Nuevo Nayarit Travel Guide

The town runs along a long beachfront with most resorts facing the ocean and a marina to the north; a main coastal road parallels the beach with shopping centres and restaurants clustered near hotel zones and the marina, while canal developments sit just inland - most visitors base themselves in beachfront resorts or condos near the marina.

Costs: Typical daily costs vary widely depending on accommodation and activities; plan for a modest to moderate budget. - Most visitors stay in resorts or condos; dining ranges from inexpensive local stands to pricier hotel restaurants.

Safety: Generally safe - Tourist areas are well policed but expect the usual petty-theft risk on beaches and in crowds.

Best Time: November - April - Dry season with sunnier days and smaller chance of heavy rain; peak season runs through winter holidays.

Nuevo Nayarit is a planned residential and resort development on the northern edge of Banderas Bay in the Municipality of Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. Built around canals, golf courses, long stretches of white-sand beach and a sizable marina, the town was developed to attract international tourists and second-home buyers.

The area contains luxury villas, condominium complexes and resort hotels with international facilities, shopping centres and a marina with berths for pleasure boats. It receives many visitors from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and many businesses in the area accept both Mexican pesos and US dollars.

Although most visitors use it as a beach and watersports base, Nuevo Nayarit also serves as a quieter alternative to neighbouring Puerto Vallarta - the international airport is only a short drive away. The town has an engineered feel, with canals, gated communities and resort infrastructure that make it easy to move between beach, marina and shops.

Visit Nuevo Nayarit for long, sandy beaches, organized water-sports and the marina scene without the busier streets of nearby Puerto Vallarta. The development offers convenient resort amenities, canalfront walks and easy access to diving, sportfishing and whale-watching in Banderas Bay. It is a practical base for day trips to surf towns, secluded beaches and protected marine areas.

The most reliable weather is during the dry season when rainfall is low and skies are sunnier. The wet season brings heavy afternoon and evening downpours and higher humidity.

Nuevo Nayarit is very easy to reach from Puerto Vallarta and nearby towns; the international airport is the principal arrival point for most travelers. Road access is straightforward, and local colectivos and taxis serve the short links into the development.

• By Air: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR): The airport in Puerto Vallarta is about a 15-minute drive from Nuevo Nayarit; taxis and shared shuttles run regularly. Expect an airport taxi or shuttle to cost more than local buses; many hotels offer transfers.
• From Puerto Vallarta: Frequent colectivos and minibuses run between Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit; fares are low and the ride is short. Taxis are faster and more convenient if you have luggage.
• Long-distance buses and driving: Intercity buses connect Tepic and other regional hubs to Bahía de Banderas; travel from Tepic takes several hours. Driving from Guadalajara or Tepic is straightforward via toll and free highways and is a popular option for visitors with cars.

Getting around Nuevo Nayarit is simple: distances are short, and the resort layout favors walking between beach, restaurants and shops. For longer trips use taxis, colectivos or a rental car.

• Walking: Most beachfront resorts, restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance along the coastal road and marina promenade.
• Taxis and app taxis: Local taxis and ride-hailing services operate in the area; agree a price with street taxis or use the app where available for set fares.
• Colectivos and local buses: Colectivos are cheap for short hops to Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita and nearby towns and run frequently during the day.
• Rental car or organised tours: A rental car gives flexibility for exploring surf towns and Punta Mita, while organised boat and activity tours handle equipment and permits for diving and island trips.

Dining in Nuevo Nayarit ranges from seafood-focused beachfront palapa kitchens to hotel buffets and international restaurants in the marina zone; many places cater to tourists with familiar dishes alongside regional seafood specialties. Small shopping centres and grocery stores support self-catering condo stays, and many venues accept both pesos and US dollars.

Nightlife is low-key compared with Puerto Vallarta: expect marina bars, resort lounges and occasional beachfront live music. For clubs and a more intense night scene take a short taxi ride into Puerto Vallarta.

Shopping centres near the main road and marina sell beachwear, souvenirs and convenience items, while boutique shops in the marina offer nautical and artisan goods. For wider shopping choices and markets, neighbouring Puerto Vallarta has larger malls and craft markets.