Nuevo Vallarta, a burgeoning tourist destination, sits on Banderas Bay and is in the heart of the Riviera Nayarit, one of the largest natural bays worldwide. It’s a mere 15-minute drive from the International Airport in Puerto Vallarta, making it easily accessible for international travelers.
But what sets Nuevo Vallarta apart is its unique positioning for exploration. Situated aptly for adventurous outings, this hub allows close proximity to fascinating sites like the Sierra Madre mountains and Marietas Islands. Your excursions won’t be limited to Nuevo Vallarta alone – visit nearby towns such as Sayulita, Bucerias, and Puerto Vallarta using a variety of transportation options. Choose to leap into the local culture in a taxi, on a golf cart, or enjoy an active getaway by cycling or walking around.
Despite its official 2022 name change to Nuevo Nayarit, people continue to refer to it as Nuevo Vallarta, a testament to its longstanding appeal to visitors from all over the world. No matter what you choose to call it, Nuevo Vallarta remains a prime location on the map of thrilling Mexican getaways, offering not only golden sands and clear waters but a gateway to diverse exploration.
What to do in Nuevo Vallarta
Visiting Nuevo Vallarta presents numerous opportunities for leisure, entertainment, and exploration. Sprawling across miles of golden sand beaches with the Pacific Ocean on one side and mesmerizing Sierra de Vallejo mountains on the other, the choice of activities it offers is wide and many-fold.
Kick-off your day on the beach front where you can walk for miles, visit small towns or engage in activities like beachcombing, jogging, or bicycling. The waves are ideal for water sports such as boogie-boarding and wakeboarding.
Don’t miss the chance to play golf at two of the challenging courses in the area. One is Vidanta, designed by golf great Jack Nicklaus and the other by the legendary Greg Norman. For another golfing scenario, you could try El Tigre, a par-72 tropical-style course at the Paradise Village Beach Resort.
Another attraction, particular for those visiting with their family, is the Aquaventuras Water Park. Located right at the entrance of Nuevo Vallarta, it’s ideal for a family outing. It boasts of 10 waterslides, a swimming pool and even an opportunity to interact with dolphins.
To round off a day of outdoor activities, consider rejuvenating yourself with revitalising treatments at one of Nuevo Vallarta’s many spas. There are also exercise gyms and yoga classes available, helping you stay on top of your fitness regime even while on vacation.
Finally, don’t forget Marina Nuevo Vallarta. Just a quick drive-away, it offers a rich selection of marina-front restaurants, cafés, and art. The esteemed Vallarta Yacht Club also finds its home here. With exclusivity oozing from every corner, it’s a well-spent evening assured.
Remember, whether you’re a sun-worshipper, a golf enthusiast, a yachter, a foodie or an art aficionado, there’s something for everyone in lively and luxurious Nuevo Vallarta.
A Paradise for Birds and Wildlife
Exhilarating exploration opportunities in Nuevo Vallarta extend to its fascinating wildlife amid this tranquil scenery. Revered as a sanctuary for diverse bird species, Nuevo Vallarta draws birdwatchers from across the globe. The area’s marshlands, for instance, serve as perfect nesting spots for herons. These tall, elegant creatures, replete with black-headed gulls, grace the estuaries, adding to the region’s vibrant biodiversity.
Harboring more than 350 identified bird species, encompassing both resident and migratory types, it’s clear why 
bird watching ranks as a top pastime in Nuevo Vallarta. According to Birds of Nayarit, not only can enthusiasts observe beautiful Blue-footed Boobies but also rare species such as Military Macaws and Elegant Quails.
Beneath the calm surface of the clear blue waters of Bahia de Banderas, another stellar display of nature unfolds. Dolphins, whales, and sea turtles inhabit these waters, making Nuevo Vallarta a prime hub for ethical wildlife tourism. During the winter months, humpback whales put on breathtaking acrobatic displays as they migrate through these warm waters.
On the lush green jungle trails, visitors can encounter iguanas basking under the sun and observe coatis, known for their long, ringed tails, foraging for fruits. While walking these nature trails, keep an eye out for the elusive jaguars and pumas, testament to the area’s flourishing ecosystems.
Engaging with Nuevo Vallarta’s wildlife, however, isn’t merely an observational experience. Many local organizations, such as the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Conservation Project, offer hands-on experiences where tourists can actively engage in releasing hatchlings into the sea. It’s a hands-on, memory-making endeavour.
