Attractions in Costalegre, Mexico: What to do and where to go

Manantlan Biosphere

This is an ecological reserve that serves as a habitat for more than 2,900 plant species, half of which are endemic to the region. This reserve of 370,658 acres is home to endangered species and its mission is to preserve the regional biologic diversity and to create sustainable tourism without endangering the habitat. The main priority is to protect and preserve nature and create a consciousness of the area's flora and fauna.

Fishing

The Barra de Navidad region is an important zone for sport fishing, with the featured fish being marlin, sailfish and tuna. Every winter, the International Sailfish Fishing Tournament is held during the last 3 days of the last week of January.

Snorkel and Diving

Tenacatita Bay is a recreational paradise for snorkeling. This bay features extensive coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, sharks, whales, turtles and dolphins.

Surfing

If you like surfing, Barra de Navidad and Majahuas are excellent choices. Experience waves that are optimum for surfing. El Tecuan is also a great surfing spot, only 3 miles from Tenacatita, with strong western winds. It is catalogued as one of the best beaches for experienced surfers.

Barra de Navidad

This is a small fishing village that in the last couple of years has been opened to tourism. The villagers will welcome you with unique warmth that you will be pressed to find other places in the world. This town is located on the southern tip of Costalegre, perfect for a relaxing vacation. People have asked the reason behind its peculiar name. Barra de Navidad is a natural sand bar, perpendicular to Punta El Viejo and, according to the local lore, it was discovered on Christmas Day many years ago. In its restaurants, you will be able to taste a great variety of fresh seafood and typical regional food.

Chamela Bay

It is the bay in Mexico with the largest number of islands. It features 9 islands and several islets: San Andres, La Negrita, San Pedro and Esfinge are the main ones, home to birds and dolphins. Accessible even from Puerto Vallarta or Barra de Navidad, this bay features excellent tourist services.

Tenacatita Bay

Tenacatita is a chain of beaches located less than an hour from Manzanillo, full of unspoiled areas where you can swim and snorkel. The incredible Blue Bay Los Angeles Locos Hotel is located here so if you want to move away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect choice. There is very little hotel development in the area, resulting in immaculate natural beauties. Visit Boca de Iguanas and Punta Serena or La Manzanilla, some of the nearby villages, and kick back on golden beaches.

Costa Careyes

Famous for its beaches filled with turtles and sand speckled with different colors, this beach also is home to a wide variety of wildlife. You can perceive the exceptional beauty of its virgin beaches, where there are also luxurious residential and hotel complexes.

Costa Majahuas

Beautiful beaches where you can enjoy a lot of sea and sun, the perfect place for the camping, fishing, and adventure lovers. Those who go fishing can find lobster, octopus and crab. The harmony in the colors of the surroundings create a very pleasant ambiance so you can forget about the civilized world and relax. The largest turtle fields in the state are also found here.

Cuastecomates

Cuastecomates is a beautiful town where you will find a peaceful atmosphere. It is located in a cove that has calm waves that reach its shores, breaking the force of the waves before they arrive, the perfect place for swimming and snorkeling. In small thatched roof restaurants, enjoy delicious and succulent seafood dishes.

La Manzanilla

This is a small fishing village where the magic of the waves and the diversity of fauna (reptiles as well as different fish species) of the mangrove lagoon are combined. Admire the beautiful beaches and watch life in all its forms go about their business while you sit back and relax.

Melaque

Barra de Navidad is located to the north while Melaque, to the south of Navidad Bay. It is surrounded by large rocky formations and golden beaches where you can taste the typical regional cuisine in many of its restaurants on the beach. Enjoy fresh seafood and the "tuba" (palm tree drink). El Mirador is a choice that has been made classic through its great food. Feel the cool caress of the ocean breeze while admiring the beautiful sunsets on the coast.

Tomatlan

Its name means "the place of the tomatoes" and it is located between the coast and mountains. The shores are approximately 30 miles long with a variety of flora and fauna. This is also the location of the largest salt mines in Jalisco.

Other Attractions

There are lots of things to see. Visit the Island of the Birds, the turtle farm, the beaches in Costa Careyes or contemplate the Fuego Volcano and explore to your heart's content. Come and watch a bullfight and maybe even catch a fireworks show. Visit the Costalegre Carnaval that takes place in Barra de Navidad, normally celebrated during the five days prior to Ash Wednesday.

Costalegre sightseeing offers a wide variety of natural attractions, good food, fun and relaxation. Get in touch with nature and explore the geographic richness of the Pacific coast though guided tours that can prove to be worthwhile and interesting.