Banderas Bay
Explore the Natural Wonders of Banderas Bay
Straddling the Mexican states of Nayarit and Jalisco, Bahia Banderas Bay is the largest natural bay in 
Mexico, among the 10th largest worldwide, and one of the deepest bays in the world reaching depths of over 3,000 feet. Extending across 68 kilometers (42 miles) of the Pacific Coast, the bay begins in the south at Puerto Vallarta, flows northwest into the Riviera Nayarit at Punta de Mita, continues north beyond Sayulita and through Lo de Marcos where it joins Bahia Jaltemba Bay.
Warm year long ocean temperatures and favorable depths yield so much biological diversity that sea life flourishes in Bahia Banderas Bay, of which some species and locales are protected by national marine reserves, such as Las Marietas Islands. The bay’s consistently favorable ocean conditions make various areas within it ideal bodies of water for sport fishing, snorkeling, diving, sailing, kayaking, surfing, kiteboarding, plus Humpback whale watching and sea turtle conservation.
Divided by the Ameca River, south of Bahia Banderas Bay is Jalisco and north is the Riviera Nayarit with a wide range of delightful beach towns that border the bay.
Just north of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco across the state line is Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit – the first resort town in south Riviera Nayarit. This master planned development of 20,000 inhabitants consists of over 30 luxury resorts and hotels along a 3-mile (5-kilometer) tourist corridor with restaurants, nightclubs, marina, private docks, dive center, and golf course. Water sports activities, such as sunset cruises, swimming with dolphins, whale watching, and much more are accessible from its dazzling gold beach.
Slightly further north is the large beach town of Bucerias and its 30,000 residents. Home to the longest gold beach in Bahia Banderas Bay, stretching across 5 miles (8 kilometers), it’s a favorite for kiteboarding, boogie boarding, and swimming with nearby whale-watching, snorkeling, diving, and sport fishing tours. As an artistic community, Bucerias hosts a weekly Art Walk featuring local artists and galleries on Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. during high season.
Heading west from Bucerias on the road to Punta de Mita is the upscale beach town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. With the lovely new Marina Riviera Nayarit, it’s the regional hub for sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and whale watching tours. Once a fishing village, the bay along this beach offers exceptional fishing conditions, so the town has been designated to host the annual International Tuna and Marlin Fishing Tournament in July.
Developed primarily for tourism, the master planned resort town of Punta de Mita features luxury resorts and homes, championship golf courses, world-class spas, white sand beaches of Playa Destiladeras and Playa El Anclote, and beautiful ocean views. Just 15 minutes from La Cruz and Sayulita, this exclusive community of nearly 1,000 residents has one of the best climates worldwide with consistent ocean breezes and an average temperature of 80° Fahrenheit (27° Celsius) year round.
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Litibu
North of Punta de Mita and south of Sayulita is the tiny beachfront community of Litibu and its nearly 20 residents. Framed by exquisite white sand beaches, clear blue sea water, and lush tropical rainforests, the area is being developed as an eco-friendly mega resort. The initial phase includes 6 large hotels and hundred of vacation homes designed around a new Greg Norman, 18-hole golf course, plus a modern marina and new highway. This tropical paradise already rivals its luxury resort neighbors.
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Higuera Blanca
Another beach town planned for tourism development and just 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) inland from Litibu is the peaceful village of Higuera Blanca and its 960 residents, many of whom are descendants of families who worked on a large hacienda that once dominated the region. The already established community offers plenty of stores, restaurants, and many other services, including a busy town square. With beautiful ocean views, rolling jungle hillsides, and nearby beaches, this town is sure to please.
Moving north along the lush rolling hillsides beyond Bucerias is the bohemian-style town of Sayulita. This hip, artsy beach town of about 4,000 multicultural residents is known for its laid-back, ‘anything goes’ attitude. Bordering its popular surf beach are a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, snack shops, clothing stores, art shops and galleries with all kinds of delightful modern and traditional items.
About 15 minutes north of Sayulita is the sophisticated beach town of San Francisco (affectionately nicknamed San Pancho). Drawing former Mexican President Luis Echeverria to its shores over 40 years ago, this charming community also captured the hearts of citizens, travelers, and foreign retirees until it grew to its present population of 2,000. With a focus on community services, this small town has its own community center, golf club, beach club, and polo club.
The peaceful, authentic Mexican town of Lo de Marcos and its 3,000 residents are located just 20 minutes south of Rincon de Guayabitos and 20 minutes north of Sayulita. Its long, beautiful, gold beach frames narrow cobblestone roads lined by shops and their friendly merchants converging at a lovely town square. Offering plenty of traveler amenities, this uncontrived, relaxing town has become a favorite among RVers and campers.
[...] best months for you to get a glimpse of these species (particularly humpbacks and gray whales) in Banderas Bay and Matanchen Bay. If you want to have a more memorable experience by closely interacting with [...]
[...] best months for you to get a glimpse of these species (particularly humpbacks and gray whales) in Banderas Bay and Matanchen Bay. If you want to have a more memorable experience by closely interacting with [...]
[...] best months for you to get a glimpse of these species (particularly humpbacks and gray whales) in Banderas Bay and Matanchen Bay. If you want to have a more memorable experience by closely interacting with [...]
[...] be just the gift your looking for! Sayulita is a fun town on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, just North of Puerto Vallarta. Artistic energy abounds in this medium sized pueblo with cobblestone streets lined with colorful [...]
[...] ocean. Taking pride where you live shows, and it shows to our visitors, which are a big part of our Banderas Bay and the Riviera Nayarit economy. They appreciate it…and Mother Earth thanks [...]
