Punta Mita
An exclusive gated resort peninsula north of Puerto Vallarta offering luxury all-inclusive resorts, championship golf courses, and pristine beaches with calm waters. It's an ideal destination for upscale travelers seeking world-class amenities and water sports in an exclusive setting.
Things to do
- Championship Golf at Punta Mita — Play world-class courses like Punta Mita Golf Club and Bahía Golf Club designed by Jack Nicklaus, featuring ocean views and challenging layouts.
- Snorkeling at Las Marietas Islands — Explore the hidden Underwater Room cave and vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish just offshore from Punta Mita.
- Sunset Catamaran Cruise — Sail along the Pacific coast at dusk with open bar service, dolphin spotting, and opportunities for whale watching during migration season.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Calm Waters — Glide across the protected bay waters surrounding Punta Mita, ideal for beginners and intermediate paddlers seeking a peaceful experience.
- Fishing Excursion — Charter a sport fishing boat to pursue marlin, wahoo, and dorado in the productive Pacific waters off the peninsula.
- Spa Treatments at Resort Spas — Indulge in oceanview spa services featuring Mexican-inspired treatments using local ingredients like avocado and cacao at luxury resorts.
Food to try
- Ceviche Tostadas — Fresh locally-caught white fish cured in lime juice with cilantro, onion, and serrano peppers served on crispy tortillas, a Pacific coast specialty.
- Grilled Red Snapper (Huachinango a la Sal) — Whole red snapper encrusted in sea salt and grilled, then tableside-opened to reveal moist, delicate flesh with subtle seasoning.
- Shrimp Aguachile — Raw jumbo shrimp marinated in lime, serrano chiles, and cilantro with a touch of soy sauce, showcasing Nayarit's seafood mastery.
- Tamales de Rajas y Queso — Steamed corn masa filled with roasted poblano peppers and Oaxaca cheese, a traditional Mexican comfort food found in local markets.
- Octopus Ceviche — Tender pulpo cooked briefly then diced and marinated in citrus with diced tomato and jalapeño, reflecting the region's Pacific abundance.
Local customs & good to know
- Resort Dress Code Expectations — Punta Mita maintains upscale standards; casual beachwear is acceptable during day but dinner at resort restaurants typically requires resort casual attire.
- Tipping Culture — Service staff at resorts and restaurants expect 15-20% tips on top of the bill, and all-inclusive resorts often have separate tipping pools.
- Spanish Courtesy — While English is widely spoken in this exclusive resort area, learning basic Spanish phrases like 'por favor' and 'gracias' is appreciated by local staff.
- Water Conservation Awareness — Being a desert-adjacent luxury destination, Punta Mita faces water scarcity; resorts request guests to be mindful of water use despite all-inclusive amenities.