Best Beaches
in Nayarit
The Riviera Nayarit has about 200 miles of Pacific coastline. Some of it is famous. Most of it isn't. Here's the honest breakdown of what's worth your time.
Nayarit's beaches face the Pacific Ocean — which means bigger waves, stronger currents, and more dramatic scenery than the Caribbean coast. The water is warmer than the Baja side and the landscape transitions from tropical jungle to golden sand in a way that makes you understand why this coastline has been attracting surfers and travelers for decades.
Best Beaches
Verified by Mr. Playas
Surf capitalSayulita Beach
Central Sayulita
★★★★★The most famous beach in Nayarit and the one most people come for. A consistent right and left break, sandy bottom, backed by the town's colorful buildings. Best for surfing; not always ideal for swimming due to the wave action and occasional river runoff. Busiest beach in the state — for good reason and for better alternatives, read on.
Best kept secretPlaya de los Muertos
10 min walk north of Sayulita
★★★★★Ten minutes north of Sayulita on foot. Protected cove, calmer water, better for swimming and snorkeling. Rarely overcrowded. A small palapa bar for cold drinks. One of Nayarit's most underrated beach experiences precisely because it requires a short walk to reach.
The quiet gemSan Pancho Beach
San Pancho, 10 min north of Sayulita
★★★★★Long, wide, and usually quiet. The south end has a powerful shore break — don't underestimate it. The middle and north sections are calmer. Beautiful for long beach walks and sunset watching. Ten minutes north of Sayulita by car.
Family friendlyPlaya Anclote, Punta de Mita
Punta de Mita, 45 min from Sayulita
★★★★☆The main swimming beach at Punta de Mita. Calm water compared to the surf beaches, palapa restaurants, kayak and paddleboard rentals. Departure point for Islas Marietas tours. One of the better family beach options on the Riviera Nayarit.
The real dealLo de Marcos Beach
Lo de Marcos, 40 km north of Sayulita
★★★★☆One of the longest, least-visited stretches of beach on the Riviera Nayarit. Sea turtle nesting program from July through December. Almost no tourist development. Come with food, water, and a willingness to have a beach mostly to yourself.
Art & foodBucerías Beach
Bucerías, 25 min from Puerto Vallarta
★★★★☆A fishing village with character — art market, wide beaches, and a food scene that's been quietly getting very good. The expat community of Canadians and Americans keeps the culinary bar high. Great base for exploring the region.
Off the beaten pathPlaya Miramar, San Blas
San Blas, 2 hrs north of Sayulita
★★★★☆Two hours north of Sayulita, San Blas sits at the northern edge of the Riviera Nayarit. Miramar is a wide, empty beach that sees few tourists. The town of San Blas itself has a bird watching estuary that's legitimately world-class. Worth the drive if you have an extra day.
Which beach should you choose?
For learning to surf: Sayulita. Gentle wave, board rentals on every corner, lessons from $35 USD.
For peace and quiet: San Pancho or Playa de los Muertos. Everything good about Sayulita without the crowds.
For the unique experience: Playa Escondida at Islas Marietas. Limited to 116 people per day — book ahead.
For families on a budget: Playa Anclote at Punta de Mita. Calm water, palapa restaurants, easy access.
For living like a local: Lo de Marcos. Fishing village with no pretensions, cheap rentals, zero mass tourism.
Nayarit beach pecking order
For surfing: Sayulita main beach, La Lancha, El Anclote at Punta de Mita. For swimming: Playa de los Muertos, Playa Anclote. For solitude: Lo de Marcos, San Blas. For the most extraordinary experience in the region: Islas Marietas (plan ahead).
Frequently Asked Questions
For surf and vibe: Sayulita. For quiet: Playa de los Muertos or San Pancho. For luxury: Punta de Mita. For adventure: Islas Marietas. For families on a budget: Rincón de Guayabitos. For long stays: Lo de Marcos.
It's THE best place in Mexico for beginners. Sayulita has a gentle, sandy-bottom wave, foam board rentals everywhere, and lessons from $35 USD. San Pancho has a slightly bigger wave but fewer people in the water.
Only by authorized tour from Punta de Mita or Sayulita ($80–120 USD). You need a government permit and visits are capped at 116 people per day. Book at least a week ahead in high season.
November through May: dry, sunny, 77–90°F. June through October is rainy season (heavy but brief showers), more humidity, but better waves and prices 30–40% lower.