10 Experiences in Nayarit You Must Try

1. Surf in Sayulita

Sayulita, a paradise for surfers of all levels, offers consistent waves and surf schools that make it the perfect place to learn or refine your skills.

In addition to its lively beach, this Magic Town is known for its colorful streets and attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy a wide variety of water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, diving, and snorkeling.

2. Bike Ride Through San Pancho

San Pancho is a coastal town that combines a bohemian atmosphere and vibrant art scene with spectacular natural settings. Pedaling through its tranquil streets and picturesque landscapes, you’ll have the chance to explore its art galleries, restaurants, and cafes via a network of trails and paths perfect for cyclists, allowing you to easily move between the beach, downtown, and nature.

In the heart of San Pancho, you’ll find beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or diving. You can also enjoy the lively nightlife with bars and musical events that offer entertainment in a relaxed setting.

3. Climb the Ceboruco Volcano in Jala

With an elevation of approximately 2,280 meters above sea level, this volcano is known for its imposing crater and being one of the most active volcanoes in the region, though its last significant eruption occurred in 1870. You can enjoy exciting hikes and treks, exploring the rich vegetation, fumaroles, and panoramic views of the region.

Jala is also known for its historical monuments and streets filled with 17th, 18th, and 19th-century mansions, considered Historical Heritage by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), such as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, built with pink, green, and yellow stone.

4. Enjoy a Delicious Coffee in Compostela

Compostela charms with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. It’s home to impressive natural landscapes, from its green mountains to nearby springs and beaches like La Isla del Coral, with its reefs and marine life, and Playa Platanitos, ideal for swimming and relaxing away from the hustle and bustle.

Additionally, it’s a paradise for coffee lovers, as its plantations benefit from a perfect climate and altitude for high-quality bean harvests. One of the standout places is Cumbres de Huicicila, a renowned coffee plantation committed to high-quality coffee production and sustainable practices. Here, you can learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and roasting processes directly from professionals.

5. Explore the Mangroves of San Blas

Here you’ll find a true natural treasure offering a stunning diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. One of the highlight destinations is La Tovara, a protected ecosystem home to an incredible biodiversity, including crocodiles, exotic birds, and turtles. This experience allows you to closely observe wildlife through a boat ride in its serene waters.

Don’t miss visiting its picturesque boardwalk and the imposing Fort of San Blas, as well as the historic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Enjoy its beautiful beaches and nearby islands like Isla Isabel.

6. Discover the History of Mexcaltitán Island

Visiting this island is like stepping into one of the most fascinating chapters of pre-Hispanic Mexican culture. Known as the “Mexican Venice” due to its narrow streets and canals, this site holds great historical and cultural significance, believed to be the origin place of the Mexica civilization, according to legends and myths describing it as the mythical Aztlán.

Mexcaltitán Island is surrounded by lush mangroves, home to a wide variety of birds, which you can explore by boat.

7. Snorkel in the Marietas Islands

Explore the crystal-clear waters of the Marietas Islands and discover a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful tropical fish, manta rays, and coral reefs. One of the main attractions is the Hidden Beach, accessible only through a swim-in tunnel.

This site is a protected area, ensuring the conservation of its biodiversity and serving as a sanctuary for numerous bird species, including the colorful blue-footed boobies.

8. Play Golf in Punta de Mita

Enjoy a round of golf at one of Punta de Mita’s exclusive courses with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Designed by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, these courses offer a top-tier experience. After the game, relax at one of the luxury resorts in the area and indulge in its vibrant culinary scene with fine dining restaurants offering local and international dishes to satisfy the most discerning palates, or enjoy a massage at one of its world-class spas.

9. Whale Watching in Riviera Nayarit

From December to March, Riviera Nayarit becomes a prime spot for humpback whale watching. Join a guided tour to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. It’s a magical experience that connects you with the ocean’s beauty and its marine life.

Various tours depart from Rincón de Guayabitos and San Blas, lasting approximately 4 hours. During the journey, you’ll also have the chance to see dolphins and orcas that inhabit the region’s waters year-round.

10. Savor Nayarit’s Cuisine

Discover Nayarit’s rich culinary offerings, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Try delights such as the typical pescado zarandeado, tlaxtihuilli—a traditional mix of corn atole and shrimp—fish ceviche, aguachile, shrimp tamales, and shrimp pozole.

Don’t miss the tejuino, a refreshing fermented corn drink with indigenous roots, and traditional sweets like cocadas, which you can find in local markets.