Local Entertainment and Area Activities
Bucerias, Mexico, is larger beach town in the Riviera Nayarit along Bahia de Banderas (Banderas Bay) and is increasing in popularity as a favorite vacation spot and second home location for Americans, Canadians, and others. For travelers who enjoy a beach vacation but don’t want the congestion of a large resort town like Puerto Vallarta, Bucerias is the perfect combination of recreation and relaxation.
Sport Fishing
Set in the Pacific Ocean, Banderas Bay provides consistently warm weather and calm water making it one of the greatest deep sea fishing sites in Mexico and the world, and Bucerias is right on the bay. Various fish species flourish year round, including marlin, tuna, swordfish, wahoo, dorado, snapper, sailfish, roosterfish, snapper, and more. Sport fishing in the region is of such quality that the nearby town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle hosts the annual International Tuna and Marlin Fishing Tournament at Riviera Nayarit Marina, where boats, cruisers, and charters can be rented for various lengths of time.
Whale Watching
As part of Banderas Bay in the Riviera Nayarit, Bucerias an ideal breeding ground for Humpback Whales, Bryde’s Whales, dolphins and even Killer Whales (Orcas) – the largest of the dolphin species – for its location, weather, and warm waters. Hundreds of whales swim through the bay every year as they make their journey between Alaska and Hawaii. Whale watching season begins in mid-December and continues through mid-March when these social, vocal creatures can be seen playing during formal whale-watching tours.
Snorkeling & Diving
Flourishing with colorful tropical fish and rare marine life like manta rays and sea turtles, Banderas Bay at Bucerias is a wonderful area for snorkeling and diving. A great spot for both is Los Arcos, a section of protected rocks to the south of Playa Gemelas. The two small beaches of Gemelas have clear, calm water, best suited for snorkelers. Las Marietas islands (Islas Marietas), a marine reserve with a network of coral reefs, underwater caves and tunnels, is fantastic place for snorkelers and beginner divers.
Boogie Boarding & Swimming
Especially known for its long beautiful beaches, Bucerias is home to the longest beach in Banderas Bay, spanning 5 miles (8 kilometers) of golden sand, making it ideal for walking and jogging. Along a calm part of the Pacific Ocean, its shallow water and short waves are perfect for swimming and boogie boarding. The main beach is usually quiet, except when local families arrive on Sundays, with fewer beach vendors than in Puerto Vallarta. The two beaches of Playa Gemelas at the south end of the beach are also ideal for swimming.
Shopping & Art
Puerto Vallarta tourists know the best, affordable shopping is in Bucerias, and they come just to shop for less expensive native Indian art, Mexican handicrafts, jewelry, gifts, souvenirs, beachwear, clothing, and fine liquor such as Mexican tequila (originating in the nearby town of Tequila, Jalisco). Bucerias also hosts a special ‘Art Walk,’ with more than 17 participating galleries showcasing art and artists from Nayarit and Jalisco. Starting in November, The Bucerias Art Walk takes place on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Take a look at other nearby Tourist Attractions and Vacation Activities in the Riviera Nayarit.
