Summer in Riviera Nayarit

It’s summer in Riviera Nayarit, which means the heat is on! While high season in Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit is during the winter months, summer also brings plenty of visitors into the area to enjoy the natural beauty even if it’s a little steamy. Thousands of visitors come to Riviera Nayarit all year long, but if you visit during the summer, you may need some tips on how to handle the heat and humidity that can be quite intense at times. Are you visiting Riviera Nayarit soon for your vacation, or do you already own a second home at Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta? If you do, then continue to read below for our tips on how to enjoy summer in Riviera Nayarit.

Swimming in the Ocean

When the heat is on in Riviera Nayarit, one of the best ways to stay cool is to go swimming in the ocean. Riviera Nayarit is known for having some of the best beaches in Banderas Bay, and tourists and residents love to enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean. The beaches in Nuevo Vallarta have wide, sandy shores and there isn’t a ton of shells or rocks like there is in other beaches near Puerto Vallarta. You can also find many restaurants on the beach in Nuevo Vallarta or Bucerias. In the mood for lunch al fresco, or want to sip a refreshing margarita as you take in the incredible ocean views? The options are endless as there are many restaurants to choose from in Riviera Nayarit that are great places to enjoy a nice meal during the day or evening. Bucerias is a quaint town on the beach just north of PV where you can even go horseback riding on the beach for a small fee. Jump in the ocean after your horseback ride to cool off and enjoy summer in Riviera Nayarit that much more.

Enjoy a Morning Hike 

Banderas Bay has some of the best hiking, rivers, and waterfalls in all of Mexico. While the entire region becomes quite dry during the winter months, the summer’s rainy season replenishes the area’s rivers and watering holes. A great way to enjoy summer in Riviera Nayarit is to take an early morning hike before the temperatures rise too high. One of the best hikes in the area is Monkey Mountain, which is found on the way to Higuera Blanca in between Punta Mita and Sayulita. Monkey Mountain is a great hike that the whole family can enjoy. Head out as early as you can as some parts of the hike do not have shade. It will all be worth it though once you read the top of Monkey Mountain and can enjoy impressive panoramic views of Banderas Bay. If you don’t mind heading down into Puerto Vallarta, there is another lovely hike near Palo Maria, which is about 10 minutes south of downtown PV. There you will find a beautiful flowing river during the summer months, and watering holes that are ideal for a refreshing dip. Plan ahead and bring a picnic to enjoy under the huge trees that shade the area. If you don’t mind a bit more of a workout, try to hike inland and you will reach a remarkable waterfall. It is a great spot to swim, dive, and float as you cool down in the refreshing waters.

Chill Out at the VIP Cinema

Another great way to stay cool during the summer in Riviera Nayarit is to enjoy a movie at the new VIP Cinema near Fluvial. Located inside the La Isla Shopping center in the hotel zone, the VIP Cinema features a full menu, drinks, and desserts so that you can enjoy the full VIP experience while you watch the latest blockbuster. Take a seat in the comfy leather recliners, and get comfortable. Peruse the extensive menu and when you are ready to order, simply push the button located at your seat and a waiter will come to take your order. Cash and cards are accepted. After you enjoy your movie, why not take the time to check out some of the amazing shops at La Isla. There are popular brand name and local stores that tourists and residents alike love to visit to find their next favorite outfit. Make sure you check out the turtle sanctuary and koi fish pond on your way out.

During summer in Riviera Nayarit, there are plenty of ways to stay cool so you can enjoy the area all year long. Do you live in Riviera Nayarit or have a second home at Villa La Estancia? If so, swimming in one of the amazing onsite pools on the property, or simply relaxing in the comfort of your air-conditioned private residence are two other great ways to enjoy summer in Riviera Nayarit.

Top Family Beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta offer great beaches that you should not miss when you spend your vacations or choose to live in Banderas Bay, Mexico. The beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta provide the most picturesque views, with cool blue waters and yellow sand. There are many beaches that are perfect for swimming as well as beaches that have shallow waves where supervised children and families can enjoy the waters and go frolicking on the shorelines.

The beach at Villa La Estancia, called Nuevo Vallarta beach, is one of the most beautiful in Banderas Bay and stretches for miles. The water here is relatively shallow for playing in the waves and body boarding, and the sweeping coastline is great for walking with a partner or running in the morning or in the early evening out of the midday sun. Sometimes, you will see turtles arrive to the beach to lay eggs and dolphins jumping in the distance.

Some beaches to the north of Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta have gigantic waves where surfing can be truly pleasurable and challenging. Banderas Bay’s wide coastline is ideal for many outdoor activities like beach volleyball, frisbee throwing, running and camping. Don’t limit yourself by visiting just one beach; there are many of them guaranteed to make you smile.

Besides your beach at Villa La Estancia Residences, here is a list of the top family beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta that you can visit:

  1. Sayulita Beach
  2. About half an hour’s drive from Villa La Estancia, you will find Sayulita, the coolest and hippest beach in the area. It offers more than just a gorgeous beach, but an active tropical lifestyle that would blow you away. It is a surfer’s paradise, with huge waves as well as areas safe for learning to surf. It is teeming with world class surfers and surf shops abound. But it is not just surfers who can have a good time in Sayulita; it boasts of a very wide beach with restaurants and bars offering services.

    What makes Sayulita truly special aside from a wonderful beach life is the different environment that you can experience. There are restaurants where you can gorge on Mexican food and delicacies, as well as a farmer’s market on Fridays. You will also find a number of beachwear designer stores and signature shops that will satisfy your shopping cravings and make you think of San Francisco in the late 60s / 70s. Lastly, don’t miss the nightlife for a bohemian night out.

    Sayulita Beach
    Source: Flickr.com

  3. Punta Mita Beach at the Anclote
  4. North of Nuevo Vallarta, you will find Punta Mita, a laid back, serene place to enjoy a day at the beach. This beach is more reminiscent of a mediterranean beach resort, an ideal hideaway from the boisterous and clogged city life. Relaxation and peace can be achieved here, erasing the hassles and pressures of life. Get a sling chair, sip your favorite cocktail and feel the tranquility of its air while treating yourself to a sumptuous dinner of fresh marlin or grilled tuna.

    Although Punta Mita is a relatively small and quiet beach, there are cozy restaurants, stores and surf schools that will heat up your stay, offering a unique choice for your vacation or day trip. Punta Mita is the best for people watching and soaking up a totally different atmosphere that will energize and invigorate any listless soul. Shallow and blessed with marine life like colorful corals and different fish species, its waters are ideal for snorkeling and is a feast for any snorkeler or scuba diver’s eyes. Watch out for starfish and squid.

  5. Camarones Beach, Puerto Vallarta
  6. One of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beaches. It is located on the North side of the Malecon. It has a wide beach and a long stretch of shoreline that can host a large number of visitors. Order and safety are a priority; lifeguards are all over the area during the busy seasons of summer. People who have a knack for tasting tropical delicacies would surely love this place. Vendors that sell fish, shrimps, fruits and other delicious snacks is a sure hit for hungry appetites.

    Because of its wide shores, active bodies who are into beach volleyball and other outdoor activities are an instant shoot at Camarones Beach. You could work up a sweat by competing in beach running or try frisbee throwing. There are still a lot more you can do at this beach resort that would result in complete family fun and entertainment.

    It is not the most sophisticated beach in Puerto Vallarta, but here you will really see how local Mexican’s enjoy the beach, especially if you go on Sundays.