Riviera Nayarit was once considered off Mexico’s “beaten path,” but recent tourism figures indicate sweeping changes for this extraordinary destination. According to statistics from the Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2017 was a wildly successful year for tourism in the region, with travelers generating some $200 million in revenue. Last year also realized new heights in hotel occupancy rates, with 4-star resorts reporting occupancy rates at nearly 95 percent.

Private investors – along with federal funding—has sparked a wave of new developments, including 5-star properties, luxury residences, infrastructure and other amenities to enhance the region’s vacation appeal.

Tourism growth in Riviera Nayarit

“Riviera Nayarit is a destination like no other… Our versatility and appeal have translated into recent success for our pristine destination, from resort town Nuevo Vallarta to the historic village of San Blas, celebrity haven Punta de Mita, surfing mecca Sayulita, and everything in between,” said Mark Murphy, acting manager of the Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Situated on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, just north of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit may be attracting record numbers of visitors, but you’ll still find quiet stretches of beach and fewer tourists at local attractions.

The region encompasses 200 miles of coastline, nearly two dozen villages, and is home to a growing selection of world-class hotels along with delightful villas and rental homes. This area is garnering a stellar reputation for incredible cuisine, spas and wellness centers, and outdoor adventure sports like zip lining, scuba diving, boating, whale watching, surfing, sport fishing and ATV riding.

New properties opening 2018-2020

The Riviera Nayarit welcomed several developments last year, including the Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta, which boasts the city’s largest convention center. Additional properties are slated to open the latter half of this year and into 2019, including:

• Costa Canuva CIP – a luxury 5,500-acre development spotlighting the area’s first Fairmont Hotels & Resorts property and a new golf course designed by Greg Norman and Lorena Ochoa
• Cirque du Soleil Theme Park featuring evening shows to more than 5,000 spectators
• Mandarina Polo and Equestrian Club – a top-notch facility with polo grounds, stables, and dressage/jumping arenas.
• Secrets Punta de Mita Resort & Spa is set to open its doors in Riviera Nayarit by 2020

Vacation rentals in Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit has many inviting ways to unwind or get your adrenaline pumping. Whatever your travel style, the experts at Sea Side Reservations can help you plan the ultimate escape to coastal Mexico. We have beautiful, fully-furnished vacation rentals, villas and bungalows in the Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta and other popular beach destinations. If you’re looking for a comfortable, spacious yet affordable rental for your Mexico vacation, we’ve got you covered.

Book your beachfront rental today by calling 1-888-262-4508!

Additional Resources on Riviera Nayarit Travel:

1. TravelAgentCentral, Riviera Nayarit’s $200 Million Tourism Industry Continues to Grow https://www.travelagentcentral.com/destinations/riviera-nayarit-s-200-million-tourism-industry-continues-to-thrive
2. Fodor’s Travel, First-Timer’s Guide to Riviera Nayarit, Mexico https://www.fodors.com/news/guide-to-riviera-nayarit-mexico-7036
3. MexicoNewsDaily, More Tourism Growth in Riviera Nayarit https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/more-tourism-growth-in-riviera-nayarit/
4. RivieraNarayit, Nayarit – A Stunning Treasure Awaits You http://www.rivieranayarit.com/about/

It’s no wonder that Mexico is one of America’s top vacation destinations — endless sunshine, sublime beaches, and it’s nearby. Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts have amazing scenery, archeological sites and exciting activities, but how do you choose the right spot to spend those precious vacation days? When you think of dreamy beach destinations south of the border, the brilliant white sands of Tulum may come to mind. But over on the west coast, the laid-back shores of Riviera Nayarit have been making waves as the up-and-coming hotpot for intrepid travelers.

So which beach destination is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at Tulum vs. Riviera Nayarit.

