Nuevo Nayarit Travel Guide: Beaches, Resorts, Things to Do & Travel Tips
Nuevo Nayarit (formerly Nuevo Vallarta) is one of the most polished and traveler-friendly destinations in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Located just north of Puerto Vallarta, this resort corridor is known for wide sandy beaches, luxury resorts, calm ocean conditions, marina lifestyle, and easy airport access, making it ideal for families, couples, snowbirds, and first-time visitors to Mexico.
This complete Nuevo Nayarit travel guide covers what to do, where to stay, best beaches, when to visit, and how it compares to Puerto Vallarta, so you can decide if it’s the right destination for your trip.
Where Is Nuevo Nayarit?
Nuevo Nayarit is located in the state of Nayarit, directly north of the Ameca River, which separates it from Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. It is part of the greater Riviera Nayarit region, stretching along Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Distance from Puerto Vallarta Airport: 15–25 minutes
Region: Bahía de Banderas, Riviera Nayarit
Former name: Nuevo Vallarta (still widely used)
Because of its proximity to Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Nuevo Nayarit is one of the easiest beach destinations in Mexico to reach.
Why Visit Nuevo Nayarit?
Nuevo Nayarit is best known for offering a relaxed, resort-focused experience with modern infrastructure and less congestion than downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Key Reasons Travelers Choose Nuevo Nayarit
Long, flat, walkable beaches
Calm waters ideal for swimming and paddleboarding
High concentration of luxury and all-inclusive resorts
Gated communities and wide boulevards
Marina, golf courses, and family-friendly amenities
Easy day trips to Sayulita, Bucerías, and Punta Mita
For many visitors, Nuevo Nayarit delivers the perfect balance between comfort, safety, and access to authentic Mexican culture nearby.
Best Things to Do in Nuevo Nayarit
1- Relax on Nuevo Nayarit Beaches
Nuevo Nayarit features some of the widest and cleanest beaches in Riviera Nayarit. The sand is soft, the shoreline is flat, and the waves are typically gentler than in open-coast areas.
Popular beach activities include:
Swimming and floating
Long beach walks
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach clubs and resort loungers
2- Visit the Marina & Canals
Nuevo Nayarit’s marina and canal system is unique in the region. Visitors can:
Walk or bike along marina paths
Book **boat tours, sailing, or sportfishing
Enjoy waterfront restaurants and cafes
Spot birds and wildlife near the Ameca River
This area is especially popular in the evening for dining and sunset views.
3- Take a Boat Tour to Islas Marietas
One of the most popular excursions from Nuevo Nayarit is a boat tour to Islas Marietas National Park, famous for:
Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor)
Snorkeling and marine life
Bird colonies and volcanic formations
Tours typically depart from Nuevo Nayarit, Punta Mita, or Puerto Vallarta.
4- Whale Watching (Seasonal)
From December through March, humpback whales migrate through Bahía de Banderas. Nuevo Nayarit is an excellent base for whale watching tours due to its calm waters and proximity to migration routes.
Top winter activities in Riviera Nayarit and a major draw for snowbirds.
5- Golf, Spas & Resort Experiences
Nuevo Nayarit is home to championship golf courses, luxury spas, and wellness retreats. Many visitors choose to spend most of their time enjoying resort amenities, especially on shorter vacations.
Where to Stay in Nuevo Nayarit
Nuevo Nayarit offers one of the highest concentrations of resorts in western Mexico, ranging from luxury all-inclusive properties to long-stay condominiums.
Accommodation Options Include:
Luxury beachfront resorts
All-inclusive family resorts
Condo hotels and vacation rentals
Long-term winter rentals for snowbirds
Nuevo Nayarit vs Puerto Vallarta: Which Is Better?
Many travelers ask whether they should stay in Nuevo Nayarit or Puerto Vallarta. The answer depends on travel style.
Choose Nuevo Nayarit If You Want:
Quieter, resort-focused atmosphere
Calm beaches for swimming
Family-friendly environment
Easy airport access
Modern infrastructure
Choose Puerto Vallarta If You Want:
Nightlife, art scene, and historic neighborhoods
Local restaurants and street food
Walkable downtown culture
Urban energy and events
Best Time to Visit Nuevo Nayarit
Nuevo Nayarit has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
Seasonal Overview
November–April: Best weather, dry season, peak travel
December–March: Whale watching season
May–October: Hotter, more humid, fewer crowds, lower prices
September: Rainiest month, but still warm
Winter is the most popular time, especially for Canadian and U.S. snowbirds.
Is Nuevo Nayarit Safe?
Yes. Nuevo Nayarit is considered one of the safest resort areas in the Puerto Vallarta–Riviera Nayarit region.
Reasons include:
Planned resort communities
Gated developments
Private security in resort zones
Strong tourism infrastructure
As with any destination, standard travel precautions apply.
Getting Around Nuevo Nayarit
Transportation options include:
Taxis and rideshare services
Public buses to Puerto Vallarta and Bucerías
Rental cars
Resort shuttles and tour transportation
Because distances are short, getting around is generally easy.
Who Is Nuevo Nayarit Best For?
Nuevo Nayarit is ideal for:
Families with children
Couples seeking relaxation
Snowbirds and long-stay travelers
First-time visitors to Mexico
Travelers who prefer resort comfort over nightlife
If you are looking for calm beaches, luxury accommodations, and convenience, Nuevo Nayarit is an excellent choice.
Top Things to Do Near Nuevo Nayarit
Unmissable Activities and Tours
Islas Marietas & Hidden Beach: Take a boat or snorkeling tour to this protected marine park, famous for its unique Playa del Amor and rich underwater life.
Surfing & Beach Towns: Visit nearby Sayulita and San Pancho for boutique shopping, surf lessons, and bohemian beach culture.
Whale Watching (Dec–Mar): Seasonal humpback whale excursions depart from Riviera ports and are a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.
Local Cuisine & Raicilla: Sample fresh seafood, local specialties like Pescado Zarandeado, and regional spirits such as raicilla at beachside eateries and markets.
Nearby Natural & Cultural Gems
La Tovara National Park: Explore mangroves, lagoons, and birdwatching waterways near San Blas.
Riviera Nayarit Magic Towns: Small historic towns with artisan markets, local festivals, and Mexican cultural traditions.
Nuevo Nayarit enjoys warm tropical weather year-round, with average temperatures around 25°C and sunny season peaks offering ideal conditions for beach days and outdoor adventure. Peak travel tends to occur in winter and early spring when North American visitors seek sunshine escapes.
Final Thoughts: Is Nuevo Nayarit Worth Visiting?
Nuevo Nayarit stands out as one of Riviera Nayarit’s most accessible and comfortable destinations, combining beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and proximity to Puerto Vallarta without the crowds.
Whether you are planning a short beach getaway, a winter escape, or a family vacation, Nuevo Nayarit offers a polished, stress-free experience with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding region.
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