Careyes

Careyes brings together the Pacific coast and abundant wildlife. The area lies within the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, home to more than 70 mammal species, 270 bird species, and over 1,200 plant species. The beach and wildlife watching are central to the seaside experience; lagoons, hills, and forest landscapes offer further nature experiences. When choosing where to stay, consider whether you want your trip to focus mainly on coastal activities or wildlife watching.

Beaches and Sea Turtles

Playa Careyitos is a public beach open to all visitors. Playa Teopa offers a 3.5-kilometer stretch of beach and is known for the annual sea turtle nesting season. At the Playa Teopa sea turtle sanctuary, visitors can take part in releasing hatchlings into the sea; more than 2,000 sea turtles nest there each year. For a trip centered on nature and marine life, these opportunities for wildlife watching are a distinctive part of the Careyes experience.

Trips to observe marine wildlife are also available: the Playa Rosa Beach Club’s “Marine Encounters” are designed to let visitors observe animals in the waters off Careyes. Dolphins can be seen there year-round, while humpback whales and their calves are present from December to February. If you would rather explore the water yourself, you can use a kayak or paddleboard to discover the hidden coves and coastal scenery of Careyes Bay. Snorkeling from shore lets you observe fish and oysters there; occasionally, you may also spot an octopus or a lobster.

Lagoons, Hills, and Trails

Away from the water, guided birdwatching tours wind through lush forests, tranquil lagoons, and mangroves. Along the way, visitors observe bird species in their natural habitat, including rare migratory birds. Careyes’ nature trails run alongside lagoons and over nearby hills, offering panoramic views across the bay to the horizon. Horseback rides follow either the unspoiled shore of Teopa Beach or the hills of Careyes.

You can also explore the surroundings on a mountain bike along a dedicated route that runs beside a lagoon, through the polo fields, and past sights such as the Templo Cósmico and the Iconic Villas. These trails and tours are quite different from a day at the beach or on the water. You can therefore decide which kind of nature experience you would like to make the focus of your stay.

The Sea, Polo, and Unique Experiences

Careyes offers seasonal inshore and offshore fishing. Inshore waters are home to mahi-mahi and mackerel from August to November. Offshore trips target striped marlin and sailfish, among other species, from June to August. Both keeping your catch and practicing sustainable catch-and-release fishing are among the options mentioned.

For polo, Careyes Polo has two regulation-size fields with Bermuda grass near the Pacific surf. The Agua Alta Cup takes place in Careyes each year during Easter week and combines polo matches with community events. Plaza de los Caballeros del Sol is considered the cultural heart of Costa Careyes, combining tradition with modern appeal. Sound-healing sessions at Copa del Sol can be arranged through the Careyes Concierge by email or WhatsApp.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

You can reach Careyes via Highway 200, which connects Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta; the entrance is at kilometer 53.5. The drive from Manzanillo Airport takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Puerto Vallarta Airport, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. You can take these approximate driving times into account when planning your arrival. When searching for a vacation rental, it may help to first consider whether you want your stay to focus on the beach, seasonal marine wildlife watching, active tours, or nature around the lagoons and hills.

If you would like to explore other destinations, you can also find La Tijera, Lagos De Moreno, San Sebastián Del Oeste, La Garita, Tamazula De Gordiano, Tesistan, Tenacatita, and Jocotepec here.

For the broader travel guide, see Jalisco.