Playa El Anclote, Punta de Mita | Top 100 Bikini Destinations
PUNTA DE MITA, NAYARIT / MEXICO
Playa El Anclote, Punta de Mita
| Top 100 Bikini Guide
Walk the village waterfront and watch the surf at the edge of Banderas Bay.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 100 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / RIVIERA NAYARIT
A morning on the bay,
from the sand to the waterfront.
Playa El Anclote runs along Corral del Risco, on the south side of the Punta de Mita peninsula. Fishing boats, restaurants, and reef breaks share the waterfront.
Start with the public shore, then look for a lesson or a boat outing if conditions suit. Leave the surf and boat channels room.
ON THE WORLD MAP
At the northwest end of Banderas Bay.
Playa El Anclote, Punta de Mita, Nayarit
01 / GETTING THERE
Start at Puerto Vallarta airport.
Punta de Mita waterfront
The waterfront is the approach to El Anclote.
Photo: Lynx Burgos · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display cropGet around Punta de Mita
Walk from the village streets to the waterfront. Use signed parking and leave access lanes open.
On the beach
Ask locally where boats launch and where swimming is appropriate. Check weather, surf, flags, and lifeguard coverage before entering. Beach status ↗
02 / BEACH ESSENTIALS
Know before you go.
A public village beach with food on the waterfront and rocks along parts of the shore.
01 / HOW TO GET THERE
Walk in from Corral del Risco
Follow Avenida El Anclote to the village waterfront. Use signed parking if you drive and allow extra time on weekends.
Municipal beach information ↗02 / BEACH ACCESS
Short approaches and uneven sand
The village approach is short. The last stretch is loose sand or uneven rock, depending on the entrance and tide. Confirm accessibility before relying on a step-free route.
03 / THE SAND
Sand and rock at the waterline
The beach has sand with rocky sections near the water and the surf break. Pack sandals for the dry sand and shoes with grip for the rocks.
04 / FOOD & WATER
Lunch on the waterfront
Restaurants along the village waterfront serve meals and drinks. Carry water, check hours, and ask about card acceptance before ordering.
05 / CHAIRS & UMBRELLAS
Check for restaurant shade
Beachfront restaurants may offer seats under palapas. Check their current terms. Bring your own shade if you plan to sit on the open beach.
06 / RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Use facilities at waterfront businesses
Waterfront restaurants have restrooms for customers. Public showers and changing rooms are unconfirmed. Check the day’s lifeguard coverage and posted flags.
03 / THE BEACH
A day at Playa El Anclote.
Playa Litibú
Playa Litibú is a separate beach north of Punta de Mita.
Photo: Ferfive · CC BY 4.0 · Display crop01 / THE WATERFRONT
Start at the village
Follow the public access near the restaurants.
02 / THE SURF
Watch the point
Conditions change with wind, swell, and tide.
03 / THE SAND
Walk the shore
Keep clear of boat launch areas.
04 / THE RETURN
Plan your ride
Confirm your pickup before dark.
Start on the waterfront and watch how waves wrap along the shore. In rough weather, spend time at the craft market or sit down for lunch in town.
NEARBY BEACHES
Four shores around the bay and Pacific coast.
Litibú lies to the northeast. Destiladeras and Bucerías lie to the east. Sayulita is northeast on the Pacific coast.
Playa Litibú
An exposed, sandy Pacific beach north of the peninsula.
- Best for
- A shoreline walk
- Facilities
- Bring water and check which public approach is open.
- Good to know
- Strong surf can develop. Use caution at the waterline.
Playa Destiladeras
A broad sandy beach on Banderas Bay with an exposed waterline.
- Best for
- A separate beach outing
- Facilities
- Check access, parking, and food service before driving.
- Good to know
- Follow posted flags and leave room near boats.
Playa Bucerías
A long bay beach with access from town streets.
- Best for
- A town lunch and a shore walk
- Facilities
- Use facilities in town and check current patrol coverage.
