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Riviera Nayarit is a laid-back neighbor to the north of Puerto Vallarta drawing a mix of visitors looking for adventure and relaxation. Tourists from around the world descend on the Bahia de Banderas coastline to enjoy the sixty-two miles of coastline, white sandy beaches, and warm water. With mild weather year-round, Riviera Nayarit is a wonderful vacation destination.
Where is Riveria Nayarit?
Riviera Nayarit is a short 45-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, making it a convenient destination. Spanning almost 200 miles, Riviera Nayarit covers Nuevo Vallarta to San Blas, including the exclusive gated community of Punta Mita, which is home to The St. Regis and Four Seasons resorts.
I have been lucky enough to visit Riviera Nayarit twice and am looking forward to a third visit! There is so much to see and do, so it was hard to narrow my list to the top 10 activities in Riviera Nayarit.
The Ten Best Activities in Riviera Nayarit
1. Boat Tour to Marietas Islands for Snorkeling and Swimming
One of the most popular excursions in Rivera Nayarit is a visit to the Marietas Islands. The islands are a short 15-minute boat ride from Punta Mita. Also known as Islas Marietas, these islands are a pristine example of natural beauty. The islands and the waters are protected as part of the Islas Marietas National Park. The protection has helped sea life flourish, making these islands the perfect spot for snorkeling and bird watching.
A snorkeling tour usually takes you through Banderas Bay. In the winter months, you might see humpback whales during their migration. If you are lucky, you might also see sea turtles and manta rays. The sea turtles were not out playing during our visit, but we did see colorful tropical fish and different types of coral. Above the surface, visitors can check out beaches, caves, arches, incredible birds like the blue-footed booby (the bluer the feet, the more attractive to the opposite sex) and the Frigatebirds (the bright red gular pouch is used to attract mates). You may also see the La Bufadora (the “Blowhole”), where the waves force the water’s spray high into the air. There are even several rocks that are shaped liked animals. You have to see it to believe it!
- Pro Tips
To maximize visibility, try to book a snorkeling trip when it has not rained for a few days. The mix of fresh water and saltwater can make the visibility a little cloudy.
There is an entrance fee to visit the islands. You need a bracelet (like the kind you get at a concert) to show you paid the entrance fee. Your tour company usually arranges payment.
To help preserve the delicate ecosystem, visitors cannot put sunscreen on within a mile or so of the Marietas Islands. To help with the preservation efforts, consider wearing biodegradable or mineral reef-safe sunscreen.
For your snorkeling trip, you may want the following types of gear:
2. Hidden Beach Off the Coast of Riviera Nayarit
The Marietas Islands also include a hidden beach that really is hidden. If you were cruising by on a boat, you might miss it because the beach is not in plain view. Even with our guide pointing out the small entrance (we were there at high tide), it’s hard to make out. Our guide explained that visitors must swim through a small tunnel at low tide to access the beach. The Hidden Beach is on the other side of the tunnel!
After people starting posting pictures of Hidden Beach on Instagram an overwhelming amount of visitors converged at Hidden Beach and caused significant damage to the islands and surrounding wildlife. The government stepped in to protect Hidden Beach and the Marietas Islands.
Reservations
Only 116 people per day can access Hidden Beach. If you are lucky enough to be one of the 116 people with a reservation, you can spend up to 30 minutes at the small beach from Wednesday through Sunday. I have not been to the beach yet, but hopefully, I’ll get to see it on my next visit. If you have strolled down the Hidden Beach (also called Lovers’ Beach), drop a comment below and tell us about your experience.
- Pro Tip
If you plan to visit the Hidden Beach, go with a local tour company instead of hiring a water taxi. The rules for visiting are strict, and without a reservation, you won’t be able to swim to the Hidden Beach.
3. Surfing in Rivera Nayarit
Surfing is a major attraction in Riviera Nayarit. In Punta Mita alone, there are over ten surf breaks near Banderas Bay. My husband surfed on our last visit to Punta Mita, and honestly, he has not stopped talking about getting back to Punta Mita to surf. So, we recently went back! We stayed at the St. Regis Punta Mita (again!), which meant he could walk to one of the most consistent breaks – La Bahia. Plus, there is a beach club at Playa La Loncha right off the surf break he had access to as a guest of the St. Regis Punta Mita.
