Golfing In Punta Mita
When mentioning the best, top-flight golf courses in the world, only a number of destinations come to mind: Georgia, South Carolina, Scotland, and Ireland. But tucked away in the Mexican peninsula are top-tier golf courses with undulating fairways near white-sand beaches with spectacular views of the blue waters. Both beginners and professional golfers can find a course that matches their skills.
Golfing enthusiasts also have something very special to look forward to in Mexico's Punta de Mita. There are two award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature courses where golfers can put their swinging skills as they enjoy great views of the sea. They include Pacifico and Bahia courses.
Designed carefully and developed with meticulous environmental planning, Punta Mita golf facilities feature technologically updated weather centres that monitor groundwater, only allowing for irrigation when need be, thus offering an eco-friendly, sustainable outdoor option. The turf is nourished using organic fertilizers instead of artificial herbicides and pesticides. The insecticides used on the greenbelt bordering the ocean are biodegradable products.
Where to golf?
Having these courses puts more than 25 acres of green land under protection. All greens meet the United States Golf Association's quality standards, which requires the ground to feature multi-layered components: gravel, sand and moss. Here's a list of Punta Mita's golf courses that stand up to the world's renowned clubs:
Pacifico Golf Course
The Pacifico Golf course covers a 200-acre piece of land and offers something unique with its proximity to the sea. It borders luxurious holiday villas and gorgeous white-sand beaches that exude a chilled-out ambiance. It has 16 holes, eight on either side of the course. Imagine playing golf as you see the migrating whales showcasing their incredible moves in the sea. No wonder it was recognized as the best golf course on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler.
The fringes of palm and blossoming flowers are the things that add to the novelty of this course. Interestingly, beginners find the course as a nice place to start but experienced players find it challenging.
Bahia Golf Course
Bahia golf course is for the enthusiastic golfer who doubles up as a nature lover. The course has breath-taking lakes and meandering streams separating different holes. Unlike the original course, the remodelled version has undulating landscapes that bring out the best of professional golfers.
While the Bahia course has its unique natural splendor, it also has a hole with sloping fairways and magnificent views of the Bay of Banderas. Additionally, the course boasts of having a hole tucked a few meters from the popular El Faro beach, a perfect surfing spot.
Las Huertas Golf Club
Nestled near the seaside, gated community of Punta Mita, Las Huertas is a luxurious, lush golf course with a beautiful nine-holed design on either side, which makes it a preferred choice for a quick morning play. Although completing the entire 18-hole course is a daunting undertaking, guests find it a great course for practice. After shooting, grab a refreshing beverage or your favorite Mexican dish at the Club House at affordable prices. Families flock to the beach club as it appeals to handicap players who want to skip the frustrations involved with a challenging g course.
Surfing in Punta Mita
Are you a beginner in surfing? Or maybe you're a skilled professional chasing the raging and towering waves; whatever your skill level, the glorious waters of the Mexican Peninsula have conditions for every level. A peninsula resembles an island, only that it is part of the mainland, and it is this geography that exposes the northwest and southwest shores to surf breaks. The case is the same all year round meaning you can head out and hit the waves whenever you deem fit. If surfing causes your adrenaline level to spike, then it's time to grab your surfboard and go to one of these spots.
Riviera Nayarit
The four seasons private beach in Riviera Nayarit has planned surfing programs to get each member of the family on his/her board. The wave swells here are gentle and great for amateur surfers. Guests can also book for guided boat tours during which they can access breaks lasting between 5-15 minutes.
La Lancha
The La Lancha beach presents excellent surfing conditions to both locals and visitors. You have to walk from downtown Punta Mita (about 40 minutes) or access it by boat. Whichever means you use, La Lancha has both right and left swells for both long and short boarders. For the best experience, chase the waves during low tides, because the best swells form when all other weather factors are low.
The Cove
Regarded locally as La Bahia, The Cove is located in the Banderas Bay, west of the peninsula. Again, it is ideal for longboarding and short boarding. Its exposure to the southwest presents favorable surf breaks. Swells here are bigger than others, therefore, it is best to go surfing early in the morning. Besides, the tropical warmth means the waters are quite compelling.
El Anclote
Beginners find the waves at El Anclote tolerable as they roll slowly and stretch across a long area. Due to these conditions, the beach attracts a lot of guests and provides the best places to go boarding on the longest, gentle swells. During the good days, longboarders can find swells reaching up to 7-9 ft. high.
