50 Unforgettable Things to Do in Riviera Nayarit

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Mexico might be most famous for its idyllic Riviera Maya, but have you ever heard of it’s Pacific counterpart, Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit? 

From stunning beaches, stretched over 190 miles on the pristine coastline, to incredible authentic, immersing yourself in vibrant cultural experiences and going on adventurous outdoor activities are just some of the unforgettable things to do in Nayarit.

Considering everything there is to do in Riviera Nayarit, it’s no wonder why it’s quickly becoming Mexico’s next top destination. After living here for two years, I believe the Riviera Nayarit reveals glimmers of the real Mexico with charming small towns and secluded beaches that are becoming more and more elusive across the country. 

Of course, Nayarit has its resorts and hotels, too. From Puerto Vallarta (Nayarit’s gateway) to Jalisco, you won’t be far removed from the glitz and glamor.

If it’s your first time visiting Mexico’s Pacific coast, this guide is perfect for helping you choose what to do in Riviera Nayarit and helping you to maximize your vacation time in this beautiful state!

On that note, please be sure to travel responsibly and help locals and expats alike do their part to preserve the regions pristine beaches, lush rainforest, and traditional villages.

Here are the absolute best things to do on a trip to Mexico’s lovely Riviera Nayarit!

 

The Ultimate Riviera Nayarit Mexico Bucket List!

1. Release baby sea turtles

If you’ve seen Nayarit’s logo you may have notice the emblem of a sea turtle, and for good reason! Four different species of sea turtle, the hawksbill, green, leatherback, and olive ridley, lay eggs and hatch here.

The Riviera Nayarit is one of the best places in the world when it comes to sea turtle volunteer opportunities, from rescuing sea turtles to collecting eggs and helping release babies. Over one million turtles are released on the beaches of Nayarit every year, eventually returning to nest on these very shores.

For visitors that want to plan their trip around sea turtle volunteering, be sure to visit during peak turtle hatching season, from November to December. 

Here are a few wonderful sea turtle volunteer options in the Riviera Nayarit:

• Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde (San Pancho Turtles)
• Campamento Tortuguero Sayulita (Sayulita Turtle Camp)
• El Naranjo Beach in Peñita de Jaltemba
• Playa Las Tortugas

2. Surf, surf, surf!

Surfing is one of the best things to do in Riviera Nayarit because of the prime surf conditions along Mexico’s Pacific coast. From north to south, each beach town has its own claim to surfing fame.

Beginners and novices should head to Sayulita for surf lessons, where the waves are gentle and slow-rolling. La Lancha is a popular surfing beach outside of Punta Mita, Nayarit that’s great for all levels. If you’re a more intermediate or even lifelong surfer, San Pancho might is best for bigger waves.

3. Road trip the entire Riviera Nayarit coast

The Riviera Nayarit features nearly 200 miles of pristine coastline. Most of it is untouched and natural, apart from the tourist hotspots surrounding some of the small towns. 

The region of Nayarit begins just outside of Puerto Vallarta, once you cross the river Ameca, and stretches all the way to San Blas. In between, there are dozens of fishing villages and Pueblos Magicos (magic towns) just waiting to be discovered.

If you want to check multiple villages and towns off your list, the best way to see the Riviera Nayarit is by road trip. I’d recommend taking at least 10 to 14 days to drive the coast. 

My recommended itinerary starts with flying into Puerto Vallarta and renting a car. Head north into Nayarit from there, choosing a few different towns to visit like Bucerias, La Cruz, Punta Mita, Sayulita, San Pancho, Lo de Marcos, Chacala, Tepic, or San Blas, among other places! 

Here is a quick overview of the highlights of each place in Nayarit:

• Nuevo Vallarta – Upscale hotels and resorts, sandy beaches, marina
• Bucerias – Small resort town, local markets, close to PV
• La Cruz – Marina, yacht club, beaches, fishing
• Punta Mita – 5-star hotels, world-class golf courses, surfing
• Sayulita – Surfing, hippy vibes, beaches, nightlife, “Magic Town”
• San Pancho – Community center, sunset, horses, art, circus, restaurants
• Lo de Marcos – Long beach, authentic Mexican town, plaza, retirees, low-key
• Chacala – Beachy cove, panga boats, fishing, local seafood
• San Blas – Colonial town, birdwatching, mini islands, Matachen Bay
• Tepic – Nayarit’s state capital, museums, city, parks, inland

4. Lounge on Vallarta’s beaches

The only fast and easy way to get to the Riviera Nayarit is by landing in Puerto Vallarta and renting a car. But that doesn’t mean you should skip Puerto Vallarta entirely. 