However, access by land is challenging if you are not staying within the gated community of Punta Mita. But, by boat, you can access these same breaks regardless of where you are staying. If you are a surfer, consider renting a boat so you can travel up and down the coast surfing the best breaks of the day. My husband and a friend used Vallarta Adventures for their surf safari on two separate days.
Monuments
A break called Monuments is directly in front of the family pool at The St. Regis Punta Mita. The west-facing break was small during our visit, but you could see surfers out there every day enjoying themselves.
El Faro
The right-hand point break can offer long rides with a six-foot-plus north swell. El Faro is accessible by boat.
La Lancha
La Lancha is a public beach so that anyone can access the waves. However, if you stay at The St. Regis Punta Mita, you also have access to El Surf Club at La Lancha.
There are two-point breaks and a beach break in front of El Surf Club. The surf break is popular, especially for lessons, because the break is mellow and good for longboards. The surf is consistent and works with most swell.
Burros
Access to Burros is next to the Palladium Hotel. The reef break is primarily a right, and its sweet spot is low tide with a south swell. Burros can get crowded, but it is supposed to be a fun break.
Sayulita
About thirty minutes from The St. Regis (by car) is the popular town of Sayulita. The surf break is a beginner beach break and offers a right and left point break. Visitors come to take surf lessons here, and there are a couple of companies in town offer lessons.
- Pro Tips
If you are staying in Punta Mita and plan to walk to La Bahia, please note there is no path. You will need to walk over sharp jagged rocks. To avoid picking thorns out of your feet, I highly recommend surf booties.
Consider bringing tropical wax because it can get hot and humid at certain times of the year.
To make sure you are ready for your surf trip, here are a few items you may want to bring including surf booties, tropical wax, and a first aid kit.
- Pro Tip
Pro Tip: Surfline was not accurate during our stay and is notoriously wrong in this area. The swell direction was off, and the waves were much, much smaller than predicted.
4. Hiking Monkey Mountain in Riviera Nayarit
If you have seen my blog before, you know that I cannot resist a good hike on vacation. The Rivera Nayarit CVB was kind enough to set us up with a hike to Cerro del Mono, which is the highest mountain South of Puna Mita. Our hike, commonly called Monkey Mountain, is known for its unobstructed and stellar views of Banderas Bay, Punta Mita, and Sayulita.
Generally, when we hike, we do it ourselves. However, I am so glad we went with Vista Paraiso on our hike to Monkey Mountain. Not only were the views beautiful but we had the chance to learn interesting facts about the natural landscape.
The Monkey Mountain hike is a lush jungle trail home to 350 endemic and migratory birds. The trail can be challenging to follow, so having an experienced guide from Vista Paraiso made navigating the hike a breeze. For a more in-depth look at Monkey Mountain, check out my Monkey Mountain guide.
- Pro Tip
Hire a guide! I don’t usually recommend a guide on a hike, but Monkey Mountain can be technical at times, especially in the wet season. An experienced guide can make your experience so much better by seamlessly navigating you to the top of Monkey Mountain.
If you hike in the rainy season, I highly suggest you wear hiking boots. Shoes with a good grip will make the hike easier.
Quick Facts
While you can get to Monkey Mountain by taxi, taxis are not waiting to take you back to your resort. It’s not the type of place you can easily hail a cab. So, hiring a guide or arranging transportation in advance is key.
The hike also crosses private property. I don’t know about you, but crossing a stranger’s property without permission in a foreign country can be uncomfortable. Although lots of people do it, I was happy to have a guide.
5. Spend the Afternoon in Sayulita
Sayulita is a laid-back beach town known for its surf and mellow vibe. Our visit to Sayulita brought back memories of backpacking in Thailand. Oh, to be young again! A day of fun awaits you in Sayulita. You can sit on the beach and enjoy a bucket of beer (much cheaper than at the resorts), take a surf lesson, or shop the local boutiques. The beach tends to get crowded on a nice day and is lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas. In Sayulita, you can get a massage on the beach!