Punta Burros
Punta Burros lies east of La Lancha, and is accessible from Punta Mita's downtown using a boat, taxi or bus. Winds blow from north to northwest causing consistent swells. Surfers can either bring their long or short boards to enjoy waves rolling toward the right-hand direction. It's also suited for lefties who can find snappy left turns for a more spirited experience.
Veneros
Accessible by car or boat, Veneros is a fantastic surf spot for both longboards and shortboards. The waters here swell to maximum height when winds are offshore. Boogie boarders and wave chasers can put their skills to action on the rapid waves. Sometimes, the long, right swells form hollows, which present the best challenge to the pros.
El Faro
Strategically located in the southernmost point of the Mexican Peninsula, El Faro is known for its three levels of long, right swells. It's an ideal spot for long and short boards. To have a good surfing time, schedule for a session during the AM as it can get crowded and rough as the day progresses.
Stand-Up Paddling in Punta Mita
Punta Mita is known for its water-sport loving culture. That said, the destination is becoming famous for SUP tours. With the vibrant marine life and clear waters, visitors can explore the corals and sea bed while experiencing a relaxed paddling adventure. It is not only a way of discovering what the Banderas Bay has to offer but also to learn a new water sport.
There are several companies like WildMex that offer paddling lessons to beginners in Punta Mita where there are calm, silent waters. As a therapeutic activity, SUP in calm waters while meditating helps in alleviating bad mental energies, leaving you feeling rejuvenated from body to soul.
Visit Las Islas Marietas
Marietas is a collection of small islands set off the northwestern coast of Puerto Vallarta. There are entirely no settlements in the islands, and that's the reason behind its untouched character. Visiting the islands is a must-do in Vallarta. You only need to hear about the incredible adventures and tours in Marietas and you'll involuntarily find yourself there.
There are plenty of things to do on the islands. Bird watchers come to see and take photos of indigenous bird species like the booby. Others come to seek the thrill of the hidden beach while others come to enjoy the marine life in the coral reefs through scuba diving and snorkeling.
How to get there
In the bid to reach Marietas Islands, visitors have to do a bit of swimming – remember to bring your A-game in swimming. You can book a chartered boat tour in Puerto Vallarta to the Marietas Island National Park. The ride starts from Nayarit and usurps about 40 minutes. The excursion guides here know their way on the water and will gladly point at the 40-ft tunnel where visitors have to swim to access the hidden beach. There is no need to hold your breath as there is plenty of space above you for enough air.
If you're spending a few days in Sayulita, it means you have to backtrack to get to Punta Mita. There is a bus terminal at Sayulita. Travelers can board a bus bound for Vallarta or Bucerias (let the driver know that you're on your way to Punta de Mita). Normally, visitors alight the bus at Bucerias, then wait for a bus headed to Punta Mita. It's relatively easy to access the town and only takes about 45 minutes.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Early! Early! Early! It's better to forgo breakfast just so you can find the island somewhat secluded. It only takes a few hours after dawn before visitors in adventure boats start streaming in. Recommended, wake up early enough and get to the island before 10 am to beat the large throngs. If you slot whale watching as part of your holiday treats, then you'll have to make a trip to the Marietas between December and March.
Things to Do in Islas Marietas
With the influx of guests making their way from the peninsula to Marietas Islands, it is no doubt that there is truly a hidden gem to explore there. The islands not only offer great views of the water, but offer endless opportunities to wallow in the pangs of natural flora and fauna. If you want to explore further, here are some of the top attractions.
Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach)
Many seaside features form because of the waves, but not the Marietas' hidden beach. Formed from bomb tests in the 1900s, the Playa del Amor is literally invisible. Neither boats nor other sea crafts can make its way to the small dome-shaped rock enclosure with a wide round opening at the top. In this protected area, visitors are only permitted to sunbathe or swim in the water.
Incredible Wildlife
Playa del Amor truly captures all your attention but that's not the only attraction in the islands. These islands were formed through volcanicity and have grown in natural richness and splendor. Weapon tests may have disturbed the ecosystem, driving away most animal species. After a halt was put to the tests, native animal species returned to the islands. Today, you can have clear shots of the blue-footed booby and other blossoming plants.
Explore the Underwater Ecosystem
Discovered by Jacques Cousteau, an acclaimed oceanographer, Las Islas Marietas present one of the perfect spots to discover the marine environment teeming with plenty of fish and reefs. Guests have a fun time engrossing themselves in many kinds of water activities including scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters are so clear that it is easy to see eels, starfish, sea horses, and manta rays only to mention a few. Additionally, whale watching tours take you to the Banderas Bay where guests watch the humpback whales in their natural character (from December to March).