Start planning your trip with our complete travel guide to Bucerias in the beautiful Riviera Nayarit with information like:
- The best ceviche and fish tacos in town.
- A nearby hike with a 360° view of the coastline.
- The best way to pull out $$ pesos for your trip.
- Tips to see the humpback whales and where to release baby sea turtles.
- The best beachfront Happy Hour with 2×1 margaritas.
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About Bucerias
Welcome to Bucerías, a charming coastal town nestled along the shores of Banderas Bay in the state of Nayarit, Mexico. With its picturesque landscapes, soft sandy beaches stretching over a 5-mile coastline, and gentle surf inviting kitesurfers and paddleboarders, Bucerías offers a tranquil retreat for travelers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The name “Bucerías” derives from the Spanish word “buzo,” meaning “diver,” reflecting the town’s historical connection to oyster diving.
Bucerías offers a tranquil escape for visitors seeking relaxation and adventure. Its 5-mile coastline features soft sandy beaches ideal for kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and leisurely strolls. Walk its cobblestone streets with galleries, cafes, and a diverse culinary scene… from high-end establishments to cozy local eateries. Make sure to explore the town’s seafood scene, with specialties like zarandeado-style fish, flavorful ceviches, and spicy aguachile. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet meal or a laid-back dining experience, Bucerías offers something to satisfy every palate.
For adventurers, Bucerías presents opportunities to explore natural wonders and nearby attractions. Whale watching, horseback riding along the coastline, golfing at nearby courses, and boat tours to the Marietas Islands are among the many activities available. Whether seeking a beach retreat, cultural immersion, or outdoor adventure, Bucerías promises an unforgettable experience on the Riviera Nayarit.
Your Arrival
PVR Airport Transportation
From the Airport, there are four transportation options (from the most expensive to the most affordable): Private transfer, Airport taxi, city taxi, and Uber (or InDriver). Ubers and city taxis aren’t allowed to get passengers at the airport pick-up area, but a quick walk over to the other side of the road via the pedestrian bridge solves this. Once you exit the building, just walk left towards the road and you’ll see the bridge. The Uber app will also help you find the pick-up zone. Otherwise, grab an airport taxi for a little less of a hassle, but make sure you agree to the price before jumping in.
For more information regarding Puerto Vallarta Airport transportation options:
How to Get Cash in Mexico
If you need to pull out cash or exchange pesos, check out our tips to help guarantee you’re getting the best exchange rate with ATMs (don’t miss our PRO tip: DECLINE the ATM’s conversion rate), credit cards, and money exchanges:
Getting Around Town
Bucerias is a small and quaint beach town, so it is very easy to walk to just about anywhere you need. If it is not within walking distance, we recommend taxis, Uber and Indriver. Below we cover all the best ways for getting around town, including Bucerias taxis, ride-sharing apps, city buses, and bicycle rentals:
Things to Do
Check out all our favorite things to do in Bucerias, Nayarit:
For lounging at the beach, you have a couple of options. Many places along the beach will rent beach chairs for a small fee. There are also some beachfront restaurants or beach clubs that will let you use their facilities with a minimum consumption amount. Another option is to rent Tommy Bahama beach chairs for you to use as you please. For more beach chair rental information and pricing, see pricing below:
Puerto Vallarta whale watching season is from Mid-November to March each year. These gentle giants can be seen breaching out of the water as parents instruct their baby calves in the ways of the watery world. Each year, between 300 and 500 Humpback Whales are registered in the area. In other words, if you go during the right season you are almost guaranteed to see them! These are the whale watching tour companies we recommend:
Attending a baby sea turtle release in Puerto Vallarta at a local sanctuary is definitely on the top of our list of things to do as a family in the area. Sea turtle liberation ceremonies in Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, and Sayulita are held almost daily at the different camps and sanctuaries around Banderas Bay. Below we’ll cover Puerto Vallarta turtle release dates, hatching season, and the best places to see them.
If you are interested in going sport fishing, Mahi Mahi and Marlin season is best from September to February, but Red Snapper and Jack Crevalle fishing are great all year! There are also many opportunities to catch Sailfish and giant Yellowfin Tuna. We highly recommend reaching out to one of the following fishing charters:
Below are some of the best opportunities for shopping in Bucerias, Nayarit. Some of the markets only open on specific days, so make sure to plan out your week:
Hiking has become more and more popular since it offers excellent health benefits and presents an opportunity to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Below are the best nearby hikes that you shouldn’t miss!
Designated a world heritage site in 2004, the Islas Marietas National Park tour is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. These islands are also known as the “Mexican Galapagos”. Check out tour prices & packages below:
Restaurants
All-Time Favorites
For all our favorite restaurants in the area, make sure to check out our article which covers all the best food in Bucerias:
Breakfast & Cafes
Check out our online guide with all our favorite breakfast spots in Bucerias:
Happy Hours
Daily specials and happy hours are easy to find! We really try to keep this list up to date, but new ones are popping up every week.
Grocery Stores
- Mega
- Best full-sized supermarket in the area, open 24hrs
- 2.0 kilometers | Open 24 Hours
- Chedraui
- Closest full-sized supermarket
- 0.9 kilometers | 7am – 11pm
- Oxxo
- Mexico’s favorite corner store
- 2 blocks away | 7am – 11pm
- Maripaz
- Bodega Minimart with all the essentials
- On Galeana between Lazaro and Francisco I Madero
Our Favorite Local Beaches
The Riviera Nayarit is one of the top destinations in the world for beaches. Located on the western coast of Mexico in the state of Nayarit, you can find beachfront restaurants, live music, and boozy cocktails. These pristine beaches are very unique since you can swim alongside sea turtles, go on humpback whale watching tours, or simply kick back and enjoy the sun. Check out our choices below for the best beaches in the Rivera Nayarit that you’ll fall in love with on your next trip.
Safety & Emergency Information
Emergencies
- Call 911 for any sort of emergency.
- Tourist Police (bilingual officers who serve tourists): 329-291-6666
- Bucerias Police Department: 291-0049 or 291-0666.
Pharmacies
Farmacia Guadalajara
- They offer in-store doctor visits to get prescriptions.
- Location:
- México 200 598, 63732 Bucerías, Nay.
- https://goo.gl/maps/Hj9YXuEPsxh5mQtq6
- Next to the Chedraui Grocery store
Hospital
Hospital CMQ – Brand new hospital open 24/7 with bilingual physicians, a fully-equipped Emergency Area, and an Intensive Care Unit.
- Telefone: +52 329 298 0717
- Website: https://hospitalcmq.com/
English 
Spanish