Top 10 Bucerias Nayarit Experiences You Can’t Miss
North of Puerto and Nuevo Vallarta lies Bucerias, a picturesque Riviera Nayarit destination, perfect for your next vacation.
Boasting beautiful beaches, a plethora of restaurants, and a laid-back style, Bucerias is often overlooked by tourists planning to travel to Mexico’s coastal cities.
But, the truth is that there are many reasons why you should seriously consider visiting this destination.
Bucerías is located in Banderas Bay, between La Cruz de Huanacaxtle to the north and Nuevo Vallarta to the south.
Its calm sea characterizes it, similar to a huge natural pool, perfect and safe for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding.
Families with small children are Bucerias’s favorite visitors, not only because of the sea conditions but also because of the relaxed atmosphere.
This small town is enchanted with its cobblestone streets, brightly painted facades, and the tranquillity that permeates its streets.
If you are looking for a holiday in Mexico, but want to get off the beaten tourist track and explore new destinations, Bucerias is a great option.
How to get to Bucerias, Nayarit
The charming town of Bucerias is located within Banderas Bay, the largest in Mexico, in the Riviera Nayarit.
The easiest way to get there is by car from Puerto Vallarta, 26 km away. Just take Federal Highway 200 and drive for about 30 minutes (depending on rush hours).
From the PV airport, you may hire a taxi or private transportation. If you want to save a few bucks though, step outside the airport and cross the pedestrian bridge.
When you exit the bridge you will see a big bus stop with lots of people. You can catch any of the buses that go in the Bucerias direction or get an Uber.
10 Top things to do in Bucerias, Nayarit
Despite its small size, Bucerias has quite a wide tourist portfolio, with options for all ages. The downtown streets are perfect for strolling and shopping for handicrafts, typical sweets, and street food.
The colorful buildings add a lot of visual appeal to the promenade, while the friendly people make you feel at home.
Bucerias has restaurants and bars perfect for sampling local produce. Whether it’s a simple lemonade, a delicious ceviche, or a shrimp cocktail, the experience will always be pleasing to the palate.
And if you love Oysters (like I do), Bucerias is the home of them! In fact, the Oyster fair is held each year in April.
Bucerias Beach is very safe and was recently certified as one of the cleanest beaches on the Mexican coast. Here you can relax, go horseback riding, swim, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
In short, visiting Bucerias is synonymous with sharing pleasant moments with family or friends. It is not for nothing that many national and foreign tourists make Bucerias their second home.
Living in a typical village by the sea is a luxury that more and more people choose to indulge in.
If this sounds like you, don’t hesitate to consider Bucerias for your next holiday, I’m sure you won’t regret it!
1. Tour the Main Square and the Golden Zone
Bucerías boasts 5 miles of soft sandy beach along which there are two neighborhoods: the center and the Zona Dorada.
Between the two neighborhoods is the Arroyo del Indio (Indian Creek), which comes from the Sierra Madre Mountains.
While the beach of Bucerias is the most attractive part of the town, the center also hides a lot of charm and a traditional Mexican atmosphere.
Its focal point is the Plaza de Armas (main square), surrounded by cobbled streets, colorful houses, and a beautiful kiosk in the center.
This is where locals and tourists usually gather, so it is a good place to meet people.
Its atmosphere is lively, both day and night, so you will enjoy the warmth and colorful atmosphere of the Plaza de Armas of Bucerias at all times.
The church of the Virgen de la Paz, to which the people who make their living from the sea pay special devotion, is located right there.
Also, around the square, many restaurants prepare fresh yummy seafood dishes, as well as handicraft stalls.
The Golden Zone can be easily reached on foot from the center of Bucerias. Just a short walk through the Paseo del Beso and soon you will be in this beautiful neighborhood full of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes.
The beach, meanwhile, is just a 2-minute walk from this area and is so wide that you’ll always have a place to set up your umbrella and chairs.
The selection of restaurants in the “Zona Dorada” ranges from more exclusive options to simpler and more traditional establishments. Here you can sample local specialities such as zarandeado fish, ceviches and aguachile.
Every Thursday night from November to April, visitors can take a free self-guided walking tour of the Golden Zone’s art galleries.
The tour starts on Calle Lázaro Cardenas and boasts numerous craft shops and street stalls where you can buy a tequila, a mezcal, or some other local drink.
2. Discover the Bucerias Nayarit Street Market
It is said that to get to know a town, one must go to its markets, and I agree with that.
In these places, you can appreciate the essence of each place, its people, its customs, and its way of life. Our protagonist today is no exception to the rule.
The Bucerías Market has a good number of stalls selling everything you can imagine. From traditional Mexican items to small travel souvenirs to take home.
You will also find beautiful pieces of glass and Huichol art, beach t-shirts, sandals, tapestries, jewelry, and much more.
The market is located on the corner of Dr. Abraham Gonzalez Street and Mexico Avenue, right in the center of Bucerias. It is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
3. Buy fish at the La Cruz Seafood Market
Long before becoming a tourist destination, Bucerias lived off the seafood and fish provided by the Pacific and the cultivation of corn, peanuts, and various fruits.
