Beachfront paradise in Bucerias
Miles of sandy beaches, golden Pacific sunsets, and cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses draw travelers to the sweet town of Bucerias on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit. With the amenities of Puerto Vallarta just half an hour’s drive down the road, this former fishing village on the Bahia de Banderas bay offers a more peaceful vibe with just as many thrills, whether you prefer shopping open-air markets for one-of-kind crafts, taste-testing tortillas at local diners, or windsurfing on the sparkling waves. Once you pick out your ideal Bucerias vacation rental, it’s just a quick hop toward the ocean to start your adventures.
Bucerias for art lovers
Though the beach is a big highlight in Bucerias, there’s more to this coastal gem than suntans and sandy feet. The city boasts a thriving arts district, which is full of shops, restaurants, galleries, and studios just blocks from the ocean. The cultural scene is especially highlighted on seasonal Thursday evening art walks, where you can pick up paintings or pieces made of glass, pop into the boutiques, and meet local artists and crafters. Other open-air markets take place throughout the week in Bucerias and surrounding towns, so you’re sure to find plenty of unique souvenirs and gifts to take home.
The beach life in Bucerias
There’s nothing better than spending long days enjoying the golden sands along the miles of shoreline in Bucerias. The city is known for its clean beaches, perfect for building castles with the kids or napping in the sun. When you’re ready to test out the the bay, you can grab a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard to play on, or duck underwater with snorkel gear to meet some local marine life. You won’t have to venture far from your Bucerias vacation rental to enjoy the great outdoors either. Many options come equiped with a pool, and several are just steps from the ocean.
Warm winters in Bucerias
Warm, sunny days on the beach are a year-round delight in Bucerias, where winter highs are still perfectly pleasant for shorts and sandals. If you want to avoid the rain and humidity of the summer, you might opt for a stay in spring, when prices take a little dip after the busy winter season. Winter is the prime time for seeing humpback whales though, as they hang out in the warm waters to give birth and nurture their young. If you come in January, you might also catch the festivities during an annual celebration for the city’s patron saint.
Underwater adventures near Bucerias
The waters around Bucerias are home to all kinds of interesting sea life best viewed on snorkeling trips. A popular area for the activity is Islas Marietas, a small archipelago and national park in the Pacific, famed for its “hidden beach”. Here you might encounter sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays around the underwater caves and reefs, and spot rare blue-footed boobies and other seabirds resting on the shore. This has been a favorite destination for boat tours for years, and the government has put certain restrictions in place in order to preserve the ecosystem. Before booking an excursion, check to see what you’ll have access to. There also are plenty of other offshore snorkeling spots for your family to explore during your stay at your Bucerias vacation rental.
How to get to and around Bucerías
The nearest airport is in Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Intl. Airport (PVR), located 7.7 mi (12.5 km) from the city center.