12 Noteworthy Things to do in Punta Mita Mexico
With plenty of beaches, sunshine and restaurants, get to know the amazing things to do in Punta Mita, where to stay and all the best restaurants in Punta Mita.
Punta Mita is a large peninsula in Nayarit Mexico, marking the northern part of Banderas Bay overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the Sierra Madre Mountains behind.
This lush, tropical peninsula is home to many luxury resorts, golf courses and long, white-sand beaches perfect to relax on and enjoy a vacation under the Mexican sun. During a trip to Punta Mita you’ll get to see glimpses of local culture, cuisine and have many days of sunshine to relax and unwind.
In general, Punta Mita is the most upscale part of Banderas Bay and it’s here where you’ll find the most exclusive resorts with private beaches as well as delicious restaurants anywhere in this part of Mexico.
While it’s possible to base yourself in Punta Mita, the entire peninsula can be visited as a day trip from Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita or San Pancho. There are many things to do in Punta Mita that will keep the adventurous soul in you occupied or provide you with another excuse to just put your feet up and relax.
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THINGS TO DO IN PUNTA MITA: GET IN
Plane: The nearest airport to Punta Mita is Puerto Vallarta International Airport from which there are many direct flights to the United States, Canada and Europe. From here you can get a taxi or an Uber to Punta Mita. Uber charges about 600 pesos to Punta Mita from the airport, but as Uber drivers aren’t allowed inside you’ll need to meet your driver on the main highway outside the airport.
Taxi drivers will charge considerably more so it’s best to use Uber.
Bus: Local buses to Punta Mita depart from Puerto Vallarta outside Walmart/Sam’s Club towards the north of the city. It takes about 1hr 20 minutes to get to Punta Mita and the trip costs 40 pesos. You can also get to Punta Mita by bus from Sayulita and San Pancho. From Sayulita it’s just 12km south to Punta Mita.
Taxi/Uber: It’s possible to also get a taxi or Uber from Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta to Punta Mita. From Puerto Vallarta, an Uber will cost about 600 pesos one way.
If you prefer a full executive, luxury and private transfer, those are also available. Find out more about the best service here.
Once in Punta Mita, you’ll find the main town and beach to be completely walkable, especially if you’re here just for the day to explore. To head further afield taxis are plentiful.
THINGS TO DO IN PUNTA MITA
Stroll around the Pueblo and Marina
One of the best ways to get to know Punta Mita pueblo (town) is to just stroll around it. There are many cute boutiques, stores, cafes and corners to get to know and admire.
Start by strolling down Avenida las Redes where you’ll find the town’s best boutique stores and some great cafes. From here you can follow the oceanfront road to the marina to cool off in the refreshing sea breeze and check out the boats and local fishermen as well as the tiny ‘el faro’ or lighthouse.
Right next to the marina you’ll find the town’s main public beach, Playa Punta Mita where you can relax and get a drink right on the beach. You can also opt for surf lessons here too.
Behind the main beach, there are lots of little streets that are full of local activity, delicious restaurants and even a market that’s on every Saturday down Calle Emiliano Zapata.
Relax on the beach
Around Punta Mita, you’ll find a few main beaches where you can relax for the afternoon and rest.
In town, you’ll find nearby Playa Punta Mita and further away Playa Careyeros and El Anclote beaches which are also worth a visit.
On the beach, you can rent a deck chair and relax under the shade of an umbrella or simply spread out your beach towel on the sand to top up on Vitamin D.
Punta Mita’s public beach probably isn’t the best beach along the Riviera Nayarit but it does have extremely white, fine sand similar to what you might see in Tulum or Playa del Carmen.
Surfing at Playa La Lancha
Further south along the coast towards Puerto Vallarta you’ll find the lovely, little beach of Playa La Lancha, one of the best spots in the area of surfing.
Many locals come here to surf – easily the most popular of all water sports in the area – but word is getting out that this is one of the best beaches in the area to catch a wave. There isn’t much infrastructure here and there aren’t too many surf schools in this area either.
To get there you’ll want to park right byWildMex Surf School where you can rent a board or even get a lesson and then hike from the road through the jungle to the beach.
If you’re an intermediate or more advanced surfer this is one of the best breaks in the area as the town’s main beach, Playa Punta Mita tends to get much smaller waves, shallow water and good low tide conditions perfect for beginners.
