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Voykit pocket guide · Mexico
Punta Mita
Spend 2–3 days for surf, golf and a boat trip to Islas Marietas; add a night if staying at a luxury resort.
Punta Mita is a beachfront village on Banderas Bay, 40 km northwest of Puerto Vallarta. It offers reliable surf breaks, two Jack Nicklaus‑designed golf courses, and easy boat access to Islas Marietas. The dry season (Nov‑May) provides pleasant weather; the wet season (Jun‑Oct) brings rain and possible hurricanes. A short stay covers the main activities, while a longer stay suits resort guests who want multiple golf rounds or spa days.
- Country
- Mexico
- Best months
- Late December – March
- Avoid
- June – October (rainy, hurricane risk)
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- MXN
- Money
- Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $). Cards work in hotels, chains and many restaurants; markets, street food, small shops and colectivos are cash.
- SIM and data
- Telcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities. SIMs sell at OXXO shops and phone stores; registration with an ID may be requested — check.
- Emergency
- Police 911 · Tourist assistance 078
- Plugs
- Types A, B · 127 V · 60 Hz · US plugs fit; many older sockets have no earth pin.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.; Bars: MXN 10–20 per drink or 10%.; Petrol station attendants: MXN 10–20; more for windscreen and tyres.; Guides and drivers: 10% or MXN 200–400 a day.; Supermarket baggers (often older volunteers): MXN 5–10.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.
- Toilets
- Put paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bus from Puerto Vallarta airport | M$36 |
| Hostel dorm bed (per night) | M$300 |
| Islas Marietas boat tour | M$1,200–1,500 |
| Surf lesson (hour) | M$800–1,200 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- PVR · Puerto Vallarta International
- About 1 h drive north on Highway 200
Typical fares
- Airport → Punta Mita bus
- M$36, about 1 h (check)
- Car rental (day)
- ≈M$800–1,200 depending on class (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Rent a car from the airport (≈1 h drive). Direct bus from Puerto Vallarta airport costs M$36 (Nov 2021) and takes about an hour. Within the village walk or hire a panga for surf spots.
See and do
Known for
- Surfing (seven point breaks)
- Jack Nicklaus golf courses
- Islas Marietas boat tours
- Luxury resorts
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Islas Marietas National Park | 15‑min boat from Punta Mita dock | ≈1 h total |
| Sayulita | Drive north 17 km (11 mi) on Highway 200 (≈20 min)Drive north 11 mi (17 km) on Highway 200 (≈20 min) | ≈30 min total |
| Bucerias | Drive east 25 km (16 mi) on Highway 200 (≈30 min)Drive east 16 mi (25 km) on Highway 200 (≈30 min) | ≈45 min total |
Sleep
- Punto Mita Suites & Hostel
- Dorm beds M$300 (Nov 2021); basic budget option
- Hotel La Quinta Del Sol
- Boutique beach hotel, 7 studios with kitchens
- The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
- Luxury resort, access to private beach and golf
- Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
- High‑end resort with spa and multiple pools
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Disculpedis‑kul‑pe |
| Thank you | Graciasgra‑see‑as |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta?kwan‑to kwes‑ta |
| Where is the bus stop? | ¿Dónde está la parada del autobús?don‑de es‑ta la pa‑ra‑da del au‑to‑bus |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Handshake; a kiss on the right cheek among friends; avoid: Skipping 'buenos días' when entering a shop
- Punctuality: Be on time for tours and buses; avoid: Expecting social events to start on time
- Talking: Warm small talk, family, food, football; avoid: Jokes about cartels, the wall or migration
- Churches: Covered shoulders, quiet; avoid: Photos during mass
- Dining: Say 'provecho' to other diners when leaving; avoid: Rushing the waiter
Scams and watch-outs
- Hurricane season June‑Oct; check forecasts before travel.
- UV index high year‑round; use sunscreen SPF 30+.
- Most beach access is private at the Four Seasons and St. Regis; use public Corral del Risco beach.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Punta Mita yet. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Surfing (seven point breaks)
- Jack Nicklaus golf courses
- Islas Marietas boat tours
- Luxury resorts
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Punta Mita, revision 5242419 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5242419
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/punta-mita). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.