16 August, 2025
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9:59am
When we talk about Riviera Nayarit, we are talking about a coastal paradise that blends dreamy scenery, immaculate beaches, and a relaxed vibe that draws thousands of fans. This jewel on the Pacific coast of Mexico stretches along more than 186.4 miles of shoreline, from the southern edge of Sinaloa to Puerto Vallarta.
Along this striking shore, you will find hidden beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and cuisine that will seduce your senses. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind destination where you can unplug and have genuine experiences, the beaches of Riviera Nayarit should definitely be on your to-do list.
This article will introduce you to the most iconic, dazzling places, as well as giving you a taste of local cuisine. And there is even a bit of trivia thrown in to get you to pack your bags right away. Read on and take notes!
This charming fishing village has become a favorite spot for those looking for a more laid-back experience without losing out on the flavor of the Pacific. Its name, which means “place of divers,” reflects the inhabitants’ history. For years, they have earned their living from underwater fishing.
Likewise, its long, broad beach is perfect for taking a stroll down the shore while sea breezes cool your way. Plus, it offers up peaceful waves where you can enjoy your favorite water sports, such as kitesurfing, Jet Skiing, sailing, and kayaking.
The town’s streets are lined with art, galleries, and gift shops. They include a vibrant handicraft market where you can find the loveliest products ingeniously and lovingly crafted by local artisans.
No question, Bucerías is a showpiece on the Riviera Nayarit map, bringing together its serene seashore, friendly townspeople, and breathtaking sunsets. Come check it out! Bucerías is found in Bahía de Banderas municipality, 6.2 miles north of Nuevo Vallarta. Bucerías beach is public and open 24/7, so it is the perfect spot for enjoying both sunrise and sunset.
The cost of spending the day on the beach here varies depending on your activities. In general, consider around $200 mxn to $400 mxn per person for meals, umbrella rental, and water sports gear.
A little farther north, sits Punta Mita, one of Riviera Nayarit’s most exclusive all-inclusive destinations.
This is a favorite spot for celebrities and upmarket travelers who want to enjoy five-star resorts, world-class golf courses, and pristine beaches surrounded by exotic natural scenery.
Here, the combination of white sand beaches and crystal-clear water creates an idyllic setting for kicking back and forgetting the rest of the world. But Punta Mita is not just luxury at its purest, but also a destination renowned for its natural beauty, making you fall in love with it. Here, you have the chance to enjoy a broad array of water sports, for example scuba diving, snorkeling, and of course, surfing, thanks to its endless challenging waves.
In addition, another top activity is going for a boat ride—a favorite tour is to the Islas Marietas. These islands form a nature reserve protected by UNESCO where you can scuba dive and spot marine species such as sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and countless vivid tropical fish.
The famous Playa Escondida on Islas Marietas is another attraction you can’t miss—it’s a secret beach hidden inside a cave. Definitely a next-level adventure!
So, whether it’s a romantic evening riding horses along the shore as the sun sets or if you want to get away to one of the nearby villages to pick up a souvenir and enjoy more scrumptious local dishes, Punta Mita is where you have to go.
Find Punta Mita in Bahía de Banderas municipality, 13.7 miles west of Bucerías, Highway 200. Hours vary, but many of the outings start around 9 am and end about 6 pm. A Marietas Island tour runs between $1,000 to $2,500 mxn per person, depending on if the package includes snorkeling or scuba diving.
If you are traveling as a family, Rincón de Guayabitos is the perfect destination for relaxing and enjoying Riviera Nayarit hotels. This fantastic little town has an easygoing, welcoming air, and its beaches are shallow with very quiet waves, earning it the reputation as the “world’s largest pool.”
Besides swimming and basking in the sun, Guayabitos features a variety of family-friendly activities, such as riding an inflatable banana and boat tours to Isla Coral, where visitors can snorkel through the island’s breathtaking crystalline water and admire the full spectrum of colorful sea life.
Or on the other hand, the boardwalk is lined by restaurants and shops where you can sample Nayarit’s best dishes and browse for some lovely traditional handicrafts.
On weekends, the town comes to life with live music and street performances that give it a festive atmosphere, just right for a weekend getaway. So, take off for Rincón de Guayabitos and enjoy an unforgettable vacation.
Rincón de Guayabitos is only an hour from Puerto Vallarta’s airport, on Highway 200.
Beaches open and other activities start around 9 am and continue until 6 pm. However, evening shows and live music continue well into the night.
A basic budget, including food, lodgings, a tour, or outings, should be about $2,000 mxn and up per person.
Rivera Nayarit is not just a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate. Its cuisine is a fusion of fresh seafood and traditional recipes that have been passed down from one generation to the next.
One of the most typical dishes is pescado zarandeado, which is prepared by roasting a whole fish over hot coals and rubbing it with a blend of chili peppers, lime, and spices. This dish, which is a regional creation, is a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Another local delicacy you can’t miss is aguachile, ceviche’s spicy cousin. Raw shrimp, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, and serrano chili peppers combine to create the perfect dish for cooling off on hot days.
And if you are still craving seafood, you can’t go wrong with fish strips, tiritas de pescado, thin strips of fish marinated in lime juice with chili pepper, onion, and cilantro. And if you are in Bucerías, try the famous shrimp empanadas, savory turnovers that will make your mouth water on sight.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention traditional beverages, like the local tejuino (a cold, refreshing barley-based brew), nanche (a pre-Hispanic fruit sometimes called nance) liquor, or sweet, sometimes spicy, tepache made by fermenting pineapple. The desserts are also great, especially the Neapolitan flan and cocadas, candy made from shredded coconut and sugar.
Riviera Nayarit is brimming with history, myths, and curiosities, making it even more fascinating.
One of the juiciest bits of trivia is about the photo called “Playa del Amor” (beach of love). It was taken more than 10 years ago in Parque Nacional Islas Marietas (Marietas Islands National Park). This picture, snapped by well-known Argentine photographer Nicolás Melani, made the site world famous. But in addition, we have a few other bits of trivia that will surely surprise you:
Although this is a growing tourist destination, many of Riviera Nayarit’s beaches are still almost virgin shores. This makes them beloved by those looking for peace and tranquility and a chance to be surrounded by nature.
Marietas Island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Volcanic eruptions formed this archipelago millions of years ago. Now it has become a nature reserve with UNESCO’s seal of approval to protect its incredible biodiversity.
From December to March, Riviera Nayarit becomes the temporary home of magnificent humpback whales who migrate from the Arctic. You can take a tour to see them up close while they jump and play in the water. It is a truly one-of-a-kind performance!
Hallowed Ground—or Waves? —for Surfers
Spots such as Sayulita, a few miles from Bucerías, are known worldwide for their perfect surfing waves. And it is not unusual to see surfers from around the world come to these spectacular shores in search of the perfect wave.
As you can see, Riviera Nayarit is a destination that has it all: idyllic scenery, a wealth of culture, irresistible food, and activities for everyone.
Whether you want to stretch out on a quiet beach, explore nature, or enjoy the best food on the Pacific coast of Mexico, this place will make you want to come back over and over again.
If you haven’t made plans for your next vacation, what are you waiting for? Pull out your map to figure out how to get to the Riviera Nayarit and set off on this trip that is ready to welcome you with open arms, ready to give you an unforgettable experience.
Make your reservation and experience the magic that only Mexico’s Pacific coast can offer!