After a couple of beers on the beach, we headed into town for dinner. The food scene in Sayulita is gathering quite a following. We decided to try Don Pedro’s Restaurant & Bar, which overlooks the beach. My favorite dish was the spicy tuna roll. The tuna was so fresh and came in pieces rather than a paste you see in the United States. Yum!
Other popular restaurants in Riviera Nayarit include:
Higher-end restaurants:
Si Señor Sayulita and La Rustica Sayulita
Authenticate eats:
El Itacate and Mary’s
Dessert:
The churro cart was popular, as was Buonissimo Cafe and Gelato. I had a bite of the churro and a cup of gelato (don’t judge), and both were good! Our group gave the churro cart high marks, and the cold gelato on a warm night was perfect.
Drinks
For an outdoor bar, try Matiz, or if you want a drink as you stroll, try an outdoor drink cart!
There are several cute shops in Sayulita too. My favorite part of visiting Sayulita was meandering around town, stopping into different stores, and checking out the local scene.
If you are staying in Punta Mita, head to Sayulita mid to late afternoon so you have time to shop before the boutiques close. After shopping, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants. Let us know in the comments below where you ate! The drive is about 30 minutes each way from Punta Mita.
6. Explore the Beaches of Riviera Nayarit
Part of the reason I chose to visit Riviera Nayarit was to relax at the beach. I can take a chair to the beach at home, but in Riviera Nayarit, the beaches have tables, lounge chairs, and waiters ready to help you enjoy the day. There are even some beaches, like in Sayulita, where you can get a massage on the beach.
I had a chance to enjoy the beaches in Punta Mita (see below) and Sayulita (see above).
Punta Mita
The views from the beaches in the gated community of Punta Mita are fabulous. I spent hours relaxing on the beach in front of The St. Regis, enjoying the tranquil surroundings and the sandy beach. The staff uses a tractor every morning to rake the small beach. While the ocean floor is rocky, the soft sand and calm waters are great for taking a dip or going out for a paddleboard or kayak adventure. When I was at the beach, I spent most of my time relaxing on a lounge chair, reading a book, and taking in the stunning environment. The beachside service was terrific too. I was so happy to have a lounge chair set up with an umbrella, a bucket of bottled water, and access to food and cocktails at a moment’s notice!
Sayulita
Sayulita is a famous beach. It’s the exact opposite of the private beaches in Punta Mita, giving visitors different options when decided where to stay while visiting Riviera Nayarit. The beach in Sayulita is packed with visitors giving it a beach party vibe. The beach is lined with bars playing music, and the beaches are full of younger people enjoying the day. It’s not my beach scene, but it is worth checking out while you are in Sayulita for dinner and shopping.
I did not get to visit any other beaches during my visit. However, if I had more time, here are some of the beaches I would check out:
Nuevo Vallarta
The long stretches of sandy coastline and warm, calm water are two highlights that caught my attention. Nuevo Vallarta is popular for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. What stands out to me about Nuevo Vallarta is the beach is big enough for visitors to spread out and enjoy themselves without being crowded by a neighbor.
Destiladeras Beach
Close to Punta de Mita, Destiladeras Beach is known as a family-friendly beach. Easily accessible to the public, Destiladeras Beach offers kids room to run and play on the sand. The wide beach is popular for relaxing, swimming, and taking in the views of Banderas Bay.
San Pancho
San Pancho Beach is known as one of the cleanest beaches in Riviera Nayarit. In addition, to cleanliness, San Pancho is not as busy as some of the other beaches allowing visitors to relax in peace. Visitors can head into the town of San Pancho to explore the small shops and restaurants too. A visit to San Pancho offers a scenic beach, authentic culture, natural beauty, and friendly locals.
7. Golfing in Rivera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is drawing golfers from around the world with its stunning golf courses designed by some of the best. In Punta Mita, there are two exceptional golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus: Bahia and Pacifico courses. In 2018, the Bahia course was named as one of Mexico’s Best Golf Courses. The Pacifico course is known for the “Tail of the Whale” hole (see picture above), the only natural island green golf hole in the world.