Tulum: Mayan ruins, crystal clear waters and lush jungle

Location: East Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, overlooking the Caribbean Sea

Getting There: No flights to Tulum; fly into the Cancun International Airport, which is a 2-hour drive

Beaches:  The white sand beaches of Tulum are Instagram worthy, and the seas are typically calm and safe for swimming

Accommodations: This area is renowned for its all-inclusive beach resorts, luxury condo rentals and lodging with family-friendly amenities. You’ll find accommodations to fit just about every budget.

Primary Attraction: The ancient Maya city of Tulum, one of the best-preserved sites and most beautiful. The ruins are easy to navigate and present numerous photo-ops thanks to its unique setting atop limestone cliffs looking out over crashing surf.

Coolest Activity: Swimming, diving or snorkeling in the cenotes – natural sink holes that are either open like lakes or completely underground, and some even boast ziplines!

Popular things to do: Swimming, stand up paddle boarding, relaxing on the beach, shopping for artisanal goods, catamaran rides, snorkeling, riding bicycles or visiting the Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, one of the area’s top eco-tourism destinations, home to monkeys, crocodiles, pumas and coatimundi 

Atmosphere: Tulum is very family-friendly and has a relaxed vibe. Some describe this Mexican hotspot as a “hippie haven.” There are health retreats, yoga and meditation classes and other holistic offerings.

Riviera Nayarit: Rugged backdrops, juicy waves and fewer crowds

Location: West Coast of Mexico, a 200-mile swath that stretches from San Blas to Nuevo Vallarta

Getting There: Fly into the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, which has many options for direct flights from U.S. hubs 

Beaches: You’ll find both white and golden sands, warm waters and rugged backdrops depending on which hamlet you visit. Some towns like Sayulita are known for wilder waves, making this a popular surfer destination. Within the blue curves of Banderas Bay, there are family beaches, great swimming beaches and others flanked with chic bars and eateries.

Accommodations: There are nearly two dozen towns in the state of Riviera Nayarit. Some feature world-class hotels, luxury all-inclusive resorts and lavish rental properties while others have a handful of modest lodging options.

Primary Attraction: Nayarit is a multicultural and multiethnic state that attracts surfers, golfers, beach lovers, history buffs and nature aficionados.  Many visitors praise the Old World charms of San Blas — a sleepy town that is packed with colonial architecture, lush palms, and extensive mangrove forests.

Coolest Activity: Take a boat trip to Hidden Beach (also known as Lover’s Beach) on the beautiful Marietas Islands where you can snorkel in clear aqua waters.

Popular things to do: Surfing and paddle boarding are the main draws of Sayulita. Recreational activities abound in this vast state. There are wellness spas and championship golf courses. You can go whale watching, sea kayaking, learn about sea turtle conservation or take a wine tasting tour.

Atmosphere: Whether you’re visiting San Pancho, Punta de Mita or Bucerias, you’ll find the ambiance of Riviera Nayarit to be laid-back and friendly.  This destination is still under the tourist radar (for the most part) and is recommended if you want to avoid heavy crowds.

More Resources on Tulum & Riviera Nayarit Travel Highlights:

1. BeMyTravelMuse, 7 Amazing Things to do in Tulum, Mexico https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/things-to-do-in-tulum/
2. GQ, Go to Riviera Nayarit, Mexico’s Lesser-Known Beach Haven https://www.gq.com/story/riviera-nayarit-travel-guide
3. AnnaEverywhere, Ultimate Guide to Tulum Mexico http://annaeverywhere.com/tulum-mexico-travel-guide/#09
4. Barefoot Nomad, What To Do In The Riviera Nayarit – 23 Reasons You’ll Love It Here http://www.thebarefootnomad.com/mexico/what-to-do-in-the-riviera-nayarit-23-reasons-youll-love-it-here/

Mexico’s coasts are among the most beautiful waters for diving. The amazing coral reefs and undersea caverns are not just for the pros; even beginners can receive training and certification meeting internationally recognized standards at most diving centers in Mexico.

