Nayarit is Mexico's rising Pacific-coast star, home to the glamorous Riviera Nayarit beach towns of Sayulita, Punta de Mita, and Nuevo Vallarta, the colonial surf port of San Blas, and the Wixárika (Huichol) heartland of the Sierra Madre Occidental. It blends barefoot-luxury resorts, world-class surf breaks, mangrove wildlife, and small-town Mexican culture within a couple of hours of Puerto Vallarta's international airport.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Nayarit.
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1
Islas Marietas National Park
Tip: Book the first morning departure for calmer water and a better shot at a Playa del Amor slot · Bring reef-safe sunscreen; regular sunscreen is restricted to protect coral · Wear water shoes for the swim-through entrance to the hidden beach · Tours are cancelled or rerouted in rough weather, especially during hurricane season (June-November) · The park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays for conservation, so plan boat tours for other days
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2
La Tovara National Park
Tip: Negotiate the panga rate at the embarcadero before departure; rates are per boat, not per person · Bring a swimsuit and towel to swim at the Tovara spring · Early morning trips have the most wildlife activity and cooler temperatures · Apply insect repellent before boarding, as mosquitoes are common in the mangrove sections · Ask the boat driver to slow down near crocodile basking spots for photos
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3
Sayulita Town Plaza & Playa Sayulita
Tip: Surf lessons are cheapest when booked directly with instructors on the beach rather than through hotels · Weekday mornings avoid the heaviest weekend crowds from Puerto Vallarta day-trippers · Cash is preferred at most plaza food stalls and small shops · Lock valuables at the accommodation before heading to the beach, as bag theft has been reported on busy days · Water taxis to Playa de los Muertos are a cheap alternative to hiking the coastal trail
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4
La Contaduría Fort (San Blas)
Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes for the uphill cobblestone walk, which can be slippery when wet · Visit in late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better light for photos · Bring water, as there are no vendors at the hilltop site · Combine the visit with a walk through San Blas's historic center, a short distance downhill · Insect repellent is useful, as mosquitoes can be present near the surrounding vegetation
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5
Marismas Nacionales Biosphere Reserve
Tip: Book the earliest available boat departure for peak bird activity and cooler temperatures · Bring binoculars, as many bird sightings are at a distance across open lagoons · Wear a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, as much of the tour has no shade · Dry season (November-April) offers the clearest wildlife viewing · Confirm the boat operator is a registered local guide, as unregistered tours can disturb nesting sites
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6
Mexcaltitán Island Village
Tip: Confirm panga departure times at La Batanga landing in advance, as service can be infrequent outside peak season · Visit during the dry season for easier walking; rainy season requires canoe travel on some streets · Bring cash, as the island has limited card payment options · Try the local shrimp dishes at small family-run restaurants near the plaza · Morning crossings tend to have calmer water than afternoon
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7
Punta de Mita & Playa El Anclote
Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds if planning to book a same-day Islas Marietas tour · Seafood restaurants along the beach tend to be pricier near the main pier; walking a few minutes further reduces cost · Surf lessons at El Anclote are best suited to intermediate surfers due to the reef-influenced break · Bring cash for palapa restaurants and small tour operators · Winter (December-March) whale watching tours are best booked a day in advance during peak season
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8
Volcán Ceboruco
Tip: Hire a local guide familiar with the unmarked routes and unstable volcanic terrain · Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the lava rock is sharp and uneven · Start early morning to avoid afternoon cloud cover obscuring the views · Bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities on the mountain · Check road conditions before attempting the drive in a standard car; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended
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9
Laguna de Santa María del Oro
Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds that fill the lakeshore on weekends · Morning is the calmest time for swimming and boating before afternoon winds pick up · Bring cash, as most lakeside vendors and boat rentals do not accept cards · Pack sturdy shoes for the rim hiking trails, which can be steep and unmarked in sections · Book a cabaña in advance during Mexican holiday periods, when the lake is a popular regional getaway
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10
Museo Regional de Nayarit
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience with fewer school groups · Combine the visit with a walk to the nearby Cathedral and Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, both within walking distance · Signage is primarily in Spanish, so visitors relying on English may want to bring a translation app · Photography without flash is generally permitted, but confirm current rules at the entrance · The museum is closed Mondays, so plan visits for Tuesday through Sunday
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.