Vacation in Nuevo Nayarit: Top Activities, Resorts, and More

Looking to get away from it all? Craving adventure, relaxation, and a serious dose of culture all in one amazing vacation spot? Then it’s time you checked out Nuevo Nayarit (formerly Nuevo Vallarta). Nestled along Mexico’s gorgeous Pacific coastline, this up-and-coming destination has it all. We’re talking secluded beaches, lush jungles, colonial towns, incredible food, and super friendly locals. In this guide, we’ll give you the inside scoop on all the best things to do, see, eat and experience in Nuevo Nayarit. From adrenaline-pumping excursions to ultra-luxe resorts to hidden local gems, you’ll discover everything you need to plan an unforgettable vacation here. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty, culture and adventure of this incredible coastal region. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be dying to hop on a plane straight to Nuevo Nayarit!

Welcome to Nuevo Nayarit!

Pristine Beaches and Surfing

Nuevo Nayarit is home to over 200 miles of picturesque coastline with secluded beaches and world-class surfing. Check out the swells at Sayulita and Punta Mita, or just enjoy the soft sand and swaying palms at Bucerías Beach.

Adventure in the Sierra Madre Mountains

Inland from the coast rise the Sierra Madre Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, zip lining, horseback riding and more. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV tour or scale new heights at La Cruz 360, which features the highest zip line in Mexico at over 1,500 feet long.

Luxury Resorts and Boutique Hotels

After a day of adventures, relax at one of Nuevo Nayarit’s world-class resorts. Immerse yourself in luxury at the Four Seasons Punta Mita or live the boho-chic beach life at Auberge Resorts Collection’s Susurros del Corazon. For a more intimate stay, check into a boutique hotel like Hotel Cielo Rojo in Sayulita or Posada el Rey Sol in La Cruz.

Delicious Food and Drink

Recharge with Nuevo Nayarit’s fresh seafood, locally-grown produce and bold flavors. Sip a margarita at an open-air beach bar, sample street tacos from a food truck, or dine on lobster and steak at an upscale resort restaurant. Don’t miss specialties like shrimp ceviche, chiles en nogada and tres leches cake. Salud!

With pristine natural surroundings, an endless array of activities and world-class amenities, Nuevo Nayarit has something for everyone. Come discover this Pacific paradise for yourself!

Top Things to Do in Nuevo Nayarit

Explore the Surf

With miles of coastline and swells coming in from the Pacific, Nayarit is a surfer’s paradise. Rent a board and hit the waves at Sayulita, San Pancho or Punta Mita. If you’re not quite ready to get out on the water, you can take surfing lessons or just enjoy watching the pros ride some serious barrels.

Experience the Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the local Huichol culture at the Huichol Center for Cultural Survival and Traditional Arts. See traditional dances, listen to ancient stories and shop for handcrafted goods. The colonial town of San Blas, about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, is also a cultural hub. Stroll the cobblestone streets, visit the church of Our Lady of the Rosary and dine on freshly caught seafood.

Go Whale Watching or Turtle Spotting

From December to March, Nayarit’s waters are home to humpback whales. Join a whale watching tour to see these magnificent creatures up close. If you visit between June and December, you might spot olive ridley sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Head to secluded beaches like Playa Teopa or Playa Cuitzmala at night to see the turtles emerge from the surf.

Relax at a Seaside Resort

With over 200 miles of coastline, Nayarit has no shortage of beachfront resorts. Unwind at an all-inclusive like the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit or live the barefoot luxury lifestyle at Punta Mita Resort. Smaller beach towns like Yelapa, Chacala and Sayulita also have laid-back eco-resorts where you can sway in a beachfront hammock, dine on fresh seafood and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

After a few days exploring the natural wonders, cultural experiences and beach bliss of Nuevo Nayarit, you’ll be planning your return trip. This Pacific paradise has adventure, discovery and relaxation in spades.

