Just the thought of planning a vacation to Mexico is enough to get many traveler’s hearts beating fast. This dynamic country filled with fantastic flavors, incredible culture and opportunities to connect with ancient history through lingering pyramids and monuments makes it an oasis of opportunity for those with hearts for adventure.

It’s also a country designed by nature to provide some of the most stunning coastal scenery around. Mexico’s terrain is made up of everything from mountains and seascapes to sprawling cities that are as thrilling as they are possibly daunting to make your way through due to the sheer number of inhabitants that call places like Mexico City home.

While all of Mexico is well worth a visit at one point or another, there’s something particularly special about the Riviera Nayarit. Comprised of over 200 miles of shoreline on the country’s Pacific coast, Riviera Nayarit stretches between San Blas and Banderas Bay.

In between, there’s an entire world of adventure waiting to be discovered no matter where you book your stay. Whether you’re one for the sand and sun or a traveler that can’t wait to soak up sights of mountains, jungles and discover hidden away treasures, Riviera Nayarit is sure to have something for you. Here are just a few of the reasons the Riviera Nayarit should be on your Mexico bucket list of destinations to explore.

The Tours

You don’t have to be a well-versed traveler to make the most of time in Riviera Nayarit and this is one of the reasons it’s an amazing place to visit. There are plenty of tour companies in the area that are dedicated to providing guests with a comprehensive look at the intricate landscapes, cultures, and events that make up this area in a way that’s safe, fun and memorable.

For those with a heart for eco-friendly travel, partnering up with Ecotours de Mexico is a great way to explore both the land and sea with a focus on sustainable movement and minimal impacts on nature itself. For those travelers that can’t wait to experience the best of the waters that make up Riviera Nayarit, certified diving instructors and guides are never far away. Oceano Dive and Surf in Sayulita is a good place to book your time under the sea alongside professionals who can point out amazing stops along the way.

Still, those with a passion for time passed on the shoreline will love the opportunity to make the most of horseback riding tours on the beach with the team at Rancho Manuel in Sayulita which also doubles as a riding school.

The Landmarks

It seems no matter where you roam in the Riviera Nayarit, there’s always a landmark waiting to be stumbled up and enjoyed. The sheer number of them makes this destination well worth a visit, and likely a return trip or two. Among them, the Marieta Islands stand out as truly exceptional.

Located just a few miles off the coast of Punta de Mita, these islands were once military bases but today enjoy a protected status and function as a bird sanctuary and national park. With flora and fauna returned to the islands, they have become a must-see stop on any Riviera Nayarit journey. Snorkeling, hiking, and photography are all highlights of a trip to the Marieta Islands.

Another landmark of particular interest for those that can’t wait to dig their toes into the sand is a stop at San Pancho Beach. Situated within San Pancho, this beach is housed within a city that considers itself to be the cultural heart of Riviera Nayarit.

Beyond time spent under the sun, this area offers up plenty of options for pursuing handcrafted goods, browsing local art galleries and making the most of music, dancing, and culture at its finest.

The Festivals

Riviera Nayarit may be a place that brings postcard-worthy scenery to life before your eyes, but it’s also a destination worth experiencing because it’s a place that knows how to celebrate! The Riviera Nayarit hosts a variety of festivals each and every year that are always exciting and insightful.

From the San Blas Migratory Bird Festival in January to the Festival Sayulita which celebrates music, movies, drink, and life, there’s always a reason to be excited for what nature and people have achieved.

The Nature

While culture, flavor, and fun are always to be found in the Riviera Nayarit, this destination is brimming over with options to connect with wildlife. This coastal destination is one that has long been flocked to by bird lover’s looking to make the most of warm-weather migration patterns.

The waters that surround the Riviera Nayarit are teeming with dolphins and its common to be able to spot crocodiles in the interior rivers that run through jungles and mountains. While the Marieta Islands are home to the impressive blue-footed booby, further out in the ocean, humpback whales make their way through this area each and every year.