Top Beaches in the Riviera Nayarit: The 12 Best

 

Let’s face it, one of the biggest draws to visiting Mexico is the ocean. We have the top beaches in the Riviera Nayarit. Nearly everyone who has visited has tried surfing or some other water activity. So where is the best place to surf? First of all, if you are a beginner, it is recommended to go to one of the many surf schools along the coast. These are usually easy enough to find along with beginner beaches. It is important to know that not everyone can stand on the surfboard your first time trying. It takes practice and working on your balance and you’ll likely fall off a few times. But don’t let it discourage you. Some of our beaches are also friendly to swim in or are canvases for other beach sports. While you are checking out our beaches, look at the amazing real estate we have in the Riviera Nayarit and Mexico. There are fantastic opportunities for buyers who are looking for their dream home in paradise or investment property. That is because there are options for everyone’s needs and budget in the Riviera Nayarit real estate.

Here is our list of the top beaches in the Riviera Nayarit. We have a list of 12 swimming and surfing beaches:

 

12. Burros, La Lancha and El Anclote

This area of Punta de Mita has several breaks that are a favorite of the destination because they’re calm and laid back, ideal for longboards.

 

11. Ola Lola (Chacala)

La Ola Lola, Chacala, Compostela, is a hidden gem: to get to the bay you must jump in a fishing boat for 20 minutes due north. However, the waves here are recommended strictly for pro surfers.

 

10. La Manzanilla (La Cruz de Huanacaxtle)

This beach is very popular not only with tourists but also with locals thanks to its easy access and a short walk from the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Tourists come here frequently to relax in comfort, often bringing their families. Perfect for sunbathing.

 

9. Lo de Marcos

The town of Lo de Marcos has been evolving at its own pace, which is why every day there are more services for visitors. There’s an estuary alongside its extensive beach, trails in the mountain for exploring, and great waves for surfing or stand-up paddle boarding. Without a doubt, this is one of the most relaxed micro-destinations in the Riviera Nayarit.

This beach has high waves, so it is best for intermediate-level surfers. Many people don’t know about this place, yet, but that’s better for those who do. Worst case scenario you’ll share the waves with some 15 people, max.

 

8. Jaltemba Bay

This area in Compostela is one of the most traditional destinations for domestic tourism thanks to its quiet waters and multiple services. Here you have everything from beachside restaurants to party boats, or banana boat rides. Jaltemba Bay has three beaches: Los Ayala, Rincón de Guayabitos, and La Peñita de Jaltemba.

 

7. Destiladeras (Punta de Mita)

Punta de Mita offers several ways to access the ocean, each with its charm. Destiladeras is a favorite thanks to its expanse of firm sand and, even though at times it has high waves, these break far from shore, which makes it safe for kids and adults.

Beginners on the verge of becoming intermediate surfers will appreciate Veneros, it has strong, good-sized waves and there aren’t many people around.

 

6. Matanchén Bay (San Blas)

It’s well known that bays have waves and currents that are gentler than open-water beaches. The huge Matanchén Bay starts at Santa Cruz de Miramar to Las Islitas, including Los Cocos, Aticama, and, obviously, Matanchén. One of the greatest pleasures of this area is eating oysters fresh from the sea.

Matanchén has the longest waves in the region you can ride for almost a kilometer! It used to hold the title of the longest wave in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Santa Cruz de Miramar has waves that are powerful and dangerous because of the rocks, but if you are an advanced surfer – you could find this very fun!

Stoner Point Break is strictly for the advanced surfer and it’s only available in the summertime with the southern swells and is famous around the world for its strength. It’s located between the beaches at El Borrego and Matanchen in San Blas.

 

5. San Pancho (San Francisco)

When it comes to beaches, San Pancho is probably the most cosmopolitan destination because it welcomes visitors from around the globe. Its nickname of Cultural Capital has positioned the town as a relaxed, easy-going micro-destination, with a great party scene. These waves are not as gentle as Sayulita’s and as a result,lt it is recommended for intermediate and advanced surfers.

 

4. Novillero (Tecuala)

Novillero is right on the border between Nayarit and Sinaloa and has a world-famous beach for how long and undeveloped it is. It is 56 miles making it the longest beach in Mexico and the sixth longest in the world!

 

3. Sayulita

Sayulita is one of the towns that put the Riviera Nayarit on the map.  It is the Surfing Capital and the birthplace of standup paddle boarding. This is a great beach for beginner and pro surfers since it has three different breaks coming in from the left, and the right, and a special section for learners.

This beach is, without a doubt, a must-visit for every kind of tourist or family.

 

2. Nuevo Vallarta

Nuevo Vallarta is home to some of the best things in the Riviera Nayarit, it has the highest number of rooms in the destination and its beach is divided into three sections, all certified and clean. It has been given multiple environmental awards, has its own marina, and is a nearby world-class golf resort.

 

1. Playa del Amor

The Playa del Amor or Playa Escondida (Lover’s Beach or Hidden Beach) is in the Islas Marietas, National Park and is the icon of the Riviera Nayarit for its spectacular natural beauty. It is one of the most world-famous beaches, and as such, there have been effective protective measures put into place, so the place is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

 

The MexHome Promise

The Riviera Nayarit is a dynamic mix of beauty, culture, things to do, food, and unique real estate in Mexico. This tourist mecca on the west coast of Mexico is widely popular because it has it all conveniently located and with many 5-star amenities. This once-rural fishing area is now a robust vacation destination. The top beaches in the Riviera Nayarit are a must-see! Cradled between the Pacific Ocean on one side and a lush mountain range on the other, there is a beach oasis. With this recipe, it becomes the best place to look for real estate in Mexico and the Riviera Nayarit.

We make it our job to know all the local ins and outs of real estate in Mexico enabling us to stretch your dollar. That is because we are experts because of experience and dedication. Additionally, with our knowledge of how buying your next dream home or investment property is easy. MexHome is with you every step of the way. We do not stop until the key to your new home is in your hand. We are excited to start the process with you and can not wait to show you the Riviera Nayarit in person. Let’s talk about the fantastic real estate we have for sale in Mexico.