Ten reasons you should visit Punta de Mita village in the Riviera Nayarit now
Punta de Mita is just 45 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta Airport, but feels very far from the packaged vacation resorts crowding the beaches to the south, the uber rich gated enclaves on the point to the west and the over-crowded hipster Sayulita to the north.
If you like clean water, a few roosters still to harken the dawn and sharing the beach with Mexican tourists, this just might be the Mexican ocean-side vacation town you’ve been hoping to find. This economical town on the Riviera Nayarit is still the quiet perfection that brings gringos-in-the-know year and year.
Don’t confuse Punta de Mita with simply Punta Mita. Without the “de”, you will arrive at the exclusive gated community that includes a Four Seasons, a St. Regis and individual villas that host the likes of the Mexican Presidents and Toby McGuire. I’m talking about the Mexican community just south with the “de” in the name. This community was moved off the geographical point in 1992 and “given” the current location of Punta de Mita as their homes were developed into those five star mega communities. There are lots of different stories about how that land switch happened but the local refugees of the land grab seem to have galvanized all that physical beauty into their outlook on life, their zest for living and still own the true heart of this beautiful shore.
Flights are easy from the States and most major airlines have direct flights: Denver four hours, Toronto and Vancouver just six. The taxi ride from the airport can take somewhere between 30 minutes by taxi without traffic to one hour on the public bus at rush hour.
Top Ten Things to Do in Punta de Mita:
1. Surf! The break called “Anclote” breaks right in front of the town’s humble strip. The locals say that when it’s on, it’s the longest right break in North America. And if Anclote isn’t producing, you can always go to the surf spots of “La Lancha” or “La Bahia” by chartered boat. The waves are soft, long rollers, perfect for walking your board. Ten months out of the year, you are very comfortable in just a rash guard for hours in the ocean. Rent a board from anywhere on the strip, but the best boards and the best instruction come from Tranquilo Adventures, Surf, Mictlan or Accion Tropical.
2. Whale Watch – The Humpback whales of the Pacific Coast are all born in the Bay of Banderas. Usually January and February are the best months to see them, but sometimes they come early and stay late. Josue Villegas of Tranquilo Adventures and Surf has something called a hydrophone, a microphone that can be dropped into the water and amplifies the sounds of the males gossiping to one another within a ten miles radius. Two ton babies practice their moves right next to your boat under the protection of their momma and Bay of Banderas conservation zone. Sometimes you may run into a pod of dolphins who want to play in the wake of your panga.
3. Stand Up Paddleboad or SUP – most days you can paddle right off the beach and through the sailboats moored past the break. You can either upright surf, sharing the break with the old-school surfers or get some mileage in by traveling parallel to the shore for a daily workout.
4. Eat – the food is sublime, from budget-conscious fish tacos, to upscale Mexican to Italian, there is plenty to choose from in Punta de Mita. My favorite is Si Senor, see below.
5. Shop – Punta de Mita has lots of higher end shops that cater to the clientele of the gated community, or you can spend the afternoon in Sayulita, a hub of local handicrafts and galleries that satisfy both the higher and lower end of the market. There is also the Thursday market at La Cruz, an authentic local market of artisans and fisherman.
6. Exploring – venture off to the other small towns nearby while your muscles recover from your chosen water sport. Try quiet and friendly San Pancho, or the surf lifestyle mecca of Sayulita. You can rent a scooter from Puntamoto (puntamoto@gmail.com).
7. For an authentic adventure, get off the beaten path and take the local bus from the Oxo Station in Punta de Mita to the Malecon (or Boardwalk) in Puerto Vallarta. The Bus will cost you about $2 and you will need just one transfer, but ask the driver or a fellow passenger and get into the adventure. Soon everyone is rooting for you, helping you find your destination. The onboard entertainment is priceless: on one trip, we had five different singers/beggars/buskers board the bus, singing their hearts out for a well-earned dime. You may be in the mood for taxi ride back.
8. Fishing – there is both spear and line fishing offered by various outfitters. This is the traditional livelihood of the locals and they know their fish. You can spend half a day with a snorkel, rifle and bilingual guide to catch dinner in shark-free waters. Or stay above board and lower the line into schools of mahi mahi.
9. Snorkeling at the Marietas Islands. This marine sanctuary is one of three homes to the rare blue-footed booby. The islands themselves are off limits to humans but you can enter the caves and tunnels by boat and the power of your own flippers. Beware of the weekends as the islands can be crowded with tourists from Vallarta.
10. Learn “Tranquilo”, loosely translated as ‘chill time’. There’s a lot to be said about doing nothing but sleeping, reading and find that hours have passed without anything “accomplished” but watching the tide move in and the clouds pass over. Your nervous system will thank you for it.
Places to Stay
· Hotel Cinco – A chic boutique hotel just in front of the Anclote break. You can keep you paddle board right at your beach. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen and early morning rooftop yoga cannot be beat. Two pools, two restaurants and only twelve units. Horacio and the concierge staff will accommodate any question. (cincopuntamita.com) $300-$500 for a one bedroom, but two and three bedroom options also available.
· Meson de Mita – an artsy, budget conscious option right in the heart of it all. This 22-room option has a pool, air-conditioning and shady hammocks. Some rooms have a kitchenette. Doubles start at $70.
· Short term rental search for places at both Anclote or Faro de Mita. There are lots of choices with a wide array of prices and amenities from your favorite search engine.
Places to Eat (All estimates include a margarita)
· Si Senor – You might return to Punta de Mita just for Si Senor’s corn chips, salsa and guacamole. The margaritas come in Pineapple and Ginger flavor, Serrano and Cucumber or Classic. The fish has been caught in the bay, that day. $30-$50 for dinner
· La Cabana – Best fish tacos and they will deliver to your room if you’re trying to squeeze in a morning surf session before your flight. $15-$20 for dinner
· Tacos and Papas – only open for dinner, this newer restaurant serves stuffed potatoes and lots of specialty tacos. Great option for the gluten-free members of the group. $20-$25 for dinner.