Nuevo Vallarta Beaches And Outdoor Life
Immersed in the stunning beauty of Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta stretches its arms wide open to the Pacific Ocean. Here, the golden sands extend for miles, an open invitation to beach lovers who fancy beachcombing, jogging, walking, or bicycling. What’s more, the region’s wide, uninterrupted beaches are not only mesmerizing
but also flank charming resort communities and towering hotels.
At the heart of Nuevo Vallarta is the Nuevo Vallarta Beach, a family-friendly haven. Its waves boast just the right size for boogie-boarding and wakeboarding adventures. If exploration is your cup of tea, then prepare to journey for miles from this point, making visits to picturesque small towns along the way.
Just a few steps from the beach, Nuevo Vallarta takes you into the blue realm with its seven miles of inland waterways. These water channels create the perfect sanctuary for extravagant homes that come equipped with private water slips and berths for personal water crafts. Indeed, Nuevo Vallarta is a yachter’s dream realized, hosting two of Mexico’s essential marinas and the prestigious Vallarta Yacht Club.
Nuevo Vallarta Nightlife
Your ideal evening in Nuevo Vallarta pops with a cornucopia of dynamic entertainment choices. From the strains of live music spilling from vibrant venues to the high-energy hubbub of cantinas and casinos, the nightlife on this stretch of Riviera Nayarit certainly rises to the occasion.
Nuevo Vallarta ascends to its bustling best after sundown. The sparkling lights of bars and clubs coax you into their embrace, here, a swinging salsa band sets the rhythm; there, an intimate jazz ensemble serenades the crowd. A variety of venues embrace the music, from traditional Mexican melodies to contemporary chart-toppers, curated to cater to every musical taste.
While the pulse of music paints the backdrop, Nuevo Vallarta’s culinary scene takes center-stage. Delectable
aromas waft from the cluster of restaurants that dot the landscape, serving everything from the comforting familiarity of traditional Mexican cuisine to the tantalising plunge of fresh seafood. Gorging yourself on an array of gastronomic delights is an essential part of your Nuevo Vallarta nightlife experience.
Beachfront restaurants draw you in with tantalizing gastronomic specialties, their charm amplified by the symphony of crashing waves. With the velvety darkness of the evening softening the edges of the world, surrender to the allure of seaside dining and experience the distinct blend of nature’s music and culinary mastery.
Penchant for a whirl with Lady Luck? Find your way to the numerous casinos scattered across Riviera Nayarit. From the old-world charm of roulette wheels to the hypnotic buzz of slot machines, these gaming palaces provide a thrilling foray into the world of chance.
Nuevo Vallarta Marina
A pinnacle of affluence and luxury, the Nuevo Vallarta Marina bears the title of Mexico’s largest marina. This waterfront marvel not only adds a dose of grandeur to the cityscape, but also caters to the high-end lifestyle. With an assemblage of majestic yachts and boats, this marina accentuates the city’s reputation as a world-class vacation destination.
At the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, you’ll experience the allure of majestic yachts, fishing charters, and tour boats cruising through the crystalline waters of Banderas Bay. Anchored watercraft accounts for a significant part of the marina’s charm. Luxurious boats bob gently in their berths, their gleaming hulls a fitting tribute to the city’s maritime appeal.
Encased by cafés, art galleries, and stage theaters, the Nuevo Vallarta Marina serves as a gateway to cultural exploration. Comfortably situated within minutes of Puerto Vallarta and the International Airport, it ensures easy access to shopping boutiques, marketplaces, and beachfront restaurants. Not to be overlooked, the marina’s close proximity to celebrated attractions such as the hidden beach of Las Marietas, located at the bay’s northern end, enhances its desirability.
Fulfill the dream of every sailor by adding the marina to your itinerary. The prestigious Vallarta Yacht Club, located within the boundaries of the marina, provides an optimal venue for the global seafarer community. Beyond just aesthetics, the marina’s functionality surpasses expectations – personal water slips and private berths make this a nautical terminus fit for any seafarer.
Lastly, year-end offers a nautical spectacle as humpback whales migrate to the warmer Pacific coast. Identifiable by their massive size and powerful jumps, observing this annual migration from your yacht is an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendar from December to March to witness this powerful showcase of nature at its finest.
