Where is Bucerias, Mexico?

Located in the Mexican state of Nayarit, Bucerias is a small coastal community whose name means “place of divers,” due to its expanse of crystal blue waters and soft sandy beaches. While there are amazing scuba diving and snorkeling spots very nearby up at Las Islas Marietas and other nearby spots, most of the diving in the Bucerias area is actually for oysters. The area boasts a hotbed for oysters and has been a favorite spot for collecting delicious wild oysters since it was a sleepy fishing village years ago. But you will still see local divers off Playa Bucerias harvesting wild oysters from the natural reef habitat close offshore.

Where are the beaches in Bucerias?

Bucerias is located between Nuevo Vallarta and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, making it close enough to downtown Puerto Vallarta to allow for the convenience of a vibrant atmosphere, while still holding true to a laid back vibe, where it’s all about relaxing and enjoying life and everything it has to offer. From north to south the area literally boasts nearly a marathon of beach; 29 km (18 miles) of uninterrupted beaches that are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, horseback riding, or just taking a leisurely stroll.

Can you surf in Bucerias?

Playa Bucerias is on the way to many other top surfing destinations on the Pacific Coast side of the bay including Sayulita and San Pancho, and is just a short drive south of Punta Mita, where many 5 star hotels including 4 Seasons, The W, and Ritz Carlton have flagship locations. Many private and charter boats are available just 5 miles away in the La Cruz Marina, where trips are available to visit Las Islas Marietas (the hidden beach) which is a national park and local treasure visible off-shore, just a short 20 minute boat trip from Bucerias.

What are the demographics and lifestyle like in Bucerias?

Bucerias has a population of just over 9,000 permanent residents, that almost doubles during the peak winter vacation season, making it large enough to offer a diverse and ever-growing list of restaurants to appeal to all tastes and budgets, while maintaining its small-town Mexican charm. Cobble stone streets remain on most of the town center, which is built around the traditional Mexican central town square and church. While the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk, or “Malecon” is a must-see iconic location, the miles of gorgeous beach and old-world feel of the town center in Bucerias Vallarta, make it just as magical. In addition, unlike some of the more developed areas, Bucerias still has undeveloped land for sale in Mexico for those who want to build their custom dream home.

When was Bucerias incorporated and what is it’s history?

Bucerias was incorporated in the 1930’s and was originally just one of many quaint fishing villages in Riviera Nayarit. Its popularity for Canadian and American tourists and expats only began in the 1980’s, when growth of large all-inclusive hotels in Nuevo Vallarta drove expats looking for a quieter experience and lengthier stays north to the area.

While Bucerias is definitely part of the growth boom, it is in a much more subtle way. Most buildings do not exceed seven floors, offering more condo style units rather than large hotels, which helps maintain it small-town feel. There are also large hacienda style homes on the beach as well as up the hills; all with breath-taking bay views. Compared to Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, it has a quieter pace, with many year-round local expat residents within a laid-back community that will welcome you with open arms.

What are the residents and neighbourhoods like in Bucerias?

Over the years, Bucerias has become increasingly popular with Americans and Canadians, however, its residents are primarily Spanish-speaking Mexicans. The area has the remote feel of some of the beach communities far to the South of Puerto Vallarta, such as Mismaloya that are difficult to reach because they are only accessible by boat.

Many people trying to live a more relaxed and healthy lifestyle are retiring to the area or “wintering” here, which is creating growth in health club facilities offerings in Bucerias as well. In addition to all of the outdoor sports and activities available, many local sports clubs offer exercise classes by qualified instructors including aerobics, cycling, spinning yoga, Pilates, and personal training. Many even offer nutrition experts that can help create a customized plan to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals.

If playing team sports or even watching sports is your passion, Bucerias has a plethora of sports bars to cheer on your favorite team. One of the local favorite spots, YoYo Mo’s, which continues to win Trip Advisor awards annually, has even hosted its own street hockey league since 2011. They originally played weekly in the town square on Tuesday nights, but the league has now relocated to the town’s baseball/soccer/basketball sports complex, with scheduled matches multiple times each week.

What kind of fun activities and community events are available?

Though the town is known for its tranquil beauty, there is never a lack of things to get out and experience. One of the most breathtaking celebrations in the entire Bay of Banderas is held every January when the town celebrates Our Lady of Peace (La Virgin de la Paz), who is the patron o the local Catholic Church. It includes a decorative boat processional and beach ceremonies, as well as a vibrant street bazaar featuring traditional regional foods, art, and textiles.

