Punta Mita

Punta Mita is a beachfront village on the north end of Banderas Bay in the state of Nayarit, about 40 km northwest of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The beach around the Four Seasons and St. Regis resorts is private. Around the village Corral del Risco the beaches are public. Punta Mita is famous for its spectacular sunsets, its variety of surfing conditions, and big resorts with golf, tennis and water activities.

Understand

Punta Mita is surrounded on three sides by 9.5 mi (15.3 km) of Pacific Ocean beaches and coves including Litibu Bay.

The village is kept comfortable year round by gentle sea breezes, with average summer temperatures around 85 °F (29 °C), and 75 °F (24 °C) during winter months.

It has two marked seasons: a dry season from November through May, and a wet season from June through October, during this season hurricanes may threaten the village. UV radiation levels are high all year round, ranging from 7 in January and December, to 11+ between April and September. From mid-May to mid-November the heat and humidity can be uncomfortable in Punta Mita. The most comfortable weather in Punta Mita generally occurs from late December to the end of March.

Time zone

Perhaps uniquely in the world, Punta Mita has various businesses operating on two different time zones, due to its proximity to the state line (where you cross the river before Nuevo Vallarta) between two of Mexico's time zones: Zona Centro towards East, and Zona Pacífico towards West:

  • Jalisco Time = Puerto Vallarta time = Central Time
  • Nayarit time = Mountain Time

Most touristy places between Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita operate on Central Time. In Punta Mita, the restaurants on El Anclote beach are on Central time. However, non-touristy businesses (small stores) are on Mountain time. If in doubt, ask if it's "Tiempo de Jalisco" or "Tiempo de Nayarit?".

Get in

A fairly simple way of getting to Punta Mita is to fly in to nearby Puerto Vallarta and rent a car. The drive to Punta Mita takes about an hour. If staying at one of the condos, food can be purchased at some of the large supermarkets along the highway.

There are frequent direct buses from the airport to Punta Mita for M$36 (Nov 2021). Just go to the highway and cross the pedestrian bridge. From Puerto Vallarta, buses to Punta Mita leave from the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Do

The Islas Marietas National Park is a 15-minute boat ride from Punta Mita. It is one of the most scenic offshore parks in Mexico. Tours depart from other towns along the coast as well, but Punta Mita is the most convenient choice with the shortest boat ride.

Surfing

Punta Mita is well known among surfers for its reliable and varied conditions with seven point breaks around the peninsula. Some of the best surfing spots in Punta Mita are:

  • The Cove offers prime surfing in Punta Mita with some surfers saying it is the best place in Bahia Banderas. Surfing is best at high tide. It can take 30-40 minutes to walk to the Cove, or you can hire a panga to take you.
  • El Anclote is the best place for beginners to learn longboard surfing because the surf break is long and slow with a smooth pitch.
  • La Lancha is recommended for longboard surfing, particularly when the tide is coming in or going out. Also about a 30-40 minute walk from town, or take a lancha.
  • Punta Burros is south of Punta Mita at the Palladium resort and is an extremely popular surfing spot due to its easy access. It's a good place for either short boards or longboards. The right side of the point offers a longer, softer pitch. Surfing is best at high tide, but it's not shallow so you can surf it any time.
  • Los Veneros is further south of town and is a classic reef break. This is the best place in Punta Mita for short boards.
  • Swimming Pools is a surf break just north of Los Veneros and is reached by paddling out. Recommended for longboards.
  • Beach Break is also close to Los Veneros and offers fantastic barrel surfing plus exceptional beach breaks. The sandy bottom and the wide left makes this an ideal spot for surfing the tube!

Golf

Nayarit's perpetually warm weather coupled with a dry season that begins in January makes it an ideal destination for avid golfers from northern climates who crave a day on the links even though their own local weather is cold, icy and dreary. Located just minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR IATA), and with luxurious international resort hotels like the Four Seasons and the St. Regis, Punta Mita can be an ideal winter golf vacation. There are several golf courses in the area, including:

  • Punta Mita Golf Club - private club designed by Jack Nicklaus with two par 72 18-hole courses, the Pacifico and the Bahia. Stunningly dramatic setting with some holes on rocky points jutting out into the ocean. The course is private, but is open to guests of the Four Seasons and the St. Regis resorts.
  • Higuera Golf Club - this is an 18-hole course designed by Greg Norman with long fairways parallel to the beach and others nestled into dense juingle foliage. A beautiful course with dramatic natural scenery. Close to Iberostar resort and the Secrets Bahia.

Eat

At the main bus stop in the village Corral del Risco at the Oxxo is tasty 🌍 street food. Offered are food variations with corn. It's open daily from 17-21:00. There is another food stall serving tacos, quesadillas and more.

Sleep

Go next
  • Bucerias – 25 km in the east. A small coastal village with a long uninterrupted white sand beach
  • Sayulita – 17 km in the north-east. You can do hiking into the jungle. The water at the beach is shallow.
  • San Francisco (Mexico) – 25 km in the north-east. At a beach, surrounded by a jungle and notable for its floral diversity.
  • San Sebastián del Oeste - colonial town where time stands still
  • Tepic – 150 km in the north-east. It's the capital of Nayarit
  • Guadalajara – 310 km in the east. You can take an intercity bus, go by carpooling or take a non-stop flight. From there further to San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende or Querétaro
  • Mazatlán – It is recommended to take a flight into and out of the city.
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