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Costalegre is the stretch of Jalisco's Pacific coast between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, a region of quiet bays, small towns and dry tropical forest. Development has stayed relatively low-key, with a mix of fishing villages and exclusive resorts. Highway 200 links its beaches, and much of the coastline remains wild.
At the southern end, Barra de Navidad sits on a sandbar beside a lagoon, with seafood restaurants and a relaxed town feel. Across the water, Isla Navidad and Colimilla offer a marina, a resort and lagoon-side dining reached by water taxi. San Patricio-Melaque, next door, has a long beach and a more local atmosphere. La Manzanilla is a small village with mangroves and a crocodile reserve, while Tenacatita has calm waters and a mangrove river. Farther north, Bahía de Chamela is dotted with islands, including Isla Cocinas, reached by boat for snorkeling. The Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve protects dry tropical forest and wildlife.
Costalegre suits travelers seeking quieter beaches and nature over nightlife. Costa Careyes, with its colorful villas and polo fields, adds a touch of luxury, while Tomatlán and Chalacatepec offer remote beaches. Winter is the dry season, with warm, sunny days and calm seas.
WiserMap travel guideCostalegre Mexico Jalisco Beaches and Barra de NavidadCostalegre guide: Jalisco Pacific beaches, Barra de Navidad, La Manzanilla crocodiles, Tenacatita, Chamela bay and Cuixmala reserve, plus food and road tips.Read the guide
Relaxed fishing and beach town at the southern end of the Costalegre, set on a sandbar between the Pacific and a lagoon. Walk the malecón, eat fresh seafood by the water and take a water taxi across the lagoon. Sunsets from the jetty are a local ritual.
Laid-back town on the Bahía de Navidad, just north of Barra, with a long sandy beach, palapa restaurants and a small plaza. It is popular with Mexican families and winter visitors. The calm western end of the bay is good for swimming, and the town is busiest around Saint Patrick's week.
Small village on the quiet Bahía de Tenacatita with a gentle beach, simple seafood restaurants and a relaxed winter community. Its mangrove lagoon is home to many crocodiles. Swim on calm days, walk the beach at sunrise and bring cash, as card payment is limited.
Private resort community on the cliffs and coves north of Tenacatita, known for its brightly colored villas, polo field and small beaches. Access is mostly for guests of its hotels and rentals. Book ahead if you want to stay, and respect gates and private property signs.
Wide bay with calm water and a beach backed by palms and mangroves, a favorite for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Boat trips explore the estuary behind the sand. Check current access rules locally before going, as the beach area has had disputes over ownership.
Small sheltered cove a short drive west of Melaque with very calm water, a few palapa restaurants and good snorkeling at the rocks. The town has made the beach accessible for wheelchair users. Weekdays are quiet; weekends bring local families, so arrive early for a shaded table.
Long, quiet stretch of golden sand on the Bahía de Tenacatita between La Manzanilla and Tenacatita, with a few campgrounds and simple restaurants. It is great for walks and birdwatching. The surf can be strong, so swim only when the sea is calm and stay near others.
Remote beach in the Tomatlán area at the northern end of the coast, with miles of empty sand, a few rustic hotels and a sea turtle conservation camp. Waves and currents are powerful, so swimming is often unsafe. Come for the solitude, hatchling releases in season and big sunsets.
Protected area of tropical dry forest, rivers and coastline between Chamela and Careyes, with hundreds of bird species, jaguars and other wildlife. It is mainly a research and conservation zone with limited public access. Look for guided tours or birdwatching outings offered nearby.
Broad bay dotted with small rocky islands, protected as a sanctuary. Fishermen from Punta Pérula run boat trips to Isla Cocinas, where you can snorkel in clear water and spot seabirds. Go in the morning when the sea is calmest and bring reef-safe sunscreen and shade.
Mangrove reserve at the edge of La Manzanilla with raised walkways over lagoons where dozens of American crocodiles bask, along with herons, iguanas and turtles. A small fee supports the project. Keep to the paths and never feed or approach the animals.
Across the lagoon from Barra de Navidad lie the marina and golf resort of Isla Navidad and the little fishing village of Colimilla, famous for seafood restaurants on the water. Water taxis leave from the Barra dock. Go for a long lunch and a lagoon boat ride to see birds.
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