There are several other well-known and beautiful PGA-certified golf courses throughout Rivera Nayarit. Try your hand at courses like The Greg Norma Signature Course at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, The Nicklaus Design Course at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, or El Tigre Club de Golf. Several of the golf courses in Riviera Nayarit are set against tropical rainforests and have views of the gorgeous Banderas Bay.
8. Wellness in Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is becoming increasingly popular as a wellness destination. With the lush landscape, beautiful beaches, and natural beauty, it is easy to see why people flock to Riviera Nayarit to relax and recharge.
Where Can I Enjoy a Massage?
During my stay at The St. Regis Punta Mita, I had the most incredible massage at Remède Spa. The masseuse was talented and knew how to work the knots out of my shoulders. I felt like I could finally sit up straight with my shoulders open.
There are a variety of spas throughout Riviera Nayarit, and each provides a unique spin on the traditional massage to help you achieve tranquility and bliss. Since you are on vacation, treat yourself to an exceptional spa experience. Indulge in local healing techniques, hydrotherapy treatments, volcanic mud wraps, or an herbal steam inhalation treatment.
Yoga in Riviera Nayarit
Yoga is also popular in Riviera Nayarit, especially in Sayulita. Several yoga studios offer group and individual classes. At the luxury resorts, you can also book private yoga and Pilates sessions. I did yoga a couple of times during our vacation. Since I couldn’t run over to Sayulita for a class, I did a yoga session on my balcony where I could enjoy the stunning views of Banderas Bay.
9. Explore the Jungles and Mountains of Riviera Nayarit
Most people come to Riviera Nayarit and spend a significant amount of time at the beach. Rightfully so. The white sandy beaches combined with warm water are like heaven. However, you might want to leave your resort and see the jungles of Riviera Nayarit.
If you are looking for a bit of adventure, Riviera Nayarit has several outdoor adventures that are sure to get your adrenaline going. I have not had a chance to explore these land adventures through the tropical rainforests and mountains. However, on another trip, I hope to try some of the following activities:
Ziplining in Riviera Nayarit
Vista Paraiso offers a canopy tour that includes ten lines, a suspended bridge on the mountains of Higuera Blanca, Nayarit, and has the longest zipline in the area. While on the zipline, you can see views from the Pacific Ocean to Punta de Mita, and you might even spot a wild boar, deer, or macaw.
Horseback riding in Riviera Nayarit
I enjoy horseback riding and even took lessons as a kid. So, when I am on vacation, I try to sneak in a ride. My last ride was in Mammoth at Convict Lake. Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to go horseback riding on this trip. Next time I’d love to go for a ride out to the beach or through the jungle.
Exploring via ATV or RZR in Riviera Nayarit
There are so many ways to explore Riviera Nayarit. One unique way is to go off-roading with an ATV or RZR. How fun would it be to ride through river crossings and on dirt roads through the jungle? You might get dirty, but that’s part of the fun!
Dining in Rivera Nayarit
There are so many tasty options for dinner in Riviera Nayarit. It was hard to decide where to eat first. I highlighted a few restaurants below that we enjoyed.
Top restaurant choice in Punta de Mita
Mina
In the town of Punta de Mita (right outside the gated community of Punta Mita), there is a fantastic restaurant called Mina. The food was outstanding, the ambiance was wonderful, and the service was terrific. We went a little heavy on drinks and food and were surprised at the reasonable cost of dinner considering what the same dinner would cost at a resort or in the United States.
- Pro Tip
Mina is popular, so I suggest you make a reservation. If you sit on the beach, people will walk by to try to sell their goods. If you prefer more privacy, let the staff know when you make a reservation.
Restaurants inside the gates of Punta Mita
A private barbecue dinner at The St. Regis Punta Mita
Inside Punta Mita, we had a fabulous and unforgettable private barbeque dinner on the beach at The St. Regis. The dinner was a terrific way to celebrate a couple of birthdays. We had a personal chef and watched a stunning sunset as we enjoyed cocktails and appetizers.
