Rincon de Guayabitos, Mexico: A Tranquil Paradise for Beach Lovers
One of the best beaches in the Riviera Nayarit is Rincon de Guayabitos, a charming town in Jaltemba Bay, famous for its huge “natural pool.”
This gift of nature is a jewel I invite you to discover with this complete travel guide.
Riviera Nayarit is a popular tourist destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast. In fact, more and more celebrities are choosing to rest in this paradise away from the flashbulbs.
Away from the big crowds of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Nayarit welcomes visitors with great surprises.
One of them is Rincon de Guayabitos, one of the 23 micro destinations that make up the Riviera Nayarit.
The Spanish conquistadors discovered Rincon de Guayabitos when they were looking for a port from which to evangelize the area of “Las Californias” and explore the Islas Marías.
And so they found this beautiful bay comprised of calm and crystalline waters.
However, it was not until 1970 that this corner of Nayarit was opened to tourism and started gaining fame as an outstanding destination.
The small town of Guayabitos has a shallow beach and turquoise waters that resemble a huge swimming pool.
In addition to offering all the amenities for the traveler to spend a complete stay, Guayabitos enjoys a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for resting and disconnecting.
Guayabitos Beach offers visitors a variety of attractions, which you’ll explore throughout this post. In short, this charming spot on the Pacific coast is worth discovering for plenty of reasons.
If you’re planning a trip to Guayabitos or other destinations in the Riviera Nayarit, this travel guide provides all the essential information to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Getting to Rincon de Guayabitos
Getting to Guayabitos is very easy. It is just one hour from Compostela and about 35 minutes from Sayulita, one of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Nayarit.
The Puerto Vallarta Airport is generally the gateway to this area of the Mexican coast.
From there, you can travel by public transportation, although the most practical option is to rent a car to explore the different points of Jaltemba Bay and the Riviera Nayarit.
To do so, just take highway 200 (Puerto Vallarta-Tepic) and drive for 66 km until you reach Guayabitos.
If you want more specifics about your traveling plans get in touch!
Why is Guayabitos called “The Huge Natural Pool”?
As I mentioned before, the “Natural Pool” nickname is because Rincon de Guayabitos is blessed with its location.
It’s right in the middle of the Jaltemba Bay, next to La Peñita, which means that its clear blue waters are almost always super calm.
This is why Guayabitos is the top choice for families with kids. It is perhaps the most swimming-friendly beach in this region.
Although it seems man-made, it was nature responsible for shaping this huge natural pool.
It is dotted with paradisiacal beaches and beautiful islets that make it an essential stop on any route through the Riviera Nayarit.
Along the bay, in addition to Guayabitos, you will find Peñita de Jaltemba, Los Alaya Beach, Frideras Beach, the beautiful Coral and Crab islands, Tortugas, Beso, Chacala and Chacalilla beaches, and other outstanding spots.
Visiting each of these places is the best way to discover the enormous beauty of Guayabitos.
What to do in Rincon de Guayabitos?
Wondering what to do in Guayabitos? Practically anything you can think of – scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, rowing, skiing, sailing, swimming, sport fishing, surfing lessons, and much more.
I guess the most popular activity is the excursion to Coral Island, Crab Island, and whale and dolphin watching trips.
The crystal clear waves of the Pacific are a delight for diving enthusiasts, experts, or novices.
Another thing you will do in Rincon de Guayabitos is taste delicious local food.
Its gastronomy is valued as one of the best in the area, with a strong presence of fish and seafood.
The small town of Guayabitos also has stores selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and other curiosities, such as sea flowers and handmade Huichol art.
Now, I will tell you in detail what are the best things to do in Rincon de Guayabitos.
Go Shopping
Avenida del Sol Nuevo, the main Boulevard of Rincon de Guayabitos, is perfect for shopping.
Located two blocks from the main beach, this commercial street has small and large stores, craft markets, restaurants, and more.
If you are looking for a souvenir of your visit to Guayabitos, here you will find pieces made with seashells, bathing suits, and regional clothing.
Take an excursion to Coral Island
Right in front of Guayabitos, you will see two islands, a tiny one and a large one.
These are Coral Island and Crab Island, the main attractions that can be visited with a short boat ride.
