5 Ways to Enjoy Social Distancing in Riviera Nayarit

With miles of uncrowded beaches and a lush countryside, Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit is an ideal destination for travelers looking to include social distancing in their next vacation. Whether clients prefer unspoiled nature or sumptuous pampering (or a bit of both), they’ll find it in this Pacific coast beach destination, all while maintaining a safe distance from others.

Here are a few of the best ways to make social distancing a pleasure in Riviera Nayarit.

Camping at Isla Isabel National Park 
Accessible by boat from the coast of San Blas, the nature preserve on Isla Isabel (Isabel Island) is a must-see destination for anyone wishing to truly commune with nature. Diving, snorkeling, fishing, hiking and bird-watching are just a few of the activities that await.

Travelers looking for a more immersive experience can camp on the uninhabited island; however, since there are no residents or stores, it’s necessary to bring your own food and supplies. The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau can put travelers and travel advisors in touch with tour operators that arrange overnight visits.

www.rivieranayarit.com

Mountain Biking and Cycling
Private tours through the region’s picturesque natural settings allow clients to enjoy the sights — without the crowds. Nuevo Vallarta Tours offers a six-hour Monkey Mountain Extreme Mountain Bike Tour that starts in the hip and happening town of Sayulita and passes along miles of uncrowded beaches and through dense jungle. Based on the experience level of the participants, the company can tailor the itinerary to include level riding and an easy pace, or a more challenging course with steep hills and complex descents.

Bici Bucerias also offers a variety of biking itineraries, including a scenic ride from the bay of Boca de Tomatlan (a peaceful fishing village) through a verdant pine forest to El Tuito, a charming town that’s famous for its homemade cheeses. The company also offers weekly vacation rentals and guided tours that can extend across multiple days, with yoga and meals included in its all-inclusive itineraries.

bicibucerias.com 
www.nuevovallartatours.com

RELATED: The Best Hotels for Spa-Hopping in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

Private Bird-Watching Tours 
The state’s lush Pacific coastline and interior are ideal spots to observe a variety of beautiful bird species, especially from October through March. The area around San Blas is especially rewarding with its beautiful feathered residents, including belted kingfishers, Mexican wood nymphs and yellow-winged caciques, among others.

A company called Nature Vallartas Birding Tours offers expert-led guided private tours to San Blas that range from 12 hours to three days, including a boat ride through mangroves in the San Cristobal estuary to spot species such as the boat-billed heron and northern potoo. For even more bird spotting, the company’s private tours of the Marieta Islands marine life sanctuary offer opportunities to view blue-footed and brown boobies.

naturevallarta.com

Villa Rentals
Riviera Nayarit is home to many luxury hotels, and several of them offer private accommodation options that are ideal for social distancing. At The Four Seasons Punta Mita, guests can check in at one of the property’s private residences, complete with airport transportation and a grocery credit (for stays of seven or more nights).

Residences range from three to five bedrooms, with full kitchens and private pools. Another noteworthy option is Imanta, a chic boutique resort that has three-bedroom villas with private pools, as well as an array of sumptuous suites tucked individually into the hills along the shore, creating a blissfully isolated paradise (one reason why celebrities love staying here).

www.fourseasons.com
en.imantaresorts.com

Yacht Charters 
The International Sailing Academy, based in the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, offers a variety of private sailing lessons across different levels for children, teens and adults. This winter, the company will operate a series of six-day sailing clinics, using the popular sailing dinghy called a laser, which is designed to be sailed alone or with two people. The clinics, which are available for beginners and experts alike, include daily coaching and laser charters.

Note: Due to current pandemic safety guidelines, shared group meals are no longer provided, but participants are permitted to bring their own food during the excursions and activities.

internationalsailingacademy.com

The Details
Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.rivieranayarit.com