In late January, 2026, we returned to a location we first went to 20 years ago. Much had changed but much, including the culture, charm and safety, had stayed the same. Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico is over an hour’s shuttle from the airport in Puerto Vallarta (PVR). In fact, it’s in a different time zone and state from where your airplane lands.
As can be expected from an emerging tourist destination, quite a bit of development had occurred since the last time we were there. Originally, we stayed at Decameron Los Cocos. That resort still stands, quite upgraded. We stayed at the nearby Decameron La Marina. A third Decameron property, Isla Coral, is located about a kilometre down the beach.
Your all-inclusive package allows you to use the facilities at any of the three, which is quite convenient. However, because the three are grouped, the main entertainment is found only at Los Cocos. After many years, at resorts in Cuba, we found this place refreshing in that, although busy, there were always lounge chairs available at both the beach and pool. The buffet was busy but patrons were less frantic. Food, drink, toilet paper, water, etc. were always available.
Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico
Often just called Guayabitos, Rincón de Guayabitos is a small, friendly beach town tucked along Jaltemba Bay in the state of Nayarit, on Mexico’s Pacific coast. It’s the kind of place that feels instantly approachable, relaxed, walkable, and built around a beautiful stretch of beach rather than high-rise crowds.
The town has about two kilometres of soft, sandy shoreline, and what really sets it apart is the water. The bay is naturally sheltered, creating calm, gentle conditions that are perfect for swimming, floating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just cooling off without battling waves. It’s often described as a natural “swimming pool”, a big reason families and older travellers feel so comfortable here.
Guayabitos sits about an hour and a half from Tepic and roughly three to four hours north of Guadalajara, making it easy to reach but far enough away to feel like a true getaway. With warm temperatures year-round and lush tropical greenery along the coast, it’s an especially popular escape during the Canadian winter months.
From Fishing Cove to Beach Getaway
Long before visitors arrived, Guayabitos was a quiet fishing cove, surrounded by tropical vegetation and shaped by the rhythms of the sea. Local fishermen relied on daily catches to support their families, and the shoreline remained largely untouched.
Spanish explorers passed through the area during the colonial period as they navigated Mexico’s Pacific coast, but Guayabitos stayed small and low-key for centuries. Its real transformation began in the 1970s, when the region was gradually developed with tourism in mind. Unlike larger resort destinations, Guayabitos grew at a slower pace, attracting middle-class travellers looking for an affordable, laid-back beach vacation rather than luxury or nightlife.
Even the name reflects that softer side, Guayabitos means “little guava trees,” a nod to the area’s tropical roots.
A Local Economy Built Around the Sea: Then and Now
Before Tourism
For generations, fishing was the backbone of the local economy. Small boats brought in dorado, snapper, mojarra, and other fresh catches, sold locally or shared within the community. Life was simple and largely self-sufficient, with the ocean at the centre of daily life.
Today’s Guayabitos
Today, tourism drives the economy, but fishing still plays a visible role. Guayabitos is part of the Riviera Nayarit, a long stretch of Pacific coastline that draws visitors from across Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
What keeps people coming back is the combination of affordability, calm water, and friendly atmosphere. Hotels, bungalows, vacation rentals, beachfront restaurants, small markets, and souvenir shops support a lively but still personal tourism scene. Many visitors love renting places with kitchens so they can buy fresh fish directly from local fishermen and cook for themselves, a small-town experience that’s getting harder to find.
Despite welcoming thousands of visitors each year, the permanent population remains small, just a few thousand full-time residents, which helps Guayabitos keep its community feel. The busiest times are holidays and the winter season, when Canadians looking to escape the cold arrive in force.
Like many growing beach towns, Guayabitos has faced challenges: accommodations can sell out months ahead of time, and beach vendors are common. Local efforts focus on keeping the beach clean, organized, and enjoyable for everyone.
Culture, Community, and Everyday Life
Guayabitos still feels rooted in its sea-loving, welcoming culture. Fishing tournaments, casual outdoor events, and seasonal highlights like whale watching (typically December through March) keep the town connected to nature and tradition.
What really defines Guayabitos is its vibe: friendly, relaxed, and family-friendly. It’s not flashy, and that’s exactly the point. For many visitors, especially Canadians, it feels like the kind of place you can return to year after year and feel instantly at home.
Decameron La Marina: All-Inclusive Comfort on the Bay
Resort Overview
Decameron La Marina sits right on the beach in Guayabitos, offering an all-inclusive experience in one of the calmest bays on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The resort blends tropical scenery with a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere, ideal for travellers who want comfort and convenience without losing the charm of a small beach town.
It’s well-suited to families, couples, and groups, with everything on-site and the beach just steps away. From the resort, you can also spot Coral Island, a small offshore island known for its white sand and clear water.
Accommodations
The resort features 161 comfortable rooms with a bright, tropical style inspired by the surrounding coast.
Many rooms include balconies or terraces, perfect for morning coffee or evening sea breezes.
Rooms come equipped with:
- Air conditioning
- Cable TV
- Safes and hair dryers
- Comfortable layouts with one king bed or two doubles, making them suitable for couples or families
All-Inclusive Dining & Bars
Staying at Decameron La Marina means meals, drinks, and entertainment are all included, so you can truly switch off.
- A buffet restaurant serves a mix of international favourites and local flavours throughout the day
- An à la carte restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes for a change of pace
- Several bars keep drinks flowing from daytime lounging to evening socializing
Unlimited meals, snacks, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are all part of the package.
Activities & Amenities
There’s as much, or as little, to do as you like:
- Swimming pools for families and adults
- Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding
- Daily activities and nightly shows, including music and entertainment
- Beach chairs, towels, and Wi-Fi in common areas
- Occasional access to nearby Decameron properties for added variety
Natural Highlights
One of the resort’s biggest draws is its location on a bay known for its exceptionally calm, swimmable water. And during the winter months, guests are often treated to humpback whale sightings right offshore, an unforgettable bonus for visitors escaping the Canadian cold.
Ideal For
Decameron La Marina is a great fit for travellers looking for a stress-free, all-inclusive beach vacation with warm water, friendly surroundings, and easy access to the charm of Guayabitos. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or with friends, it offers a comfortable home base in one of Mexico’s most welcoming beach towns.
