Nayarit Attractions Guide
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The short answer
Nayarit is the "jewel of the Mexican Pacific": nearly 200 kilometers of coastline where surf towns, luxury peninsulas, mangrove estuaries, and one of Mexico's most mythic islands line up along the Riviera Nayarit. Inland, colonial Compostela and the Huichol highlands add a cultural counterpoint to the beach scene.
Sayulita
- Playa Sayulita — The main beach and beginner-surf capital of the Riviera Nayarit, with surf schools, board rentals, and gentle rolling breaks.
- Playa de los Muertos (Sayulita) — The quieter beach at the south end, reached by a short jungle path over the rocks — don't confuse it with Puerto Vallarta's beach of the same name.
- Surf culture and galleries — The town plaza area mixes surf shops with Huichol art galleries and the colorful Mercado del Pueblo craft market.
- Islas Marietas day trips — Boats leave from nearby Punta de Mita for the Marietas Islands, including the famous Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor).
- Playa Carricitos — A small, wild cove a 25-minute walk north of town, backed by jungle and reached via a scenic trail.
Punta Mita
- Punta Mita peninsula — The gated luxury point at the tip of Bahía de Banderas, with two Jack Nicklaus golf courses and some of the Riviera's calmest beaches.
- Playa El Anclote — The accessible public beach at the peninsula's edge: calm water, beach clubs, and pangas to the Marietas Islands.
- Playa Destiladeras — The long golden beach south of the point, popular with surfers and sunset picnickers.
- Surf breaks — Punta Mita's reef breaks (including La Lancha) draw experienced surfers; lessons and boat-access trips run from El Anclote.
- Marietas Islands — The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve islands offshore, with Hidden Beach, blue-footed boobies, and winter whale watching (permits required for Hidden Beach landings).
San Blas
- Parque Nacional La Tovara — The mangrove national park explored by guided boat tour: crocodiles, turtles, herons, and the spring-fed "cocodrilario" channels.
- Playa El Borrego — San Blas's main beach, famous for its long left-hand surf break (Stoners) and beachfront seafood palapas.
- Fuerte de la Contaduría — The hilltop ruins of the colonial customs fort and church, with the best panoramic view over the estuary and old port.
- Playa Las Islitas — The calm, family-friendly beach south of town, sheltered by an offshore island and lined with palapa restaurants.
- Playa Matanchén — The long bay south of San Blas, legendary among surfers for one of the world's longest rides on a big swell.
Mexcaltitán Island
- The island village — The tiny circular island in the Santiago River lagoon, reached only by boat; locals call it the mythical Aztlán, cradle of the Aztecs.
- Museo de Origen — The small museum of origin tracing the Mexica migration story and the island's claim as the legendary Aztlán.
- Venice of Nayarit — In the rainy season the streets flood and residents move by boat — the island's most magical (and photographed) moment.
- Shrimp and fishing culture — The island lives on shrimping; eat camarones at the waterfront restaurants and watch the boats come in.
- Two churches — The island's twin parish churches anchor its compact plaza, a snapshot of lagoon village life.
Compostela
- Templo del Señor de la Misericordia — Compostela's landmark church on the main plaza, in one of Nayarit's oldest colonial towns (founded 1530).
- Historic center — The colonial grid of Compostela, with 18th-century mansions and the lively Plaza Principal, far quieter than the coast.
- Rincón de Guayabitos — The beach town in Compostela municipality with calm, shallow Playa Guayabitos — a favorite of Mexican families.
- Isla del Coral — The small coral island off Guayabitos with snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours from the beach.
- Playa Los Ayala — The quiet cove north of Guayabitos, backed by jungle hills, for a low-key beach day.
Practical Tips
Best season: November to April is dry and sunny — peak season on the Riviera Nayarit. Whale watching (humpbacks) runs December–March. June–October is hot, humid, and rainy; surf is biggest in summer but many beach businesses slow down.
Getting around: Fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) — Sayulita is 1 hour north, Punta Mita 45 minutes, San Blas 3 hours. Compostela and Mexcaltitán (via Santiago Ixcuintla) are best reached by car from Tepic, the state capital. Buses connect Tepic with the coast.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I visit Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) on my own?
A: No — landings require a permitted tour operator and a SEMARNAT bracelet, with limited daily capacity. Book a Marietas tour from Punta de Mita or Sayulita a few days ahead.
Q: Is Sayulita too crowded now?
A: It is busy in high season, especially around the plaza and main beach. For a quieter stay, base yourself in nearby San Pancho (San Francisco) or Lo de Marcos and day-trip in.
Sources
- https://visitnayarit.travel/en/
- https://www.visitanayarit.com/en/home/
- https://visitmexico.com/es/estado/18/nayarit
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