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
This uninhabited volcanic island group off Punta de Mita is a protected marine park and bird sanctuary, reachable only by boat tour from Punta de Mita or Sayulita. The main draw is the Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor), a sand-floored beach open to the sky through a collapsed cave roof, along with the surrounding reefs used for snorkeling.
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
A freshwater spring-fed mangrove estuary reached by motorized launch from the town dock in San Blas, this reserve is known for its resident crocodiles, herons, and turtles seen from the water along narrow mangrove channels. Tours end at the spring itself, a clear cenote-like pool where boats stop so passengers can swim.
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
Sayulita's central plaza sits a block from its main beach, ringed by open-air restaurants, surf shops, and stalls selling Huichol beadwork, and it functions as the town's daily gathering point. The adjacent beach has a river mouth on one side and a break at the far end that made the town a surf destination.
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)
This hilltop fort above San Blas dates to Spain's colonial customs and defense operations, when the port handled trade and shipbuilding along the Pacific coast. What remains are stone walls, mounted cannons, and the fort's position overlooking the town and estuary below.
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
This is one of the largest mangrove wetland systems on Mexico's Pacific coast, spanning the Nayarit-Sinaloa border and reached by boat from launches like Boca de Camichín. Tours move through mangrove channels that serve as nursery habitat for shrimp and fish, with regular sightings of herons, egrets, and other wading birds.
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
This small island village in a coastal lagoon floods seasonally, turning its streets into canals navigable by small boat, which has fed a long-standing claim that it sits on the ancestral site of Aztlán, the legendary Aztec homeland. Its grid of streets around a central plaza and church reflects a settlement pattern distinct from mainland Nayarit towns.
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
Punta de Mita is a former fishing village at the northern tip of Bahía de Banderas, now the departure point for boat tours to Islas Marietas and the anchor for the resort corridor along the Riviera Nayarit. Playa El Anclote is its calm, shallow-water beach lined with palapa seafood restaurants, distinct from the more exposed surf beaches nearby.
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
An active stratovolcano near the town of Jala, Ceboruco last erupted in the late 1800s and its slopes and crater are accessible by hiking trails that cross old lava fields. The volcano's obsidian and lava rock formations are a reminder that this stretch of Nayarit sits within Mexico's Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.
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
This is a nearly circular crater lake southeast of Tepic, ringed by forested hills that drop straight into the water. It's used for kayaking, fishing, and swimming, with a scattering of small restaurants and rustic cabins along the shore. Most visitors come for a half-day or overnight stay rather than a quick stop, since the drive in takes time.
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
Housed in a colonial-era building in downtown Tepic, this museum holds pre-Hispanic artifacts from Nayarit's shaft-tomb cultures, including the distinctive Ixtlán del Río-style ceramic figures. The collection also covers colonial and regional history, laid out room by room around a central courtyard typical of the building's original residential layout. It's a compact museum, doable in an hour or so.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a tour to visit Islas Marietas?
Yes. Independent boats are not permitted; visitors must book with a licensed tour operator departing from Punta de Mita or La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and the park closes Mondays and Tuesdays.
Is San Blas worth the detour from Puerto Vallarta?
Yes for wildlife and colonial history — La Tovara's mangrove wildlife-spotting boat tour and La Contaduría Fort are highlights — but budget a full day given the roughly 2-hour drive each way.
What is the best time of year to visit Nayarit's natural attractions?
November through April offers the driest weather, calmer seas for boat tours to Islas Marietas and Isla Isabel, and the best wildlife viewing at La Tovara and Marismas Nacionales.
Can I visit Mexcaltitán and Isla Isabel in the same day?
No. Both require boat transfers of an hour or more from different embarkation points, so each should be planned as its own full-day excursion.