Riviera Nayarit is the stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast that begins just north of Puerto Vallarta, across the state line, and runs up past Punta Mita to Sayulita and San Pancho. Many all-inclusive resorts sit around Nuevo Vallarta and the Punta Mita peninsula, and it is easy to stay put. It is also one of the easier all-inclusive areas to explore, because small towns with their own character are only a short drive apart. This guide explains what each place offers and how to plan a day out.
Know the coast before you choose a day
From south to north, the main points are Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta Mita, Sayulita and San Pancho. Nuevo Vallarta is a planned resort area with a marina and calm, flat beaches. Bucerias and La Cruz are working towns that have kept a local feel. Punta Mita is a private, high-end peninsula with golf and quiet bays. Sayulita and San Pancho are beach towns known for surf and a relaxed atmosphere. Driving times vary with traffic, so ask your resort for a realistic estimate, or see our guide to resort airport transfers to understand how drivers and taxis are priced.
Sayulita and San Pancho
Sayulita is the best-known day trip. It has a compact main street, a surf beach with gentle waves for beginners, art shops and plenty of cafes. It gets busy on weekends and holidays, so go midweek or in the morning if you prefer space. San Pancho, a short drive north, is quieter and has a long beach, a community-minded feel and a smaller group of restaurants. Both towns are easy to explore on foot, and many visitors combine them in one outing. Take sun protection and water, and carry some cash for small shops.
Bucerias and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
Bucerias has a long beach and a lively main street with restaurants and bars. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is known for its marina and, on some weekends, a market near the waterfront that draws locals and visitors. Check the market days and hours with a current local source, as they can change by season. Both towns are good for a relaxed lunch of fresh seafood and a walk along the shore, and they are close enough to be done without a long drive.
Punta Mita and the whale season
Punta Mita is the departure point for many boat outings in Banderas Bay. Humpback whales visit the bay in the cooler months, generally from about December to March, and boat trips are among the most popular excursions in that window. Sightings are not guaranteed, and responsible operators follow distance rules. If you want to learn how to compare operators, read our guide on booking excursions through the resort desk or an independent operator. If motion sickness is a worry, take advice from our piece on seasickness on boat excursions before you sail.
The Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands are a protected area off Punta Mita, known for birdlife and marine life, and for a famous hidden beach inside a collapsed crater. Access to the islands is regulated, and rules on landings and visitor numbers have changed over the years. Do not assume a tour will include the hidden beach. Ask any operator to explain exactly what is permitted this season, and choose one that is open about the limits.
Snorkelling, surfing and beach days
Snorkelling around the bay is usually done as part of a boat tour, and conditions depend on the season and recent weather. Beginner surf lessons are offered in Sayulita and other towns, and they are a fun half-day option for confident swimmers. Before you go into the water at any open beach, check the flags and talk to local lifeguards. Our article on rip currents and beach flags explains what to look for.
Going into Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta itself is a short trip south. Its seafront walk, old town and restaurants are an easy evening out, and our guide to things to do in Puerto Vallarta beyond the resort covers the sights. Taxis and ride-hailing availability can vary, so confirm how you will get back before you stay late.
Staying safe and sensible
- Use licensed taxis, resort-arranged drivers or known tour operators, and agree the fare before you start.
- Carry small cash and a copy of your passport rather than the original where practical.
- Keep valuables out of sight on beaches and in parked vehicles.
- Check the official travel advice for Mexico, which is issued state by state, before you plan your outings.
- Allow a margin for traffic when you return for an evening dinner or a flight.
How to choose
If you only have one outing, pick Sayulita for atmosphere or a whale-watching trip from Punta Mita in season. If you want a quieter day, choose San Pancho or La Cruz. Mix one active day with one slow beach day, and your all-inclusive week will feel much more varied. For a wider view of Mexico’s all-inclusive options, our list of adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Mexico is a helpful place to start.