Riviera Nayarit Beaches Near San Pancho

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The Riviera Nayarit is home to over 300 kilometers of stunning Pacific coastline. From peaceful hidden coves to lively surf towns, there’s a beach for every traveler—all just a short drive from San Pancho. Whether you’re looking to relax in nature, enjoy fresh seafood by the ocean, or try out water activities, you’ll find the perfect spot nearby.

Here we share a selection of our favorite beaches located less than an hour from Villas Paradise, with short descriptions, how to get there, and what makes each one special.
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Sayulita

Sayulita is the best-known beach town on the Nayarit coast. It has a lively and bohemian atmosphere with surf schools, boutique shops, bars, art galleries, and beach clubs. It's ideal for surfing and people-watching, but also great for exploring the colorful streets and enjoying the nightlife.

Distance from San Pancho: 7 km

Travel time by car: ~15 minutes
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Lo de Marcos

A quieter option than Sayulita, ideal for families or couples looking to relax. The beach is wide, calm, and lined with palm trees. You’ll find seafood restaurants and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the tranquility. It’s also a popular destination for snowbirds who stay during the winter.

Distance: 10 km north

Travel time: ~15 minutes
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Playa Los Ayala

A calm, semi-hidden beach shaped like a small bay, with soft waves and shallow water—great for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. It has a more local atmosphere and traditional restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood. You can also take small boat rides from here to nearby beaches like Playa del Toro or Isla Coral.

Distance: 25 km north

Travel time: ~30 minutes

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Rincon de Guayabitos

A wide beach with a long shoreline and gentle waves, Guayabitos is one of the most popular beaches among local families. It has a festive, traditional Mexican beach town vibe with food stalls, water toys, and boat tours to the Coral Island. It’s a great place to enjoy a casual beach day with lots of activity.

Distance: 24 km north
Travel time: ~30 minutes
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Playa Litibu

A long and quiet stretch of golden sand, surrounded by light development, boutique villas, and a golf course. The waves are suitable for intermediate surfers, and there’s usually very little crowd, making it ideal for long walks, enjoying the views, and relaxing in nature.

Distance: 25 km south

Travel time: ~35 minutes

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La Lancha (Punta de Mita)

This beach is popular among surfers and nature lovers. To reach it, you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes through a jungle path. The beach is wide and undeveloped, with waves perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. It’s part of a protected area, so there are no restaurants—just unspoiled nature.

Distance: 23 km south
Travel time: ~30 minutes

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Playa Destiladeras

A family favorite thanks to its wide beach, shallow slope, soft sand, and gentle waves. There are some palapa restaurants and shaded areas, perfect for a beach day with kids or to just walk for kilometers along the coast.

Distance: 35 km south

Travel time: ~40 minutes

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La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

This town combines tradition and modernity. In the village you’ll find fishermen selling fresh catch, while the marina has luxury boats and restaurants with ocean views. It’s ideal for a seafood lunch or to visit the Sunday organic market during high season.

Distance: 22 km south
Travel time: ~30 minutes
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Bucerias

A lively town with a long beach great for walking, swimming, or doing watersports like paddleboarding and kite surfing (especially in winter). Bucerías also offers the most convenient shopping near San Pancho:

Large supermarkets (Mega, Chedraui, La Comer)

Banks and ATMs

Pharmacies and gas stations

It’s a good option for running errands while enjoying the beach or trying one of the many restaurants.

Distance: 25 km south

Travel time: ~30 minutes
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Nuevo Nayarit

Formerly Nuevo Vallarta, this planned resort area has a long, calm beach perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. The shoreline is lined with hotels, condos, and beach clubs. It also has a modern marina where you can take boat tours or enjoy a drink by the water.

Distance: 36 km south
Travel time: ~45 minutes
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Chacala Beach

A tranquil bay surrounded by jungle, Chacala has a soft-sand beach and gentle waves, making it great for swimming or kayaking. You’ll find rustic restaurants by the water and small hiking trails that lead to hidden coves like Playa Las Cuevas and Chacalilla. It feels more remote and less commercial.

Distance: 65 km north

Travel time: ~50 minutes
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Puerto Vallarta

The largest city in the region, Puerto Vallarta is full of energy, art, and flavor. Walk along the famous Malecón, explore the Romantic Zone, enjoy a fine dinner, or dance the night away. It's a perfect place to experience nightlife, shopping, and high-end restaurants.

Distance: 45 km south
Travel time: ~1 hour
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Playa del Amor – Marietas Islands

Also known as the Hidden Beach, Playa del Amor is inside a collapsed volcanic crater and can only be reached by swimming through a natural tunnel. Access is limited and only available through certified tour operators who depart from Punta de Mita. Tours often include snorkeling, kayaking, and whale watching (Dec–Mar).

Travel time to Punta de Mita (departure point): ~35 min

Estimated tour cost: $1,800–$2,200 MXN per person

Duration: 4–5 hours
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📍 View the Beaches on Google Maps

Click here to open our Riviera Nayarit beach map
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