7 Essential Ways to Experience Riviera Nayarit: Beaches, Spas and Coastal Flavor

Riviera Nayarit feels like Mexico’s answer to the perfect coastal escape. Imagine long stretches of sandy beach touched by the warmth of the Pacific Ocean. In the distance, jungle-covered mountains rise and the sun shines about 275 days a year.

Located along the northern shore of Banderas Bay, this beautiful stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast offers something for every kind of traveler.

Besides miles of beach, sea turtles and migrating whales, there are water sports and outdoor adventure opportunities, plus luxurious spas and plenty of memorable Mexican cuisine.

Visitors exploring Riviera Nayarit take long walks along the beach and discover flavorful local food and wine. It’s the kind of getaway that reminds you how good it feels to slow down.

Best Time To Visit

The dry season is from November through May and is usually the sunniest period, with warm days and relatively little rainfall.

June through October is the wetter season, when you can expect more humidity, tropical showers and occasional thunderstorms; however, mornings and parts of the day can still be sunny.

Getting There and Around

One of Riviera Nayarit’s biggest advantages is its accessibility. Located in the state of Nayarit, along the northern side of Banderas Bay, you can fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport and be at your resort in about 20 minutes.

Stretching along a beautiful coastline on one side and jungle-covered mountains on the other, this charming beach town offers an array of hotels and luxury resorts.

This area is also about 25 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s lively downtown area and the Malecón. It’s an easy cab ride to get around, so there is no need to rent a car.

Where To Stay

Located in Nuevo Nayarit, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is a luxury all-inclusive experience right on the beach. Guests will enjoy exceptional dining at six international-themed venues. Each offers special and unique menus that include gourmet Mexican dishes, French fare, plus flavorful Italian and Mediterranean delights.

Guests rave about the renowned spa, spacious suites, oceanfront pools and a strong family and children’s program. It’s particularly appealing for families and couples who want everything in one place.

Vidanta Vallarta is the largest resort destination, made up of nine resort hotels, including Grand Luxxe, The Estates, The Grand Mayan, The Grand Bliss, Mayan Palace and others.

It’s popular with Mexican families and travelers seeking more than 25 restaurants, multiple pools, three golf courses, shopping, entertainment, spas, extensive activities and grounds. Guests enjoy riding Vidanta’s SkyDream Parks Gondola to explore this massive resort, even though it’s not on the beach.

1. Bay And Beach

Riviera Nayarit’s coastline is approximately 192 miles, stretching along Mexico’s Pacific coast from the Ameca River near Puerto Vallarta northward toward San Blas and beyond. There is a variety of coastal stretches from wide sandy beaches and resort areas to quiet coves, surf beaches, and secluded stretches of coastline.

Just steps from the beach overlooking Banderas Bay, spend a relaxed morning walking on the sand at Nuevo Nayarit Beach or enjoy a sunset sinking into Banderas Bay. If you love chasing light, explore breathtaking sunsets around the world for more inspiration.

Depending on the season and location, you may encounter dolphins surfing nearby, sea turtles hatching, manta rays near the surf, colorful tropical fish when snorkeling, and migrating whales.

2. Yoga And Pilates

There are several great areas for yoga and Pilates, from luxury resort wellness programs to dedicated studios and grassy areas next to the beach.

The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers a wellness program that includes yoga and fitness activities, so guests can enjoy a class without leaving the property. This is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation with wellness built into your itinerary.

3. Spa Time

SE Spa is a standout wellness experience because of its multi-sensory hydrotherapy. There are dry and wet saunas, hot and cold plunge pools, aromatherapy showers, pulsating pools and a relaxing lounge area to sip tea and enjoy healthy snacks.

The spa features 20 treatment rooms and offers more than 30 holistic treatments, including massages, facials, body wraps, exfoliations, hydrotherapy, and wellness rituals. It is located at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, just off the lobby. It’s particularly well suited to travelers who want a full-service spa experience.

4. Ocean Activities

From December through March, humpback whales migrate into Banderas Bay, making this one of the region’s most spectacular times of the year. Look for authorized, responsible whale-watching tour operators to take you out for this seasonal experience.

Riviera Nayarit and the surrounding Pacific waters offer opportunities for beach and sport fishing. The nearby harbor has boat operators for hire to spend a day on the open water.

5. Mexican Cuisine

Riviera Nayarit’s cuisine is strongly influenced by its Pacific-coast location, so fresh seafood is a major part of the local food scene. The region’s tropical climate also provides an abundance of ingredients such as mangoes, coconuts, bananas, corn, beans, and chiles.

Be sure to try the Pescado Zarandeado. It’s one of Nayarit’s signature dishes. Traditionally, it is served as a whole fish, often red snapper, that is seasoned and grilled over wood, then served with tortillas, lime, chiles, onion, tomato, and cucumber. It’s a must-try regional specialty.

Aguachile is a fresh, slightly spicy seafood dish typically made with shrimp, lime juice, chiles, and other fresh ingredients. It’s similar in spirit to ceviche but usually has a brighter, spicier flavor.

Fish and shrimp tacos are staple fare throughout the coastal town. Look for freshly prepared fish or shrimp topped with cabbage, salsa, lime, and creamy sauces.

Try the Tlaxtihuilli, a traditional Nayarit specialty made with a thickened shrimp broth and cornmeal. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to try something less familiar and more distinctly regional.

6. Explore The Malecón

Take a cab or rideshare to the Malecón for a stroll along the waterfront. It’s fun to explore the outdoor sculptures by several artists, including Sergio Bustamante’s “In Search of Reason,” featuring figures climbing a staircase.

Rafael Zamarripa’s “The Boy on the Seahorse” is also one of the most iconic sculptures on the Malecón and a symbol of Puerto Vallarta.

Don’t miss the picturesque Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish with colorful papel picado nearby. These intricately cut tissue-paper banners are commonly seen decorating streets, restaurants, plazas, and celebrations throughout Mexico. Be sure to visit Old Town too.

7. Take A Food Tour

Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town (Centro) is the cultural heart of the city, with cobblestone streets and historic architecture, colorful shops, art galleries and an abundance of restaurants. A highlight is walking from the Malecón into the Zona Romántica on a food tour.

Vallarta Food Tours and Vallarta Eats Food Tours focus on local neighborhood food, street tacos, and traditional Mexican dishes. The Cuale River Island is an interesting stop to learn about the area’s culture and visit the Cuale Archaeological Museum after your tour. It’s also a popular home for local cats.

Riviera Nayarit is the kind of destination that makes it easy to create your own itinerary. There are plenty of spots to relax, explore, eat, and connect with nature and wellness at this unforgettable Pacific coast getaway.

Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.

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Author Bio: When Jill isn’t exploring Mexico, she is on a cruise adventure, riding a bicycle in Vienna or hiking on a picturesque path at one of the Hawaiian Islands. Follow her adventures IG @Jillsfoodtravels.

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