When we think of Riviera Nayarit, it is easy to picture some of its best-known spots: lively beaches, charming coastal towns, restaurants by the sea, and sunsets that make you want to stay for just one more day.
But there is another side of Nayarit that reveals itself when you decide to step a little off the beaten path.
If you enjoy finding places that feel a little removed from the usual rhythm of the coast, these are three beaches in Riviera Nayarit worth seeking out.
Barro Beach: A Little Adventure Before Reaching the Sea
Just outside San Pancho, Barro Beach is one of those places where getting there is part of the adventure.
The road does not take you directly to the shore. After driving along a dirt road, there is still a roughly 15-minute walk along a trail surrounded by lush vegetation. It is the kind of walk that makes you wonder for a moment if you are actually heading in the right directionuntil, suddenly, the ocean appears between the trees.
And there it is.
A beach surrounded by greenery, with golden sand and water in shades of green and blue. You will not find large hotels or the atmosphere of some of Riviera Nayarit's busier beaches here. Instead, everything feels quieter and more natural, almost as if you have stumbled upon a hidden corner of the coast.
One of the things that makes Barro Beach unique is the hill beside the shore. The natural mud found there is what gives the beach its name, and many visitors use it as a natural face mask before heading back into the sea.
After that, all that is left to do is find a spot on the sand and enjoy.
The waves can be strong at times, so it is important to use caution when swimming. But even if you spend most of the day out of the water, Barro Beach makes the journey worthwhile. There is something special about arriving somewhere that still feels so far removed from the rest of the world.
Photo: Barro Beach
El Capomo: Where the Beach and the Jungle Meet
Continuing along the coast toward Compostela, El Capomo offers a completely different landscape.
Here, the beach seems to stretch endlessly.
The sand follows the coastline while tropical vegetation and wetlands create a setting where the ocean and nature meet without rows of buildings in between.
El Capomo is ideal for those who enjoy spending time outdoors without needing a packed itinerary. You can walk along the shore, explore the surrounding landscape, or venture into the estuaries to see another side of the area.
It is also a wonderful place to take in the local wildlife. The surrounding ecosystem is home to a variety of bird species and native animals, making the natural surroundings just as much a part of the visit as the beach itself.
And while the beach may be what brings you here, it is easy to understand why some visitors end up staying longer than they planned.
There are places you visit simply to see them. And then there are places where you find yourself wanting to stay a little longer.
El Capomo is the second kind.
Photo: El Capomo Beach
Nahui Beach: The Perfect Plan for Having No Plans
Nahui Beach is for those days when you want to reach the ocean and not think too much about what comes next.
Located in Bahía de Banderas, near La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, this semi-wild beach has a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, with light-colored sand, clear water, and far less activity than some of the area's more popular spots.
It is a good idea to arrive prepared.
There are very few tourist services here, so one of the best ways to enjoy the beach is to bring everything you will need for the day. You can stop in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle beforehand, pick up something to eat, and put together a simple picnic by the sea.
The beach may seem small at first, but if you continue walking and make your way past the cliffs, the landscape opens up to reveal a much longer stretch of sand.
That is when Nahui feels even more special.
You can walk along the shore, find your own little spot, and spend the afternoon without having to do anything else.
Sometimes, that is exactly what you are looking for when you go on vacation.
Photo: Nahui Beach
Sometimes, You Just Have to Get Off the Beaten Path
Riviera Nayarit has beaches for every kind of traveler.
There are places for those who want restaurants, activities, and plenty of movement from early in the morning. There are towns where something is always happening. And then there are quieter corners where the plan can simply be to arrive at the shore and let the day unfold on its own.
Barro, El Capomo, and Nahui are among the beaches that reveal another side of Nayarit.
They invite you to slow down, stay a little longer than you planned, and enjoy the landscape without too many expectations. To listen to the waves, take in the surroundings, and enjoy those small moments that, without you realizing it, often become some of the best memories of a trip.
Because sometimes, finding something different is as simple as taking a little detour from the usual route.