Mexico Attractions Near Puerto Vallarta

When flying into the Puerto Vallarta International airport on much anticipated Mexico vacations, tourists are immediately exposed to one to the best attractions in Mexico, the Bay of Banderas; the ideal spot for sailing, fishing and whale watching.

From Nuevo Vallarta (just north of Puerto Vallarta) up to Punta de Mita, vacationers can enjoy over 50 miles of Pacific coast shoreline featuring 30 miles of incredible beaches surrounding the Bay of Banderas plus the Sierra Madre Mountains as a magnificent backdrop.

The natural attractions and water activities in and around Banderas Bay attract over 3 million tourists each year. This number is expected to increase to over 6 million within the next 20 years.

The Riviera Nayarit invites you to travel north from Puerto Vallarta along its 200 mile Pacific coastline to discover numerous Mexico attractions that will fill your schedule with memorable activities and experiences including golf, sailing, surfing, sea lion encounters, beaches and more.

Nuevo Vallarta Mexico Attraction

Nuevo Vallarta Mexico has over 500 years of history yet is still often considered to be a part of Puerto Vallarta.

With its own unique Mexico tourist attractions Nuevo Vallarta has earned its right to be recognized as its own destination point that offers prestigious Vallarta beaches, golfing and many other attractions that are truly memorable. Nuevo Vallarta also has some of Mexico's best resort hotels complete with luxury spa and wellness facilities plus dining and shopping.

Vallarta Beaches - Step away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life and enter a calmer state on less crowded beaches. Nuevo Vallarta offers several beaches near Puerto Vallarta that are worth the visit. In fact it is said that Vallarta beaches stretch farther than the eye can see. Some of Vallarta’s top voted beaches that comprise its 5 mile stretch of Oceanside territory are:

Mayan Palace Beach
Las Caletas
Playa de Oro

Unique Attractions in Nuevo Vallarta Mexico

Break away from typical activities and attractions in Mexico and enjoy some of Vallarta’s unique recreation:

• Imagine Nuevo Vallarta horseback riding at sunset on the beach or riding through the tropical rainforests surrounded by waterfalls and exotic wildlife.
• Humpback whale watching tours and swimming with dolphin expeditions in the Bay of Banderas
• Baby Sea Turtle release including discovery and rescue missions
• Adventurous land activities such as canopy tours, zip lines and ATV tours
• Several prestigious golf courses including Flamingos Mexico Golf Course, which is played by Percy Clifford

Bucerias Mexico Attractions

The slow paced village of Bucerias is only 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta and is said to be full of heart warming charm. Attractions in Bucerias Mexico include:

• 5 miles of soft sandy beaches, listed as some of the cleanest on the Mexican west coast
• Serene waters perfect for floating, sailing and snorkelling
• Walking and biking down the town’s cobblestone roads
• Exposure to the town’s focus on art and culture
• Main Plaza and markets selling customary sweet snacks and handmade souvenirs

Punta de Mita Mexico Attractions

Punta de Mita is a quaint fishing village and colonial port town strategically positioned on the southwest point of Riviera Nayarit. Only 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita Mexico attractions include:

• The Mexican Malibu – 7 surf swells and 9 miles of surf beaches
• A water sport-lovers’ paradise – sailing, scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing and more
• Punta Mita Pacifico Golf Course – 72 par ocean-side course
• A marina perfect for launching fishing trips with restaurants willing to cook your daily catch          

Sayulita Mexico Attractions

Sayulita Mexico is another quaint fishing village located in the state of Riviera Nayarit, only 35 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Situated on the same latitude as Hawaii, Sayulita is protected from Pacific winds by the Bay of Banderas and enjoys 345 days of sun each year. There are several popular and some secret “Playas” (Spanish for beach) to enjoy the sun including:

In addition to the beaches, other things to do in Sayulita include:

Fishing on a Panga to catch Mahi Mahi fish

Snorkelling off the beaches of Playa de Los Muertos

Long board surf lessons in one of Mexico’s best surfing locations

Tree top canopy tours complete with zip lines and ATV tours along secluded beaches

San Blas Mexico Attractions

Only 12,000 people reside in the port San Blas Mexico which is situated in the Bay of Matanchen. Tourists who fly into Puerto Vallarta can board one of four daily buses for the 3 ½ hour trip north. In this town, where it is said that time travels at a different pace, there are several benefits that draw tourists northward:

• True Mexican experience with thatched roof huts in place of resorts and condos
• Las Islitas cliff formations in the midst of palm trees and rolling hills
• Jungle boat rides that feature waterfalls and undiscovered beaches
• Fine dining at local Mexican businesses
• Bird watching in an area that attracts over 300 migratory birds

Learn More About Mexico Attractions in Riviera Nayarit

See our Vallarta Mexico Activities page to learn more about Mexico attractions plus land and water activities you can take part in while vacationing in the Riviera Nayarit.

Find a travel specialist for more information about Mexico Vacations and Mexico tourist attractions.