Things to Do in Riviera Nayarit Mexico in One Week

Bucerias, meaning “place of divers”, is a world-renowned kiteboarding and windsurfing destination. During the winter, Bucerias is home to large populations of foreign citizens, mainly from the United States and Canada. For this reason, Bucerias has a fantastic selection of cuisine from all over the world, as well as one of the most swimmable beaches. 

Human Connections Tours: 

Human Connections is a social enterprise that connects local partners with travellers through cultural tours and student programs. These experiences channel resources into local communities while giving visitors a deeper understanding of Mexico. Human Connections has two tour options. The first is a day tour that takes visitors into less-explored neighbourhoods of Bucerías to engage with families of local artisans in their homes and workshops. Hear their stories, see their process and end the morning with an authentic meal. The second option is an excursion through the agricultural heartland of Banderas Bay, where you will meet and engage with the families of local entrepreneurs. Your first visit may include a ceramics workshop, a walk through a tropical orchard, or a beekeeping lesson and honey tasting. The experience ends with a delicious meal and hands-on activity. 

Restaurants 

Bucerías is home to a large variety of great restaurants. For lunch head to La Postal, an Italian restaurant with drool-worthy pizzas and yummy cappuccinos. For dinner, the best restaurants are situated around Galeana Street and Lazaro Cardenas Street. For nightlife and live music, head to La Negra- one of the most popular bars in town.  Related: Foodie Trips

Whale Watching 

From November until March, a variety of whales migrate to the warm Pacific Ocean to feed, mate, or give birth. From the beach in Bucerías you can see whales jumping nearly every day. To get a closer look, try one of the many whale watching tours. I personally recommend Explora Vallarta, which provides whale watching tours run by professional biologists, naturalists, and certified boat captains. The Explora Vallarta boats stay a safe distance from the whales, while providing tour guests with informed explanations regarding whale behaviour.

Famous for its gated community “Punta Mita” and upscale resorts such as the Four Seasons and W Hotel, Punta de Mita is known as the luxury destination in Riviera Nayarit. Punta de Mita has two main roads filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that are a great way to spend an afternoon. 

Surf Lessons 

Punta de Mita is located next to a relatively small beach with waves perfect for beginner surfers. Choose from a handful of surf schools that run parallel to the beach on the main street. Depending on the size of the waves, surf teachers may hold the class in Punta de Mita or on the nearby beach of La Lancha. Visitors can also choose to rent paddle boards for a more leisurely experience. 

Lunch Time

Have lunch on the main street following your surf lesson. Although most restaurants cater to the luxury market, there are still a variety of reasonably priced lunch options. One of my favourite restaurants for both lunch and dinner is Punta Mercedes, a restaurant overlooking the water and specializing in Argentinian cuisine. Try the chicken lettuce wraps for a delicious appetizer! Related: Eat Healthy While Traveling

Higuera Blanca

Just outside of Punta de Mita, on the beach Higuera Blanca, is a waterfront club and restaurant named El Barracuda. Get there early to secure a spot, which includes beach chairs, umbrellas, and a table. Guests can walk up and down the white sand beach, along with the residents of a nearby gated community Punta Mita. Grab some ceviche and drinks to finish off your relaxing afternoon.

Known as the party capital of Riviera Nayarit, Sayulita offers the most clubs and bars for backpackers and tourists looking for a fun time. This festive atmosphere creates a distinctly different experience from other towns in the area; just don’t forget your earplugs!

Yoga Classes 

Sayulita is a popular destination for yoga certification. For this reason, there are many different classes and teachers available for all styles and levels of yoga throughout the town. Try yoga class on the beach or head to various yoga villas in the surrounding jungle. 

Boutique Shopping 

Sayulita is filled with boutiques specializing in fashionable and eco-conscious products, including clothing, interior decorations, and souvenirs. Stroll through the narrow streets and pop into various stores to examine the stylish goods. 

Surf Lessons 

Although Sayulita is a famous surf town, it actually has one of the worst beaches in the area for learning how to surf. Due to the popularity of the town, the beach is often over-populated with beginner surf classes and has a strong riptide. For this reason, avoid learning how to surf in Sayulita and head outside the town for a more leisurely experience. 

Nightlife 

Nightlife is a main draw for tourists in Sayulita. The town is filled with so many clubs and bars that there is something for everyone; just follow the music. For a new experience, try salsa dancing at Don Pedro’s Restaurant & Bar.

Known as “San Pancho” locally, San Francisco is defined by its eco-conscious community and relaxed atmosphere. One of the most popular destinations for seasoned surfers, San Pancho’s large beach, endless waves, and bohemian main street makes it a favourite destination among visitors to the region.

Activities:

EntreAmigos Community Centre 

EntreAmigos community centre, located on the main street,  is the heart and soul of San Pancho. EntreAmigos has developed a focus on education, offering community based workshops, youth leadership groups, academic scholarship programs, and the region's largest children's library. Environmental sustainability is also part of the centre’s core values, which can be observed through the local recycling program and repurposed materials used throughout the building. For those seeking the opportunity to learn more about enriching community initiatives in Mexico, EntreAmigos offers group tours Monday through Saturday and a wide range of volunteer experiences. 

Main Street 

San Pancho’s main street, Av. Tercer Mundo, is filled with unique boutiques, cafes, vendors, and restaurants. Travellers can start at the East end of the street near EntreAmigos and walk west, eventually ending at the beach. At the end of main street there are a variety of beach-front restaurants specializing in fresh seafood and traditional Mexican cuisine. Visitors can also grab lounge chairs on a first come first serve basis. Related: Foodie Trips

Polo Club Restaurant 

One of San Pancho’s hidden gems is the La Patrona Beach Club. Starting where the main street meets the beach, take a 15 minute walk northward towards the Beach Club (or arrive by car). With spectacular architecture and uninterrupted views of the beach, guests can relax by the club’s large pool and snack on a great menu. For extra fun, visitors can also watch talented surfers navigate the large ocean waves in front of the club.

Originally a small fishing village, La Cruz de Huanaxactle has become a bustling destination on Sundays thanks to the town’s large market. Quaint restaurants, beautiful murals, and a large marina help create La Cruz’s distinct feel. 

Activities: 

Sunday Market 

Come enjoy the largest market in Riviera Nayarit and experience festivities that are fun for the whole family. La Cruz Market brings vendors from around the community to sell their authentic products and delicious foods. Numerous handmade, local, and sustainably produced products can be found at the market, from bread and organic vegetables to clothing and ceramics. Open every Sunday from November to May in the La Cruz Marina, the market also provides various workshops for adults and children such as yoga and live music. 

Grab A Bite to Eat 

After some shopping, head to Olala Crepes stall for an authentic and decadent french meal. Sweet and savoury crepes are made to order by the owner, and sell out quickly! 

Mural Tour 

Over a two week period during January 2020, the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle was transformed by the Ciudad Mural (City of Murals) project. Artists from all over Mexico came to decorate businesses and homes with murals representing Mexico’s history, culture, and unity. Take a self-guided walking tour through the streets of La Cruz to see the wonderful illustrations and learn about up-and-coming muralists in Mexico’s art scene. Related: 6 Best Cities for Street Art

Plaza de la Cruz 

La Cruz’s main square is a great place to grab a coffee and observe the local community. Like many towns in Mexico, the main square is a centre of activity- with children playing, neighbours chatting, and families spending time together.