Other on-going events in Bucerias include the Thursday evening art walk featuring local artists, food stands offering dishes from local Bucerias restaurants and live music. There are an ever-growing collection of annual food festivals, and never a lack of local venues to experience fantastic live music of every variety. Although Bucerias maintains its small-town feel it does have a vibrant night life, with many bars, theaters, and discos that only open in the late evening and stay open all night for those who want to dance all night – you don’t have to go all the way to Puerto Vallarta to take part in the party!

For animal lovers, the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary will forever change your view of crocodiles in the wild with a hair-raising experience that will instill a new love for the creatures and the importance of preserving their natural habitat. Bucerias is also an amazing spot for viewing other wildlife in its natural habitat. For avid bird watchers, it is one of only a few places in the world that the rare blue footed booby can be found. Bucerias is also a natural breeding ground for seat turtles and in June through December there are designated protected areas where you can get involved with helping to release baby sea turtles back into the ocean after hatching. Whale watching is amazing in the winter; there is also abundant deep sea fishing for many different varieties of fish depending on the season.

For those who enjoy meeting their neighbors and getting involved with local philanthropic causes and social groups, Bucerias offers many ways to make a difference in the community. Just a few of the local community groups include Recyclers of Bucerias, Manos de Amor, PEACE, Preservando, and Amigos de Bucerias.

Bucerias is the place of romance.

Everyone has their own definition of romance; but whether it is a moonlit beach stroll, an up-scale dinner on the bay, a sunset sail, or a night out in a hotel in Bucerias – it is all there for the taking. One unique romantic location in Bucerias is the kissing bridge. It is a rustic local landmark hidden behind a lush garden near the main town square, and is known as the Callaejon del Beso (or Alley of the Kiss), where the bridge connects the older area of town with the newer developing areas with many new beachfront condo developments.

What is the health care system like and will they honor international health insurance plans?

Many quality healthcare facilities abound in the Bucerias Nayarit area. Most healthcare plans are accepted at local private hospitals and clinics that offer high-quality care at generally inexpensive prices. The new Hospital CMQ Riviera Nayarit has a bilingual staff and is open 24/7, offering a fully equipped emergency room and intensive care unit, including more than twenty patient rooms with ocean views.

There are also many private clinics for walk-in care nearby. With the high quality and low cost of care, many Americans and Canadians have started a medical tourism trend, planning lengthy vacations around treatment for medical, surgical, and dental procedures, discovering substantial savings even after the cost of their vacations by having dental work, oral surgeries and other procedures done locally in Mexico. Eye care and chiropractic services are also locally available and many local pharmacies are also able to fill prescriptions from the United States and Canada.

Bucerias is the Lifestyle of Peaceful Living and Natural Beauty

There’s a reason Bucerias has earned the nickname “Place of divers.” There are numerous places for swimming, surfing, kayaking paddle boarding, sailing, and anything else that has to do with getting out on the water. Another key reason to choose Bucerias for top Mexico real estate is affordability. While more established tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, and even Puerto Vallarta proper are much more “touristy”, they also come with a price tag that is not yet as elevated in Bucerias. Even Punta Mita real estate just to the north comes with a much higher price tag… so look at Bucerias as a yet-to-be discovered gem. Even excursions, boat trips, and locally owned Bucerias car rental agencies have much lower rates than the larger chain Puerto Vallarta car rentals.

Get help with buying, renting or selling a home in Bucerias

Should you desire a tropical full-time home or part-time get-away, with substantial rental income opportunities in paradise; David Pullen Properties can make that happen for you. Whether you want a condo in town, a luxury penthouse, or beachfront hacienda, we’ll provide you with the best Bucerias has to offer. One of our highly-skilled representatives can help you every step of the way to find you the home you’ve always dreamed about.

Investing in your ideal home isn’t just monetary, it’s also about choosing to live your life the way you truly want and deserve. Bucerias hotels are available, but with most visitors wanting longer stays, Bucerias real estate options make more sense for many travelers and retirees. The diversity of Bucerias real estate options for purchase and for long-term vacation rentals is staggering; including beachfront condos, mountain-view condos, bungalows, villas, beach houses, and even undeveloped land. So if escaping the chaos and pace of the big city and escaping to a relaxed and neighborly beach-paced community is what you need in your life, Bucerias may well be your ideal retreat.