Things to Do in Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is the stretch of Pacific coast in the state of Nayarit, running roughly from the airport at Puerto Vallarta north for about 180 miles. It’s the alter-ego of Vallarta — quieter, surfier, with a string of small beach towns each with their own character: Sayulita (surf, hippie), San Pancho (artists, slower), Punta Mita (luxury), Bucerías (older expat), Lo de Marcos (nearly nothing). The mountains drop into the Pacific; the rainy-season jungle is lush enough to feel tropical.
Quick Facts: Riviera Nayarit is in Mexico. Best time to visit: November–May is dry season. Surf season for beginners is summer (south swells); winter brings bigger, more advanced waves at exposed breaks.
🌴 Save on Your Riviera Nayarit Resort Stay
Qualified visitors stay at resort-quality properties in Riviera Nayarit for a fraction of retail — in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. No obligation to purchase.
View Riviera Nayarit Packages →
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a vacation ownership presentation. Full terms provided at booking.
Top 10 Things to Do in Riviera Nayarit
Sayulita
Surf-town poster child of Riviera Nayarit. Beginner-friendly beach break, dozens of surf schools, food trucks, taco joints, Wednesday outdoor market.
San Pancho (San Francisco)
Slower, more artsy alternative to Sayulita 10 minutes north. Polo grounds (Punta Mita Polo), boutique galleries, calmer beach.
Marietas Islands
UNESCO biosphere off Punta Mita — the ‘Hidden Beach’ (Playa del Amor) inside a collapsed cavern roof. Permit-only access protects it.
Punta Mita
Gated luxury peninsula at the north tip of Banderas Bay. Public access points to El Anclote (longboard wave) and Litibu Beach.
Lo de Marcos
Half an hour past San Pancho. An actual Mexican village, not a resort town. Beach, three palapa restaurants, virtually no tourists.
Bucerías Beach Town
Larger town on Banderas Bay just north of the airport. Long flat beach for walking, expat-favored cafes, and a Sunday flea market.
Yelapa Day Trip
Boat-only beach village south of Vallarta — water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán about 45 minutes. Waterfall hike, fresh-pie ladies, palapa restaurants.
Surf Lessons in Sayulita
Multiple schools, all at similar pricing for half-day group lessons. Beginner-friendly sand-bottom break with consistent waves.
Punta Negra Snorkel
Volcanic rock formation south of Bucerías — small bay, decent snorkeling on calmer days.
Tequila & Raicilla Tour
Inland into Nayarit you can find small raicilla distilleries — agave spirit specific to the region. Half-day tour from Sayulita.
When to Go
November–May is dry season. Surf season for beginners is summer (south swells); winter brings bigger, more advanced waves at exposed breaks.
Combine It With a Discounted Resort Stay
Riviera Nayarit is one of the destinations where qualified visitors can stay at resort-quality properties for a fraction of retail in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. Packages typically include 4 nights / 5 days in suite-style accommodations.
🌴 Save on Your Riviera Nayarit Resort Stay
Qualified visitors stay at resort-quality properties in Riviera Nayarit for a fraction of retail — in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. No obligation to purchase.
View Riviera Nayarit Packages →
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a vacation ownership presentation. Full terms provided at booking.
View Riviera Nayarit Timeshare Promotions →