Today, these goods are still present and found in Bucerias’ gastronomic dishes, you can buy them at the large seafood market located at the La Cruz Marina (about 10 minutes north of Bucerias).
Here you will have access to some of the freshest seafood in the bay and learn how to cook and prepare them. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s still a nice show.
4. Relax by the Bucerias Beach
As I mentioned before, due to its unbeatable location in the Bay of Banderas, Bucerías Beach offers areas where the calm sea allows inexperienced swimmers or the youngest ones to enjoy themselves without danger.
If you go a little further away from the center, the waves become more intense, ideal for the more adventurous and daring.
The beach of Bucerias is very wide, so you will easily find a space to set camp and sunbathe, or read a good book.
Sunsets have a special charm on this beach. That’s why the highlight of the day is to wait for the moment of twilight.
Of course, due to its location, in summer the sunset in Bucerias is not over the sea, but over the mountains in the western part of the bay.
The postcard is just as magical, so don’t hesitate to wait for this beautiful moment.
Besides water sports, swimming, and snorkeling, another popular activity on Bucerias Beach is horseback riding.
In fact, you will likely be approached by an agency offering you a tour or an excursion to the mountains to see rivers and waterfalls.
Another way to entertain yourself on the beach is by collecting sea shells. This activity is carried out by many artisans, who make necklaces and other handicrafts out of them.
Even if you are not an expert in handicrafts, you can take some of them to decorate a corner of your house.
5. Practice water sports
Water sports are the order of the day in Bucerias. As a good coastal destination, it offers its visitors a wide range of possibilities.
On Bucerías Beach you will find schools and equipment rental shops for SUP (stand-up paddle), surfing, and kite surfing.
SUP board rentals cost around 250 MXN per hour and allow you to paddle around the bay.
As for surfing, 15-20 minutes away from Bucerias you will find beaches with excellent waves to test your skills.
Kitesurfing, on the other hand, can also be practiced by beginners and experienced kitesurfers.
The wind season usually runs from February to June, while the International Kiteboarding Competition takes place in May.
6. Visit El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary
An interesting activity to do with the family is to visit the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary, a space dedicated to wildlife where you can learn all about these animals.
This place is destined for the conservation of endemic species of the estuary area in Nuevo Vallarta, so its importance is not only touristic.
When you arrive at El Cora, you will join one of the guided excursions and see the crocodiles up close, whether they are large specimens or small offspring.
The crocodiles are housed in ponds that have been conditioned to resemble their natural environment.
You can also see other animals such as geese, turtles, and coatis and learn about the center’s ecological activities.
7. Take a whale-watching tour
The whale-watching season in Riviera Nayarit runs from December to March.
Every winter, the incredible and majestic humpback whales pass by these coasts as part of their migratory routes from the Arctic.
The protected waters of Banderas Bay offer the perfect conditions for breeding.
Therefore, if you visit Bucerias at this time of year, joining the whale-watching tour is a unique opportunity to see these giants of the ocean around the boats.
Even the calves are often seen, being taught by their parents in the ways of the aquatic world.
It is estimated that between 250 and 400 humpback whales arrive on these shores every year, so the chances of spotting them are great.
Daily tours depart from the nearby marinas of La Cruz, Nuevo Vallarta, and Marina Vallarta.
Most tours take place between 8:30 am and 1 pm, which is when the sea is usually calmer and sailing is safer.
8. Explore the Marietas Islands National Park
The Marietas Islands are a group of small uninhabited islands declared a World Heritage Site in 2004.
They are also known as the Mexican Galapagos, due to the large number of species they are home to.
That’s why, if you have the opportunity to join an excursion, you can get to know one of the most beautiful natural parks in the world.
Its famous hidden beach and Playa del Amor have characteristics that make it truly unique.
But, the experience is not limited to just enjoying the scenery, you can also snorkel, kayak, paddle, and see dolphins or humpback whales in winter.
Tours to the Marietas Islands include a visit to its famous beach, where you can swim through cave formations and rock arches to find an oasis of white sand and crystal clear waters.
Boats leave from Puerto Vallarta and take one hour; or from Punta Mita, 22 km from Bucerias, and in this case the boat trip to the islands takes 20 minutes.
Keep in mind that visiting any of these beaches is only allowed from Wednesday to Sunday with limited access (115 people per day), in order to preserve the place.
Therefore, I recommend you book your tour well in advance to make sure that tickets are available.
Another thing to remember is that access to the beach is by swimming. The operators will provide you with life jackets and snorkeling gear to enjoy the experience.
9. Eating in Bucerias, Nayarit
This gorgeous little town is more than just a beach destination.
Gastronomy plays an important role here, so it offers plenty of possibilities to go out and enjoy a fabulous meal.
Whether you want to try some delicious fish tacos, oceanfront seafood, a good ceviche, or a traditional margarita, in Bucerias you will find the best spot.
