10 must-see places in Riviera Nayarit

​The Riviera Nayarit is rich in culture, nature, gastronomy, and places you should visit at least once in your life! Here’s a list of 10 can’t-miss places in the Riviera Nayarit that will make you fall in love!

1-Isla del Coral (Coral Island)
Paradise doesn’t get any better than this! 10 minutes by boat from Rincón de Guayabitos puts you in this gorgeous natural aquarium: Isla del Coral. This place will knock your socks off with crystal clear water just made for snorkeling, swimming, or paddle boarding. We highly recommend!

2-Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain)
The best place for a sunset! We especially recommend it for people who love to hike. Two routes: one for intermediate hikers and another for more the experienced. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to the most jaw-dropping view of the Riviera Nayarit. Hike anytime and the view is unforgettable.

3- Saltwater Pool 
Twice as nice, spend a day splashing around in the water, but doing it in a saltwater pool is twice as nice.  Just across from the Palladium Resort in Punta de Mita, this is a big must on our list of things to do. This saltwater pool depends on the tide, so it’s only possible to swim in it when the waves literally fill it up.

4- Bucerías and local dishes
Hungry for something truly delicious? Then a must visit is Bucerías and its Golden Zone. Famous for its seafood: the ceviche, seafood salad, and oysters are out of this world. Well, we guarantee you’ll love them!

5- La Tovara in San Blas 
The Riviera Nayarit offers landscapes galore. La Tovara is set in such beautiful surroundings that will take your breath away and gives you upclose with nature experiences. Crocodiles serve as your hosts since this is their home, and birdwatching is spectacular: San Blas is one of the top places in all of Mexico for birding and it's scenic!

6- Sayulita 
Have you visited Sayulita yet? Put this one on your radar. The most picturesque of the Riviera Nayarit’s 23 micro-destinations, with local art and decorations on every corner. We recommend you stop in for souvenirs, a surfing class, and the iconic Instagram photo on the street with the colorful papel picado or cut-paper flags.

7-La Lancha Beach at Punta de Mita 
The very best beach in the Riviera Nayarit for riding Mexican Pacific waves. Its crystal waters are always crested with great waves for beginners and pros. If you just want to lay around and catch a tan, the sand and sunsets are amazing!

8- Isla Isabel National Park 
This natural oasis on Isabel Island is ideal for connecting with nature: you can only get here by guided tour from San Blas and you have to spend the night, since the tide prevents a round trip in one day. Here you’ll see plenty of fauna including the whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, frigates, seagulls, and blue-footed boobies. This adventure is only for nature-lovers!

9-Islas Marietas (Marietas Islands) 
The Islas Marietas are a must. Visit the famous Playa del Amor (Love Beach), also known as Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach). There’s also Playa la Nopalera (“Prickly Pear Beach” and its amazing color. Great for snorkeling and viewing all kinds of fish. 

10- Carreyeros Beach in Litibú 
A very calm, clean beach, great for families. You can only reach it by car, since it’s a ways off the road from Litibú. We recommend taking food, drink, and snacks to last you the day. And don’t forget to keep the beaches clean, please!