal for watersports or to relax and view the gorgeous sunsets. It’s also great for beach-combing, canoeing, or touring by boat.