Riviera Nayarit

A developing luxury coastal destination stretching 300 kilometers along Nayarit's pristine beaches, dotted with exclusive resorts, hidden coves, and small towns. It offers a more exclusive and less-crowded alternative to Puerto Vallarta with world-class beaches and water sports.

Things to do

• Surfing at Sayulita — This bohemian beach town is renowned for consistent Pacific swells and a laid-back vibe, hosting international surf competitions and offering lessons for all levels.
• Snorkeling at Islas Marietas — A protected marine sanctuary featuring two small islands with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and the famous hidden beach accessible only by water.
• Punta Mita Luxury Resort Experience — An exclusive gated community at the northern tip of the Riviera featuring championship golf courses, five-star resorts, and pristine private beaches.
• Whale Watching Tours — December through March visitors can witness humpback whales migrating and breaching off the coast, with daily boat tours departing from various marina towns.
• Explore San Blas Colonial Town — A historic port town featuring colonial architecture, the impressive Castillo de San Blas fortress, and access to mangrove-lined estuaries for birdwatching.
• Zip-lining through Cloud Forest — Adventure parks inland offer canopy tours above lush jungle terrain, combining adrenaline-pumping activities with views of local wildlife and vegetation.
• Sport Fishing in Deep Waters — The Pacific waters off Riviera Nayarit are rich with marlin, tuna, and dorado, with numerous charter boats available for both experienced and novice anglers.

Food to try

• Ceviche Tostadas — Fresh locally-caught fish or shrimp cured in lime juice, mixed with tomato, onion, and cilantro, then served on crispy tortillas—a coastal staple found in beachside restaurants.
• Camarones al Ajillo — Large Pacific shrimp sautéed in abundant garlic, butter, and white wine, typically served with fresh lime and warm flour tortillas for soaking up the sauce.
• Huachinango a la Veracruzana — Red snapper prepared with a savory tomato sauce, olives, capers, and jalapeños, reflecting Spanish colonial influences in Nayarit's coastal cuisine.
• Aguachile — A Sinaloan/Nayarit specialty of raw shrimp or fish cured in lime juice and chiles, served ice-cold with cucumber, avocado, and a spicy kick.
• Fish Tacos from Local Pescaderias — Fresh-caught daily fish grilled or fried and tucked into soft corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, crema, and house-made salsas at neighborhood fish markets and casual stands.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful Beach Behavior — Many beaches and coves are protected marine reserves; avoid disturbing wildlife, use reef-safe sunscreen, and follow posted regulations about swimming and anchoring.
• Seasonal Timing Matters — Whale season (December–March) and turtle nesting season (summer months) draw visitors; plan visits accordingly and support conservation-minded tour operators.
• Spanish Language Helpful — While resorts cater to English speakers, learning basic Spanish phrases and making an effort to speak it earns respect in small towns and local restaurants away from tourist zones.
• Tipping and Service Culture — Tipping 15–20% at restaurants is expected and appreciated; beachside vendors and boat captains also depend on gratuities, so budget accordingly for a respectful visit.