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Golden beaches and spectacular seascapes: our Punta Mita travel guide

Published

31 October, 2022

Edited

3 May, 2023

Once a quaint little fishing village, picture-perfect Punta Mita is now a firm favourite with celebrities and VIPs worldwide. Featuring nine miles of sugar-white beaches and crystalline Pacific waters, framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains, this tranquil peninsula is truly paradise on earth.

Delve into the dazzling destination adored by the beau monde

Even during peak season, the area around Punta Mita remains so peaceful and intimate, you won’t hear much besides the soft notes of birdsong paired with the melodic crashing of ocean waves as they kiss the sandy shore.

Breathtaking beaches

Enveloped by silky white stretches of shore, it’s hard to know which beach to head to first on your trip to Punta Mita. Filled with an array of exceptional private beaches and beach clubs, there are also some lovely public options too.

Anclote Beach

If you’re travelling as a family, Anclote Beach is always a great shout. Known for its gentle surf and roomy shore, watch the children splash around in the calm, clear waters while you relax on white sands with a coffee or margarita in hand. If you want to get out and explore the water, then you can hire snorkel equipment or even a kayak from a local stand.

Playa Punta De Mita

Anyone looking to learn surfing should make tracks for Playa Punta De Mita. The ideal spot for intermediates and newbies alike, you can spend a happy day chasing the waves all together. The soft sands of this beach are perfect for those who’d rather take it a little easier on their summer vacations, too.

La Lancha Beach

Surf pros will want to head out to what is considered to be the ultimate surfing spot in Punta Mita, La Lancha Beach. A quick boat ride or short hike through the jungle away, decent waves are almost always guaranteed here. There’s also plenty of space on this roomy beach for lounging on the sand, tucking into a picnic and splashing in the shallows, perfect for any non-surfers in the group.

Activities abound

Punta Mita’s beauty isn’t just confined to above land - below the sea you’ll find a whole world of colour just waiting to be discovered.

Discover the delights of Banderas Bay

Some of our favourite dive spots to explore while on vacation in Banderas Bay are the Princesa Shipwreck near Mismaloya beach and the National Reserve of Los Arcos where you’ll find the Devil’s Canyon. Experienced divers should head to El Morro, where they will have the opportunity to venture into underwater caves filled with vibrant coral formations, explore towering seamounts and meet an array of ocean life, including turtles, bass and crabs, and maybe even mantas, octopus and dolphins.

Explore the magical Marieta Islands

Meanwhile, there’s plenty to discover on the surface of the water too. A day trip to the magical Marieta Islands should definitely be on the cards. This pair of pristine, uninhabited islands are brimming with natural beauty, especially the spectacular Hidden Beach - a perfectly formed beach accessible through a crater on Isla Redonda.

While Hidden Beach is definitely worth seeing, that’s not the only reason to visit the islands. This is also a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and discovering the abundance of marine life in the area. The two-hour round boat trip will also give you a chance to discover some of the local coastlines and maybe enjoy a swim in the middle of the ocean.

Sail the picturesque Punta Mita coastline

You could, of course, charter your own private yacht and plan the perfect day trip. Whether you want to set off on a fishing trip, spend the day discovering secret islands or indulge in a spot of whale watching (mid-December - mid-March), once you’re done for the day, sit back and enjoy the fiery sunset as the catch of the day sizzles on the grill. Whatever you’re dreaming of, Punta Mita’s coast is full of wonderful opportunities, guaranteed to suit every kind of traveller.

Golf to your heart’s content

Back on land, adventure abounds. A haven for golfers, Punta Mita is home to two excellent Signature championship par-72 courses designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus himself. Spend a happy day perfecting your swing, with the breathtaking views of the Pacific as your backdrop - an unforgettable experience. Opt for the Pacifico Course and you’ll get the chance to play The Tale of the Whale - the world’s only natural sea island green (just make sure you get there for low tide).

Bustling boutiques and a rich artistic legacy

Culture lovers should make tracks for downtown, where they can browse the endless boutiques, sample spicy tacos and sip frozen margaritas in Punta Mita’s bustling bars. If you’re craving a spot of shopping, then you’ll find boutiques bursting with vibrant and eclectic local pieces at Plaza Olin in Punta de Mita Village. Another great shopping spot is the pedestrian promenade from El Anclote, which is lined with boutiques toting the very best in Mexican design and craftsmanship.

De Maco by Hana Waxman Design

Design lovers should head to De Maco by Hana Waxman Design - the shop outpost of this sophisticated international design firm based in Punta Mita. Filled with unique, one-of-a-kind Mexican pieces, skilfully sourced by Hana Waxman herself, you’re sure to leave with plenty of interior inspiration (if not a shipping container full of furniture).

Jane Maroni Organic Designs

Jane Maroni Organic Designs is another great place to browse. Balancing art, engineering and design, Jane’s primitive style and raw creativity have resulted in unique pieces of furniture, jewellery and sculptures which perfectly encapsulate the rich, wild energy of the beautiful Riviera Nayarit.