There are plenty of not-to-be-missed diving sites in Mexico. Read on to learn more about some of our favorites.

Playa del Carmen dive sites

Sistema Dos Ojos is one of the largest underwater cave complexes in the world – there is so much to see that for at least your first visit, you should cons/rivieranayarit/ider diving with a guide.

The cave system is enormous – over 300 miles long – and visitors can enter through 28 sinkhole entrances known in the area as cenotes (derived from a Mayan word meaning “sacred well”). The cenotes are found near Playa del Carmen, all along the Riviera Maya. “Dos Ojos” is Spanish for “two eyes” and the beautiful complex branches off into two separate caverns that in turn split off into elaborate passages. One passage leads to a breathtaking illuminated air-filled chamber while others lead to sights like stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Scuba diving near Cancun

Deep Blue Cozumel, near Cancun, is your window into colorful coral reefs and fish. The sparkling water off the coast of Cancun display the rainbow of marine life, allowing divers to see for 200 feet.

Beginning divers can enjoy the tropical reef life. More experienced divers can venture deeper into a series of caverns, connected in an intricate maze.

Dive Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit offers several exciting diving locations with an array of marine life experiences. The underwater mountain range of Las Marietas Islands Marine Reserve is exciting for beginners and was also a site explored by Jacque Cousteau. Six miles away, at the El Morro site, divers can take in sights of dolphins, manta rays, lobsters, turtles, and more. The challenging site offers an experience suited for more experienced divers. Also in the area is Los Anegados, another site suitable for more experienced divers. Get up close with nurse sharks in these warm waters.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro diver, there is much to take in under the waters of Mexico.

Discover Events And Activities Of Riviera Nayarit Mexico

From Rocky Point to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, there are many unique travel destinations throughout coastal Mexico that are incredibly more affordable than most of the overcrowded vacation destinations around the world. Riviera Nayarit is particularly intriguing because of its level of friendliness, affordability and beauty. Best of all, the area features a wide range of events and activities throughout the year for vacationers and visitors to enjoy.

Those That Truly Enjoy The Finer Details Of World-Class Art

Most importantly, Riviera Nayarit is conveniently and strategically located very close to Puerto Vallarta. This is a key consideration because travelers and visitors to Riviera Nayarit can enjoy the best of both cities. Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit both make available a wide variety of art galleries and art festivals. In particular, the art festival that typically takes place in January on the boardwalk of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina is known for delivering an outstanding experience for those that truly enjoy the finer details of world-class art.

Sailboats Of Various Sizes That All Compete For The Title

In addition, those staying in Riviera Nayarit can enjoy many of the exciting sailing regattas and races that happen each year in Puerto Vallarta. For example, the Vallarta Cup Race Series is an event that happens each year in January that is well worth attending. With an international flair, the Vallarta Cup Race Series feature sailboats of various sizes that all compete for the title. Few other experiences can compare to enjoying the remarkable beauty of a genuine sailing regatta in the warm crystal waters of coastal Mexico.

A Quiet And Relaxing And Wonderful Tropical Interlude

Riviera Nayarit has taken off in recent years as one of the best-kept secrets in coastal Mexico when it comes to a quiet, relaxing and wonderful tropical interlude. With so much to offer it is hard to imagine not considering Riviera Nayarit for your next vacation destination. This is especially true with regard to the fact that those staying in Riviera Nayarit have access to all that Puerto Vallarta makes available. Another fun festival includes the International Migratory Bird Festival. This is a wonderful event for those that enjoy nature in its purest state. Contact Sea Side Reservations today as a way to learn more about incredible accommodations such as furnished vacation homes in Riviera Nayarit.

Riviera Nayarit Vacation Tips

Visiting beautiful and inviting Riviera Nayarit is becoming a popular option for those looking for an affordable luxury vacation in the tropical destination. Simply beyond compare when it comes to beautiful beaches, friendly locals and excellent food as well as great nightlife, Riviera Nayarit is a destination that is second to none. With that said there are a few easy and simple vacation tips that travelers can consider as a way to make a vacation even more enjoyable.

