From the far southern longboard breaks of Punta Mita to the beach-breaking tubes at San Pancho to the boat- accessed reefs of Chacala, the state of Nayarit delivers consistent, warm-water surf for all levels. It is renowned as one of the best surf coasts on the planet. Nayarit's waves are smaller in the summer months -- the area's off season -- but even 3-foot waves can provide 20-second rides. Some surfers hire a panga boat ($45 for a quick session to $150 for all-day hunting) to ferry them to distant reef breaks and more remote waves along the Nayarit coast.
Punta Mita offers greatest options with six slowly peeling breaks perfect for lazy-day longboarding. Includes from south to north Los Veneros, Burros, La Lancha, Anclote, El Faro and the Cove. North 45minutes from Punta Mita , the beach-pounding breaks at San Francisco -- known locally as San Pancho -- and Lo de Marco are much less crowded but demand a bit more skill (hint: Bail early or eat sand).
Sayulita offers a great right break for beginners and longboard riders, and a speedy left break for rippers. Paddle softly around the local surfers, and definitely don't drop in on them. Beginners are better off learning the art in the early-morning hours before the tourist-weary local surfers take over the break. For a show, watch the locals put on a display of surfing prowess. Some of those young rippers are international surf stars, and their skills are unrivaled.
Snorkeling can be a challenge along the coast of Nayarit, and especially in Sayulita, because of the relentless waves. But a short stroll south and west of Sayulita's square to the Playa de los Muertos can provide some exceptional snorkeling. The tiny cove is protected from the waves, and a series of large, pelican-painted rocks in the cove provide refuge for an array of multihued ocean critters, including lazy blowfish and darting dorado. Best to bring your own gear if you plan to snorkel. The Playa de los Muertos -- there's a cemetery next to the beach, hence the name -- is a popular escape from the often zany Sayulita beach scene.