For breakfast, Luna Luna is one of the most popular places in Bucerias.
If you love spicy food, don’t leave without trying their huevos rancheros. La Luna restaurant is in the Golden Zone of Bucerías and usually has an acoustic band that lights up the mornings.
Another good place for breakfast is Panquekis House, which offers freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, and a good variety of coffees and teas.
French toast is one of the house specialties, as are eggs Florentine and sweet potato pancakes.
For seafood, yummy ceviches, and shrimp cocktails, there’s a seafood restaurant right on the main square, I forgot its name but you will see it. It’s one of my favorites.
10. Participate in baby turtle releases
One of the best experiences to share with the family in Bucerias is to participate in turtle-release programs.
In case you didn’t know, the coasts of the Mexican Pacific are key for the reproduction of several sea turtle species. Hence, there are programs aimed at preserving this natural cycle.
The Olive Ridley sea turtle species returns in the greatest number each year to the coasts of Banderas Bay.
A curious detail is that the females return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs, between 10 and 20 years later.
Hence the importance of the hatching ceremony: it has to take place on the beach where the eggs were laid so that the turtle knows where to return to.
The hatching season takes place between August and December, although it sometimes occurs outside this period.
When the time comes, sea turtle release ceremonies are held at the different camps and sanctuaries in Banderas Bay.
The turtle camps collect the eggs until the hatchlings are born. They collect them from the beaches, take them to a safe place (to protect them from natural predators and poachers), and at the time of hatching return them to the same place from which they were collected.
These ceremonies are both exciting and educational. Watching the slow pilgrimage of the little turtles to the sea is truly unique.
16 km from Bucerias is the beautiful town of Sayulita, where there is a turtle camp (Campamento de Liberación de Tortugas de Sayulita) where you can join this activity and, at the same time, get to know a very special destination.
Other popular beaches near Bucerias, Nayarit
One of the things that make Bucerias so attractive is its location, it is literally in the middle of everything and everywhere.
Therefore, taking the opportunity to take a tour of the area is another of the best things to do in this destination.
Sayulita Beach (premiere surfing spot)
The Magic Town of Sayulita is almost 20 kilometers from Bucerias, along the Federal Highway 200/Tepic-Puerto Vallarta.
It is one of the most famous enclaves of the Riviera Nayarit, perfect for surfing or just relaxing on the beach.
Riviera Nayarit surprises visitors with its colorful atmosphere, dense tropical forest, friendly people, and dreamlike beaches.
This sun and beach destination on the shores of the Mexican Pacific offers plenty of activities and leisure options.
Travelers will find in Sayulita a place where they can have a good time (day and night), buy handicrafts, learn or practice surfing, and much more.
Tourist life revolves around its coastline, which is visited year after year by national and international tourists.
Along the beach line, there are plenty of restaurants, surf schools, and tour operators that aim to give their visitors a complete and pleasurable experience.
Also, from this destination you can explore nearby sites such as the Playa de los Muertos and the beautiful Marietas Islands.
Playa de los Muertos (Sayulita)
Very close to Sayulita you will find a true oasis of tranquility: Playa los Muertos.
This beautiful cove north of Sayulita’s main beach is perfect to escape the hustle and bustle and connect with nature.
By the way, despite its unsympathetic name, the beach is an earthly paradise. This is because to get there you have to go through the local cemetery.
The walk does not take more than 10 minutes, so there are no excuses not to go. After crossing a small hill, the postcard that opens before your eyes will be magical.
Playa de los Muertos is characterized by its calm and transparent waters, ideal for swimming and discovering marine fauna with a snorkel mask.
The calm atmosphere and the beauty of the landscapes invite contemplation and relaxation.
Services at Playa de los Muertos include the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, food vendors, and bars. Despite being quieter than the main beach in Sayulita, it still has good vibes.
In other words, Playa de los Muertos has the perfect balance between isolation and crowding.
Punta Mita Beach
Close to Bucerias is another exclusive destination in Banderas Bay: Punta Mita.
This small town occupies a large peninsula that offers charming views of the Pacific, with the Sierra Madre mountains behind.
Punta de Mita is small, but it has an excellent hotel and gastronomic offer, as well as beaches that will make you fall in love.
Punta Mita’s long white sand coastline features some of the area’s most exclusive resorts, private beaches, golf courses, and other amenities geared toward travelers seeking more comfort and luxury.
Its atmosphere is quite different from that of Sayulita and Bucerías, but it is still a destination worth visiting.
The town of Punta Mita is full of boutiques, shops, cafes, and other very attractive corners.
Avenida las Redes is one of its main streets where you will find the best boutiques and some great cafes. From there you will reach the marina, where traditional fishing boats and modern vessels are displayed.
Next to the port is the public beach of Punta Mita, perfect for relaxing without having to pay anything.
Punta Mita is another reason that will make your trip to Bucerias Nayarit an unforgettable experience.
In fact, the entire Banderas Bay area is full of surprises, so much so that you could spend several days touring its towns and always discover something new.