Puerto Vallarta is an awesome resort town with tons of things to do. So, even if it isn’t technically in Nayarit, most people visiting the Riviera will spend time discovering Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta has incredible beaches to discover, including Playa Los Muertos, Conchas Chinas, Olas Altas, and many more! Not to mention the charming historic Old Town and Zona Romantica, both of which are worthy of a stroll.

5. Golf on 5-star golf courses in Punta Mita

Punta de Mita features some of the world’s most exclusive resorts and golf courses, two of which were designed by Jack Nicklaus (aka – the man considered to be the best golfer in history).

As one of the most glitzy destinations on the Riviera Nayarit, Punta Mita attracts mostly luxury travelers. If you love to golf, there’s no better place to go for a hole-in-one than in Punta Mita.

6. Snorkel or scuba dive at Los Arcos Marine Park

Los Arcos National Marine Park is one of the top spots in Bandera’s Bay for snorkeling and scuba diving. Los Arcos consists of five little islets each with diverse marine and bird species including eels, rays, turtles, Blue-footed boobies, seahawks, pelicans, and more. 

Both snorkeling and diving here are great because there’s both a shallow coral reef with tropical fish and a deep canyon just waiting to be explored. You can easily hop on a tour to Los Arcos from Puerto Vallarta or Mismaloya to discover these pristine islands!

7. Participate in a traditional cacao ceremony

Cacao (cocoa) has been used throughout Mexico and Mesoamerica, not just for making chocolate, but for ritual ceremonies meant to offer therapeutic and medicinal healing. 

There are a couple of opportunities in the Riviera Nayarit where you can learn about cacao and participate in artisanal workshops or even guided ceremonies.

• Mexicolate – 100% pure cacao sweets and artisanal goods. Shops in San Pancho, Sayulita, and Lo de Marcos. The owner, Toto, has organized ceremonies before for the employees. You could inquire about upcoming events.
• Planeta Cacao – Artisanal chocolate workshops
• KaKawSana – Cacao ceremonies in Lo de Marcos with practitioners Paola and Gustavo

8. Cruise to Yelapa in Bandera’s Bay

Yelapa is a quaint, car-free fishing village tucked on the edge of Bandera’s Bay. 

This coastal haven is fully owned and managed by the locals, that means that not even a sliver of property is government-owned land. 

The village conjures up images of unspoiled paradise, nestled in a private seaside cove at the foothills of lush palm-covered hills. Having visited a few different times, it’s well worth taking at least a day trip or spending the night here in my opinion.

There’s a recently erected history museum of Yelapa to learn about the locals and the village, two waterfalls to hike to, and the Yelapa Beach where you can sprawl out with a margarita in hand. 

Don’t forget to keep a look out for the elusive pie ladies and grab a slice!

9. Catch a live play or circus show

Art, circus, theater… All of this and more can be found in the charming pueblo of San Pancho. A large group of artists and creatives call this little town home and the Bodega de Teatro offers seasonal live performances featuring short plays, circus acts, dramas, and more.

The building sits right next to the Circo de Los Ninos, which is a locally-run school of circus art created by the co-founder of the world-famous Cirque du Soleil. Visiting this town and enjoying all of its events and festivals is by far one of the best things to do in Riviera Nayarit!

10. Boat to Coral Island in Guayabitos

Rincon de Guayabitos is a tourist hotspot, especially among Mexican nationals. The town is fairly developed, with beachfront hotels, condos, and a long, wide beach that can get crowded during peak season. 

Nonetheless, Coral Island, just off Guayabito’s shore, offers fun day trips and snorkeling along its vibrant reef.

The island attracts lots of tourists, so plan your trip wisely! 

P.S. Before going, check for signs of “red tide” when the water becomes murky with reddish-brown algae blooms.

11. Fish with the locals

The Riviera Nayarit is home to dozens of fishing villages, making fishing a fun and culturally immersive thing to do in Nayarit! 

You can practically walk up to the local fishermen on the beaches of Sayulita, La Cruz, or San Pancho and just ask the locals for a fishing tour. Most will take you out on their local boats. 

