By boatSayulita
A colourful surf-and-boho town for a day trip.
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta’s upscale, newer coast to the north.
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit all-inclusive resorts run north from Puerto Vallarta, from Nuevo Vallarta’s big beachfront properties to the upscale calm of Punta Mita. This is the newer, more polished side of Banderas Bay, wide beaches, marinas and some of Mexico’s most luxurious resorts, with surf towns like Sayulita adding a bohemian counterpoint. Nuevo Vallarta suits families with large all-inclusives, while Punta Mita is the high-end enclave of gated luxury and championship golf. Puerto Vallarta’s town and airport sit just to the south.
Riviera Nayarit, Pacific MexicoClimate
Climate
26–32°C · dry winters, humid summers
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Currency
Mexican Peso
1 CAD ≈ 13 MXN · USD widely accepted at resorts
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport + tourist card (FMM/CFDI)
Language
Spanish (official)
Sunny, dry winters are the sweet spot; summers are hot and humid with afternoon rain.
Time zone
Central Standard Time (UTC-6)
The peso (MXN) is official; US dollars and cards are accepted throughout the resort zones.
Things to do in Riviera Nayarit
By boat
Surf townMarietas Islands
Boat to the hidden beach and snorkel the reserve.
In seasonPunta Mita golf
Two Jack Nicklaus courses and an upscale marina scene.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport & tourist card: Canadians need a passport valid for the length of stay plus the tourist entry form (FMM), issued on arrival — no visa required for stays up to 180 days.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Mexico. Comprehensive travel medical insurance is essential.
Money & tipping: The Mexican Peso (MXN) is official; USD and cards are widely accepted. Carry small bills for tips and beach vendors.
Power & plugs: Mexico uses 127V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — identical to Canada, so no adapter is needed.
Time zone: The Banderas Bay area observes Central Time, matching Puerto Vallarta — usually 2 hours ahead of Vancouver.
Best time to visit Riviera Nayarit
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny, warm days — whale season and the busiest, priciest months for Canadians.
May – JunShoulder season
Hot and mostly dry with great value before the summer rains arrive.
Jul – SepRainy & humid
Peak heat, humidity and the Pacific hurricane season — lowest prices but afternoon storms.
Oct – NovShoulder season
Rains taper off, greenery peaks and crowds are thin — a good-value window.
Where to stay
Riviera Nayarit zones & neighbourhoods
Riviera Nayarit runs from big all-inclusive resort strips to laid-back surf villages. Here's how to choose your base along the coast.
Nuevo Vallarta
South, near PVR
The main resort zone — a long flat beach lined with big all-inclusives and a marina, just 15 minutes from the airport.
Best for
- First-timers
- Families
- Value
Bucerías
Central bay
A relaxed town with cobbled streets, a long swimmable beach, and a lively art walk and seafood scene.
Best for
- Couples
- Foodies
- Beach walks
Punta de Mita
North headland
An exclusive peninsula of luxury resorts, golf, and calm coves at the mouth of Banderas Bay.
Best for
- Luxury
- Golf
- Honeymoons
Sayulita
Far north
A colourful surf town of beginner breaks, taco stands, and boutique stays with an easygoing bohemian buzz.
Best for
- Surfers
- Young travellers
- Culture
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Riviera Nayarit
Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town, Sayulita, the Marietas Islands and whale-watching tours are all easy from the resorts.
Protected Nature ReserveMarietas Islands Snorkel Cruise
Full day · 6 hrsOff Punta de Mita · By catamaran
Sail to the UNESCO-protected Marietas Islands to snorkel turquoise coves and see the hidden beach access.
Insider tips
- Book ahead — daily visitor caps
- Strong swimmers only for the swim-in beach
Seasonal WildlifeWhale Watching in Banderas Bay
Half day · 3.5 hrsBanderas Bay · By boat
Head out with a marine guide (Dec–Mar) to watch humpback whales breach, spout and slap their tails.
Insider tips
- Best mornings for calm seas
- Bring a light layer & sunscreen
Culture & SurfSayulita & San Pancho Village Tour
Full day · 7 hrs40 km north · ~1 hr by coach
Explore Sayulita's surf beaches and street art, then the laid-back galleries and beach of San Pancho.
Insider tips
- Cash for market stalls
- Try a beginner surf lesson
City & CulturePuerto Vallarta Malecón & Old Town
Half day · 4 hrs25 km south · ~40 min by car
Stroll the seaside Malecón sculptures, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and cobbled Zona Romántica.
Insider tips
- Go late afternoon for sunset
- Great for street tacos & shopping
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Good to know
Riviera Nayarit travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Where is Riviera Nayarit?
On the Pacific coast just north of Puerto Vallarta, from Nuevo Vallarta to Punta Mita.
Is it good for families or luxury?
Both, Nuevo Vallarta suits families, while Punta Mita is high-end and gated.
Can you visit Puerto Vallarta from here?
Yes, the town and airport are 10 to 40 minutes south.
When can you see whales?
Humpbacks fill the bay from about December to March.
Is Riviera Nayarit better than Puerto Vallarta for a luxury stay?
For newer, larger and more upscale resorts, yes, especially around Punta Mita; Puerto Vallarta wins on town character and dining.
Do Canadian travellers need a visa for Riviera Nayarit?
Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa for tourism stays up to 180 days in Mexico, and a valid passport is required. A free tourist card (FMM) is normally issued on arrival. Entry requirements can change, so confirm current guidance on the Government of Canada travel advisory page for Mexico before you go.