La Cruz de Huanacaxtle sits thirty minutes north of Puerto Vallarta airport on the north shore of Banderas Bay. It is built around an active artisanal fishing harbour and marina, best known for the daily catch at the Mercado del Mar. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is worth visiting if you want to buy fresh dorado straight off the skiffs and eat grilled snapper by the water. Look elsewhere if you want raucous all-night clubbing, heavy surf breaks, or large all-inclusive beachfront hotels.
Last updated 30 Sept 2026
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What to do in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Life in La Cruz revolves around the harbour. The morning begins with fishermen hosing down their skiffs at Mercado del Mar and ends over cold beers at the town square. It is a relaxed fishing pueblo with an international sailing presence, suiting travellers who prefer quiet mornings, exceptional fresh fish, and slow coastal walks over crowded resort strips.
24 hours in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Start early at the Mercado del Mar to watch the day's catch land. Walk the marina promenade, grab a bowl of shrimp ceviche at Playa La Manzanilla, and finish with whole grilled huachinango on Calle Marlin as evening sets in. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Dedicate day two to exploring nearby beaches. Take a ten-minute taxi west to Playa Destiladeras for soft sand and gentle surf, then return to the village square for slow-simmered suadero tacos and live music at a courtyard bar. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
A third day allows an unhurried boat trip into Banderas Bay to visit the Marietas Islands or spot humpback whales in winter, followed by Sunday market browsing for smoked fish dip and Wixárika crafts along the marina breakwater.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico itineraries by interest
Local Seafood in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Watch pangas unload red snapper and tuna at Mercado del Mar, then order zarandeado style grilled fish prepared over mangrove wood at harbour palapas.
Markets & Produce in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Browse the Sunday market at Marina Riviera Nayarit for smoked marlin dip, local cheeses, organic honey, and fresh fruit along the wide harbour promenade.
Sailing & Boating in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Charter a sailboat or catch an offshore fishing panga from Marina Riviera Nayarit out into Banderas Bay for seasonal humpback whale watching.
Beaches in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Swim the calm, gentle shallows at Playa La Manzanilla, a quiet cove lined with family-run seafood shacks serving fresh ceviche under palm fronds.
Live Music in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Spend evenings at courtyard venues along Calle Marlin and the plaza listening to live acoustic blues, jazz, and son jarocho over cold regional beer.
Street Food in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Pull up a plastic stool near Plaza Principal at dusk for tacos al pastor, suadero, and crisp quesadillas pressed on order from local vendors.
Day Trips in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Drive fifteen minutes west to the white sands of Destiladeras beach or head north across the peninsula to the surf breaks at Sayulita and San Pancho.
Coastal Walks in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Stroll the modern marina boardwalk at sunrise, passing working slips, resting catamarans, and pelicans diving near the fishmonger stalls.
Casual Dining in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Eat wood-fired pizza and fresh seafood pastas in breezy garden courtyards tucked into the residential streets running up the hill from the water.
Scuba & Snorkelling in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Book boat excursions from the marina out to the volcanic reefs and clear waters of the Marietas Islands national park for underwater visibility.
Local Craft in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Find beadwork and vibrant yarn paintings made by local Wixárika (Huichol) artisans displayed at the weekly market and small shops near the plaza.
Birdwatching in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Nayarit Mexico
Spot brown pelicans, frigatebirds, and yellow-footed gulls skimming the tide pools along the rocky headlands near Playa Destiladeras.