Otherwise, you can book through official tour operators who will act as the middleman and organize your trip for you.

12. Learn salsa dancing

Have you ever learned to salsa dance? It’s a lot of fun to try for first-timers. 

The local bars offering live music often have a “salsa night” like at El Gallo in San Pancho on Fridays or in Sayulita every Monday at Don Pedro’s. 

If you’re unsure of what to do in Riviera Nayarit, why not try to learn a new Latin dance?

13. Go on a yummy Mexican street food tour

You can’t possibly visit the Riviera Nayarit and not go on a local food tour! Nayarit has such amazing cuisine – from fresh seafood and international fare to authentic Mexican and even indigenous creations. 

You’ll find that one of the best places to take a food tour is Puerto Vallarta, simply for the diversity of food options available there. Still, you can easily go on a “DIY food tour” in the small towns and observe where locals are eating, which is usually a good indicator of where the good food is!

14. Lend a helping hand at Entreamigos Community Center

Care about the environment? Sustainability? Community? Education? Then, you’ll love touring and/or volunteering at the incredible Entreamgios Community Center in San Pancho. 

I volunteered here on and off while living in this pueblo, and the community service, activism, and energy here are simply amazing. Please consider supporting Entreamigos when you visit Riviera Nayarit.

15. Tequila, mezcal, and Mexican wine tasting

Mexico is famous for tequila, but have you heard of mezcal? Mezcal is referred to as tequila’s “smoky cousin.” 

The two are both made from agave – just different types. Tequila is typically made with blue agave, while mezcal can be made from 30+ different agave plants. Mezcal also gets its smoky effect from being roasted in underground pits.

There are tons of ways to try Mexico’s famous distilled spirits, but the best place in Riviera Nayarit is Sayulita Wine Shop. You can schedule or walk in to sample tequila, mezcal, raicilla, and even Mexican wine. I know the owners personally, and they do an awesome job sharing and introducing these spirits to travelers

16. Whale watch in the Bandera’s Bay

Every year, humpback whales migrate south to mate and give birth in the warm waters of Bandera’s Bay. 

Peak whale watching season in Riviera Nayarit is December-January, but you can often spot whales through March.

There are plenty of whale watching tours in Nayarit to choose from, but please go with operators who work hard to conserve and protect the environment and the whales.

17. Experience a Temazcal ceremony (Mesoamerican sweat lodge)

Have you ever heard of a temazcal ceremony? I hadn’t until I moved to Mexico! 

I tried my first temazcal ceremony at the end of our first year living here and would describe it as an intense meditation. In fact, it’s often referred to as a symbolic rebirth as you enter a tent or dwelling where the ceremony takes place which represents crawling back into the womb of Mother Earth.

Inside, everyone sits around a hole in the ground in which hot volcanic rocks are placed. Water is poured onto the rocks to create a steam bath. There are four “doors” (sessions) of the temazcal and it can last for 1-2 hours.

If you’re looking for healing in both body and mind, why not give this widely practice Mexican cultural ritual a go?

18. Shop at artisanal & farmer’s markets

Nayarit has many outdoor markets (often called tianguis) where you can shop for organic produce, handmade Mexican crafts, artwork, clothes, and more. 

Most of these markets also feature live music, food stalls, fresh seafood, and local artisanal products.

Keep in mind that many of the Riviera Nayarits farmers markets are only open November through April.

Here are a few markets you can visit while traveling in the Riviera Nayarit:

• Nuevo Vallarta – Riviera Farmer’s Market (Tuesdays 9-2)
• San Pancho Mercado Artesanal (Tuesdays 10-2)
• La Cruz Sunday Market (Sundays 9-2)

19. ATV ride across the Jorullo Swinging Bridge

Spend a day in the Sierra Madre mountains, traversing the longest vehicle suspension bridge in the world! Zoom across the Jorullo Bridge by ATV or RZR, exploring the jungle and this architectural wonder.

The area also has zip lines, hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and waterfalls. If you’re afraid of heights and want to skip the bridge part but still want to ATV around the mountains, you can take this tour here.

For travelers that are staying between Punta Mita and Sayulita, there’s an awesome local ATV tour at a family-owned ranch called Rancho Mi Chapparita that’s also worth checking out.

