Riviera Nayarit, home to hundreds of lush forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and colorful marine life, is undoubtedly an extraordinary place to connect with nature. With even more activities to enjoy this summer, the stunning 200-mile stretch of coastline on the Western border of Mexico is the destination of the year for an unforgettable eco vacation. These must-try, nature-filled activities include:
Magical Waterfalls
Summer is the best time to see Riviera Nayarit’s breathtaking waterfalls. Surrounded by dense greenery, the waterfall Salto del Cora is a great attraction located less than an hour away from San Blas in the small town of Tecuitata. The village is known for its eco ventures, birdwatching, and ideal microclimate environment for organically grown coffee, fruits, and endemic trees. Here, visitors can splash in the waters while admiring the natural wonders around them.
The hike to the waterfall provides undisrupted views of the mountain ranges, lush greenery, and singing birds along the forested trails. Activities such as cliff diving, kayaking, canyoning, and rappelling are available, offering a fun way to connect with the region’s beautiful environment. Another spectacular waterfall to explore is El Salto de Jumatán, Nayarit’s largest waterfall with water plunging from more than 360 feet high. Here, visitors are encouraged to partake in one of the many tours offered to experience most of the areas’ exotic flora and fauna.
Impeccable Surfing
Considered one of the best spots in Mexico for surfers of every level, Riviera Nayarit’s long stretches of beach and surf breaks provides numerous spots to paddle out from. Tranquil waves for beginners to intermediate levels are most found in places such as El Anclote, Punta Burros, Sayulita, and Veneros. More experienced surfers will enjoy the bigger waves along the beaches of Santa Cruz de Miramar, Las Islitas, and Matanchen Bay. Seasoned surfers can look forward to the August opening of Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa resort, featuring an extensive surfing program steps away from the regions’ top surfing location. For those who want to take it a step further, Riviera Nayarit also offers spectacular scuba diving at places such as Marietas Islands, El Morro, Los Anegados, Isla Isabel, and Islas Marias.
Special Conservation & Wildlife Experiences
An ideal destination for animal lovers, Riviera Nayarit offers plenty opportunities to observe and engage with the area’s vast wildlife. Visitors can partake in the special turtle programs during the summer months as turtles arrive at the coastlines to nest. These programs protect the turtles’ harvesting, hatching, and final release processes. Visitors interested in participating in these efforts can do so through local hotels such as Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Four Seasons Punta Mita, which offer liberation ceremonies for the baby turtles – a wonderful activity for families to experience together. For those that adore whale and bird watching, Riviera Nayarit will feel like paradise, as it is home to hundreds of whales and over 250 bird species.
Visitors may participate in bird watching activities in various areas including San Blas, Tecuitata, Singayta, and Isla Isabel, all with unique ecosystems surrounded by rainforests, beaches, mountains, and mangroves. Some unique birds to spot during the summer include Belted Kingfishers, Bronzed Cowbirds, Mexican Wood Nymphs, and White-collared Seedeaters, among many others. In the winter, travelers can watch hundreds of whales gather or swim with Whale sharks along the estuaries between Platanitos and El Sesteo Beach. With plenty of food in the rivers to attract the gentle giants, visitors are encouraged to dive in for an up-close view as they swim peacefully along the coastlines.
Presenting the perfect meld of nature, luxury and authentic eco experiences, Riviera Nayarit is more accessible than ever with several direct flights to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) from Mexico City or via the U.S. through Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, in additional to many major cities in Central and South America.
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