Best Nuevo Nayarit Resorts for Families

Nuevo Nayarit is a perfect family vacation destination, with kid-friendly resorts located right on the beach. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway where the little ones will be entertained, check out these top resort picks.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

This luxury all-inclusive resort pulls out all the stops for families. You’ll find spacious family suites, kids’ clubs with activities for different age groups, playgrounds, and a teen lounge. Parents will appreciate the fine dining, full-service spa, and multiple pools including an adults-only option. The beach here has gentle waves perfect for swimming and kayaking.

Marival Residences Luxury Resort

The Marival Residences offers apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, ideal for longer family stays. Daily activities at the kids’ club include arts and crafts, movies, and games. Teens can hang out at the arcade, game room or join in team sports. Multiple restaurants cater to different tastes, and the excellent buffet offers high chairs and kid-friendly fare. The beach here has mild surf and the resort provides kayaks, boogie boards and more.

Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa

This jungle-themed resort will spark kids’ imaginations with its pirate ship pool, giant chess board, and mini golf course. The kids’ club features activities like coconut painting, sandcastle building, and movie nights. For down time, cozy up in spacious family suites with separate living areas, or splash in one of the resort’s multiple pools and waterslides. Dining options include international buffets, Asian fusion, Italian and grill specialties. The soft, white-sand beach is perfect for building sandcastles or riding gentle waves.

With amenities focused on recreation and quality family time, these Nuevo Nayarit resorts make vacationing with kids a breeze. You really can’t go wrong with any of these options, so choose the one that fits your family’s needs and budget, then get ready for a fun, memorable beach getaway.

Romantic Resort Getaways in Nuevo Nayarit

If you’re looking for a secluded beach escape with your sweetheart, Nuevo Nayarit has some of the most romantic resorts in Mexico. Nestled along pristine coastlines and in tropical jungles, these intimate hideaways offer the perfect setting for a couples retreat.

Punta Mita Beach Resort

This upscale resort is situated on a private peninsula with over a mile of secluded beach. It features individual bungalow-style suites, many with private infinity pools overlooking the ocean. You’ll be pampered from sunrise to sunset, with activities ranging from couple’s massages to sunset sailing cruises. At night, dine under the stars while listening to the gentle lapping of waves.

Imanta Resort Punta Mita

For the ultimate in seclusion, the Imanta Resort is an adults-only property tucked into a coastal rainforest. Stay in private villas with personal pools, some featuring outdoor showers. The resort offers tailored experiences for couples like beachfront dinners, stargazing sessions with an astronomer, and boat trips to hidden beaches only accessible by sea.

Las Palmas Villas

These beachfront villas provide all the amenities of a luxury resort in an intimate setting. Each villa has a private pool, rooftop terrace, and open-air living areas. The attentive staff can arrange everything from couple’s yoga classes to private catamaran sails. When you want to venture out, the resort is within walking distance of restaurants, shops and nightlife in Sayulita. However, with surroundings this romantic, you may never want to leave your villa.

A getaway to one of these secluded resorts is the perfect way for couples to reconnect amidst the natural beauty of Nuevo Nayarit’s coastline. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, you’ll find your own personal paradise at these intimate hideaways. Leave your cares behind and indulge in quality time together in this little slice of heaven.

Adventurous Activities in Nuevo Vallarta

Water Sports Galore

Nuevo Vallarta’s location on the Mexican Riviera makes it an ideal spot for thrill-seeking water activities. You can go jet skiing or rent wave runners to zip around the bay. Feeling more adventurous? Try parasailing for a bird’s eye view of the coastline as you soar up to 300 feet in the air.

Zip Lining Through the Jungle

For an adrenaline rush, go zip lining through the jungle canopy. Some of the longest zip line courses in Mexico are located just outside of Nuevo Vallarta, with lines up to half a mile long and 200 feet high. As you glide through the treetops, you’ll spot tropical birds, iguanas, and maybe even a crocodile or two lurking in the rivers below.

