1/27/2013

The Ideal Beach Destination At Playa Las Tortugas Nayarit

By Sue Carpenter


Few things are better for recharging your batteries than a beach holiday. Unfortunately going to many beach destinations can be just as exhausting as dealing with the crazy traffic and noise of life in the urban jungle, especially if everyone else has the same idea and go to the beach at the same time as you do. Those destinations that are secluded and undiscovered by the tourist masses unfortunately often reveal all too soon why they aren't tourist hot spots: Basic accommodation, bad weather or a dangerous undertow can put a real damper on your beach break. Luckily with destinations like Playa Las Tortugas Nayarit offers the best of both worlds.

Nayarit is a state on Mexico's Pacific Coast. The coastline here is dotted with small communities, many of which make their living from fishing. One of these fishing communities is Platanitos, which means 'small bananas'. Here a river flows gently into the sea and on the opposite of the river you'll find Playa Las Tortugas. This picturesque spot is located north-west of Guadalajara. Puerto Vallarta lies about 70 miles to the south.

The climate is subtropical with hot and humid days and warm nights. This means that the days are perfect for swimming, sunbathing or lazing in a hammock. Rainy season is generally from June to September and is characterized by thunderstorms and heavy, subtropical showers late in the afternoon while the days remain sunny.

The name 'Playa Las Tortugas' means 'turtle beach' and this beach is indeed a favorite nesting spot for Olive Ridley sea turtles. A turtle conservation project here helps to protect these highly endangered creatures. Volunteers patrol the beaches, monitor nests and help release newly hatched turtles into the ocean.

Where the river flows into the ocean, there are mangroves, swamps and mudflats. This estuarine environment is home to frogs, small crabs and fish. These creatures are tasty morsels for many bird species that come here to feed, especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon. If you're not into bird-watching already, you may soon find yourself becoming a keen amateur ornithologist.

One way to go bird-watching is to rent a canoe and paddle among the mangroves. You can also kayak on the open ocean if you prefer. Horseback-riding is available if you want to see things from a different angle and afterwards you can stretch out your sore muscles with some yoga. The swimming is great and good breaks mean that surf's up most days as well.

Since there aren't any high-rise hotels providing accommodation for thousands of visitors, Playa Las Tortugas is relatively secluded. There are houses and beautiful villas for rent, guaranteeing a measure of privacy. This is not only better for your peace of mind, but for the environment too, since large hotel developments wreak havoc on sensitive ecosystems.

If what you want in a Mexican holiday is crazy parties fueled by tequila, you'll be better off going to bigger, more developed tourist destinations. These include Cancun and Los Cabos. However, if your idea of a perfect day is enjoying miles of sandy beach lined with coconut palms and hardly anybody else around, Playa Las Tortugas Nayarit is the place for you.




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