To find out more about booking a private surf lesson on Playa Punta Mita click here.
Shop along Avenida las Redes
Avenida las Redes is one of Punta Mita’s best shopping streets and having a wander down here is easily one of the best things to do in Punta Mita.
Here you’ll find a number of lovely boutiques selling mainly homeware and clothing, some of which is very unique and worth a look. My favourite boutiques are KM33 and Velia Sierra for clothing and Hanna Waxman Design and Concept Pt Store for beautiful homeware you can have shipped to your own place to add a little Mexican touch.
Along Avenida las Redes you’ll also find many different cafes and coffee places to refuel while you shop.
Take a Trip to the Marietas Islands
It won’t take long before someone offers you a tour of the nearby Marietas Islands. In fact, this is one of the best things to do in the whole Puerto Vallarta area.
If you are interested in taking this tour to visit the UNESCO Protected islands then doing a tour from Punta Mita is actually a much better idea than going from Puerto Vallarta.
Punta Mita is much closer to the islands than Puerto Vallarta- you can check their proximity on Google Maps which means that there is far less boat travel to get there. Due to this, the tours offered are also cheaper as the boat’s running costs are lower.
For a great snorkelling tour to the Marietas Islands leaving from nearby Sayulita click here.
Whichever tour you opt for make sure that it also includes a visit to the gorgeous hidden beach. If your a certified diver there are also a few scuba diving tours of the Marietas Islands too.
Play Golf
While I personally know nothing about golf, what is clear when visiting Punta Mita however is the golfing paradise that it is. Punta Mita has the largest and most exclusive golf clubs, resorts and courses.
Around town, you’ll see golfers zipping around in golf carts taking a lunch break between games.
For one of the most unique, oceanside courses head to Tail of the Whale Hole 3B or check out the Golf Club House Punta Mita to find more information about the courses available. The Pacifico Course is one of the best in the country and if you’re an avid golfer you’ll want to stay at the Four Seasons Resort, the world’s number 1 golf resort.
Go Whale Watching
While whale watching is available all around Banderas Bay, getting whale watching boat tours from Punta Pita is also a great thing to do.
Not only are you much closer to where the whales like to be – from Puerto Vallarta it’s much further as they tend not to come so close to the city- you’re more likely to see greater numbers of them.
There are many tours departing from Punta Mita and you’ll definitely be offered some as you walk down the main streets of town if you are in Punta Mita during whale watching season. The best time to see whales is from December to March.
From what we saw, the humpback whales here tend to be quite active so it’s well worth signing up for the tour when visiting Punta Mita.
Check out this whale watching tour that departs directly from Punta Mita.
Hike to the Top of Monkey Mountain
Just north of Punta Mita, there is a small mountain or hill called Monkey Mountain. I’m not sure if there are many monkeys up there -we didn’t see any.
Monkey Mountain is perfect for those wanting to add a little hike to their trip or to get out of town to explore the surroundings a little more. It’s not the best hike you’ll ever do but the view from the top of the surrounding jungle and the ocean is fantastic.
The best time to go up is for sunset or golden hour, just make sure to bring a head torch to light your way on the way back. If you’re in Punta Mita during whale watching season (Dec-March) keep your eye open for whales.
To get to the trailhead you’ll need to drive or get a taxi. Taxi drivers will know where it is, just mention ‘Cerro del Mono’ and they will take you to the trailhead.
Get a Massage on the Beach
If you’re wanting to pamper yourself a little without having to commit to a spa then why not just get a massage on the beach for an hour. On Playa Punta Mita you’ll find a couple of local spas that have set up massage tables under some shady umbrellas.
For about $35 you are able to get a full hours massage right on the beach while listening to the sounds of the waves crashing nearby.
Take a Day Trip to Sayulita
12km up the coast you’ll find one of the best little towns in Nayarit, Sayulita. Sayulita has a very different vibe from Punta Mita- think less upscale more surf chic. The town has tons of great things to do and amazing restaurants and boutiques to explore during your trip.
You can start the day with a surf session or surf lesson before relaxing on Playa Los Muertos, Sayulita’s prettiest beach. Then head to one of my favourite cafes, Anchor Cafe, for a late brunch before doing a spot of shopping at some local boutiques. Then head to Playa Carricitos for an incredible sunset.
