Direct answer
Punta Mita is a small, upscale resort peninsula on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit known for luxury resorts, beaches, world-class surfing, golf, and relaxed Mexican coastal culture. Plan for warm weather, resort-style prices in gated communities, and limited local services outside hotel areas.
Visa & entry requirements
- U.S., Canadian, and EU citizens: tourist stays up to 180 days usually allowed with a Mexican tourist card (FMM). Many airlines/arrival forms handle this electronically; keep the FMM form until departure.
- Passport: required and should be valid for the length of stay. Check your nationality-specific requirements at the Mexican consulate before travel.
- Visas: if you require a visa for Mexico, obtain it beforehand. Transit and work permits differ.
- Customs: standard limits on alcohol/tobacco and duty-free allowances apply; declare valuables if required.
Best time to visit
- Peak season: December–April (dry, comfortable temps 75–85°F / 24–29°C). Expect higher prices and more crowds.
- Shoulder season: May and November can offer good rates and pleasant weather.
- Low season: June–October brings hotter, humid weather and a higher chance of rain/hurricanes (especially Aug–Oct). Surfing conditions can be excellent in summer.
Safety tips
- Punta Mita is generally safe—especially inside gated resorts—but exercise standard travel caution.
- Avoid isolated beaches at night and keep valuables secure. Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash.
- Use licensed taxis or arranged resort transfers, and check prices in advance for private drivers.
- Stay aware of ocean conditions: strong rips and waves are common; heed lifeguard flags and local warnings.
- Carry travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and water sports if you plan surfing or boating.
Local customs & etiquette
- Basic Spanish phrases are appreciated; greet with “Buenos días/tardes” and say “gracias.”
- Tipping: customary in Mexico—restaurants 10–20% if service not included; bartenders, bellhops, housekeepers get small tips.
- Dress: resort-casual. Respect local norms when visiting towns—cover swimwear when away from the beach.
- Be polite with fishermen, vendors, and service staff; bargaining is common in markets but not in fixed-price shops or restaurants.
Currency & payments
- Mexican peso (MXN) is the official currency. Some resort places accept USD but you'll get change in pesos—use pesos for best value.
- Credit cards widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and upscale shops. Bring some cash for taxis, small vendors, and tips.
- ATMs available in nearby towns (e.g., Punta de Mita, Sayulita); inform your bank of travel to avoid holds.
Transportation
- Nearest major airport: Puerto Vallarta (PVR), about 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic and your exact Punta Mita location.
- Transfers: many resorts offer private shuttles; taxis and pre-booked private drivers are common. Agree fares in advance for non-metered rides.
- Car rental: useful for exploring nearby towns (Sayulita, Bucerías), but roads inside gated developments may have restricted access and lots are narrow.
- Local buses/colectivos connect towns cheaply but are less convenient for Punta Mita’s gated areas.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Gated community: parts of Punta Mita are private (resorts, villas, resident-only neighborhoods). Public beaches exist, but some access points are restricted—ask your hotel about public beach access.
- Surf & water activities: Punta Mita offers right-hand point breaks for advanced surfers; La Lancha and El Anclote are popular. Many operators offer lessons, whale-watching (Dec–Mar), snorkeling, and fishing charters.
- Dining: resort restaurants are excellent but pricey. Venture into Punta de Mita village or Sayulita for more affordable, authentic food (seafood, tacos, regional specialties).
- Day trips: consider Sayulita (bohemian surf town), San Pancho (San Francisco), Marietas Islands (boat tours/snorkeling; permits may be limited), and the historic town of San Sebastián del Oeste further inland.
- Wildlife & environment: respect turtle nesting sites (seasonal), coral reefs, and local regulations. Use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Connectivity: resorts have solid Wi‑Fi; signal can be spotty on beaches and in small villages—buy a local SIM if you need continuous data.
Packing checklist (quick)
- Lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef‑safe sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- Light rain jacket (if traveling in rainy season), insect repellent
- Comfortable shoes for walking/excursions, water shoes for rocky beaches
- Copies of passport/FMM, credit card, some pesos
Final practical advice
Book transfers and activities in advance during high season; confirm resort access rules if staying off-site; and sample both resort dining and local eateries to get the full Punta Mita experience.
Safe travels!