- Good to know
- Give kiteboarders and boats room.
Distances are straight-line from Playa El Anclote. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
04 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Three stops beyond the sand.
01 / CORRAL DEL RISCO
Punta de Mita craft market
Walk to the craft market on Avenida El Anclote. Check the opening hours before you go.
Municipal craft market information ↗02 / OFFSHORE
Islas Marietas National Park
Use a permitted operator and confirm which sites are open. Sea conditions can change itineraries.
CONANP park information ↗03 / LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE
Marina Riviera Nayarit
Walk along the marina in La Cruz. Confirm public access and hours before driving over.
Marina on Google Maps ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Playa El Anclote and Punta de Mita.
The marker sits on the village shore. The nearby-beach distances are straight-line estimates. The Marietas are a separate boat outing.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
The village, the peninsula, and the bay.
The waterfront changes from small boats at El Anclote to separate coves farther around the peninsula.
Punta de Mita harbor
Fishing and tour boats on the waterfront.
Photo: Rick Ruppenthal · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Display crop
Punta Mita
A view from the peninsula.
Photo: Lynx Burgos · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop
Bahía de Banderas
The bay continues east toward the mainland.
Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Display crop
The peninsula coast
The shore on the western peninsula.
Photo: Mariana Cueva · CC BY 3.0 · Display crop05 / SIX HOTELS
Find your base.
EMILIANO ZAPATA, PUNTA DE MITA
Punto Mita
$ Budget · about MXN 1,190 per night (about US$63 per night) (checked 2026-11)
A small inn and surf loft on Francisco Villa, four blocks from the sea. Confirm your room type and occupancy with the property.
Punto Mita information ↗LA CRUZ VILLAGE CENTER
La Cruz Inn
$ Budget · about MXN 1,600–1,900 per night (about US$85–101 per night) (checked 2026-11)
A village inn on Calle Marlín. This range covers selected small rooms for stays from November 14 through April 30.
La Cruz Inn information ↗BUCERÍAS
Hotel Palmeras
$$ Mid-Range · about MXN 1,070–2,160 per night (about US$57–115 per night) (checked 2026-11)
Studios near the bay with direct multi-night and breakfast options. Allow for a drive to Punta de Mita.
Hotel Palmeras official site ↗EL ANCLOTE WATERFRONT
Hotel Mesón de Mita
$$ Mid-Range · about MXN 3,700–5,000 per night (about US$197–267 per night) (checked 2026-11)
A waterfront hotel in the village. The band reflects selected one-night direct packages with breakfast and extras.
Hotel Mesón de Mita official site ↗COSTA BANDERAS
W Punta de Mita
$$$ Upscale · about MXN 6,260–9,440 per night (about US$334–503 per night) (checked 2026-11)
A beachfront resort east of El Anclote. Check room and parking details if you plan to drive into the village.
W Punta de Mita official site ↗PUNTA MITA PENINSULA
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
$$$$ Luxury · about MXN 35,000–36,850 per night (about US$1,866–1,964 per night) (checked 2026-11)
Rooms and suites on the peninsula west of the public village shore. Confirm your route to El Anclote and any resort fees.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
Check wind, swell, and rain before setting out. Tropical weather can affect boat trips, road conditions, and surf. Climate normals ↗
06 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Pescado zarandeado
Pescado zarandeado is split and grilled. This photo illustrates the Nayarit preparation.
Photo: Cursante · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display cropWhat to order
Look for pescado zarandeado, shrimp tacos, and seasonal fish. Ask what was landed locally that day.
Local habits
Greet people when you enter a shop and ask before photographing vendors. Bring a cover-up for cafés and ask whether a small stand takes cards.
A LITTLE SPANISH
Useful on the beach and in town.
- Buenos días
- Good morning
- ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- How much is it?
- La cuenta, por favor
- The check, please
- Gracias
- Thank you
SIX RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
COLONIA DORADA, BUCERÍAS
Taquería El Sinaloense
$ Budget · about MXN 115–200 per person (about US$6–11 per person) (checked 2026-11)
Order tacos and an agua fresca at the Las Palmas branch.
