Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Punta de Mita sits on the northern tip of Banderas Bay in the state of Nayarit, a peninsula that marks the bay's northwestern edge. Once a modest fishing village, it is now known for upscale resorts and private residential communities, though a small public town remains, with seafood restaurants and fishing pangas. The setting combines golden beaches, rocky points, and views across the bay.
Boats leave from the beach at Punta de Mita and from Corral del Risco, a sheltered stretch of sand popular for swimming and beginner surfing. El Anclote, on the other side, has a row of beachfront restaurants and is a classic place to watch the sunset. Experienced surfers seek out La Lancha, The Cove, and Punta Burros, all known breaks along the coast, while Litibú Bay, a bit farther north, has a wide, calm beach. Most visitors take at least one boat trip to the Islas Marietas, a protected archipelago with seabirds and snorkeling, and humpback whale watching is a winter highlight.
Punta de Mita suits couples, families, and surfers seeking a quieter, more polished alternative to Puerto Vallarta. Prices at the resorts are high, but the public beaches and village eateries are more modest. Bucerías and Sayulita are within a short drive.
WiserMap travel guidePunta de Mita Mexico Surf Whale Season and Islas MarietasPunta de Mita guide for Nayarit: surf breaks, Corral del Risco, Litibú Bay, whale season, Islas Marietas boat trips, local seafood and day trips to Sayulita.Read the guide
El Anclote is the beach at the edge of Punta de Mita village, with gentle, long waves that make it a classic spot for beginner surfers and paddleboarders. Beach restaurants serve seafood with views of the sunset. Surf schools rent boards and offer lessons in the morning when the sea is calm.
Next to the village, Corral del Risco is a sheltered beach with calm water and reefs nearby, popular for swimming, snorkelling and boat departures. Local boats leave from the beach for the Islas Marietas and whale-watching trips. Mornings are the calmest time to be on the water.
La Lancha is a long, natural beach reached by a short path through the forest from the highway, with no buildings on the sand. It is popular with surfers when the swell is up and good for quiet walks the rest of the time. There are no services, so bring water, food and shade.
Between Punta de Mita and La Cruz, Destiladeras is a wide sandy beach with a few palapa restaurants and gentle waves, named after freshwater that trickles from the cliffs. It is good for swimming, bodyboarding and long walks. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
The Cove is one of several reef and point breaks around the Punta de Mita peninsula, reached by boat from the village or along the shore. It works best on south and west swells. It suits intermediate surfers, and local boatmen can take you out to the breaks in the morning.
Punta Burros is a well-known right-hand reef break near the Punta de Mita peninsula, among the most consistent surf spots in the Bay of Banderas. It is best for experienced surfers, with a rocky bottom. Access is through private developments or by boat, so ask local surf shops about getting there.
Litibú is a long, open bay of soft sand east of Punta de Mita, backed by resorts and a golf course, with gentle surf in calm seasons and space for long walks. Sea turtles nest here in season. Public access points exist, but parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends.
From about December to March, humpback whales come into the Bay of Banderas, and boats from the Punta de Mita fishermen's cooperative run trips to see them close to the peninsula. Tours often combine whales with snorkelling. Choose licensed operators that respect the distance rules.
The small village of Punta de Mita, outside the gated resorts, has a relaxed beachfront lined with seafood restaurants, surf shops, cafes and boutiques. The fishermen's cooperative organises boat trips from its beach. It is a pleasant place for an evening meal with the sunset over the bay.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Pacífico course at the Punta Mita resort is known for its optional Tail of the Whale hole, with a green on a natural rock island reached by amphibious cart at low tide. Play is generally for resort guests and members, so check access in advance.
No reviews yet. Been to Punta de Mita? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Punta de Mita? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: LoreGcano, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andrew Milligan sumo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Lynx Burgos, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Lynx Burgos, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: La Llave Key to Riviera Nayarit, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Carlos E. Sáinz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5
Photo: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Lynx Burgos, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Lynx Burgos, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Lynx Burgos, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Mariana Cueva, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: interentals.com, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Lynx Burgos, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Fernando Flores, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Fernando Flores from Caracas, Venezuela, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Lynx Burgos, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