Off-Roading Adventures

Explore the natural scenery surrounding Nuevo Vallarta in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Several outfitters offer guided ATV tours through jungle trails, past secluded beaches, and up into the Sierra Madre Mountains. You can ride as a passenger or drive your own ATV through muddy tracks and rocky terrain for a thrilling off-road experience. Some tours end at scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the bay.

Sailing and Yachting Excursions

For a relaxing thrill, spend a day sailing or yachting on Banderas Bay. Local charter companies offer sailing excursions on catamarans and yachts of different sizes. You can go for a sunset cruise, snorkeling trip, or book a private charter for a customized experience. Feel the sea breeze in your hair as dolphins swim alongside the bow and you drop anchor at a secluded beach only accessible by sea. A perfect combination of adventure and luxury.

With so many options for an active getaway, Nuevo Vallarta is a natural playground for the adventurous at heart. Work up an appetite for tacos and tequila as you experience all this Pacific paradise has to offer. The adventures are endless here in Nuevo Nayarit.

Getting to Nuevo Nayarit and Getting Around

Getting to Nuevo Nayarit is pretty straightforward. The closest airport is in Puerto Vallarta, about an hour south of Riviera Nayarit. Multiple airlines offer direct and one-stop flights to Puerto Vallarta from cities across North America. Once you land, you have a few options for getting to Nuevo Nayarit.

Rent a Car

Renting a car at the Puerto Vallarta airport gives you the most flexibility to explore Nuevo Nayarit on your own schedule. All the major rental companies have counters at the airport. The drive north to Nuevo Nayarit takes about an hour via Highway 200. The roads are well-maintained, but watch out for speed bumps in towns along the way.

Shuttle or Taxi

If you don’t want to drive, shuttle services and taxis can take you from the Puerto Vallarta airport to resorts and towns in Nuevo Nayarit. Shuttles typically cost a bit less but run on fixed schedules. Taxis are more expensive but provide door-to-door service 24 hours a day. Travel time is usually 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your final destination.

Bus

Public busses also run from Puerto Vallarta to towns like Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and Punta Mita in Nuevo Nayarit. Busses depart from the Puerto Vallarta bus station and the ride takes around 2 hours. Busses are very affordable but the schedule is limited, especially in the evenings and on weekends. This works best if you’re not in a hurry and want to save money.

Once in Nuevo Nayarit, the main towns are quite walkable. But to explore beaches and other areas, renting a car or hiring taxis and shuttles is easiest. Some resorts also offer bicycles for guests to use. The terrain is mostly flat, so cycling is a great way to get around for short distances. With a mix of transportation options, you’ll be able to get where you need to go and make the most of your vacation in Nuevo Nayarit.

Best Restaurants in Nuevo Nayarit

Nuevo Nayarit is a food lover’s paradise, with delicious regional cuisine and fresh seafood around every corner. When your stomach starts rumbling, head to one of these top-rated restaurants.

La Cocina de mi Abuela

For authentic homestyle Mexican fare, check out La Cocina de mi Abuela, or “My Grandmother’s Kitchen.” Just like the name suggests, this casual spot serves up traditional recipes passed down through generations. You’ll find mole, chiles rellenos, tamales, and of course, fresh guacamole and salsa. Everything is made from scratch using local ingredients. Save room for the flan for dessert!

Mariscos el Pelicano

You can’t leave without trying the seafood in Nuevo Nayarit. Mariscos el Pelicano is known for the freshest catch of the day, whether it’s red snapper, mahi mahi, shrimp or lobster. They have amazing ceviche, fish tacos and seafood cocktails. Grab a table on the beachfront patio, order a bucket of beers and enjoy watching the sunset over the Pacific.

