Bucerias maintains a small town atmosphere while offering residents and visitors alike an array of things to do from adventure to enrichment and relaxation. Inspired local restaurants will satisfy all of your cravings, ranging from street food finds, to hip local hot-spots, to award-winning restaurants. 

The businesses in Bucerias are largely family-owned, run by entrepreneurs. You’ll hardly find any big chains here! This originality adds a richness to the local flavor and grants visitors the opportunity to directly support the local economy. 

While big resorts can have their benefits, our staff recommends staying closer in town to experience more of Bucerias. Check out the list below for some of our favorite things to do with our families and friends. 

Cooking Classes: My Mexican Kitchen

Chefs Travis and Edgar host dynamic cooking classes that inspire new appreciation for classic Mexican cuisine. Join them in their kitchen to excite your palate and learn more about the culinary traditions of the region.

Tour at Planeta Cacao

Learn the art of chocolate making the way the Mayans did at Planeta Cacao´s beautiful rural location in Tondoroque, about 10 minutes south of Bucerías. Experience interactive chocolate workshops and tours that highlight the rich history and cultural significance of cacao.

Bike Tours with Bici Bucerías

Themed bike tours within and around Bucerías. Stops are well-selected, showcasing locally owned small businesses. The tours offer visitors the chance to travel off the beaten path, while reducing their carbon footprint.

Markets

During the high season several markets spring up in the area with food, music, and a wide variety of local vendors and artisans. 

La Cruz Market

Runs every Sunday from November to May in the marina in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, just north of Bucerías and, with over 200 vendors. 

Forever Spring Farmer’s Market

The Forever Spring Farmer’s Market takes place on Wednesdays during high season in the La Comer parking lot. 

Visit a Traditional Tianguis

The more traditional Bucerías tianguis happens every Sunday, year-round, near the Arroyo del Indio, the river bed that runs through the center of town.  Note that all of these markets take place early in the day, typically from 10am - 1pm (though some start earlier).

Surfing Lessons and Water Activities

Surf

For surf lessons and trips, look into Wildmex, Mictlán Surf, Sayulita Surf School, Surf it Out, or Luna Azul. Surf spots include Sayulita, Burros, and El Anclote. 

Standup Paddle 

View the coastline from a unique vantage point.  Our friend Oscar (+52-322-100-6636, English spoken) can meet you at the beach with paddle boards to rent for an hour or two. We recommend hitting the water in the morning when the ocean is the most calm.  

Boating and Sailing

Depending on the type of sailing experience you’re interested in, consider: Ada Sailing (gourmet food), AllyCat (fun, family-run favorite), Mictlán Surf (smaller boats and affordable activities), Rock Star Sailor (private charters), and BIP Charters (variety of yachts).

Visit Islas Marietas & Los Arcos

On opposite sides of Banderas Bay, these small islands are now nature preserves with unique biodiversity. These are also good (though often overcrowded) snorkelling spots, and most of the water tour companies mentioned in this article will take you there. 

Whale Watching

The best time of year to see humpback whales in the Bay is between December and March. While all of the companies recommended for boating also offer whale watching experiences, Explora Vallarta is our pick for a tour led by passionate biologists. 

Birdwatching

Contact the local expert, Luis Morales, founder of the San Pancho Birding Observatory (birdingsanpancho@gmail.com), for a truly special birding experience. 

Visit Bucerías Centro [Downtown Bucerías]

A simple but lovely cultural experience is to stroll through the Bucerías Centro Plaza around sunset. Particularly on Sundays, you will see crowds of locals enjoying the taco stands and other typical activities. Stop by the churro stand to enjoy a classic Mexican treat, you can usually find them open after 7:30pm. 

Human Connections Tours

Okay, we might be biased here but you can also take a look at our reviews in Tripadvisor, where we are recommended as  #1 tour in Bucerías. We take small groups of visitors into the homes and workshops of local artisans, where you will hear their stories and learn about their processes. Tours end with a traditional meal. Visit humanconnections.org/tours to book.