El Surf Club
We had lunch at El Surf Club at La Lancha one day. El Surf Club is a good spot for lunch, especially if you are with a group. The outdoor barefoot restaurant overlooks the water, so you can watch the surfers when there is swell. El Surf Club has good food and margaritas. After lunch, you can lay by the beach and relax or take a nap on one of the lounge chairs.
You do need a reservation, and I think you need to be staying in Punta Mita to access El Surf Club.
For restaurants in Sayulita, please see the section above about Sayulita. In addition, Riviera Nayarit has a dining guide that is helpful when looking for your next meal!
My Takeaway from Visiting Riviera Nayarit
There are so many fun activities in Riviera Nayarit! I wish I had more time to explore and participate in other outdoor adventures like the ones mentioned above. I might even check out a sunset cruise or a cooking class too! But these are things I can add to my bucket list when I schedule another visit!
My stay at The St. Regis Punta Mita was four nights and five days. I wish I had booked a five-night, six-day stay, so I would have had time to enjoy more activities outside of the resort.
I hope you enjoyed learning about some of the fun activities in Riviera Nayarit. Drop a comment below and let your fellow travelers know about your favorite activities and if you have any tips for visiting Riviera Nayarit.
I am excited to learn about the hidden beach, surfing opportunity, and the Monkey Mountain. In fact, I am bowled over by everything about Riviera Navarit. I will visit it this year.
Terrific! I hope you have fun!
Wow this post is informative and really beautiful. I’ve never heard of this place but now I want to visit! Amazing pictures and adding a video was awesome!
Thank you, Kelissa. I am so excited you want to visit Riviera Nayarit. 🙂
Wow what a beautiful place!! I definitely will check out Monkey Mountain if I ever make it here
I have never been to this side of Mexico, but your post and its pictures make it place that is definitely on my list.
Yay! We love going to Riviera Nayarit and I hope you do too!
I hadn’t been aware of Riviera Nayarit before but I think it has to be added to the list! The hidden beach in particular looks unreal! Thanks for sharing such an interesting and encompassing guide 🙂
So exciting that you are adding Riviera Nayarit to your travel list!
Wow! such a beautiful place! Great photos! Can’t wait to visit!
This is such a great guide. I love all the tips and information. I will be saving this article to read again later. Thank you for sharing.
I am so glad you liked it!
The Hidden beach is just a hidden treasure of such a lovely blue waters
I have not been to Mexico but Riviera Nayarit looks like the perfect place to visit. I would love to do snorkelling here. The beaches look awesome with their lovely water colors. Great images .:-)
Great post thanks for all these tips to help plan a fun trip.
Hire a guide seems to be an awesome takeaway to maximize your visit and see all the great places that Riviera Nayarit has to offer. Such a beautiful location. And of course, ending the day with a massage sounds heavenly.
Riviera Nayarit is gorgeous, it hadn’t been on my radar! But now I need to go look at flights 🙂
Whoo! Riviera Nayarit is a great place for a vacation!
I’ve never heard of Riviera Nayarit, but it looks like an awesome place to visit! I love how clear and blue the water is. I bet snorkeling here would be so fun, that would be at the top of my list! Thanks for sharing 🙂
This looks like a beautiful area to visit! It reminds me of the Algarve in Portugal where the cliffs look similar. I’d love to go snorkelling here!
We love this area of Mexico so much. You captured so many of the great things to do here! Great post!
Thank you! I love hearing you enjoyed Riviera Nayarit as much as we did!
Woooah that hidden beach at the Marietas Islands is amaaaazinzg. I really love the idea of the hike too – that sounds like a perfect way to make a holiday better! 😀
I have never heard of Riviera Nayarit before but I love it. There is so much to do on the water so I could be happy for weeks. I would do a lot of snorkeling.
So many great tips! I think it’s important to note the how rain water affects the snorkelling experience. Also, I always wanted to try surfing so great to know the accessibility is very specific.
Rivera Nayarit looks like such a beautiful place! The hidden beach looks incredible! I can see why so many people want to visit! I’m pleased to hear that steps are being taken to preserve it! Thanks for the great guide!