Café Veracruz

For your morning pick-me-up, head to Café Veracruz, a colorful coffee shop featuring beans from Veracruz plantations. They offer espressos, lattes, and cold brew coffees to get you energized for exploring the town. You can also find light bites like empanadas, muffins, and churros. The ambiance is artsy and eclectic, with vibrant tiles, murals and an open-air courtyard. Strike up a conversation with the friendly locals and expats who frequent this popular spot.

With so many delicious dining options in Nuevo Nayarit using farm-fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, you’ll want to loosen your belt and pace yourself. But don’t worry, you can always walk off those extra calories strolling along the beach! Enjoy your tasty culinary adventures.

When to Visit Nuevo Nayarit

The best times to visit Nuevo Nayarit are the dry winter and spring seasons from December to April. During these months, the temperatures are pleasant, the chance of rain is low, and the beaches are less crowded.

December to February is peak season for tourism in Nayarit, especially around the holidays and winter break. The weather is ideal, with average highs of 77 F, but accommodation rates are highest and crowds largest. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds while still enjoying the perfect weather, March and April can also be an excellent time to visit.

The rainy season runs from May to November. While the summer months of July through September see the most rain, you can still expect occasional afternoon showers and thunderstorms from May through November. The rain keeps the jungles and mangroves lush, but it also brings humidity and the chance of storms. The beaches may be empty, but the surf is more dangerous during this season. Accommodation rates drop significantly, though, making it a great time for budget travel in Nayarit if you don’t mind the heat and chance of rain.

No matter the season, be sure to pack for a range of activities. Bring your swimsuit and sandals for the beach, hiking boots for jungle trails, and an umbrella or light jacket in case of rain. The climate in Nayarit varies based on location, so check the forecast for your specific destination before you go.

In summary, for the best combination of weather and smaller crowds, the dry months from December to April, especially March and April, are an ideal time to vacation in Nuevo Nayarit. You’ll enjoy all this beach destination has to offer without the biggest high-season price tags or throngs of tourists. Whatever season you choose, Nayarit’s natural scenery and laid-back vibe will make for an unforgettable getaway.

Nuevo Nayarit FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Your Vacation

Wondering what else you need to know before booking your getaway to Nuevo Nayarit? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from travelers.

Do I need a passport to visit Nuevo Nayarit? As Nuevo Nayarit is located in Mexico, U.S. citizens will need a valid passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is current and won’t expire for at least 6 months after your trip.

What is the weather like? Nuevo Nayarit has a tropical climate with warm weather for most of the year. The dry season runs from December to April, with daytime highs around 82 F. The rainy or “green” season is from May to November, with short afternoon rains and temperatures in the mid to upper 70s F. Pack a mix of shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits as well as long pants and a light jacket.

Is the water safe to drink? For your health and safety, it is not recommended to drink the tap water in Nuevo Nayarit. Drink only purified bottled water, bottled soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Make sure ice cubes are made from bottled or purified water as well.

Do I need any vaccinations? No vaccinations are required to visit Nuevo Nayarit. However, you should be up to date on routine vaccines like the flu vaccine. It is also a good idea to get vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid, to avoid infections from contaminated food or water. See your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip.

What currency is used? The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso. While some resorts and businesses in tourist areas may accept U.S. dollars, it is best to exchange your money for pesos. Many ATMs are available to withdraw pesos using your debit card. Credit cards are also widely accepted, with Visa and Mastercard being the most popular.

With the tropical beaches, resorts, activities and culture, a vacation in Nuevo Nayarit is sure to create memories that last a lifetime. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask your resort or check an official tourism website for the latest details. Your adventure awaits!

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks – everything you need to know to plan an amazing vacation in Nuevo Nayarit. With stunning beaches, lush jungles, charming villages, and world-class resorts, this special corner of Mexico has it all. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime filled with relaxation, adventure, culture, and seriously good food. Book those flights, pack your bags, and get excited – your dream vacation awaits in gorgeous Nuevo Nayarit! Just don’t forget the sunscreen.

Photo by Chris Ford