20. Visit the indigenous Huichol Center for Cultural Survival

The Wixarika (most widely known as the Huichol Indians) is one of the most ancient Indigenous cultures in the world. 

This group of peoples originated from the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in Mexico’s Nayarit, Jalisco, Zacatecas, Durango, and San Luis de Potosi states.

The video below is a TEDx talk by Cilau Valadez, a Wixaritari who, through art and education, shares about the traditions and culture of the Wixarika.

“Cilau Valadez is the son of renowned Huichol artist Mariano Valadez and anthropologist Susana Eger Valadez. He grew up in Santiago Ixcuintla, Nayarit, Mexico. Cilau’s parents were the founders of The Huichol Center, non-profit organization that has provided medical aid, food, shelter, and artist training to hundreds of Huichol migrants who worked in inhumane conditions throughout the nearby tobacco fields.” -TEDx

We actually got to see Cilau and his father, Mariano, speak one night in San Pancho for an indigenous dinner event. It was amazing to hear how the Wixarika people live in a way that’s in harmony with the universe, nature, animals, and all Earth’s beings.

If you get the chance, please consider visiting and supporting the Huichol Center in Sayulita. The crafts and jewelry are handmade by the indigenous locals of the area, and funds directly support their livelihoods and cultural survival.

21. Snorkel Marieta Islands

Touring the Marieta Islands is by far the most popular thing to do in Riviera Nayarit. The islands form a small archipelago in Bandera’s Bay, just off the shores of Punta Mita, and are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

You’ve no doubt already seen the stunning photos of a hidden beach with an open sky while researching Riviera Nayarit—that’s Playa del Amor. Once you reach the islands, you can only access it by swimming or paddling.

The archipelago is protected federal land, and as such, it only allows 100 visitors per day, so you must book in advance if you want to see the islands during your Riviera Nayarit trip!

22. Horseback riding in Lo de Marcos

If you’ve ever dreamed of trotting horseback on a beach at sunset, there’s no better place to do it than in Nayarit! 

There are many opportunities to horseback ride, but the best, I think, is in Lo de Marcos. Lo de Marcos has a long sandy beach surrounded by rolling hills that provide a dramatic backdrop that’s ideal for a horseback trip! 

Rancho Mi Chapparita, which I mentioned previously, also offers horseback riding in nearby Sayulita.

23. Zipline in the jungle

Nayarit has amazin outdoor activities due to its prime location between land and sea. There are just as many things to do on land in Nayarit as there are in the water. 

Explore the rainforest canopies, surrounded by both dense jungle and mountain scenery on a ziplining adventure! There are tons of zip-lining tours to choose from but one of the best experiences is this Canopy Tour.

24. Cirque du Soleil candlelit dinner show

Rhythms of the Night is Puerto Vallarta’s number-one dinner show – and for good reason!

The tour consists of a sunset cruise to a private beach at Playa Las Caletas, where circus performers recount the history of the Aztecs through light and circus art in a natural amphitheater while you enjoy a candlelit dinner under the starry sky.

Credit: GetYourGuide

The show was created and written by Cirque du Soleil co-founder Gille St-Croix, who also co-created the Circo de Los Ninos circus school in San Pancho, where I took aerial silk classes.

I’ve heard only amazing things about the show and wholeheartedly recommend it as one of the best things to do in Nayarit (even if the show technically takes place in Puerto Vallarta!).

25. Hike up to Monkey Mountain for 360° views

For those who love hiking, a fun outdoorsy thing to do in Nayarit is to climb Monkey Mountain for  panoramic views of the Riviera Nayarit coastline. 

The trek begins at Higuera Blanca, located between Sayulita and Punta de Mita. You’ll actually pass the Mi Chapparita Rancho on your way up to Monkey Mountain. 

Swing a left at the fork in the road and continue up the trail. The hike takes roughly 2-3 hours up and down.

Tips and what to bring for hiking Monkey Mountain:

• The trail at Monkey Mountain is steep and rocky, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear (i.e. no flip flops!)
• Bring lots of water
• Wear sunscreen, take insect repellent
• Take your camera for photos at the top
• Follow LNT (Leave No Trace) principles
• Don’t meander off the trails
• Bring a hat and sunglasses

26. Take a macrame workshop

As you stroll through the shops in Nayarit, chances are you’ll see lots of macrame crafts and artwork. From hammocks to plant and wall hangers, macrame is a popular art and skill among the locals. My friend Eva hosts her very own macrame workshop in Sayulita.