Taquería El Sinaloense official site ↗MESA QUEMADA, LA CRUZ
Tacos On The Street
$ Budget · about MXN 100–200 per person (about US$5–11 per person) (checked 2026-11)
Order grilled rib-eye tacos or a quesadilla on Calle Huachinango. This is an estimated meal band. Check the day’s prices at the restaurant.
Tacos On The Street information ↗EL ANCLOTE
La Rústica Mita
$$ Mid-Range · about MXN 200–440 per person (about US$11–23 per person) (checked 2026-11)
A waterfront table for tacos gobernador or an after-surf bowl. Check the service hours for the menu you want.
La Rústica Mita official site ↗LA LANCHA COAST
El Surf Club
$$ Mid-Range · about MXN 310–380 per person (about US$17–20 per person) (checked 2026-11)
The lunch menu lists catch-of-the-day ceviche and a surf bowl. This is a private beach club. Confirm guest access and service charges first.
El Surf Club information ↗ST. REGIS SHORE, PUNTA MITA
Majagua
$$$ Upscale · about MXN 490–750 per person (about US$26–40 per person) (checked 2026-11)
Choose the fish, shrimp, or octopus at the St. Regis beach restaurant. Call ahead for outside guest access and the current menu.
Majagua information ↗COSTA BANDERAS
Rubra
$$$$ Luxury · about MXN 1,250–4,200 per person (about US$67–224 per person) (checked 2026-11)
Reserve at W Punta de Mita for à la carte dishes or the tasting menu. Check dinner days and menu availability.
Rubra official site ↗RIVIERA NAYARIT AFTER DARK
Three bars.
Tuna Blanca
A waterfront drink before dinner. Check the bar’s service hours. Tuna Blanca ↗
La Pescadora
A place to sit by the fishing boats with a drink before heading back into town. La Pescadora on Google Maps ↗
La Cruz Inn
A casual stop away from the peninsula. Check the day’s restaurant and bar hours. La Cruz Inn on Google Maps ↗
Stay near Avenida El Anclote for a short walk home. Arrange a return ride before going farther along the bay.
BAHÍA DE BANDERAS EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf
The 15th edition is scheduled for November 5–8, 2026, on the Punta Mita peninsula. The organizer lists separate reservation details for the golf and dining program.
Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf official information ↗Punta de Mita Artisan Market
The municipal listing gives Saturdays from November through April. The next scheduled Saturday is November 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Avenida El Anclote 22.
Punta de Mita Artisan Market official information ↗Currency / Mexican peso
The Mexican peso is written MXN and usually shown with a $ sign. USD equivalents are rounded planning estimates. Keep small bills for vendors and confirm whether the menu is in pesos before ordering.
Banco de México ↗07 / WHAT TO WEAR
Pack for the waterfront and the point.
THE EL ANCLOTE KIT
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Punta de Mita Point Break bikini with a light cover-up, sandals, and a brimmed hat.
On the village waterfront
Bring water and shoes with grip for the rocky stretches. Keep a dry pouch for the boat or the beach.
In town
A light shirt or dress works for dinner near the water.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Which airport should I use?
Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), then travel northwest around Banderas Bay.
Can I swim at El Anclote?
Use a suitable area away from boats and boards when flags and conditions permit. Ask about reef and currents before entering.
Is the beach step-free?
The town approach is short, but the last stretch can be uneven sand or rock. Confirm the access you plan to use.
Can I take a surf lesson?
Local surf operators offer lessons. Ask which break suits your experience and the conditions that day.
Are food and restrooms available?
Waterfront restaurants serve meals and drinks and have facilities for customers. Bring water and check opening hours.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
Teal waves and coral surfboards.
A scoop-neck top and high-waisted bottom printed with teal waves and coral and teal surfboards.
Explore the Punta de Mita Point Break bikini ↗
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