Riviera Nayarit is Mexico’s newest vacation destination. Located between the Western Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it is a tropical paradise with a coastline stretching for almost 200 miles. Its southern border is just 10 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and its northern border is about 40 minutes west of the Tepic International Airport.

The Riviera Nayarit boasts an annual average temperature of 25°C (77°F). With sunshine ninety percent of the year it is an ideal climate, for the lush, colorful vegetation, and abundant animal species that will amaze the observant traveler.

Every winter, humpback whales visit Banderas Bay surrounding the Riviera, (One of the largest bays in the world) to give birth. Visitors will never forget seeing these giants as they show off with jumps, water spouts and swimming with their newborns.

You can swim with the dolphins and sea lions, Golf on world-class courses, catch a wave on a surfboard or go sport fishing for tuna, sailfish or trophy marlin. Snorkel or scuba dive in the blue waters that are home to coral reefs, marine mammals and rare fish of the Mexican Pacific. Glide on zip lines through jungle treetops canopies, hit the trail on an ATV or simply enjoy a sunset with your favorite tropical beverage.

There are National Marshes and mangroves that serve as a sanctuary for many species of migratory birds, crocodiles and other species. Inland you’ll find the Sierra de Vallejo State Biosphere Reserve. this tropical mountain range is home to jaguars, wild boars and varieties of parrots. Nearby there is the San Juan State Biosphere Reserve is at the base of the San Juan and Sangagüey Volcano.

These natural wonders are just a taste of what awaits you in the Riviera Nayarit.