From the hip resort of Sayulita to the jungles of the Sierra Madres in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, adventures in nature appeal to everyone in the family, whatever their fitness level.
Riviera Nayarit, the lush Pacific Coast region of Nayarit state, extends from the gated resort community of Nuevo Vallarta (pronounced No-voh VY-ar-tah) north to the San Blas peninsula.
Families will find diverse cultural and environmental riches as well as nice beaches facing the calm, shallow Banderas Bay. Read on to plan family adventures that range from making your own tortillas in an outdoor oven, to riding a mule, ATVing through sub-tropical forest for a zip line tour, rappelling down waterfalls, and lots of wet fun.
How Riviera Nayarit Differs from Puerto Vallarta
The established beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, farther south on the coast, is in the state of Jalisco. Although the entire coastline region shares an airport, the destinations are very different.
Puerto Vallarta is about beaches, shopping, galleries, dining and nightlife. You can visit a tequila distillery and take street taco tours. Outside the historic village, the diverse and inclusive crowd frequents many fine hotels, cultural events and activities. The Westin Puerto Vallarta is one resort that families love.
Nayarit, in contrast, is more rugged with a greater focus on eco adventures. Visit the region year round because it boasts a mild tropical climate that averages 80°F (27°C.) Having said that, it can be very hot and humid during the summer rainy season and cool on winter evenings.
Here’s a look at Riviera Nayarit’s top nature attractions, guided adventures, and treks through the rugged environment, from south to north along the coast.
Start at the Region’s Commercial Center: Nuevo Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta is a purpose-built enclave of affordable, contemporary beachfront resorts. It’s conveniently just 12 miles from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, or a 15-minute drive or a water taxi away from the charming village of PV. The new Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit is a well-priced all-inclusive in Nuevo with beach access.
Since Nuevo Vallarta is a planned community of hotels and condominiums, there’s not much to see or do in town. However, we can recommend a fine seafood restaurant that is worth a stop. La Laguna Tino’s at Blvd Nayarit #393 Nuevo Vallarta is open daily for lunch and dinner. Stop for some fresh seafood and watch the turtles play by the dock outside.
Riviera Nayarit Road Trip: Route 200 along the Pacific Coast
If you have time, skip the modern highway from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and take the very scenic Route 200, a well paved, two-lane blacktop, north. Use a bit of Spanish, a good map and a rental car -– or hire a car and driver from Tropical Incentives as we did. Families can have fun days out and meet the locals at several bustling villages.
Bucerias Stop for a Meal and a Walk
Heading north from Nuevo Vallarta, you’ll come across Bucerias first. This is a hip town where those who work in the region’s tourist trade can afford to live. And live well, they do. This tiny fishing town is a popular spot for shopping and dining. Each January, Bucerias is the setting for the “Virgen de la Paz” festival which includes the blessing of the local fishing fleet.
Fishing is the Sustainable Adventure at La Cruz
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a nice place to stop for a fresh seafood meal or a stroll on the beach. At our first visit, from Route 200, you could see the barren tree struck by lightning whose remaining limbs formed a cruz or cross to become the town’s namesake.
This bayfront town grew quickly after a government-sponsored marina and residential complex were built. That development lured a lot of expatriates to settle. Every Sunday, there is a Farmer’s Market as well as an art n’ crafts market selling crafts and international cuisine. The daily fish market opens at 7am for the catch of the day.
Turtle Rescues and Whale Watching Adventures Off the Riviera Nayarit Coast
Known as the region’s official mascot, four protected species of tortugas (leatherback turtles, Olive Ridley turtles, hawksbill turtles, green turtles) make Riviera Nayarit their home. Families can watch these noble creatures come ashore to lay eggs in the sand (June to September) or assist as the tiny hatchlings break out of their shells and return to the sea (August to November). On every beach, local volunteers and hotel security patrol each evening to be sure that nesting turtles are not disturbed by passersby, and that new nests are marked so the eggs can be relocated for safekeeping.
Wildlife Connection, an eco-tour group based in Marina Vallarta, offers an evening tour between July and March so that visitors can participate in the release of baby turtles and learn more about their conservation.
Families visiting between November and April can see humpbacked whales as they migrate south from the Arctic to raise their calves in the protected waters of Banderas Bay. Vallarta Adventures offers a variety of whale watching tours appropriate for all ages and physical abilities.
Riviera Nayarit Adventures In Towns Near Nuevo Vallarta
As the state of Riviera Nayarit becomes more popular, families find a variety of eco-adventures close to their home base. These are some of our favorite natural adventures.
ATV Tours of the local jungle areas. Take a half or full day tour that includes safety instruction and a lesson. Ride along rough trails to rivers, stop for a dip and visit waterfalls to refresh for the ride back.
For more options, look up above the town to the many hillside clusters whose guests have brought SUP schools, windsurfing, boating, sunset cruises, deep sea fishing, ATVs and horseback riding facilities to the region.
Learn to Surf. Visit some of the area’s best surf beaches according to your skill level and local conditions, for a personal surfing lesson you will never forget.
Luxurious Approach to Nayarit Adventures at Punta de Mita
Punta de Mita is a small town located at the northernmost point of Banderas Bay, where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortes meet.
The region is best known to Americans for the Four Seasons Punta Mita, which dominates the huge gated Punta Mita community outside town. The complex has several other hotels (including the St. Regis Punta Mita), private residences and condominiums. Most visitors the private 7,014-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at the Four Seasons, and myriad other golf, tennis, SUP, watersports and recreation facilities.