[...] is becoming a very popular and safe vacation destination. With so many activities inland, and on the Banderas Bay, the largest natural bay in Mexico, people are booking early and returning every year for fun on [...]
[...] Mexico and Banderas Bay summer fun is happening on the Riviera [...]
[...] Cruz community in Mexico, on the amazing Riviera Nayarit, awaits you! This entry was posted in La Cruz Community, News and tagged la cruz community, la [...]
[...] Cruz de Huanacaxtle is located on the Banderas Bay between Bucerias and Punta de Mita. Every Wednesday there is the La Cruz Tianguis which hosts many [...]
[...] and ambiance of Riviera Nayarit, to spend time in the beautiful surroundings, enjoying all that the Bay of Banderas has to offer. The optimal time to locate the Bucerias rentals and property of your choice is during [...]
[...] Black Forest Restaurant, an amazing German La Cruz Restaurant, located on the Riviera Nayarit on Banderas Bay. This entry was posted in Eat, restaurants and tagged Black Forest restaurant, la cruz, la cruz [...]
[...] Bucerias is a Mexican pueblo located between Nuevo Vallarta and Sayulita. The ocean waves of the Banderas Bay, the largest natural bay in Mexico, break on the beautiful Bucerias beach. This Bucerias beach photo [...]
[...] Nayarit region, is a wonderful place to visit for a short or long term vacation. Located on the Banderas Bay, the largest bay in Mexico, this creates so many wonderful things to do while visiting this area, such as whale watching, scuba [...]
[...] three (3) dinners at restaurants around La Cruz and four (4) dinners on the rooftop over looking Banderas Bay. In room continental style breakfasts are always included and this week we’ll also have brunch [...]
[...] which are a special feature due to the Marrieta Islands and the La Cruz Marina, which resides on the Banderas Bay. Destiladeras beach also offers a spectacular sight now that the tide as shifted and all the rocks [...]
[...] the Bucerias Community News for information on just about everything, on the amazing Banderas Bay in [...]
[...] out the La Cruz Community …and come La Cruzin in one cool town on the Banderas Bay in Mexico! This entry was posted in Other Stuff and tagged Banderas Bay, la cruz, la cruz [...]
[...] Discover the Bucerias Community News for markets, fun events and live entertainment all on the Banderas Bay in Mexico! [...]
[...] La Cruz Rentals / Villa Amor del Mar 7 Night Promotion from February 22 – March 1st, 2014 If your seeking an all inclusive La Cruz rentals adventure, where all you need to do is have fun, then this promotion package is something you will want to investigate further. This all inclusive Mexico vacation will meet all of your expectations and beyond. Chris and Cindy create a one of a kind Mexico vacation around your needs, desires and vacation dreams as they host your beautiful beachfront vacation on the Banderas Bay. [...]
[...] Its going to be a lot of fun for everyone in the La Cruz community and folks around our beautiful Banderas Bay area. Remember to take a look at the La Cruz Community Calendar for classes, La Cruz live music, movie [...]
[...] you how to sail, and run the rigging if your interested. Or, just sit back and enjoy! So get out on the Banderas Bay when you can. If sailing is not an option for you, it’s also wonderful to sit and relax on the [...]
[...] pueblo feeling in comparison to some of the other pueblos. The La Cruz community is nestled on the Banderas Bay and holds a small town feeling while at the same time has the romantic ambiance and feel with the [...]
[...] to park if you hold the intention on the drive over. The weather in La Cruz Nayarit, and around the Banderas Bay has been hot. and absolutely gorgeous! It's perfect for whale watching, kayaking, and paddle [...]
[...] out on the beach, or having some water fun out on the Banderas Bay. So get out there and enjoy!! Amazing Banderas Bay sunrises and sunsets…La Cruz community live music and events…friends and fun…that [...]
[...] Bucerias Mexico for a great Mexico vacation, or relocate to the Banderas Bay for life! Tweet This entry was posted in Other Stuff and tagged Bucerias calendar, bucerias community, [...]
[...] Hola Banderas Bay and Bucerias Community! Well, its that time of the year again, and the winds are a blowin making it the perfect time of the year for the Bucerias Classic! There are prizes and raffles this season, with a chance to win a new Starboard SUP board!! What a beautiful site to see all of the Kite-boarders out racing! I find it amazing that they don’t run into each other. This yearly event brings out competitors from all over Mexico, US and abroad. I actually had one of the competitors Facebook me about a month ago asking if it was windy! He was heading down from Mexico City. It’s all happening this weekend, Saturday May 3rd and Sunday May 4th. It will be a fun filled Bucerias community weekend for SUP’s, Windsurfers and Kiteboarding..let the races begin!! There will be Giant Slalom, Course Racing and Big Air for each category. This season is opening the race course to all disciplines: Raceboard, Foil, and TwinTip with 3 entries classes will be judged and also ranked. Thanks to Cindy and Chris Bouchard for this photo from their La Cruz Beachfront Boutique Hotel Villa Amor del Mar. Gracias!! Click on the photo as it links to their photo gallery. If your looking for an amazing place to stay click on the link and check them out! [...]
[...] La Cruz Mexico and beyond. What a beautiful place to live. The Banderas Bay is so amazing. The jungles meet the oceans making the Riviera Nayarit so very special. A handful [...]
[...] Cruz Mexico for the best of live music and entertainment on the Banderas Bay in Mexico. This entry was posted in News, Upcoming Events and tagged Blessing of the Boats, funny bones [...]