Best 20+ Things to do in Bucerias

Welcome to Bucerias, a charming town in the heart of Riviera Nayarit! From its golden beaches to vibrant markets and delicious food scene, Bucerias offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a long stay, we’ve got you covered with the best things to do in Bucerias, Mexico.

Our family has lived here for over nine years, and we’ve compiled this list of must-try activities, hidden gems, and local favorites just for you! Start planning your trip with hidden gems and local secrets such as:

• The best ceviche and fish tacos in town.
• A nearby hike with a 360° view of the coastline & mountains.
• The top fishing charters to catch Mahi Mahi and tunas.
• How to see humpback whales & where to release baby sea turtles.
• Where to find the best beachfront Happy Hour with 2×1 margaritas.

What to do in Bucerias, Mexico

Bucerias offers a range of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re in the mood for relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, Bucerias has something special for you.

Exploring Bucerias’ Food Scene

Bucerias takes eating and drinking very seriously. While visiting, you should too. The culinary scene in Bucerias has exploded over the past couple of years, allowing visitors to delight in a diversity of cuisines and experiences. From regional specialties like Birria and Zarandeado-style fish to local favorites like fish tacos and ceviche, there’s something to satisfy every palate. And for beer enthusiasts, don’t miss the opportunity to taste the creations of our very own local brewery!

Stroll through Downtown

Explore the heart of Bucerias by taking a leisurely stroll through its vibrant Downtown area. Start at the bustling Plaza Bucerias, where a charming gazebo awaits. Treat yourself to some tacos from food carts scattered around the plaza or fresh churros at night. Don’t forget to try popsicles from La Michoacana, with flavors like Coconut, Passionfruit, Coffee, or Guanabana tempting your taste buds. Next to the plaza is the iconic Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Paz church. On the beach side, you’ll encounter the beloved symbol of Bucerias, The Diver (El Buzo), a magnificent bronze sculpture standing at four meters tall. Crafted by artist Octavio González, this masterpiece pays homage to Ramón Barraza, a legendary diver who dedicated decades to oyster diving.

As you meander through the area, don’t miss the lively Bucerias flea market, where friendly banter with vendors sets the scene. Explore stalls brimming with everything from inexpensive souvenirs to handmade glassware, Talavera pottery, and vibrant Huichol art. Feel free to haggle a bit for that perfect find. Then take a leisurely walk along Mexico Avenue and Pacifico Avenue, parallel to the beach. And to feel like a local, grab a couple of cold beers from the nearby Oxxo and relax beneath the watchful gaze of The Diver statue at sunset.

Chill at the Beach

Indulge in the quintessential Bucerias experience with a day of relaxation at the beach. Dive into the tranquil waves for a refreshing swim, or take a leisurely stroll along the endless stretch of sandy shoreline. Treat yourself to margaritas and ice-cold Pacifico beers during happy hour at one of the charming beachfront restaurants. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or savoring seaside cocktails, the beach offers endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.

Get a Massage

There are many spots along the beach in Bucerias that offer massages. The prices range from $400-650 MXN for 1 hour. Take a break from your adventures and treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care. After all, you deserve it!

Kiteboard, Surf, & Paddleboard

• Paddleboard rentals: Take in some spectacular sunrise or sunset views as you paddle along the tranquil coast. Rent a stand-up paddleboard in town for around $200 MXN per hour. We frequently encounter dolphins and whales whenever we go out!
• Kiteboarding: Whether you are brand new to the sport or a seasoned kiteboarder, Bucerias is the place to be. The Kite Zone offers kiteboarding classes for all levels with English and Spanish-speaking instructors. The wind season is usually from February – June, and Bucerias hosts the International Kiteboarding Competition sometime around May. You can also rent stand-up paddleboards by the hour for a very reasonable price. [SEE PRICES]
• Surfing: There are multiple beaches with great surfing waves within 15-20 minutes from Bucerias. Rent a board or take a class with a professional guide! [SEE PRICES BELOW]

Bucerias Art Walk

Every Thursday evening (November – April) the free self-guided walking tour covers most of the Art District & Golden Zone. New galleries have joined this year and all your favorites from the past are also ready for your visit. The participating galleries are all clustered together in the city’s Art District, also known as the Golden Zone. Download the Bucerias Art Walk map below:

Beach Photoshoot

Hire a local professional photographer through LocalLens.com to return home with photo souvenirs that you’ll treasure for years to come. It’s a great idea for engagement photos, family portraits, honeymoon photos, bachelorette parties, or just because!
Get $20 OFF your photoshoot with our discount promo code: BEACHPLEASEMEXICO

Shopping & Weekly Markets

Bucerias has some great shopping, stores, boutiques, & markets. Some of the markets only open on specific days of the week, and some only open during high season (November – April), so make sure to plan out your week!

Bike Tours & Rentals

Bici Bucerias offers really fun bike tours any day of the week. Their 3-Hour Bike & Food Tasting Tour includes sampling locally roasted coffee, freshly-squeezed juices, and mouthwatering tacos. In between food stops, cycle through different parts of Bucerias and some of the countryside to admire views of the Sierra Madre mountains.

Their 2.5hr Wine & Beer Bike Tour is another great option. They’ll take you to Culi’s for a Mexican wine pairing with some amazing dishes, then to a local brewery to try a flight of craft beer (IPA, blonde, stout, pale ale, and more). There is usually a third stop that changes throughout the year.