Punta de Mita beaches are fine white sand with close-in coral reefs for easy snorkeling. Deep sea fishing, whale watching and surfing can be enjoyed nearby. The open-air restaurants along the coast are popular weekend destinations for Mexican families, who drive up, enjoy the beach and dine on fresh seafood and refreshments. There are also many small hotels, surf shops, snorkeling and dive equipment rentals, tours by boat and places to horseback ride.
Litibu is home to the popular Iberostar Playa Mita all-inclusive resort with more resorts and hotels to come.
Sayulita Adventures in Nature: Explore the Wild Side
Sayulita is a well-known surfing destination for West Coast families. Somehow, despite how much it’s grown in scope and sophistication since our last visit, it charms newcomers. This artsy, hippie community is packed with toes-in-the-sand cafes, funky beach shacks, luxurious private villas and day spas.
Teens will love the great shopping for leather goods, shoes and clothes. Wander in and out of many crafts shops selling new and traditional Mexican handiwork. From plaster day-of-the-dead figures to political T-shirts, your family will find it all in Sayulita. Look for the shops selling colorful beaded Huichol artworks. These handcrafts help support the indigenous Indians by selling their beaded artwork and jewelry. While everything is affordable, remember that prices descend as you walk inland away from the beach.
Nayarit Eco Adventures Near Sayulita
All year long, visitors can take stand up paddleboarding and surfing lessons right from the beach. In the autumn high-surf season, the town is especially popular with young singles from Southern California, but it’s a fun daytrip from other Riviera Nayarit towns any time. Plus, there are local eco-adventures worth the trip.
Horseback Ride on the Beach. Sayulita is the perfect place for a horseback adventure. Start at local stables where you can snack and get ready. Explore local jungle trails on your way to a quiet stretch of beach.
Marietas Island Eco Adventure with Snorkeling. Discover sea turtles, dolphins, coral reefs and blue-footed boobies at this marine sanctuary and go snorkeling off your boat.
Making Sayulita Your Home Base for Riviera Nayarit Adventures
For overnight stays in Sayulita, one friend recommended Villa Amor, a striking collection of thatched palapa buildings on a hillside above Playa los Muertos beach. While they do welcome families, it’s known for its romantic ambiance, friendly staff and great water views. Check out the restaurants for suggestions of local vacation rentals on or near the beach.
If you decide to stay awhile like we did, settle in for some fabulous seafood at the waterfront Don Pedro’s, whose second floor tables have a wonderful sunset view. The restaurant was founded by two California surfers who fell in love with this town, and that feeling permeates their cuisine and presentation. If they have any in the cellar, try the Casa Madero wine that is grown and aged in Mexico.
San Pancho Eco-Tours: Nature & Adventure in Riviera Nayarit
San Francisco, like the saint, is locally known by the nickname San Pancho. This classy, quiet town is just 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta yet worlds away in ambiance. Imagine its notable Polo Club in full swing between November and May.
Allow time to walk around the narrow streets of what appears to be a traditional Mexican village of about 1,600 residents. San Pancho’s large ex-pat community imbues it with a sophistication that supports many fine restaurants and shops. Don’t miss the enormous outdoor mural in the town square made of bottle caps. It’s very impressive.
A San Pancho Boutique Hotel
One particularly intriguing hotel is Cielo Rojo, a stylishly restored home with nine rooms, two of them suites sleeping four. Located on a quiet street just a few minutes from the town square, it’s an intimate hideaway with great design, modern Mexican paintings, classic antiques, and an organic restaurant and wine bar. Families will find many gluten-free and healthy dishes made with homemade tortillas. Adults will enjoy sampling the artisanal tequila made by the hosts.
Riviera Nayarit’s Outdoor Adventures Available in San Pancho
There is a lot to do near San Pancho in terms of soft and hard adventure. Make it your base if you want to be off the beaten track but in a stylishly ex-pat Mexican community. The local Entre Amigos cultural center offers children’s art classes and more arts programs.
San Pancho also boasts outfitters who arrange horseback riding, diving, climbing, yoga and jungle excursions. Take your pick of surfing and other watersports nearby. The noted local tour operator Vallarta Adventures runs trips out to Hidden Beach, a cave formation in Las Marietas Islands that hides its own sand beach.
The local Project Tortuga group, Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde, runs a marine turtle nursery in San Francisco; visitors welcome from June to September.
Farther North along the Coast from San Pancho
Farther up the coast is pretty Lo de Marcos, said to evoke the Riviera Nayarit of 30 years ago. This fishing village’s broad stretch of beach hosts a super posh One&Only Mandarina luxury resort. Meanwhile, the town is still full of under-$100-per-night boutique hotels. Be sure to walk around their Mexican markets..
Rincón de Guayabitos is also fun for an outing. The colorful boats moored in its half-moon harbor give it a Mediterranean charm. There are a few new all-inclusive resorts in Rincon that enable low-budget and off-the-beaten path family tourism.
This port is said to be an excellent base for serious fishermen. If rough water is not your thing, Grupo de Ecologistas de Nayarit hosts beachfront sea turtle nesting camps nearby.
Hidden San Blas and La Tovara National Park
Families with school-age kids will enjoy the two-day excursion we made to San Blas, the colorful small town where Junipero Serra, founder of the famous California Missions, was born.
San Blas and the village of Matachen are gateways to La Tovara National Park, a mangrove region that houses hundreds of bird species. Read our account of a San Blas Riviera Nayarit adventure weekend here.
For a variety of other hotel choices in the region, see our Riviera Nayarit Hotels & Resorts Guide
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
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I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.