Best of the Jalisco Coast

Tehualmixtle [1]: Off-highway adventurers must go to this lovely fishing hamlet in the pristine Cabo Corrientes hinterland. Snorkle, scuba dive, visit a natural hot spring, and beachcomb the golden Playa Maito. Overnight at Tehualmixtle by tent, RV, or Playa Maito hotels.

El Careyes Beach Resort [2]: At least stop for lunch or early dinner at this petite but plush resort, splendidly isolated on a precious little bay. Splurge for an overnight and enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and, in season, the sight of baby turtles returning to the sea.

Playa Careyes: [3] Budget travelers can enjoy a beach as lovely as that of El Careyes Beach Resort at this neighboring strand on a gorgeous half-moon bay. Good for at least an afternoon or camping or RVing overnight. Beach palapas supply food, and local fisherfolk can take you fishing. Waves, sometimes powerful, are surfable for the experienced.

Playa el Tecuán [4]: Public access to this de facto wild kingdom, once ruled over by the now-abandoned Hotel El Tecuán, continues. Most outdoor diversions are possible, including advanced surfing, kayaking on the mangrove lagoon, surf-fishing, and self-contained RV and tent camping.

Playa Tenacatita [5]: A village of palapa restaurants and a few modest beachfront hotels has gradually added amenities to this splendid beach-lovers’ paradise. If you’re planning to park your self-contained RV, arrive before December 15, when nearly all beachfront space is customarily taken until April.

Playa Boca de Iguanas [6]: Here, a comfortable small hotel and a pair of palm-shaded trailer and tenting parks sit on a long, lovely level beach. Come for an afternoon or a relaxing week of tropical diversions, from surf-fishing and beachcombing to bird- and crocodile- watching and hammock snoozing.

Boat Trip to Colimilla [7]: From Barra de Navidad, ride a boat across the mangrove- bordered expanse of Laguna de Navidad to the coastal village of Colimilla. Enjoy a cocktail before you dine on fresh seafood at one of the delightful thatched-roof lagoonfront restaurants in Colimilla.