The Riviera Nayarit is a nearly 200-mile stretch of coastline between the historic port of San Blas in the Mexican state of Nayarit and extending southward to where the R’o Ameca or Ameca River empties into Banderas Bay, in Nuevo Vallarta. It includes such notable sites as Chacala Bay, Chacalilla, the archaeological zone of the Alta Vista, Aticama, Bucer’as, Sayulita famous for the surfing, San Francisco, Lo de Marcos, Los Ayala, Rinc—n de Guayabitos and Pe–ita de Jaltemba. Riviera Nayarit, so named to promote the beautiful coast line of Nayarit state. Famous for several truly spectacular[citation needed] beaches, as well as several great surfing locations, such as San Blas and Sayulita, San Blas is also one of the best birding locations in Mexico, as well as a historical naval port to the Spanish Navy dating back to 1531. Nuevo Vallarta has felt the boom of tourism, but retains its spectacular expanse of beach. Just north of Nuevo Vallarta is La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, with beaches where one can often find oneself alone.Bob Grieser/OUTSIDEIMAGES.COM Outside Images Photo Agency