The Riviera Nayarit is one of the top destinations in the world for beaches. This relatively new branding for Nayarit’s Pacific coast runs nearly 200 miles from Puerto Vallarta in the South to San Blas in the North. The region’s near-perfect weather, expansive beaches, and delicious cuisine have made it the fastest-growing tourist destination in the country.
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. Whether you’re looking for 5-star resorts or 5 miles of empty beach, it’s quite easy to find both. Check out our choices below for the best beaches in the Rivera Nayarit that you’ll fall in love with on your next trip.
Bucerias
Bucerias’ 5-mile stretch of soft sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, and Mexican village charm take you back to simpler times. It has become a popular destination in Riviera Nayarit, but it has managed to keep its authenticity. Many say Bucerias is very much like Puerto Vallarta was in the 1950s, where you can experience the joys of a laid back beach town without the tourist-palooza that is Puerto and Nuevo Vallarta.
There are so many great things to do in Bucerias. Cooking classes, the weekly art walk, language lessons, an amazing selection of restaurants, and daily events around town will always keep you having a great time, which makes it one of the best beaches in the Riviera Nayarit.
Sayulita
Bucerias is nearby so many cute little Mexican towns, which means it can be a great home base for other adventures. Sayulita is an adorable hippie/surfer paradise, but it can become overrun with tourists during high season. Despite this, it is still one of the best beaches in the Riviera Nayarit. If you’d like to try somewhere else, San Pancho is another nearby town that can be a great stop to stroll cute shops and to spend the day on the beach.
Nuevo Vallarta
With 5 kilometers (3 mi) of golden beaches, luxurious resorts & condominiums, multiple golf courses, and first-class infrastructure, Nuevo Vallarta is considered one of the best beach destinations in Mexico. It actually has the 2nd highest number of hotels and resorts in the country (after Cancun, of course). In addition to all of that, it has very exclusive restaurants and two of the country’s most important marinas.
Nestled between Puerto Vallarta and Bucerias, this master-planned resort & condominium community features some of the most luxurious vacation home rentals and hotels such as the Mayan Palace, Dreams Villamagna, and Paradise Village. The newest addition to the area is the Grand Luxxe at Vidanta which received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award. Beachside, all-inclusive, short-term, or long-term stays, there is something for everyone in this town. There is even a U.S. Consulate located within the community at the Paradise Plaza Mall.
Destiladeras
This is truly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Nayarit, and it is great for surfing or boogie boarding. $100 MXN for parking and $250 MXN for a table or beach chairs. It is still relatively untouched by any large developments, but that may change in the near future.
Chacala
This small little fishing village is 15 km off the main highway 200. Perhaps this short detour is what keeps people from discovering this gem of a town.
Litibu
Beautiful almost-virgin beach with fine white sand and calm waves. It is very close to the world-class Litibu golf course, and minutes away from the town of Higuera Blanca. Off the beaten path, but definitely worth the drive. There is also a great hike nearby (guided tour or do it on your own) to the top of Monkey Mountain with an amazing 360° view of coastline and jungles! The hike takes about 1.5 hrs each way.
Rincon de Guayabitos
A bay famous for its resemblance to a gigantic pool, the fine, pearly sand beach of this destination stretches for two kilometers. It gets its name from the guava trees that grow in this area. This bustling beach town is full of color where you will see children building sandcastles, splashing in the soft waves, or chasing some of the seagulls.
There is a little bit of everything: all-inclusive resorts, bungalows, beachfront developments, and eco-friendly stays. Make sure to try all the local specialties such as zarandeado fish, coconut bread, fried plantains, and dishes prepared with jackfruit. It is the perfect family destination that still seems to be untouched by international tourism, which makes it one of the best beaches in Riviera Nayarit.
Playa Tortugas
Once you head north of Chacala, there are competing names for the beaches… but whatever you call it, you can’t argue the fact that it’s almost completely untouched, unspoiled virgin beaches. The expansive, natural shoreline is prime ground for sea turtles, and thousands visit each year to nest and lay their eggs.
Lo de Marcos
In Lo de Marcos you will feel the essence of a real Mexican town, with its narrow and quiet streets, trees covered with flowers, and colorful facades. On the beach, you can see the local fisherman patiently weaving their nets and using them to catch fish at the end of the paved road.
There are multiple other beaches to choose from in the area: Los Venados, Las Minitas, and El Atracadero. They are all very calm, and the water is so clear that you can see fish swimming in the waves. Accommodations include quaint bungalows, luxury villas, comfortable hotel rooms, and even a fully-equipped trailer park.
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