The paradisiacal Coral Island is the best option for travelers looking for less crowded spaces.
This islet is located off the coast of Guayabitos and is known as “The Natural Aquarium of the Riviera Nayarit,” thanks to its transparent waters, abundant fish, and pearly sand.
With only 11 hectares of surface, Coral Island holds a valuable and varied quantity of flora and fauna.
You may want to read: Top 10 Bucerias Nayarit Experiences You Can’t Miss
Among the most common species that inhabit Coral Island are sea turtles, multicolored fish, and a large number of birds (pelicans, seagulls, boobies, and more).
You may even find some starfish. In that case, remember that you cannot touch or move them in any way.
Also, due to the impact of tourist demand, the island has restricted access areas to preserve its biodiversity.
Therefore, it is essential that you respect these areas and don’t do anything that threatens the island’s ecosystem.
Crab Island
Most boat tours to Coral Island include a visit to Crab Island, a small rock formation named in honor of the thousands of crabs that inhabit it.
Like the previous one, it is home to several marine flora and fauna and is another unspoiled paradise considered a Protected Ecological Reserve.
In addition to seeing colonies of crabs of different sizes, the island is ideal for sport fishing, since its waters are inhabited by species such as dorado, sailfish, marlin, sardines, and the famous guachinango (red snapper).
Most boat tours operate from 9 to 5, making stops at Tortuga Beach, Beso Beach, Canyon Caves, Los Ayala Beach, Cangrejo and Coral Island.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, stand-up paddling, swimming, or simply strolling along the beach.
The island has a local food restaurant, but you can also bring your own and have a picnic on the beach.
If you opt for this, don’t forget to pick up your garbage before leaving the place.
Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to hire a tour. You can just go on your own on a water taxi (about a ten-minute ride) and have them pick you up whenever you want.
Other Beaches near Rincon de Guayabitos
Again, in addition to the town’s main beach, you can explore other playas along Jaltemba Bay.
Best of all, you won’t have to go too far to enjoy them.
Frideras Beach Nayarit
Just 15 minutes from Rincon de Guayabitos is another of the Riviera Nayarit’s best-kept secrets: Frideras Beach, a beautiful enclave framed by Cerro del Toro and Los Ayala Beach.
Getting here is easy, so you have no excuses not to go!
Playa Frideras captivates visitors with the strong natural contrasts between the dense vegetation and the blue of its warm waters.
It is characterized by its calm waves that make it suitable for families with children and its relaxed atmosphere, totally away from the hustle and bustle.
The best activities to do in Frideras are snorkeling or the famous hike to Cerro del Toro, where a viewpoint offers beautiful views of the entire coast.
It is also perfect for enjoying the best local food, such as shrimp sticks, banana bread (the best in Nayarit), cocadas, and more.
To get to this beach you can take a short hike from Los Ayala, through a nice mountain trail; or from Rincon de Guayabitos or Los Ayala town by hiring a water taxi.
Los Ayala Beach
Los Ayala is another paradisiacal corner of the Riviera Nayarit. This is another huge pool!
It is right next to Rincon de Guayabitos.
Here you will also find a beach of golden sand and warm turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs.
The small town of Los Ayala is protected by hills covered with vegetation that add a lot of attraction to the scenery.
In recent years, it has developed a good lodging offer, ranging from cozy hotels to comfortable bungalows with all the necessary services for a pleasant stay.
You can spend a day in the sun, rent a kayak and explore the area, raise your adrenaline levels by taking a quick ride on a banana boat, practice scuba diving, and explore the waters with a snorkel mask.
The beach also has a camping area to enjoy the starry skies and quiet nights.
El Toro Beach
So next to Rincon de Guayabitos is Los Ayala and next is El Toro. You can actually see the hill to get to the other side from there.
El Toro beach is only 200 meters long, 30 meters wide, and surrounded by thick vegetation.
Again, you are in front of a perfect place to enjoy a safe and refreshing swim. In addition, this small paradise is perfect for contemplating a beautiful sunset, so don’t hesitate to reserve a day at El Toro Beach.
Playa Chacala
Just 29 km from Guayabitos is Chacala, a beautiful sandy beach nestled in a small fishing village.
