In Nayarit, where the San Pedro River meets the Pacific Ocean, a world of water and life known as the Ruta Azul unfolds. More than a simple route, it is an invitation to navigate the liquid heart of Riviera Nayarit, a journey that connects the serenity of the estuaries with the energy of the open sea, revealing an intimate and vibrant side of the state. This route is for the traveler who wants to hear the whisper of the mangroves, feel the salty breeze on their skin and discover the secrets held by the waters between San Blas and Bahía de Matanchén.
What do you explore on this route?
The Ruta Azul winds mainly through the municipality of San Blas, linking key points where water is the leading element. The journey begins in the charming port of San Blas, with its historic Fuerte de la Basílica watching over the coast. From there, you venture into the green labyrinth of the Laguna de La Tovara, a mangrove sanctuary accessible by boat. The journey continues toward the broad, gentle Los Cocos beach, ideal for a rest facing the surf, and culminates at the legendary Bahía de Matanchén, famous for having one of the longest surfable waves in the world. The distances are short but the experiences immense; just a few kilometers separate the port’s history from aquatic adventure, making this a compact yet deeply rich itinerary.
The best moments of the journey
The absolute silence, broken only by the splash of the oar and the song of a bird, as your boat glides through the channels of La Tovara beneath a canopy of mangroves. The air smells of damp earth and salt, and if you are lucky, the brilliant flash of an emerald hummingbird or the curious gaze of a crocodile will become unforgettable traveling companions.
Standing on the shore of Bahía de Matanchén at sunset, with the breeze caressing your face. Watching surfers and bodyboarders ride an endless wave that seems to blur the line between sea and sky, now painted in orange and violet tones. It is a spectacle of pure energy and natural beauty.
Savoring a pescado zarandeado (grilled marinated whole fish), freshly caught and cooked in the traditional style, in a palapa facing the sea at Los Cocos. The smoky, juicy flavor, accompanied by the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sand beneath your feet, defines the essence of Nayarit’s coastal cuisine.
Exploring the ruins of the Fuerte de la Basílica in San Blas, feeling the history in its stone walls while taking in a panoramic view of where the river kisses the ocean. It is a moment of connection with the past that contrasts with the natural vitality surrounding you.
What makes this route special
The Ruta Azul stands out for offering a total immersion into Nayarit’s aquatic ecosystems in an accessible and concentrated way. Unlike other beach routes, here you do not just see the sea: you navigate its inlets, explore its roots in the mangroves and immerse yourself in its culture. It is a route of perfectly interwoven contrasts: colonial history and wild nature, the adrenaline of surfing and the absolute peace of the estuaries, the simplicity of a fishing village and the complexity of a wildlife sanctuary. It offers a complete narrative of how water has shaped the land, the culture and life in this corner of the Mexican Pacific.
What you need to know before setting out
- The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is drier and cooler, ideal for boat rides and beach days.
- Book boat trips to La Tovara directly with authorized local cooperatives at the pier; they know the area best.
- Bring biodegradable insect repellent, especially for the mangrove tour, and sunscreen.
- A swimsuit is essential: you will have opportunities to swim, snorkel in permitted areas and, of course, surf or bodyboard at Matanchén.
- Clothing should be light, made of cotton, and footwear comfortable and able to get wet. A hat or cap is highly recommended.
- Enjoy the local cuisine: in addition to pescado zarandeado, try the region’s fresh shrimp and oysters.