Medicines And Valuables

For example, travelers should always have some form of ID on them and available when traveling out and about around any coastal Mexico vacation destination. Those traveling by air to Riviera Nayarit should make it a point to always pack essentials such as medicines and valuables in a carry-on. A change of clothing and a bathing suit should also be added to a carry-on in the event that luggage is lost by an airline. Most seasoned travelers know that airlines lose luggage at the most in opportune times. Avoid this hassle by simply having a well-planned and well-packed carry-on bag.

Researching A Travel Destination

An added tip that can go a long way in making a vacation to Mexico even more enjoyable is to take the time to research in detail your vacation destination. The more you know about a particular location the more enjoyable your time spent there will actually be. The Internet offers an incredible tool for being able to research virtually anything imaginable today. Researching a travel destination is a smart way to learn as much as possible about where you will be spending the next few weeks.

Activities Of Swimmers

Finally, while dollars or accepted throughout Mexico it is a good idea to have a mix of both Mexican and American money. This makes purchasing everything from food to knick-knacks and even paying a taxi fare easier and more convenient. As an added note it is always a good idea to swim in an area of the beach where there is a lifeguard on duty. Having a lifeguard monitoring the activities of swimmers can go a long way in keeping everyone safe especially when rip tides or large waves are present. Staying safe while on vacation sometimes means using a little common sense and being alert to any potentially hazardous conditions. Contact Sea Side Reservation today for Riviera Nayarit furnished vacation condos, villas and private residential homes.

Enjoy Riviera Nayarit For A Vacation Exceeding All Expectations

Deciding upon a vacation that will exceed all expectations can be as simple as comparing several coastal Mexico vacation destinations. With that said, one unique area of Mexico that should never be overlooked when it comes to affording travelers a special and unique experience is Riviera Nayarit. This fun and inviting area is simply beyond compare when it comes to enjoying a tropical paradise and a coastline that stretches for hundreds of miles.

An Abundance Of Unique Animal Species And Marine Life

Riviera Nayarit enjoys easy access to an international airport in Puerto Vallarta and has what many consider to be perfect weather year-round. With sunshine afforded travelers nearly every day of the year and an ideal climate, Riviera Nayarit is lush, tropical and beautiful. With colorful vegetation and an abundance of unique animal species and marine life, the area affords the opportunity for days and days of exploring. Imagine seeing humpback whales as they visit the local waters of Riviera Nayarit. That is all made possible by choosing this unique Mexican vacation spot.

Visiting This Intriguing And Unique Part Of Coastal Mexico

From watching whales breach to witnessing waterspouts and admiring whales as they swim with their newborns, the possibilities are endless when visiting this unique part of coastal Mexico. In addition, those who enjoy marine life can swim with dolphins or swim with sea lions. From golfing on world-class golf courses to exploring coral reefs, the variety of outdoor activities in beautiful Riviera Nayarit is simply unmatched. Other common activities include ATV riding or experiencing a zip line ride through jungle treetop canopies.

Make A Vacation Even More Enjoyable

With so much to offer it is difficult to imagine not seriously considering Riviera Nayarit for an amazing Mexico excursion, vacation or weekend getaway. Perhaps one of the best ways to seize the opportunities to enjoy Riviera Nayarit to the fullest is to consider the option of staying in a furnished vacation rental property. As more and more people stray away from traditional hotel rooms, they are increasingly turning to furnished villas, condos or private homes to make a vacation even more enjoyable and more rewarding. Few other experiences can compare to the personal and homelike feel of furnished vacation accommodations. Contact Sea Side Reservations today for Riviera Nayarit furnished vacation rental homes, villas and condos that are simply beyond compare.