Where To Shop In Nuevo Vallarta
Taking a break from sunbathing and water sports? Turn your attention towards the local shopping scene in
Nuevo Vallarta. This vacation hotspot is not just about the sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and thrilling adventures, but also about the curated local markets, shopping districts, and plazas.
Navigate your way to the renowned Paradise Plaza Shopping Center. Located conveniently next to the Paradise Village Resort, this shopping center caters to all your shopping needs. Here, you’ll find a variety of clothing boutiques, filled with vibrant collections inspired by the local fashion scene. Apart from clothes, you can also explore the souvenir shops. These stores stack a diverse array of artifacts and memorabilia as a reminder of your beach vacation in Nuevo Vallarta. If you’re also seeking convenience during your shopping spree, Paradise Plaza ticks that box too. With on-site banking services and a fully-stocked import goods grocery store, it’s a one-stop destination for all your shopping needs that has all your creature comforts from home available at your fingertips.
Where To Stay In Nuevo Vallarta
When it comes to accommodations in Nuevo Vallarta, the choices are varied and cater to different tastes, preferences, and budgets. This ranges from unique homes, condos and land for sale. It’s precisely these extensive offerings that make Nuevo Vallarta the go-to destination for solo travelers, couples, and families alike who are looking for the dream home or next investment property.
One of the newest projects in Nuevo Vallarta is the residential community of NovoMare. NovoMare is an exclusive condo development minutes from the beach and El Tigre area. With amenities for everyone both on and off the property, NovoMare is the pinnacle of simple living luxury. NovoMare’s two 6-story towers, Torre Novo and Torre Mare, house the 76 apartments that comprise the complex. The first to be constructed, Torre Novo will house 38 units in its first phase. The residences, which include one to three bedrooms, have a sophisticated coastal feel and provide resort-like amenities. The movement of the rooms creates light and spacious areas. These immaculate spaces are enhanced by large windows and patios the bring the outdoors
inside. Every day seems like a vacation thanks to the condos’ contemporary amenities. To make living here easier, NovoMare provides a business space on the ground floor in addition to its one of a kind rooftop pool paradise and lounge area, which offer expansive views. A gym, a fire pit area, a paddle court, and a ground-floor pool are additional features. NovoMare is one of the best places to live whether you’re seeking something for yoursel or as an investment in this tourist hotspot, thanks to its abundance of social spaces and central location in the heart of the Riviera Nayarit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some appealing characteristics of Nuevo Vallarta?
Nuevo Vallarta is easy to access from international locations and offers a variety of transit options. Additionally, it’s an ideal hub for exploring nearby attractions such as the Sierra Madre mountains and Marietas Islands. It has luxurious resorts, fine dining, fitness facilities, golf courses, and family-friendly activities like visiting Aquaventuras Water Park.
What wildlife can you find in Nuevo Vallarta?
Over 350 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The marshlands house herons, egrets, and the Magnificent Frigatebird. Dolphins, whales, and sea turtles inhabit the waters of Bahia de Banderas, making it a hub for ethical wildlife tourism.
What is the nightlife like in Nuevo Vallarta?
The nightlife in Nuevo Vallarta is diverse and exciting. From vibrant live music in bars and clubs, cantinas and casinos, to an appealing culinary scene with beachfront restaurants, the area offers an unforgettable experience. There are also coffee alternatives in coffee houses and thrilling gaming experiences in casinos.
What is special about the Nuevo Vallarta Marina?
The Nuevo Vallarta Marina is Mexico’s largest, enhancing the luxurious appeal of the area. It is a hub for seafarers and offers easy access to cultural attractions, shopping, dining, and natural wonders, such as the migration of humpback whales.
What shopping options are there in Nuevo Vallarta?
The local shopping scene includes the Paradise Plaza Shopping Center, known for its diverse clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, banking services, and a grocery store. Also, visitors can explore the vibrant boardwalks around Marina Nuevo Vallarta for an array of cafes, galleries, and unique shops.
What are the different accommodations available in Nuevo Vallarta?
The area offers a range of accommodations depending on individual preferences and budgets. These include beachfront apartments with ocean views, residential homes, relaxing high-end beach clubs, and self-contained gated communitites for a hassle-free living. We are excited about the newest residential project called NovoMare which weaves a vaction-like experience with high-end design and amenities.
