On the west coast of Mexico, the Riviera Nayarit stretches along many golden sandy beaches, with Nuevo Vallarta being one of the favourite spots for tourists to better explore this area. If you don’t know much about this place, learning more will give you a clear idea of its tropical beaches and the high-quality amenities it offers.
Once you know where Nuevo Vallarta is located and if it’s a safe place, you’ll probably want to start packing your bags to head to this beautiful destination…
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to make your visit an unforgettable experience.
Where is Nuevo Vallarta?
It is located on the west coast of Mexico, within the state of Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. This place is situated at the southern part of the Riviera Nayarit, which extends for about 300 kilometres and offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, along with luxurious resorts, ideal surfing towns, and dense jungles. Additionally, it is surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
What is the Beach Like in Nuevo Vallarta?
Well, unlike Puerto Vallarta, where the beaches can vary quite a bit from one hotel to another, in Nuevo Vallarta, you’ll find a long stretch of sand awaiting you. This beach stands out not only for its size but also because its sand has a special shimmer that makes it very attractive. The sea is calm with gentle waves, ideal for both adults and children, and the Pacific water is at a pleasant temperature for you to relax.
What is the Weather Like in Nuevo Vallarta?
In Nuevo Vallarta, the weather is mostly warm throughout the year. Winters are cooler but still sunny, dry, and with an average temperature of 22°C, which is great if you want to get a tan. When spring arrives, you’ll see flowers bloom and everything fills with colour. Summer, on the other hand, can be quite hot at midday with temperatures around 30°C and increased humidity. Moreover, the months from March to May have the most hours of sunshine.
What to Do in Nuevo Vallarta?
This place has plenty of activities, which I can classify into four main categories:
Marine Activities: The beautiful beaches here are perfect for diving, snorkelling, and boat tours. Additionally, there are unique experiences such as whale watching, visiting hidden beaches in the Marietas Islands, bird watching, turtle releases, and swimming with sea lions or dolphins.
Luxury Experiences: Nuevo Vallarta offers many luxury options. You can shop at exclusive boutiques, play golf on top-notch courses, enjoy gourmet festivals with international chefs, or even attend events at La Patrona Polo & Equestrian Club.
Jungle Adventures: The Sierra mountains are full of adventures. You can explore them on ATVs, off-road vehicles, or horseback. Ziplining is especially popular as it offers breathtaking views. There are also options to visit crocodile sanctuaries and other conservation centres.
Can You Release Sea Turtles in Nuevo Vallarta?
Sea turtle releases are truly special in Nuevo Vallarta. It’s thrilling to watch the tiny turtles start their journey to the sea right after being born. This event happens throughout the year, but it’s most frequent between October and February. If you’re on the beach, you might coincide with a release, or you can plan to attend one by contacting a turtle camp during your holiday to ensure you don’t miss it.
When Can You See Humpback Whales?
Humpback whales visit the area each year in search of warmer waters. From the beach or through a specialised tour, you can see these majestic creatures breaching or swimming with their calves. They are present in Banderas Bay from December to March, before beginning their journey back north. If you want to learn more about these incredible whales, there is plenty of information available.
Where to Stay
The Occidental Nuevo Vallarta Hotel, with its 5-star rating, is an ideal place to enjoy a worry-free holiday as it is an all-inclusive resort. It is located in the beautiful Riviera Nayarit, a perfect spot where you can spend the morning on the beach and then explore the best shopping and dining areas. Additionally, it is just 25 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, making it very easy to reach.
The hotel has rooms spread over 7 floors, all with an elegant design and all the amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including 24-hour room service and free parking.
There are activities and excursions for all tastes and ages, such as water sports like kayaking.
As for the food, don’t worry because it’s all included. You can choose from three hotel restaurants and also enjoy the excellent cuisine of Puerto Vallarta, which is very close.
The staff at Occidental Nuevo Vallarta is extremely friendly and always available to help you have a wonderful experience in this dreamlike place where the beach is always the star. For more information, visit: barcelo.com/en-ca/occidental-nuevo-vallarta/
When is the Rainy and Hurricane Season?
Since Nuevo Vallarta is right by the beach, rain is unavoidable. The rainy season starts in June and ends in mid-October. However, from November to May, rain and storms are quite rare and short. Even during the summer, rain usually happens at night, allowing for sunny days even in the rainy season.
As for hurricanes, Nuevo Vallarta is almost immune to them. Banderas Bay is surrounded by mountains to the north, east, and south. This natural barrier deflects hurricanes out to sea or up the coast. It’s very unlikely for a hurricane to get close enough to cause damage, but there are strict safety and emergency protocols in place in the area.
Is This Area Safe to Travel To?
Absolutely. The main thing to know about Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta is that they are not included in international travel warnings. In fact, there haven’t been any incidents involving tourists in this area for years.
Additionally, the latest National Public Safety Survey by INEGI declared Puerto Vallarta the safest city in Mexico. This shows that both Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta are safe havens where tourists can relax and enjoy a nighttime stroll without worries.
Nuevo Vallarta offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture, ideal for any type of traveller. With these recommendations, you are ready to make the most of your stay in this magnificent destination.