I have taken Eva’s macrame shop and learned how to do the basic macrame knots. From the very first class, I already created my first macrame planter! If you enjoy making art, this is a fun thing to do while traveling the Riviera Nayarit.

27. Celebrate Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) is one of Mexico’s most famous celebrations and traditions. If you’re in the Riviera Nayarit from November 1-2nd, head to one of the larger towns to celebrate Day of the Dead with the local community.

While most famous in Oaxaca, celebrations take place ALL over Mexico. We first experienced Day of the Dead in Sayulita and to this day it’s one of my most favorite cultural experiences of all time!

28. Go on an eco-luxurious yoga retreat

The Riviera Nayarit is home to many health-conscious artists, yogis, healers, and more. The state is known for offering well-being boosting treatments and activities including spas, yoga retreats, natural therapies, pilates, and more.

You’ll find these experiences in nearly all of the Riviera Nayarit’s smaller towns – Sayulita, San Pancho, Lo de Marcos. But if you want to go on a full, week-long retreat in an eco-luxurious jungle escape, check out the Haramara Retreat.

29. Attend one of Nayarit’s many festivals

If you’re not sure what to do in Riviera Nayarit during your stay, all you need to do is check the calendar for upcoming events and festivals! Nayarit has exciting festivities that happen all throughout the year, especially between January and April during the high season.

Whether it’s an international music festival, environmental fair, circus show, or Catholic holiday, the Riviera Nayarit is exploding with opportunities to immerse yourself in the fun.If you’re not sure where to look, I’ve listed just a handful of events that happen in the pueblo of San Pancho (San Francisco), which is the cultural capital of Nayarit.

30. Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean

Watching the sunset is obviously the best “free” thing to do in Riviera Nayarit. After living here for years, let me just say that, boy, does Nayarit deliver on its sunsets!

The beach of San Pancho is famous for its sunset scenery, but no matter where you are in Nayarit you can expect a beautiful end of day display. 

It’s not every day that you can see the sun slide into the Pacific Ocean, so be sure to take advantage of this during your time here!

31. Sail around the Bandera’s Bay

In fact, why not catch the sunset while sailing around Bandera’s Bay? Sailing is a popular thing to do in Riviera Nayarit and finding an opportunity to take to the seas is easy.

Countless marinas, boat tours, cruises, and yacht clubs are scattered around Nayarit and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to sunset sailing excursions. Check out Nuevo Vallarta Marina and the impressive La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Marina or book through GetYourGuide.

32. Grab a craft beer at La Cerveceria Brewery

If you love community, fries, and beer, then take a trip to arguably the best artisanal brewery in the entire Riviera Nayarit at Cerveceria Artesanal in San Pancho. 

Wally, the owner, is an great guy from Portland who knows how to bring beer and community together to create an evening of fun and cozy ambiance.

33. Listen to local live music in tropical bars

Nayarit is filled to the brim with bars and restaurants featuring local live music. All it takes is to simply wander around the restaurants and bars and follow the music! They’re all over Sayulita and San Pancho, especially during the high season.

One of our favorite places for live music and margaritas is the Atico Swing Bar on one of Sayulita’s most popular streets.

34. Tour Nayarit’s petroglyphs

They may not be Mayan ruins, but the Riviera Nayarit has its own archaeological wonders – the Altavista Petroglyphs.

Seeing these engraved stones up close is one of the best cultural things to do in Riviera Nayarit! The hike takes you along the river and opens up to crystal-clear rock pools that are perfect for an afternoon dip

You can hike to the petroglyphs on your own, but the best way to learn about the history and natural area is with Mexitreks, who provide excellent eco-adventure tours. 

You can also book with Nayarit Uncovered Tours, created and led by Nayarit local and TV star Jorge “The Bartender” off Bachelor in Paradise. 

35. Get a healing massage

Besides lounging on the golden beaches, getting a massage is the second most relaxing thing to do in Riviera Nayarit. You can often book directly through your hotel or go to an independent business.

Beware of local masseuses’ trying to entice you with beachfront palapa massages. While the ambiance is second to none, the prices are usually extremely elevated.

I think a good deal for a massage in Nayarit is around $1500 pesos for 1.5 hours. That’s the package I had during my stay at the Pal.Mar Hotel Tropical, and it was wonderful!

