Matanchen Bay Beaches

A Little Bit About the Beautiful Beaches of the Matanchen Bay Area....

Los Cocos

Aptly named Los Cocos for the hundreds of coconut palms that line its shore, Los Cocos beach is the perfect destination for those looking for a getaway defined by tranquility and serenity.  Walks along this stretch of beach (November through April, no beach in the summer months due to high tides and wave activity) are more often than not a solo affair where you may not encounter footprints other than your own. When the birds begin their social chirping about an hour or so before sunset, you’ll know it’s time to indulge in the simplicity of sitting back, relaxing, and watching as the sun slowly starts to melt away into the expansive, sparkling Pacific.

Las Islitas

Las Islitas is a beach whose impressive natural beauty gives it an almost magical feel.  Located on the far north end of Matanchen Bay, Las Islitas commands a sweeping view of the bay and the lush Sierra Madre mountain range that encircles it. Fresh seafood restaurants serving delicious local specialties such as pescado zarandeado line its shores, inviting beach goers to enjoy a great meal or savor a cold drink while taking it all in. Depending on the season and the tide change, visitors can often witness the three small island formations for which “Las Islitas” is named after. Once having held a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s longest wave, surf enthusiasts can often ride over a km in distance (approximately 3 minute long) into the connecting bay. More days than not, this gem of a beach will delight with its calm, tranquil waters. Ideal for swimming and for kids, Las Islitas will feel like a little pocket of an undiscovered paradise with few people except on weekends and holidays.

Matanchen Bay 

Matanchen Bay is known as one of Mexico’s widest, sandiest beaches, stretching approximately 4 miles/ 6.5 kilometers from Las Islitas beach to Aticama. Boasting soft, fine, golden sand, Matanchen beach is ideal for nice long walks, running, playing volleyball, soccer, or simply just taking a spot with your beach umbrella and soaking in the sun. Dating back to the time of the Spanish Conquest, this area’s calm, warm waters served as a rest stop to trade ships and pirates alike, and continues to be a favorite destination for sailboats passing through. It is also a great spot for swimming, kayaking, and boogie boarding. The small town of La Aguada, located at the northern end of the bay and just outside the entrance to Las Islitas, is famous for its gastronomical baked goods which include: banana bread, cocadas (similar to coconut macaroons), and empanadas (a type of pastry with various fillings, much like turnovers); a must-try for anyone visiting the area.

Santa Cruz/Miramar

Santa Cruz and neighboring Miramar are small fishing towns with a combined population of around 1,600 residents, located about a twenty-five minute drive south of San Blas, 10 minutes south of Aticama. Here, life flows like the tides- at a slow, rhythmic pace much like the ocean that these two small towns face. Surrounded by banana, yaka (jackfruit) and mango groves, Santa Cruz boasts a jewel of a beach where you will find a single restaurant (opened weekends only), a small river mouth just a short walk down the shoreline, and a handful of local fishermen collecting oysters and the daily catch.  Although it hosts a rocky shore most of the year, the natural beauty of this beach is well worth the trip so make sure to remember your camera. Just adjacent, lays the even smaller fishing community of Miramar with its palm thatched ramadas spread along its crescent beach. It is the perfect place to enjoy local seafood specialties such as ceviche or a refreshing shrimp cocktail all while watching the fishing boats head out for the catch. Though small, both communities offer a range of accommodations as well as several small stores and local restaurants all boasting an authentic Mexican flavor. 

San Blas

There was a time when the only travelers to this small seaside port were intrepid souls who padded around the quiet streets on their way to the playa (beach). Though times have changed and both government and outside investors attempt to market San Blas as the new hot spot along the Riviera Nayarit, the town manages to hold on to an easy, laid-back charm. Outside of the Christmas and Easter holiday season, the level of bustling tourist activity dies down and things settle back into a tranquil state. The best way to describe San Blas is authentic Mexico set to a soundtrack of cackling birds and buzzing mosquitoes. Situated about 1,500 kms south of the US border, in between Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, San Blas is a magical port full of natural resources. It not only holds a significant colonial heritage, but is also considered sacred grounds to the local Huichol Indians. You won’t want to miss strolling through its open-air market or grabbing a bite to eat at one of the local loncherias (eateries). Stray a couple of blocks off the main plaza and you might find yourself on a sleepy street, savoring Mexican antojitos (a term used for enchiladas, tacos, pozole, and tostadas) in the company of local families. Head a few blocks south and you’ll end up at Playa El Borrego, a wide open beach break where the daily itinerary revolves around surfing, lounging in a hammock, enjoying long walks, or taking shade at one of the local ramadas (restaurants) serving fresh seafood. So, relax a little. Explore a little. Eat a little, (or a lot,, the food is good!!),  and indulge in the local way of life. You’ve come to just the right place.