If you are a more serious cyclist, you may be interested in their Cycling Tour to San Juan from Bucerias. Ride for a 40kms (round trip) and stop whenever necessary. Your professional guide will give support to all levels of riders and you will see a part of the Mexican countryside you haven’t seen before with beautiful farms and quaint towns.

Beach Horseback Riding

Horseback riding on the beach is an activity that you will not find very easily elsewhere, but you will see them going up and down Bucerias beach offering rides. If you are interested in a full-blown tour, they also offer excursions into the mountains to see rivers and waterfalls.

Rent a Scooter

The greatest part of a motorcycle or scooter rental is flexibility. You basically get priority parking wherever you go, and it works out to be a much better value than using taxis or Ubers. Plus, it allows visitors to fit lots of different attractions into a single day. For example, you could cruise down to Destiladeras Beach, Sayulita, San Pancho, Punta Mita, or Litibu beach. The best part is the freedom to set your own itinerary and go as you please!

Learn to Cook Mexican Food

My Mexican Kitchen Classes is a great way to learn about local food, and also a fantastic social event for the evening. You’ll cook up a variety of different dishes, it’s BYOB, and you’ll then get to enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end of the night. Take their Introduction to Salsas class or learn to cook dishes such as chiles rellenos, mole poblano, enchiladas, and more.

Golfing

Wondering where to practice your golf swings during your visit? Our 5 favorite golf courses in the area are Flamingos Golf, Higuera Golf Club, Marina Vallarta Golf Club, Vidanta Nayar Golf Club, and El Tigre.

El Eden Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is technically a nursery where tropical plants are propagated and grown to a desired age or size. It is free to enter, and the grounds are absolutely stunning. The palm trees are huge, and there are so many local tropical plant varieties. It surely is a hidden gem.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/T6ECBLK6keNitFt28

Crocodile Sanctuary El Cora

This 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 bad unless it is rainy season (September to mid-October) since the road can get very muddy.

Incanto Casino

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. The main complaint from people is that you are required to get a playing card at the front desk to use in the slot machines. This requires an ID that is photocopied and which you need to show when you cash out.

Things to do near Bucerias

Whale Whatching Tour

Season: December – March
Each winter the majestic Humpback Whales 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! There are daily tours leaving from the nearby marinas in La Cruz (Marina Riviera Nayarit), Nuevo Vallarta, and Marina Vallarta.

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.

Rhythms of the Night

CRUISE, DINNER, & SHOW! Book a tour leaving from Nuevo Vallarta to the magical beach of Las Caletas by night. Watch the sun sink into the shimmering sea as you cruise to a secluded beach surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains. Dine upon a gourmet 3-course meal by candlelight before watching the renowned Rhythms of the Night show, a stunning spectacle that promises to transport viewers to a spiritual land that time forgot.

Go Hiking

If you are interested in doing a hike, we have some detailed instructions and maps to follow! Monkey Mountain is our favorite hike on the north side of the bay, and the Las Animas beach hike from Boca de Tomatlan is our favorite hike on the south side (past Puerto Vallarta).

Release Baby Sea Turtles

Season: June – December
This is definitely on the top of our list of things to do in Bucerias 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 multiple volunteer-run camp. Release ceremonies change every day depending on availability, so make sure to check out release dates & times below. 

Go on a Day Trip

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Bucerias to explore the surrounding gems of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit and beyond. From the bohemian charm of Sayulita to the tranquil beaches of Yelapa, each destination offers a unique adventure waiting to be discovered. Dive into the vibrant culture of San Pancho, delve into the rich history of San Cristóbal, or embark on a tequila-tasting journey in the town of Tequila. For a serene escape, venture to Santa Maria del Oro and marvel at its stunning crater lake. Click below to learn more about these exciting day trip options and start planning your next adventure!

Fishing Charters

Banderas Bay offers 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:

Free Walking Tour

Puerto Vallarta is only a 20 – 30 minute drive, and if you have never been, you should definitely spend at least an afternoon. Start the self-guided walking tour by strolling down the Malecon, the boardwalk that is full of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. Afterward, cross the wooden suspension footbridge to the Cuale River Island flea market to buy all kinds of Mexican crafts and souvenirs. Keep walking south until you reach the Romantic zone and Los Muertos Pier, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic landmarks. Download the map of the free walking tour below:

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

A must for nature lovers, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a 30-minute drive south of Downtown Puerto Vallarta, but well worth the visit. It won 3rd place in the 10 best gardens of North America! Tucked into the Sierra Madre hills, this stunning ecological park has multiple trails and winding mountain walkways that showcase orchids, butterflies, and hummingbirds across its 79 acres. We walked all the trails in one afternoon, and they are all great, but if you only have time for one, our favorite was the Jaguar Trail which leads to a small beach and river swimming spot.

La Cruz Seafood Market

This large seafood market is right in the middle of the La Cruz marina (5 min north of Bucerias), which means they have direct access to some of the freshest seafood in the bay. There are probably 15 different vendors, and they all have amazing seafood. If you need any advice on how to cook your purchase, they’ll be more than happy to give you some helpful tips. Shrimp (camarones), monster yellow-finned tuna, Mahi-mahi (dorado), Spanish mackerel (sierra), octopus (pulpo), and so much more. Even if you don’t plan to purchase anything, it is a sight to be seen!

Open Hours: Every day starting at 8 am until they sell out.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zRdGNBBEWd3qrpRM7

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