36. Birdwatching

The Riviera Nayarit coastline is home to over 140 species of birds including 21 endemic species (check out this pdf of Nayarit’s birds). That being said, birdwatching is one of the top things to do in the Riviera Nayarit!

You have quite a few options for birdwatching in Nayarit. If you’re on the north end of the Riviera Nayarit, San Blas is one of the top destinations in Pacific Mexico thanks to its diversity of species and surrounding habitats, including rainforest, beaches, estuaries, marshes, mountains, and islands.

If you’re staying on the southern side of the Riviera, near Sayulita, check out Birding San Pancho. The guide, Luis, is a San Pancho resident who takes you to the estuary early in the morning, one of the best times of day to spot birds.

37. Glamping

Jungle lodges, retreats, tree houses, and eco cabanas, there are so many forms of glamping that you can do in Riviera Nayarit, depending on your budget.

There are RV parks at Lo de Marcos for camping but if you want to splash out in style, you’ll also find tons of luxurious boutique hotels in the jungle around Sayulita. 

My favorite place to go glamping is tucked away between the jungle and the beach on the outskirts of downtown San Pancho at Aldea Bamboo (Bamboo Village).

38. Sip a margarita at the Marina in La Cruz

The Las Palapas restaurant on the beach of Playa la Manzanilla in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a great place to grab fresh chips and guac, ceviche tostadas, and an oversized margarita. 

You can’t go wrong with a combination like that, especially if you pair it with sunset views.

39. Deep-sea fishing

Talking about fresh seafood, La Cruz is also THE place to go fishing with the locals. Deep-sea fishing is a dedicated sport in the Riviera Nayarit. Every morning, you’ll see many fishing boats and pangas floating around off the shores of La Cruz, eager to bring in the day’s catch.

Fishing is a real attraction to Nayarit and one of the best things to do in the Riviera. You can fish for marlin (the “bacon of the sea”), yellowfin tuna, sailfish, dorado fish, and more!

40. Visit jungly botanical gardens

A favorite activity among nature and plant lovers, visiting the botanical gardens in and around Nayarit is a fun and educational thing to do while here. The most impressive botanical garden in the region is the Vallarta Botanical Garden, which houses 64 acres of tropical paradise. 

If you happen to be in Northern Nayarit, though, check out Lo de Perla Jungle Garden in San Pancho and stroll among thousands of orchids, bromeliads, and more exotic native plants.

41. Spend the day at a beach club

Beach clubs are not my go-to thing to do, but I can understand why people enjoy them! Most are all-inclusive with free-flowing drinks, private beaches, lounge chairs, and oceanfront infinity pools. 

It’s pure relaxation and sometimes that’s just what a vacation calls for. 

Here are a few beach clubs in Riviera Nayarit where you can buy a day pass and enjoy the facilities:

• La Patrona Beach Club (San Pancho)
• Cocos Beach Club (Sayulita)
• Eva Mandarina Beach Club (La Cruz)
• Kupuri Beach Club (Punta de Mita)

42. Paddleboarding & kayaking

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) excursions are becoming popular in Riviera Nayarit thanks to its pristine coastline, ideal water temperature, and beaches with gentle surf breaks. 

Sayulita was even the host of the 4th ISA World SUP Championship in 2015 – the first time the championship took place in Mexico!

You can rent paddleboards or kayaks in most small towns, including Sayulita, Punta de Mita, and Bucerias, from local to big surf stores like WildMex.

43. Get PADI certified

Scuba diving is one of the top things to do in Riviera Nayarit because of the incredible diversity of marine life in Bandera’s Bay and the Pacific Ocean. You can take any type of scuba diving course here – from discovery dives to refresher lessons to full-on PADI or SSI certification.

There are many places to get your open-water PADI certification, but I recommend Vallarta Adventures, Oceano Adventures, or Silent World Divers. Getting your PADI in Nayarit costs around $350-600 USD.

44. Visit the Bachelor in Paradise beach!

Yes, the Bachelor in Paradise is filmed here in the Riviera Nayarit, about 10 minutes outside of Sayulit, at a private beach called Playa Escondida. And yes, you can actually stay in the hotel ($200-500 per night) or buy a day pass ($100 USD) and enjoy the pool, bar, and secluded beach!