Bucerias

For an art-filled afternoon, journey out to the small village of Bucerias where you’ll find a staggering 17 art galleries, displaying paintings and artisanal produce. Browse everything, from earthen pottery and handcrafted woodwork to dazzling jewellery, woven rugs and glittering glassware - you’ll certainly leave with full bags and lighter pockets.

Huichol

Another brilliant option for art lovers is visiting the Huichol who inhabit the nearby Sierra Madre Mountains. Boasting an art style that hasn’t altered since pre-Columbian times, these local artists create an impressive array of artwork and artefacts. Discover intricately beaded masks, vibrant yarn paintings and spellbinding jewellery and sculptures. Each handcrafted piece in Huichol art represents a spiritual connection, channelled through the ancient peyote rituals. Visitors have the privilege of visiting a traditional Huichol village and observing the artisans in the process of creating these captivating works of art.

Uncover the peninsula’s best-kept secrets

Whether you’re searching for seclusion on one of Punta Mita’s hidden beaches or planning on exploring the wilder heart of the resort, this spectacular peninsula has much to offer those who are willing to explore off the well-beaten track.

Monkey Mountain

Any hikers in the group should set off for an adventure to Monkey Mountain. The highest hill in the jungle south of Punta Mita, you will enjoy unbeatable views of the Riviera Nayarit and the Sierra Madre mountains from the top. An unmissable experience for nature lovers, the jungle is home to over 350 species of tropical birds. Relax to the sweet notes of bird songs and the melodic sound of the jungle on this thrilling expedition into the heart of nature.

Playa Litibú

For those seeking solace, Playa Litibú is well worth a visit. Situated just ten km northeast of Punta Mita, this is a secret stretch of shore, sweeping out towards the Pacific Ocean past unspoilt jungle scenery. Wander along the sugar-fine sands of Litibú, feeling as though you've stumbled upon your very own desert island - the sound of the waves crashing and the wind whistling in the palms will be the soothing soundtrack to your day.

Visit Tequila

Finally, you can’t visit Mexico without sampling the nation’s treasured spirit - tequila. While you can certainly taste fine tequilas at all the above-mentioned restaurants, if you want to truly get to grips with this special spirit then a trip to the town of Tequila may be on the horizon. Catch a private flight to this small, colourful town and sip some of the world’s very best tequilas. Nestled at the foot of the Tequila Volcano and framed by fields of blue agave, this town is as pretty as it is historical. Visit one of the local distilleries and learn about the history of tequila, the process of production and, of course, sample a few types and perhaps even create your own blend.

Where to eat in Punta Mita

Not only is the region of Riviera Nayarit renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, it is also famed for its fresh local produce and is a favourite amongst foodies from across the globe. With 192 miles of coastline, there is an abundance of fresh seafood in the area, and further inland you’ll find microclimates which allow farmers to grow their produce throughout the year.

From the freshest ceviche and aguachile to the regional speciality of pescado zarandeado (a whole red snapper marinated in spices and grilled over a mangrove wood fire), you’ll sample some of the best seafood of your life here in Punta Mita.

Tuna Blanca

For simply showstopping Mexican haute cuisine, there’s no better place than Tuna Blanca. The menu here consists of the fresh catch of the day, cooked with organic, local and seasonal ingredients. Bold interpretations of traditional fare are further enhanced by French twists - a nod to the heritage of the restaurant’s chef-owner, Thierry Blouet. Relax underneath the palapa roof and enjoy the stretching sea views as your taste buds are taken on a journey through the region’s very finest flavours.

La Pescadora

Another gorgeous seaside spot, La Pescadora combines spectacular sea views with excellent cuisine and friendly service. Sample one of the rare tequilas from the bar while enjoying the feel of sand between your toes and the sound of the waves crashing overhead. Keep things traditional by starting with their freshly prepared guacamole and salsa - made at your table, exactly how you like it. For the main course, the fresh pasta with shrimp is exceptional, while the margaritas from the bar are delicious - dangerously so!

Hector’s Kitchen

Another foodie favourite, whatever Hector’s Kitchen lacks in location, it makes up for with the menu. While it may not be your typical Punta Mita seafront eatery, it’s more than worth venturing inland for chef Hector Leyva’s superstar menu of bold flavours and locally-sourced produce. Kick things off with an exquisite craft cocktail, blended by one of Riviera Nayarit most acclaimed mixologists, before moving on to the pork belly tacos and truffled sweet potato tortellini.

The onefinestay experience

At onefinestay, we pride ourselves on providing much more than just a beautiful retreat with our handpicked collection of villa rentals in Punta Mita. How about a private chef for an extra-special evening in? We can arrange for talented local chefs to prepare authentic dishes night after night, or for a one-off occasion. From at-home massages and spa treatments in your luxury Punta Mita villa to arranging all your exciting adventures, our Travel Advisors are on tap to ensure your holiday is as action-packed or relaxing as you'd like.

Ready to discover Punta Mita?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL ADVISORS TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR PUNTA MITA GETAWAY TODAY. WE’LL FIND THE PERFECT VILLA FOR YOU AND CRAFT THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME.