Best Things to Do in Jaltemba Bay, Mexico
Tara A. Spears
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”– Jacques Cousteau
Jaltemba Bay is a perfect combination of beautiful beach, comfortable accommodations and a great variety of activities in a small town setting. A trip to the ocean is magical but a visit to Los Ayalas, Rincon de Guayabitos, or La Penita is an unforgettable experience! In the last dozen years more and more visitors are so enchanted when they visit that they decide to make Jaltemba Bay their second home. Let’s look at some of the exciting activity options that are available in the area.
- The Beach: The sensual orgy of the interplay of sun on the water with a breeze carrying the smell of beer on the salty air is tough to beat. Listening to the melody of the waves is just one of the great health benefits of being by the ocean, toes in the sand, and simply being. Since the community radiates out from the approximate 5 kilometers of natural sand beach on the Pacific Ocean, it’s easy to access the beach from any of the towns. Watching the fabulous sunset is a must activity!
- Good Food, fine dining.
One can come for a month and dine out at a different restaurant every meal- there are that many choices! Dress down/dress up there because there are venues to suit your mood and wallet. JB has a huge variety of cuisines ranging from authentic Mexican to Chinese to Italian to German. There are several excellent pizza restaurant that also deliver. The JB area boasts of several outstanding steakhouses. Naturally, being a fishing village, the fresh seafood dishes are to die for! In addition, the street carts offer local specialties at jaw dropping bargain prices. 
Water Sports. The ocean related activities appeal to every age. The whale watching boat rides are available daily when the leviathans are in residence. Another fun option is the half day excursion to the protected Isa de Coral that is perfect to snorkel and view the many sea birds that nest on the island. You can learn scuba, ride a banana float or go deep sea fishing right out of your hotel. There is good buggy boarding but for riding the waves, it’s better farther south for surfing.
One can come for a month and dine out at a different restaurant every meal- there are that many choices! Dress down/dress up there because there are venues to suit your mood and wallet. JB has a huge variety of cuisines ranging from authentic Mexican to Chinese to Italian to German. There are several excellent pizza restaurant that also deliver. The JB area boasts of several outstanding steakhouses. Naturally, being a fishing village, the fresh seafood dishes are to die for! In addition, the street carts offer local specialties at jaw dropping bargain prices.
Water Sports. The ocean related activities appeal to every age. The whale watching boat rides are available daily when the leviathans are in residence. Another fun option is the half day excursion to the protected Isa de Coral that is perfect to snorkel and view the many sea birds that nest on the island. You can learn scuba, ride a banana float or go deep sea fishing right out of your hotel. There is good buggy boarding but for riding the waves, it’s better farther south for surfing.
Shopping. A cultural phenomenon is the tianguis or outdoor market. Unlike the NOTB flea markets, the Mexican outdoor markets specialize in new, hand-crafted items. Everyone should check out the La Penita tianguis every Thursday. The plethora of folk art crafts is stunning- it’s impossible to not find something that you must have! In addition, there are many small shops in each town that offer clothing and souvenirs. It’s always a fun visit to Hamaca Maya shops in La Penita as the charismatic proprietor speaks five languages.
Shopping. A cultural phenomenon is the tianguis or outdoor market. Unlike the NOTB flea markets, the Mexican outdoor markets specialize in new, hand-crafted items. Everyone should check out the La Penita tianguis every Thursday. The plethora of folk art crafts is stunning- it’s impossible to not find something that you must have! In addition, there are many small shops in each town that offer clothing and souvenirs. It’s always a fun visit to Hamaca Maya shops in La Penita as the charismatic proprietor speaks five languages.
- Day Excursions. Broaden your knowledge and appreciation of the Mexican culture by taking a day trip. You can see how coffee is grown, dip in a natural mineral hot spring or see the ancient petroglyphs in Nayarit. Journeying a little farther you can explore the jungle in San Blass or check out scenic Lo de Marco or San Pancho villages south of JB. In the last few years reliable local transportation has developed custom excursions to the birthplace of tequila. Traveling to the town of Tequila is a don’t-miss experience for any rum or history enthusiast, or tourists simply looking for an interesting activity to enjoy.
- Live music and dancing. After a relaxing day at the beach it’s easy to enjoy a frosty beverage while listening to live music as the perfect ending to a perfect day. The JB area does have some impressive bands and singers that have regular gigs at various venues. While planning for the 2020-21 tourist season is somewhat up in the air due to the pandemic restrictions, these are establishments that usually provide entertainment besides meals: El Rodeo; Tiki’s in La Penita; Villanueva restaurant and La Ultima Parada besides the two discos in downtown Guayabitos that have DJs. During the month of February the Hotel Association provides fantastic professional concerts FREE every Saturday night in the town plaza.
- Take a Class. Jaltemba Bay has a vibrant artistic community that takes advantage of the stimulating natural beauty. Many of the artists offer classes that from can be one day workshops to several week sessions. Why not learn to speak Spanish? Or take a Mexican cooking class? There are usually yoga and other forms of exercise classes available during the winter. Check social media for art exhibits and theater that will be announced.
- Volunteer. The people of Jaltema Bay community welcome the particpation of the international visitors. There are several long standing groups that provide assistance to animals, kids, and those in need. Next week’s publication will provide an updated list of the recognized non-profit groups with contact information. Usually each organization holds an event to raise opperating funds; the fundraisers are a wonderful time and have a range of themes.
9.. Health Care. One doesn’t have to be a jet-setter to come back from vacation looking better than when you left home. There is some plastic surgery available by appointmentat the two La Penita hospitals but most of that type of medical work is done in urban Puerto Vallarta. However, lots of people take advantage of the excellent dentists and reasonable prices in the JB. You can receive crowns, bridges or dental implants during your stay. This has become so common that the dentists have no vacancies in January-March so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make appointments now.
- Outdoor Activities. If you want to experience the rush of speed then perhaps renting a quad runner is just right. Presently there are two companies that provide vehicles and guided rides into the jungle. Prefer to hike? Several groups have scheduled mountain walks that are open to the public. If you want to know what you’re looking at, there are excellent botanical gardens that offer tours that are a short ride south: Lo Perla in San Pancho and Puerto Vallarta Gardens. Bird watchers of all levels enjoy the programs held weekly in San Pancho. Lastly, for those that want a taste of life at sea without any work, there is a daily cruise of the bay in winter. There is a golf course just outside of town, too.
Jaltemba Bay Nayarit offers so much that it’s easy to fall in love with the tropical beauty and ambiance of the community. No matter what your interests or what level of energy you want to expend, you’ll find it here. Come for the mango margaritas, make new friends, greet old buddies. Sure, the covid pandemic has caused changes in the way we-globally- interact but it is safe to return to paradise. Pack your masks and sanitizer and let the beach work its magic!