Credit: Playa Escondida

45. Hike on a volcano near Chacala

Chacala is a sleepy fishing village on the northern side of the Riviera Nayarit. It’s one of the most off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Nayarit with a gorgeous, calm bay and traditional Mexican villas. Tourists who visit during the holidays, namely for Christmas or Easter, hike from the beach up to the volcano crater with locals in the morning from Mon-Sat.

You can also hike to El Capomo waterfall, Las Cuevas private beach, and hike to petroglyphs while in Chacala. We never got the chance to go, but we hope to visit one day!

46. Shop Mexican crafts & boho-chic boutiques

I’m not much of a shopper myself, but the Riviera Nayarit makes me want to take all of its beautiful, artisanal products home! 

You can shop for indigenous Huichol craftwork, Mexican clothing, artisanal items, local art and so much more, all of which makes shopping a must-do activity in the Riviera Nayarit.

There are also boho-chic boutiques in the resort towns like Sayulita, Punta de Mita, and San Pancho for bohemian-style beachwear alongside indigenous handiwork and artisanal crafts.

47. Explore Nayarit’s state capital of Tepic

Tepic is Nayarit’s bustling state capital. We once spent a weekend in Tepic to discover the city, shop, and explore the surrounding area. I’m so glad we did, too, because the atmosphere was strikingly different from the culture of the Riviera Nayarit where beaches and surf reigns supreme. 

We felt much more immersed in the Mexican way of life in Tepic. It’s also home to the Museo Regional de Nayarit where you can learn about Nayarit and its indigenous populations, like the Huicholes.

We had heard Tepic was dangerous, but we found nothing but friendly locals and shops and food stands abuzz with activity. 

We went on a city tour at night via a rooftop bus and discovered the historic sites around the city including the cathedral and cemetery. All in all, it was worth the drive and we had a weekend full of adventure!

48. Stroll the colonial town and ruins in San Blas

San Blas is a historic port town that’s definitely worthy of a visit on a Riviera Nayarit road trip. 

Escape to the seaside, birdwatch, explore mangroves by boat, and stroll around the historic downtown to visit the 18th-century ruins from the Spanish expeditions.

49. Take a swamp tour and visit a crocodile sanctuary

Crocodiles and swamps might not sound like your typical image of Riviera Nayarit, but there are so many ecosystems to explore here! 

The Riviera Nayarit is extremely diverse, which is exactly why you can have crocodile sanctuaries, estuaries filled with native bird species, and beaches where you can spot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.

If you’re traveling with kids in Riviera Nayarit, or just want to see the crocs, pay a visit to the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary in Nuevo Vallarta. Aside from seeing the crocodiles, you can also take a 1-hour swamp tour and get even closer to nature!

This also makes for a budget-friendly thing to do in Riviera Nayarit.

50. Camp by a legendary lake inside a crater – Santa Maria del Oro

Last but not least, if it’s more adventure you want, head outside of Tepic to a legendary lake inside a volcano crater – Santa Maria del Oro. 

There’s lots to do here, including camping, hiking to an old gold mine, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and birdwatching.

Although it’s not technically in the Riviera Nayarit you can reach it with a short car ride inland from San Blas (1hr 20m). The area is gorgeous and wild, with restaurants on-site, rentals, and plenty of things to do and see.

Enjoy These Epic Things to Do in Riviera Nayarit!!

At the end of the day, the Riviera Nayarit is a magical place to explore in Mexico with tons of things to do. 

In my opinion, the Riviera Nayarit is going to be the next “hot” destination in Mexico, even rivaling the Riviera Maya.

Keep in mind that both the locals and the expats who live here full-time have tirelessly worked to preserve many of its local fishing villages that speckle the coast. Hopefully, these efforts will bring a new wave of eco and responsible tourism to the area.

You can do your part by supporting local vendors, small hotels, shops, and businesses that practice sustainability in Riviera Nayarit. The type of tourism that comes here will determine Riviera Nayarit’s future. It’s up to us to encourage and influence greener, eco-conscious travel.

Finally, if you’re still reading this, wow! Thank you! I’m sending you a big hug for making it all the way down here! I hope this ultimate Riviera Nayarit bucket list helps plan your stay in this gorgeous Mexican state.

So tell me, is visiting the Riviera Nayarit on your bucket list?!

Pin for Riviera Nayarit, Mexico travel inspiration!

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