San Blas Nayarit: Home of Mexico’s Most Beloved Pier
San Blas is a quaint fishing village in Nayarit known for its serene beaches, the soothing sounds of birds, the warmth of its people, and their simple way of life (and the best banana bread, ever!).
Nestled on Matanchén Bay, San Blas, Mexico, is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway with family and friends.
It also marks the endpoint of the Riviera Nayarit along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
This magical port is rich in history and natural beauty, offering a gateway to adventure among its mangroves, national parks, and scenic landscapes.
With its beautiful beaches, distinctive cuisine, ecological diversity, and colonial heritage, San Blas is a truly unique destination on the Mexican Pacific.
The 17th-century port of San Blas was home to the first maritime customs house on the Pacific coast and played a pivotal role in Spain’s mission to colonize Mexico.
It was a hub for claiming new lands, acquiring gold and other valuable resources, and spreading Christianity throughout the New World.
San Blas is situated on the Pacific coast in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, approximately 157 km north of Puerto Vallarta’s airport.
Unlike the bustling resort destinations of Nuevo Vallarta or Punta Mita, San Blas offers a more authentic and tranquil experience.
San Blas, Nayarit: Main attractions
San Blas Pier (Muelle de San Blas)
The San Blas Pier gained fame through the iconic rock-pop band Maná and their song En el Muelle de San Blas.
The song tells the tragic story of Rebeca Méndez, also known as “the crazy woman of San Blas.”
In the summer of 1971, Rebecca was set to marry Manuel, a fisherman. However, just days before the wedding, Manuel went to sea and never returned.
Heartbroken, Rebecca waited endlessly on the docks of San Blas in her wedding dress, earning her the now-famous nickname.
Las Islitas Beach
The best beaches near San Blas Nayarit lie southeast of town, around Matanchén Bay, starting with Playa Las Islitas, located 6 km from San Blas.
Las Islitas is an excellent spot for beginners to learn surfing.
The beach has numerous enramadas—rustic kitchens typically featuring palm-thatched roofs and plastic chairs.
Their specialties include grilled whole fish, fresh local oysters, and refreshing coconut water.
Further inland, the beaches have small, gentle waves, perfect for children to play in. On most days, the first two beaches have little to no waves at all.
For a slightly different experience, head to Playa Borrego, just a three-minute drive south of the town square. The highlight here is Stoners Point, located at the northern end of Matanchén Bay.
To reach these beaches, take the main road toward Tepic and turn right after about 4 km. This paved road leads south to Matanchén.
From there, a dirt road continues east to Playa Las Islitas and other beautiful swimming beaches with calm surf.
San Blas and Tovara River Cruises
For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, La Tovara Nature Reserve, located near the colonial town of San Blas, is a must-visit destination.
The reserve is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including turtles, crocodiles, fish, and an abundance of bird species.
During your visit, you’ll explore the ruins of an old fortress and enjoy panoramic views of San Blas.
A boat cruise along the San Blas River through the jungle will immerse you in the heart of nature.
La Tovara is widely regarded as one of the best birdwatching spots in Mexico, hosting more than 240 bird species.
Among the highlights are purple gallinules, American coots, anhingas, snail kites, crested caracaras, roseate spoonbills, black-bellied tree ducks, hummingbird bumblebees, and boat-billed herons.
The boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours, culminating in a sheltered freshwater swimming area where you can relax and unwind.
As your boat glides through the mangroves, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking scenery, featuring stunning birds, vibrant flowers, and the ever-present crocodiles.
Upstream, the tour makes a stop at a crocodile farm, offering a close-up view of these fascinating reptiles.
Fuerte de la Contaduria (Fort of San Blas, Nayarit)
Once the most significant naval station in New Spain, San Blas required a fort to defend its port against potential sea attacks.
In response, the Contaduría Fort was constructed in 1760 atop Cerro de Basilio.
From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy stunning views and explore the Temple of the Virgin of the Rosary.
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, “La Marinera”
This historic landmark in San Blas is just steps away from the Contaduría Fort.
Built in 1769, it was the first church dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Rosario, “La Marinera,” also known as La Galeona de Cádiz.
The structure features beautiful stone arches that once supported a roof.
Sailors from Cádiz would pray here, seeking the Virgin’s protection before embarking on treacherous expeditions across the sea to the northwestern territories of New Spain.
Today, the interplay of sunlight through the arches creates a picturesque setting, often used as a backdrop for photography.
Stoner’s Point
San Blas Nayarit is synonymous with surfing, and Stoner’s Point has been legendary among surfers since its discovery in the 1960s.
Known for its remarkable right point break that extended over a mile, it quickly achieved mythical status.
One iconic image captures an old wooden van loaded with surfboards, its passengers watching a surfer ride the waves at Las Islitas.
Stoner’s Point and Las Islitas remain among Mexico’s most famous surfing destinations.
A river flows into the ocean near the point, creating a natural feature for visitors.
You may want to read: 8 Things to do in Punta Mita, Nayarit: Mexico’s Luxury Coastline
Some choose to walk from San Blas to the river mouth and swim across to reach the point.
Matanchén Bay, Nayarit
Matanchén Bay boasts almost 8 kilometers of pristine, fine sand. Its main beach caters to the needs of surfers, water skiers, sailors, and divers alike.
In addition to the swaying palm trees and the majestic hills that frame the crystal-clear sea, one of the destination’s most iconic features is Las Islitas, a unique rock formation.
Scattered along the beach are charming palapas offering traditional regional dishes, with fresh fish and seafood as the highlights.
Traveling along the Las Varas–San Blas highway, you can also explore nearby beaches such as Miramar, Los Cocos, and Aticama.
Matanchén Bay is perfect for a variety of water sports, including surfing, sailing, jet skiing, and diving, as well as beach activities like volleyball or a casual soccer match.
Don’t miss the chance to savor its famous pescado zarandeado (grilled fish) and indulge in local specialties like banana, carrot, and coconut or banana bread.
How to get to San Blas Nayarit
As I mentioned earlier, San Blas is about 160 km from Puerto Vallarta and 240 km from Guadalajara.
The main difference between these routes is that the road from Guadalajara is a tollway, while the road from Puerto Vallarta is a winding country route.
Flying to Guadalajara is generally cheaper and faster than flying to Puerto Vallarta.
Driving from Puerto Vallarta to San Blas takes approximately 3 hours, whereas the drive from Guadalajara to San Blas is shorter due to the toll highway.
From the North: Travel from Mazatlán to Tepic via International Highway 15 (toll or free), then take the turnoff to San Blas on Highway 54.
From the South: From Tepic, follow International Highway 15 (toll or free), then take the detour to San Blas on Highway 54.
From Puerto Vallarta: Take State Highway 200 to Las Varas (or the new tollway), and follow the detour marked Zacualpan to connect with Interstate Highway 16.
Your trip to San Blas Nayarit, along with the charm of this Mexican port town, promises to be an unforgettable experience!
Final thoughts
San Blas isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience.
Its iconic pier, rich with history and wrapped in natural beauty, perfectly captures the essence of this charming coastal town.
Whether you’re wandering its quiet beaches, marveling at the fiery hues of a Pacific sunset, or listening to the timeless melodies of local traditions, San Blas leaves an indelible mark on your heart.
This beloved pier is more than just wood and nails—it’s a testament to the connection between land, sea, and community.
It’s where stories begin, where fishermen cast their nets, and where visitors find solace in the rhythm of the waves.
If you’re looking for a slice of authentic Mexico, filled with warmth, culture, and breathtaking vistas, San Blas awaits. Come for the pier, stay for the magic.