Take A Mexican Vacation To The Next Level By Visiting Riviera Nayarit

Considered by many to be one of the best-kept secrets in coastal Mexico, Riviera Nayarit is a delightful beach destination that is located conveniently between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With an expansive coastline, the area is convenient to an international airport and enjoys some of the best weather in all of Mexico. With an average temperature of around 77°F, Riviera Nayarit is perfect in every way when it comes to weather.

Inviting And Tropical Vegetation

Even more impressive is the fact that the area boasts a record amount of sunshine on an annual basis. With inviting and tropical vegetation as well as an abundance of animal species, visitors will be thrilled with the genuine feel of old world Mexico. Even more amazing is the fact that humpback whales visit the area every year. Visitors can enjoy seeing these massive animals give birth at the same time each year. From beautiful waterspouts to seeing these giants with their newborns, this is an experience that will not soon be forgotten.

Affordability Of This Unique Coastal Mexico Destination

Vacationers can also enjoy swimming with dolphins and sea lions as well as a wide variety of sports fishing. Diving coral reefs and even zipping along on a zip line is readily available to those that choose to vacation in beautiful Riviera Nayarit. The area has quickly grown in popularity as more and more people discover the beauty and affordability of this unique coastal Mexico destination. Scuba diving, snorkeling and world-class golf courses are all readily available to those that choose this unique part of Mexico for vacation or simply a weekend getaway.

Tropical Mountain Ranges Located Nearby

The area also has a wide variety of sanctuaries where many species of birds and other animals can be seen in their natural habitat. Even more impressive is that the tropical mountain ranges located nearby have jaguars and a wide variety of other jungle animals. Riviera Nayarit is an amazing travel destination that is far and apart from the mainstream crowded areas typically associated with Mexican vacations. Explore all that this unique area has to offer by planning your next vacation for beautiful and delightful Riviera Nayarit. Contact Sea Side Reservations today to explore your options with regard to Riviera Nayarit furnished vacation rental properties that are affordable and impressive.

A Special Vacation Is In Store When You Visit Riviera Nayarit

Surprisingly unique and secluded, Riviera Nayarit is considered one of Mexico’s vacation destinations that is the newest on the scene. Comfortably nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains, Riviera Nayarit is a paradise getaway that everyone should experience at one time or another. The area features coastlines that stretch for miles in a tropical paradise that is inviting, cozy and simply beyond compare.

Indigenous Animal Species

Convenience is an important aspect of visiting Riviera Nayarit as it is just a few minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. Near-perfect climate includes an average temperature of the mid-70s year-round. Sunshine abounds virtually every day of the year in a unique place where colorful and lush vegetation and a wide variety of indigenous animal species will keep the most intrigued travelers amazed each and every day. In addition, Banderas Bay, which is known as one of the biggest bays in the world, offers unique sightseeing as humpback whales come to visit each year.

Beautiful Creatures Creating Powerful Waterspouts

These humpback whales are majestic and powerful and come to this unique part of the world to give birth each year. Anyone that enjoys nature and experiencing animals in their natural habitat will not soon forget viewing these massive mammals as they perform. Tourists can expect to see these beautiful creatures creating powerful waterspouts, performing impressive jumps and simply swimming with their newborns. Few other experiences in life can compare to seeing humpback whales in their most natural of activity in the wild. This is the type of experience that greatly exceeds anything that could be imagined when visiting many of the world’s zoos.

Excellent Activities Made Available To Visitors

In addition, golfers will particularly appreciate world-class courses that offer lush vegetation and professionally manicured greens that simply must be experienced as a way to be fully appreciated. Other unique activities include sport fishing, surfing and even a chance to swim with dolphins. Zip lines are another great way for visitors to enjoy being immersed in all that this amazing area of Mexico delivers. Aside from all the excellent activities made available to visitors, there is always the option of simply siting and enjoying a beautiful and relaxing tropical sunset on a crystal white sand beach. Contact Sea Side Reservations for the best in Mexican beach reservations and travel planning.