Date of publication 23/08/2019
Sports in Mexico Riviera Nayarit, an idyllic combination of surfing and golf
Two very different sports define this remarkable coastline
Riviera Nayarit is one of those destinations everyone dreams about, where a modern feel meets a strong sense of place — comfort with unmistakable local character.
Two activities capture the essence of this coast. The first is golf: meticulously maintained courses and the hotels alongside them, developed with real environmental awareness to preserve the natural beauty of the setting.
On the other, surfing represents something more spontaneous, a way to fully embrace the ocean through powerful waves and reef formations that create shifting currents and ever-changing crests.
Riviera Nayarit is, in many ways, a meeting point between authenticity and refinement. Even when experienced separately, it is hard not to end up enjoying both sides of it.
Iberostar offers a five-star hotel in the Riviera Nayarit area, a beachfront property designed to immerse guests in the destination from the very first day. The distinctive architecture of Iberostar Selection Playa Mita, with its all-inclusive concept, makes it an especially appealing choice.
On the golf peninsula of Punta de Mita, surrounded by sea and beaches, lies one of the most engaging and versatile courses along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Litibú Golf Club features 18 holes that blend naturally into the surrounding landscape.
Its setting is exceptional. On one side, ocean breezes shape the game; on the other, jungle vegetation gradually opens into fairways and tees. Adding to this is the presence of Iberostar Selection Playa Mita within the same complex, a beachfront hotel in Riviera Nayarit where each round can be paired with a refreshing swim. The result is an easy rhythm of swings and relaxation, whether by the sea or at the spa.
Some elements appeal to more experienced players. The par-72 course was designed by Greg Norman, one of the sport’s most renowned figures, and is structured in three distinct sections. The first incorporates natural features that challenge and surprise. The second becomes more enclosed, with trees lining the fairways. The third opens toward the ocean, where wind plays a decisive role. Altogether, it forms a PGA-rated course stretching 7,022 yards, where no round feels predictable, and the final score can always take an unexpected turn.
Surf for everyone
There is no need to travel far to find some of the best beaches and waves along this coast. In fact, surfing can be practiced in nearly every town in Riviera Nayarit.
Punta Mita stands out for its variety of currents and wave patterns, making it one of the best areas for both surfing and simply spending a day by the sea. For experienced surfers, The Cove is a key spot. At high tide, it offers long, manageable waves that invite extended rides.
For beginners, El Anclote provides gentler, more forgiving waves that are ideal for building confidence. Los Veneros, in contrast, draws a mix of surfers with both shortboards and longboards and has a distinctly relaxed atmosphere, shaped by a sense of community that feels genuinely local. It is no coincidence that this area is also home to a family-friendly hotel in Riviera Nayarit, where younger guests can take their first steps on a board while more experienced surfers head toward stronger breaks.
Then there are Sayulita and San Blas, two towns known for their favorable climate, spacious beaches, and waves that can reach up to 13 feet.
San Blas is especially memorable for Stoner Point Break at Las Islitas Beach, one of the most sought-after surf spots in the region. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest wave, offering a very different kind of experience on the board, where the focus shifts from adrenaline to the pleasure of gliding while taking in the ocean views.
Whether arriving with a surfboard, a set of golf clubs, or both, Riviera Nayarit is an ideal destination for an active vacation shaped by lush nature and thoughtfully designed facilities.
ÁLVARO MÁRQUEZ
Photography by Cordon Press
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