Beaches & Coastline
Beach
Sayulita Beach
Sayulita village center
Vibrant surf town beach perfect for learning to surf. Colorful boats, beach restaurants, and bustling atmosphere. The heart of Riviera Nayarit beach culture.
Local Tips
Visit Sayulita Beach early morning (6:30-8:30 AM) or late afternoon (4:30-6:30 PM) to avoid the cruise ship crowds that flood the beach from 10 AM to 3 PM, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays when multiple ships dock at Puerto Vallarta.
Be cautious of the strong rip currents on the north end of Sayulita Beach near the river mouth - locals call it 'La Bocana.' Even experienced swimmers can get caught off guard here. Stick to the main beach area in front of the town center where lifeguards are present and the water is calmer.
Beach
Punta Mita Beach
Punta Mita peninsula
Exclusive beaches near luxury resorts. Pristine white sand and turquoise water. More secluded and upscale than Sayulita.
Local Tips
Visit Punta Mita Beach between 2-4 PM on weekdays when day-trippers have left but before the sunset crowd arrives. The Four Seasons beach staff are also more relaxed about non-guests using the facilities during this window.
Instead of paying resort prices for beach chairs, walk to the public access point near the Punta Mita Foundation and rent chairs from local vendors for 150-200 pesos per day versus 800+ pesos at resort properties. You'll get the same beach experience at a fraction of the cost.
Beach
Playa Lo de Marcos
Lo de Marcos village
Quiet local beach town with long sandy beach. Less touristy than Sayulita. Gentle waves perfect for swimming and families.
Local Tips
Visit Playa Lo de Marcos on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday before 11am) when the beach is practically empty and you'll have the best pick of palapas without reservations. Local families typically arrive after lunch, and weekends bring crowds from Puerto Vallarta.
Buy your beach drinks and snacks from the small tiendas along the main street before heading to the beach rather than from beachfront vendors - you'll pay about 40% less. The locals do their shopping at Abarrotes Mary or Mini Super Lo de Marcos before settling in for the day.
Beach
San Pancho Beach (San Francisco)
San Pancho village
Peaceful beach town between Sayulita and Lo de Marcos. Artistic community with beautiful wide beach. Great for long walks.
Local Tips
Visit San Pancho Beach during weekdays between 7-9 AM when the local fishermen return with their catch - you'll have the beach mostly to yourself and can buy ultra-fresh fish directly from the boats at fraction of restaurant prices.
The northern end of San Pancho Beach near the river mouth has strong rip currents that change with the tides - locals always swim in front of the main town area where the beach is protected and lifeguards are present during high season.
Beach
Playa Nuevo Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta
Long golden sand beach lined with all-inclusive resorts. Calm water great for swimming. Very family-friendly.
Local Tips
Visit Playa Nuevo Vallarta early morning (6:30-8:30 AM) when local fishermen bring in their catch and you can buy ultra-fresh fish directly from their boats at a fraction of restaurant prices. The beach is also completely empty of tourists during this time, giving you pristine photo opportunities.
Walk north along the beach to the less developed section near the Flamingos Golf Course where local vendors sell the same beachside services (massages, fruit, drinks) at 30-40% lower prices than the busy resort areas. These vendors are just as professional but don't have the overhead of prime beachfront locations.
Beach
Playa Destiladeras
Between Punta Mita and Sayulita
Beautiful secluded beach with clear water. Less developed and more natural. Popular with surfers and those seeking quieter beach.
Local Tips
Visit Playa Destiladeras on weekday mornings between 7-10 AM to have this stunning beach almost entirely to yourself. Most tourists stay at resorts further north and don't make the trip here until late morning, while Mexican families typically arrive after 11 AM on weekends.
Be extremely cautious of the strong undertow and rip currents at Playa Destiladeras, especially during high tide. Even experienced swimmers can get caught off guard. Locals always swim in groups and stay close to shore - there are no lifeguards here unlike the more touristy beaches.
Beach
Playa Carricitos
North of Sayulita
Less crowded surf break. More consistent waves than Sayulita. Favored by intermediate surfers looking to avoid crowds.
Local Tips
Visit Playa Carricitos during weekdays between 7-9 AM when local fishermen return with their catch - you can buy incredibly fresh fish directly from their boats at fraction of restaurant prices, and the beach is completely empty of tourists.
Be extremely cautious of the strong undertow at Playa Carricitos, especially during high tide - locals know to swim only in the northern section where there's a natural break in the current created by underwater rocks, but this isn't marked anywhere for visitors.
Beach
Playa la Cruz de Huanacaxtle
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
Fishing village with marina and beach. Famous Sunday market. More authentic local experience with good seafood restaurants.
Local Tips
Visit during weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9 AM) when local fishermen return with their catch and you can buy ultra-fresh fish directly from their boats at fraction of restaurant prices. The beach is also completely empty of tourists at this time.
Walk to the far north end of the beach near the marina rocks where locals sell homemade coconut water and fresh fruit at about half the price of beachfront vendors. Look for the elderly woman with the blue cooler - she's been there for over 15 years and offers the best deals.
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