“Fly” over the waves: the best surf breaks in Banderas Bay and beyond

Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit offer waves all year round and for all levels, both for those who stand up for the first time on a board and for those who challenge mother nature to the extreme.

Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are two destinations where you will find some of the best beaches and the most charming fishing villages in Mexico, qualities that also make them a paradise for surfing.

And it is not that the region is a surfing destination in itself, but it does have several factors for which it has become very popular in recent years among wave seekers: its sea enjoys an excellent temperature almost all year round, the waves, the variety of beaches and, of course, the good vibes that can be found in the surf breaks.

Experts say that, more than a lifestyle, surfing is a life with style; a sport that catches you from the moment you ride your first wave, because the feeling of freedom that you experience is incomparable to anything; Hence, it is considered the “king” extreme sport of the beaches, since to practice it only requires a specially designed board, a lot of patience and a large dose of energy.

But, what are the ideal points to practice this activity?

The natural benefits of this coastal strip, from Cabo Corrientes to Punta de Mita, and beyond (with Sayulita and San Pancho outside the bay), allow surf lovers to find more than 15 surf breaks, which guarantees waves throughout year.

Next, I will mention just a few of these points, which are my very particular recommendation for you to enjoy a surf vacation in Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit.

Quimixto

This point is located south of Puerto Vallarta, between jungles and white sand beaches in the middle of some of the most beautiful coves of Banderas Bay, and although it is not an island, Quimixto can only be reached by water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán or the Pier of Playa Los Muertos. As for the wave, this micro-destination is one of the best places to surf, with beach breaks (right and left) that, unlike the rest of the bay, are more reliable in the summer months.

Punta Burros

This is a point break located in the area known as Costa Banderas, very close to Punta de Mita. It has a rock bottom, it generates mainly right waves and some left waves, occasionally. It is ideal for intermediate and expert surfers, not recommended for beginners. To get to the beach you have to access a path that is next to the Grand Palladium Vallarta hotel, at km 16.9 of the Carretera a Punta de Mita, and walk at least 5 minutes through the jungle.

La Lancha

This spectacular beach is one of the best spots in the Riviera Nayarit for surfing, as it has special characteristics and natural conditions such as extension and length, as well as the journey to get there, which is not easy, but well worth it. It’s worth it because in addition to excellent waves, surfers will be able to connect with nature in full. The entrance to the beach is visible from the highway at km 14 north of Cruz de Huanacaxtle or at km 4 from Punta de Mita. Access is right in front of the Pemex gas station. Afterwards, it will be necessary to walk for about 10 minutes through the jungle.

Anclote

This beach in Punta de Mita has waves that are one of the favorites of the destination because they are calm, noble and relaxed, ideal for longboarding. Its waves are fast and break to the right, ideal for beginners despite the speed, since the tide is regularly low. El Anclote is located approximately 1 hour by car from downtown Puerto Vallarta and in front of the Marietas Islands. A must!

Sayulita

Known as the “Surfing Capital” of the Riviera Nayarit, Sayulita is located north of Puerto Vallarta, an hour and a half by car. It is the ideal place if you want to learn to surf, if you are a beginner or even a professional, since it has three different waves, left, right and also a section of waves to learn. Boards and equipment can be rented directly on the beach.

San Pancho

Just ten minutes from Sayulita is San Francisco, also known as San Pancho. This is not a surf break for beginners, since there you begin to feel the open sea, outside the Bay of Banderas, so its waves -which can reach 4 meters- are more for intermediate and advanced surfers.

In addition to the beach and lots of sun, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are two destinations with everything you need to live a dream vacation, with large hotel complexes, first-class restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.

Would you like to know more about these destinations and the experiences they offer? Contact me!