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.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach), Islas Marietas
Best time: midday (for the cave's overhead light shaft)
Tip: Arrive with an 11:30AM-1PM tour for the overhead light shaft to reach the sand · Use a wide-angle lens (16-24mm equivalent) to capture the full cave opening · Pack cameras in a waterproof housing or dry bag for the swim-through entrance · Book only through licensed Islas Marietas National Park tour operators; independent boats are not permitted to dock · No restrooms or fresh water on the beach; use facilities at the Punta de Mita marina before departure
Sayulita Colorful Streets & Flag-Lined Plaza
Best time: golden hour (5-6:30PM)
Tip: Shoot 30-60 minutes before sunset for warm side-light and backlit paper flags · A 24-35mm equivalent lens works well for street scenes and building facades · Watch for passing cars and motos when setting up a tripod in the street · Overcast afternoons soften contrast if golden hour isn't an option · Restrooms and water are available at cafes ringing the plaza
La Contaduría Fort Sunset Viewpoint
Best time: sunset (6-7PM)
Tip: Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to scout compositions among the archways · A wide-angle lens (16-24mm equivalent) captures both the ruins and the coastal panorama · Bring a tripod and a headlamp for the descent after dark · Allow 20-30 minutes for the steep paved walk up from San Blas · No restrooms or water on site; stock up in town before the climb
La Tovara Mangroves at Sunrise
Best time: early morning (7-9AM)
Tip: Book the first boat departure, around 7AM, for the most active wildlife and quietest water · A zoom lens of 200mm or more brings in birds and basking crocodiles without disturbing them · Use a fast shutter speed or stabilization to offset the boat's constant motion · Pack camera gear in a waterproof bag for the open-boat ride · Restrooms and drinks are available at the Embarcadero La Tovara before departure
Punta de Mita Sunset over the Pacific
Best time: sunset (6-7PM)
Tip: Position near the panga launch 20 minutes before sunset for the richest color · A polarizing filter cuts glare off wet sand and deepens the sky's blue and orange tones · Walk away from the restaurant cluster for a less crowded, unobstructed view · Wipe sea spray off the lens periodically during a long sunset session · Restrooms and food are available at the beachfront restaurants along El Anclote
Mexcaltitán Aerial Island View
Best time: midday (highest wetland water contrast during rainy season)
Tip: Photograph at midday for the strongest color and reflectivity in the flooded streets · Visit September-October for peak flooding, or November-April for dry, walkable streets · Ask locally about rooftop or bell-tower access for an elevated view if not flying a drone · Fly drones cautiously and with local permission given the residential setting · A short boat or causeway crossing from the mainland is required to reach the island
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Nayarit's strengths.
Overview photography
Nayarit's strongest photo subjects are its beaches and boat-access wildlife, its colorful surf-town streets, and colonial/archaeological sites inland.
Items photography
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Overview
- Golden hour (roughly 5:30-6:30PM year-round) is the most reliable light for beach and street photography; early morning boat tours (7-9AM) offer the calmest water and most active wildlife.
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Bring a waterproof case for any boat tour — La Tovara, Islas Marietas, and Isla Isabel all involve open-water spray
Drone use requires permits in Islas Marietas National Park and is generally prohibited there — check current park rules before flying
Midday sun is harsh on the beaches; a polarizing filter cuts glare off the water
Ask before photographing Huichol/Wixárika artisans and their work up close — some consider certain designs sacred and may prefer not to be photographed