Best Things to do in the Riviera Nayarit

Our family has been compiling this list over the last 15 years, so you’ll be guaranteed to have an amazing visit to this little piece of paradise. Below are all our favorite activities, attractions, and the best things to do in the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Also, if you decide to book a stay at one of our vacation rentals, you’ll receive the Beach Please Mexico guidebook which has even more hidden gems and local secrets!

About The Riviera Nayarit

The Riviera Nayarit is a 320 km (200 mi) stretch of coastline in Mexico between San Blas in the north all the way to Nuevo Vallarta and Bucerias in the South. The Ameca river is the state line between Nayarit and Jalisco, so anything past the bridge becomes the state of Jalisco (where Puerto Vallarta is located).

Weather and Rainy Season

Rainy season falls between the months of June, July, August & September. On average, the warmest month is August, and the coolest is February. The best time to visit is between April and June when the weather is amazing and it is still considered low season. However, if you’re interested in whale watching visit between December and March.

Getting There

The main airport is Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). It is well connected to all of Mexico, USA, and Canada. It is served by many major airlines such as Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United, and Delta. See all the Puerto Vallarta Airport transportation options there are.

What to do in the Riviera Nayarit

Have a Beach Day

Yes, this may be obvious, but for good reason! 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. Below are our choices for the best beaches in the Rivera Nayarit that you’ll fall in love with on your next trip.

• Bucerias
• Sayulita
• Nuevo Vallarta
• Destiladeras
• Litibu
• Rincon de Guayabitos
• Lo de Marcos

Whale Migration

Season: December – March
One of the best things to do in the Riviera Nayarit each winter is to witness the majestic Humpback Whales. They migrate from the arctic to breed and reproduce in the sheltered coasts of our bay. 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!

Marietas Islands National Park

Explore this group of small uninhabited islands while snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Dolphin encounters are a regular occurrence, but during the winter months, it is common to see humpback whales in the bay since this is a centuries-old breeding ground.

In addition, you can visit the “hidden beach”, where you swim through cave formations and rock archways to an extraordinary oasis of white sand and crystal clear water. You can book this tour through Vallarta Adventures, the biggest tour company in the area. Another more affordable option would be to charter a boat from one of the marinas in La Cruz or Punta Mita. 

Release Baby Sea Turtles

Season: June – December
This is definitely on the top of our list for things to do in the Riviera Nayarit as a family. The area’s coastline is one of the most important breeding grounds for multiple species of sea turtle, and Bandera Bay’s preservation program ensures that sea turtles will thrive for years to come. Liberation ceremonies are held daily at a volunteer-run camp. The staff claims an average of 60,000 baby turtles are released each year! Check their Facebook page for release times as they change every day depending on availability. 

Bike Tours & Rentals

Bici Bucerias offers really fun bike tours every day. Our favorite is the Sunset Food & Drink Tour for $1,400 MXN which takes you to a few local spots and the brewery. On the other hand, if you’d like to cruise through town on your own, they also offer $2500 MXN / week with free bike delivery and pick up at both of our locations: MaraVilla Nayarit and Las Vueltas. Contact us for special pricing!

Visit Bucerias

There are tons of boutique stores, restaurants, coffee shops, & art galleries. It is a beautiful area of the city, so we recommend walking all the way down Lazaro Cardenas Street, and also down Francisco I. Madero Street. For example, our favorite part has to be the walk from Galeana street to El Cafe de Bucerias.

The Bucerias craft flea market hosts dozens of stalls that sell both traditional Mexican items and souvenirs to take home and remember your vacation by. There is a wide array of beautiful glass pieces and clay crafts painted in bright colors that are worth checking out.

Every Thursday evening is the Bucerias Art Walk, a self-guided tour of more than a dozen galleries and art boutiques in town which serve cocktails and refreshments along Lazaro Cardenas street. It starts at the art gallery next to Panino’s.

Website: ArtWalkBucerias.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/ArtWalkBucerias

Go on a Fishing Trip

Banderas Bay and the Riviera Nayarit offer some of the best sport fishing in Mexico. Mahi Mahi and Marlin season is best from September to February, but Red Snapper and Jack Crevalle fishing are great all year! See a list of all our favorite fishing charters.

Riviera Nayarit Golfing

Flamingos Golf is a 6,853-yard long par 72 championship course featuring slender fairways and naturally inclined terrains. It is fairly priced and is less than 5 minutes down the highway from the Riviera Nayarit. Most golfers describe it as “fun but challenging.” Much of the golf course is lined by palm trees, flowering bushes, and mango trees that are filled with fruit. Highly recommended!

Crocodile Sanctuary El Cora

This is one of my favorite “off the beaten trail” things to do in the Riviera Nayarit. It is a great family activity for those interested in nature and wildlife. A local veterinarian gives the tour through the sanctuary as you learn about animals and support local conservation efforts. However, some people complain about the road being a little rough, but it really isn’t too bad.

Go Surfing

Although there are tons of great surfing spots along the Riviera Nayarit, Sayulita has become the main surf destination in the area. It 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.

Go Gamble at a Casino

Incanto Casino is a brand new 5,000 m2 casino that offers many options for gaming and entertainment such as craps, poker, various card tables, slots, a sportsbook, bingo, and 300 shiny slot machines. Try their buffet from 9 am to 12 pm for $99 MXN or the Executive Buffet from 3 pm to 6 pm for $70 MXN.