Exploring San Blas, Nayarit: A Local's Perspective
Discovering San Blas, Mexico: A Hidden Pacific Gem
Nestled on the Pacific coast of Nayarit, San Blas is a charming coastal town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. (Note: This article focuses on San Blas, Mexico, and not San Blas in Cusco, Peru.)
Exploring San Blas's Treasures
San Blas boasts stunning white-sand beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Notable beaches include Playa Matanchen, famed for its long stretch of pristine sand and crystal-clear waters.
In addition to its beaches, San Blas offers boat trips to the nearby San Blas Islands, where you can explore coral reefs, pristine beaches like Isla Perro, and the Arena Blanca sandbar, where you can stand waist-deep surrounded by sea stars.
For nature enthusiasts, tours often include visits to natural pools and birdwatching opportunities. Cultural events and festivals celebrating the area's rich heritage are also worth experiencing if timing permits.
Dining in San Blas
San Blas is known for its fresh seafood restaurants offering local catches like octopus, shrimp, and fish ceviche. Beachside palapas (thatched-roof eateries) serve traditional Mexican coastal cuisine. For the best experience, look for places that serve freshly prepared meals during tours, often included in island tours.
Accommodations in San Blas
Accommodations in San Blas range from beach hotels with air conditioning to quaint guest houses on El Porvenir island. Both Masargantupo and Narganá islands offer various accommodations, from rustic cabins to more comfortable hotels. Some vacation packages also offer stays in private rooms combined with boat tours and meals, providing immersive experiences.
Meet Meagan Drillinger
Meagan Drillinger, a New York native, has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico, with Puerto Vallarta as her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com.
Exploring Further
San Blas is located approximately 90 miles north of Nuevo Nayarit and an hour from the expanded Riviera Nayarit International Airport in Tepic. For those interested in exploring further, Isla del Rey, a quiet island paradise near San Blas, is perfect for snorkeling and picnicking.
Historical Significance
San Blas was founded as a strategic port in the 18th century and served as the launch point for expeditions to what is now California. Today, it maintains its small-town charm, with an emphasis on locally owned accommodations and a lack of big resorts or all-inclusive behemoths.
Conservation Efforts
Cocodrilario Kiekari, a riverfront crocodile sanctuary in San Blas, is dedicated to conservation efforts. La Tovara National Park, located just over a mile from town, offers boat tours through mangrove tunnels, spotting various wildlife.
Cultural Connections
Piedra Blanca, a sacred rock formation offshore, honours Nuestra Señora del Rosario, the town's patron saint of sailors, and holds cultural significance for the indigenous Wixárika (Huichol) people.
The San Blas Social Club, run by Sandra, offers an easygoing vibe and good food. For those interested in learning more about the indigenous culture, the Museum of the Kuna Nation, located on one of the islands, offers insight into the culture.
In summary, San Blas, Mexico, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you're looking to explore beaches, islands, or cultural sites, San Blas is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an authentic Mexican experience.
San Blas caters to various travelers, from adventure-seekers and cultural enthusiasts to budget-conscious travelers. News about this hidden Pacific gem, located north of Nuevo Nayarit, often highlights its pristine beaches, like Playa Matanchen, and its nearby islands offering coral reef exploration and unique experiences like standing waist-deep in the sea stars at Arena Blanca.
Travelers can indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants, with food-and-drink establishments offering Octopus, shrimp, and fish ceviche, often included in island tours. For the history buffs, San Blas was a strategic port in the 18th century and served as a launch point for expeditions to California. The town maintains its small-town charm, with a lack of big resorts or all-inclusive behemoths.
Culture enthusiasts can visit Piedra Blanca, a sacred rock formation offshore, honouring Nuestra Señora del Rosario, the town's patron saint of sailors. The museum of the Kuna Nation located on one of the islands provides insights into the indigenous culture. For those interested in conservation efforts, Cocodrilario Kiekari, a riverfront crocodile sanctuary, is dedicated to preserving the local wildlife.
Lifestyle options in San Blas range from budget-friendly accommodations like quaint guest houses to more luxurious beach hotels. Tour packages often include stays in private rooms, boat tours, and meals, providing immersive experiences. To immerse further, Isla del Rey, a quiet island paradise near San Blas, is perfect for snorkeling and picnicking.
Exploring this hidden treasure called San Blas is certainly a must for any traveler seeking an authentic Mexican experience, where one can discover the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
