Nayarit

OpenRoom put together a mini guide of things you might want to know before your trip to Nayarit! Nevertheless, don't forget to scroll down to the comments to see tips & tricks from travelers who've been there!

PUNTA DE MITA

📍 Where to find activities

→ El Anclote Beach — The main public beach in the town of Punta de Mita (the village outside the resort gates). Surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and boat departures to the Islas Marietas.

→ Playa La Lancha — A hidden surf beach accessed through a jungle trail. Beginner-friendly waves, white sand, and WildMex surf school operates here.

→ Islas Marietas — Uninhabited volcanic islands about 15 minutes by boat from Punta de Mita. A Mexican national park. Famous for the Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor), snorkeling, blue-footed boobies, and humpback whales (December–March).

→ Surf breaks — El Faro, La Bahía (The Cove), Veneros, Punta Burros, and El Anclote, ranging from beginner to advanced.

→ Whale watching — Humpback whales arrive in Bahía de Banderas from December to April to breed and give birth.

→ Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain) — A hike with panoramic views of the coast and the Sierra Madre.

→ Golf — Two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses within the gated Punta Mita resort community. Litibú Golf Course nearby is more accessible.

📍 Where to eat

→ Punta de Mita village — The fishing village outside the resort gates has a growing restaurant scene. Seafood stands, taco spots, and a few upscale restaurants.

→ Beach clubs—Several along the peninsula, ranging from casual to luxury.

📍 Where to go out

→ Punta de Mita is not a nightlife destination. It is a luxury resort area and quiet fishing village. For nightlife, Sayulita is 30 minutes away and Puerto Vallarta is 45 minutes.

📍 Where to find culture

→ The culture here is nature-driven — ocean, surf, marine life, and the Islas Marietas. The town itself is a traditional fishing village with a local market and small shops.

📍 Nearby destinations

→ Sayulita (30 min), San Pancho (35 min), Puerto Vallarta (45 min), Islas Marietas (15 min by boat)

📍 Nearby destinations (secondary)

Rincón de Guayabitos

→ A family-oriented beach town about 1 hour north of Puerto Vallarta airport. Known for its 2 km crescent-shaped bay with calm, shallow water—often called "the largest natural pool in the world." Popular with Mexican families, not international tourists.

→ Isla del Coral — A small island just offshore with clear water, snorkeling, coral reefs, and birdwatching. Boat rides from the main beach.

→ Playa Los Ayala — A quieter, more secluded beach adjacent to Guayabitos.

→ Whale watching (December–March), turtle conservation programs (July–December), horseback riding, and the Thursday market in nearby La Peñita de Jaltemba.

→ The nightlife and dining scene is modest — beachfront seafood restaurants and a few bars.

San Pancho (San Francisco)

→ A small, quiet beach town 10 minutes north of Sayulita, considered the "cultural capital" of Riviera Nayarit. Cobblestone streets, art galleries, a strong community center (Entreamigos), and a growing expat community.

→ Playa San Pancho — A wide, golden stretch of beach backed by jungle-covered mountains. Waves are stronger than Sayulita — better suited for experienced surfers. Beginner surfing is better at nearby La Lancha (Punta de Mita).

→ Turtle conservation — The Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde runs one of the largest turtle conservation programs in the region.

→ La Patrona Polo & Equestrian Club — A high-end polo club with brunch events, horseback riding, and a beach club.

→ Street art, weekly Tuesday market, live music nights (especially December–April), yoga studios, and a focus on sustainability and community projects.

→ Almost no nightlife — San Pancho is quiet after dark. Sayulita (10 min) is the nearest nightlife option.

📍 Climate by season

Nayarit's coast (Punta de Mita, Sayulita, San Pancho, and Guayabitos) shares the same tropical Pacific climate as Puerto Vallarta:

Dry season (November–May) — Highs around 27–32°C (80–90°F). Lows around 16–22°C (61–72°F). Sunny, dry, and warm. March and April have virtually zero rain. December through February can have occasional cool evenings. The ocean is warm year-round (24–30°C / 75–86°F). Humpback whale season: December–March.

Rainy season (June–October) — Highs around 30–33°C (86–91°F). Lows around 23–25°C (73–77°F). Hot, humid, and rainy. Afternoon storms, especially July through September. Hurricane season runs June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. The landscape turns lush green, and the towns are quieter—lower prices and fewer tourists.

📍 Areas that may not be safe

None found. Nevertheless, make sure to double-check prior to visiting a place that it is safe!

📍 Nearby destinations

→ Sayulita (covered in Jalisco post), Puerto Vallarta (covered in Jalisco post)

(Picture credit: Griffin Wooldridge)