While Sayulita can be visited as part of a day trip from Punta Mita, I’d highly recommend staying for longer.
Read more: Top Things To Do in Sayulita, Mexico
Take a Day Trip to San Pancho
Just a little north of Sayulita you’ll find the sleepy, community-based town of San Pancho, another great option for a day trip from Punta Mita. Here you can also surf, visit the local community center, go for a great meal in one of the amazing restaurants here and just wonder around town.
You can get to Sayulita and San Pancho from Punta Mita easily by taking the local bus or local taxi. Uber is probably a little limited this far from Puerto Vallarta.
Check into a Luxury Resort
With Punta Mita being the most exclusive area in the Riviera Nayarit, if you’re looking for a bit of luxury then why not come and stay at one of the most luxurious resorts in the area and explore from there?
Many of these resorts have their own private, white sand beaches (the best in the area), many different kinds of restaurants, spas, outdoor pools and as well as wellness programs to make sure you have mind and body also have the best possible vacation.
Here are some of the best luxury properties to look into when considering staying in Punta Mita:
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita– One of the best and most well-known 5-star properties in the area. You can’t go wrong with this choice. It’s the perfect place for couples. Check rates here.
St Regis Punta Mita Resort – A lovely alternative to the Four Seasons with a beautiful private beach, exclusive restaurants and Mediterranean/Mexican style suites. Check rates here.
W Punta Mita – Located a little further away from Punta Mita but equally as gorgeous, make sure to check out the gorgeous pool here, private, colorful casitas and mosaic terrace. Check rates here.
Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa – Another great resort, this one is focused and geared to towards families. Check rates here.
Imanta Resorts – Located a little up the coast from Punta Mita, towards Sayulita this is another fantastic option for a stay in paradise. This resort perfectly combines luxury and nature in style and service. Check rates here.
WHERE TO STAY
If the above 5-star resorts aren’t quite within your budget then don’t worry. There are plenty of other great options in Punta Mita and Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Here are a few places to stay in Punta Mita that won’t break the bank.
Punta Mita Surf Lodge – A minimalist, clean and modern option in the heart of Punta Mita town just a short walk from the beach. There’s an ample terrace with amazing sea views and a shared pool. Check rates and availability here.
Hotel La Quinta de Sol – A great budget option with ocean views, spacious rooms with a local, Mexican style. Check rates and availability here.
ONDA Surf – A unique stay in town made out of several converted shipping containers surrounding a lush pool this eco-friendly property is a great option for a few nights. They have studios and master suites available and some onsite services include yoga classes, board rental, beach towels and umbrellas and bike rentals. Check rates and availability here.
RESTAURANTS IN PUNTA MITA
NAEF – One of the best places to eat in Punta Mita which we missed unfortunately as they are only open for dinner but we were recommended it several times. The food here is a lovely mix of European and Mexican and features dishes like dumplings, salads, chile relleno, catch of the day and pizzas. There are many vegan and vegetarian options here.
If you do manage to get here during the day as we did then you’ll find their ice cream shop open which I highly recommend checking out.
Boca Deli– You’ll find this lovely deli cafe on las Redes Avenue, just look out for the lovely palm-fringed outdoor terrace. Here you’ll find a menu concentrating on simple, natural and healthy foods. You’ll find a variety of salads, paninis, soups, burgers and for breakfast a number of both Western and Mexican style dishes.
Pura Vida Cafe – Recently opened by a lovely older Venezuelan couple this street-side hole-in-the-wall has amazing coffee, smoothies, juices (including a delicious green juice), golden milk, and sweet and savoury bowls. They also have juices containing activated charcoal and other superfoods to keep your immune system strong. Highly recommended!
El Cafecito de Mita – Located on the main thoroughfare along the beach, this little cafe has everything you need after a few hours at the beach. Come here for good coffee, smoothies, juices and simple dishes and snacks.
Hector’s Kitchen– Another great place for dinner in Punta Mita, this is a classic upscale restaurant with delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients. Food is modern European with a Mexican twist and there is always a vegan starter and main on the menu. It’s not cheap by Mexican standards but worth the extra spend.
Which of these things to do in Punta Mita are you looking forward to checking out. Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you.
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