Nayarit

16 Surf spots
families beginners
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Positives
  • Surfable year-round
  • Top longboard/SUP spots
  • Surf schools, camps and boats
  • Resorts option
Negatives
  • Lack of "Mexican Juice"
  • Restricted access spots
  • Some sharky locations
  • Rainy peak surf season

Nayarit surf travel guide

Mostly undeveloped, the scenic coastline of Nayarit has attracted hardcore surfers since the late '60s, hoping to score Matanchen Bay, known as being the longest right in the world. But things have changed with the fast rise of Puerto Vallarta, once a tiny fishing village in the neighbouring state of Jalisco, now attracting 4-5 million tourists each year.

Surf spots in Nayarit

Research the 16 surf breaks in Nayarit and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Nayarit.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Nayarit

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Library

Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Nayarit.

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Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
41,313,000
Population
128,932,753
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
MXN
Exchange rate
$1 = 10.87 MXN MXN

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+52
Dialing out
00
Language
Spanish, Nahuatl and various Mayan.
Electricity
Plug Type
a
b
Visas

No visa is required for most nationalities for stays of up to 180 days. If entering by a land border you maybe required to get a Forma Migratoria Multiple to present at checkpoints within the country. This can cost 390 pesos (about US$20). You can also download this online.

Getting There

Over 450 flights a week serve Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). From Mexico City, fly with Aeromexico or Mexicana Airlines ($250 rtn, $130/boardbag rtn) or a 13 hrs bus ride ($80 o/w). It’s a challenging 2-3 days drive from the USA.

Getting Around

Sayulita is a good 1h drive N of Puerto Vallarta on Highway 200. Catch the bus ($4) or rent a car in PV ($60/d). Regular local buses cover the whole Bahia de Banderas area and accept surfboards. Bahia de Banderas’ northern spots are accessed from Destiladeras or Corral del Risco for boat-ins.

Accommodation

Resorts are plentiful in San Blas and PV. In Sayulita try Bungalows Las Gaviotas ($60) or Las Olas all women surfcamp ($2850/week). Viva Vallarta resort faces Punta del Burro, Punta de Mita's Meson de Mita is $60/dble. A $10 dinner lets you sample tasty specialties.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

Sayulita is a laid-back city. San Blas is Nayarit's tourism centre and starting point for jungle river boating to La Tovara springs. Check out remote beaches, or snorkel/dive around Islas Marietas. Along the Malec—n (downtown PV), a strip of restaurants, bars and clubs will provide all night entertainment.

Hazards & hassles

Nayarit breaks are more adapted to intermediate level surfers. Locals don't always see the influx of surfers positively, but crowd levels are low on spots requiring a boat. San Blas surroundings are infested with jejenes (tiny sand gnats) that come out at night and provoke intense itching.

Handy Hints

Avoid Puerto Vallarta's polluted waters. Recommended quiver includes a longboard or fish. Equipment and rentals are available at Coral Reef Surf Shop in Bucerias or Acci—n Tropical Surf Shop in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Jalisco State (Puerto Vallarta) is 1h ahead of Nayarit (Sayulita).

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

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