Only 300 meters long and 40 meters wide, Chacala Beach is distinguished by its extraordinary landscapes of palm trees and lush vegetation that make it one of the most picturesque corners of the Riviera Nayarit.
Due to its proximity to Guayabitos, you cannot miss this little Mexican corner.
Chacala is one of the treasures of the Mexican Pacific. This fishing community has a small marina for fishing boats and cruise ships that disembark in this area of Nayarit.
In fact, Chacala is a popular stop for many travelers touring the Mexican Pacific, especially in the winter season, when humpback whales arrive.
In addition to Chacala’s main beach, to the south is Las Cuevas, also known as Escondida Beach.
La Peñita de Jaltemba
This is another popular town in Jaltemba Bay (along with Los Ayala and Guayabitos) and the oldest in the area.
La Peñita was founded by the Nahuatlaca tribes during their pilgrimage from the island of Mexcaltitán to Tenochtitlán. However, it was given its name by the Spaniards.
This cozy fishing village is another jewel of Nayarit that you must visit if you travel to Guayabitos.
Only 3 km separate the two towns, so there is no excuse for not visiting La Peñita de Jaltemba. Its cobblestone streets and picturesque street lamps give it a special charm.
In addition to a beautiful beach, it has stalls selling handicrafts, a beautiful plaza with a church, a small boardwalk, and a colorful traditional market.
La Peñita beach is 1.5 km long and its waters are calm, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or other water activities.
Just 5 minutes away is El Playón, a virgin sandy area that invites you to stroll along the coast.
In La Peñita you will also find some lodging options, primarily bungalows. Despite being small, it also has restaurants, bars, and clubs for a pleasant nightlife.
El Toro lookout point near Rincon de Guayabitos
The best views of the bay are obtained from the Mirador del Toro.
Witnessing how the turquoise-colored sea merges with the green of the vegetation and the blue of the sky is a privilege and a pleasure for the senses.
If you want to enjoy this view, you just have to make the climb to the viewpoint. It can be a little demanding, but the trail is suitable for everyone.
The route takes about an hour and can be done on the trail that begins at the end of Compostela Beach, just ten minutes from Rincon de Guayabitos.
The route is winding and runs through palm trees and lush tropical vegetation.
On the way, you will pass by the aforementioned Playa Frideras (remember that if you visit this beach you can start the hike directly from here).
At the end of the trail, you will see the road that leads to Playa del Toro, which, as you know, is another paradisiacal corner of the Riviera Nayarit.
In short, for hiking and nature lovers, this trip to Mirador del Toro is an excellent plan.
Fiesta on the Party Boat
Looking for a little fun? Look no further. The Party Boat will take you to 10 of the best beaches of the Riviera Nayarit in a complete program that includes music, entertainment, live shows, and lots of fun.
The Fiesta Guayabitos Boat has two daily departures, at 11:30 am and 5:30 pm, so you can choose either of these two options.
If your visit coincides with the whale season, you will also be able to see them up close.
The approximate cost is 200 pesos (10 USD) for adults and 150 pesos (8 USD) for children.
Join a whale-watching tour
Humpback whale watching season in Guayabitos is from December to the end of March.
During this period, ocean giants migrate to the warm waters of the Pacific to feed, mate, and give birth to young calves.
Hence, whale watching for humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins is another of the most demanded activities in Guayabitos (and the entire Mexican Pacific).
Whale-watching tours are the best way to get a close look at these enormous animals. Even from the beaches themselves, they can be seen in the distance.
But, to live the experience of sailing very close to them is something you will love.
If you plan to enjoy this activity, be sure to reserve your place in advance, since the tours are in high demand.
Besides Guayabitos, you can do it from other corners of the Riviera Nayarit, such as Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita, Sayulita, and others.
Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit: Conclusion
Did you like Guayabitos? To the surprise of many, the Mexican Pacific coast hides great treasures that have little to envy the beaches of the Caribbean.
Jaltemba Bay and all the spots mentioned are a clear example of this, especially our protagonist today.
Rincon de Guayabitos offers an idyllic escape for those seeking a peaceful beach getaway in Mexico.
Its calm waters, laid-back atmosphere, and natural beauty make it the perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
If you’re looking for a slice of paradise away from the crowds, Rincon de Guayabitos should be at the top of your travel list.
