Lo de Marcos combines a main beach with a variety of nature and dining options. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus mainly on beach time, hikes and excursions, or local cuisine. Playa Lo de Marcos is a clear landmark; other options range from birdwatching to a boat trip.

Playa Lo de Marcos and Birdwatching

Playa Lo de Marcos is the town’s main beach. A small estuary is located there and is visited for birdwatching. The beach and estuary offer different experiences: the main beach is a landmark on the coast, while the estuary provides a distinct birdwatching opportunity. If you are interested in birds, you can plan this as a separate activity alongside time at the beach.

Hikes, Excursions and Water Sports

Several natural attractions near Playa can be reached by hiking trails. Local tour companies offer nature hikes around the beach; local guides can also accompany visitors to nearby hills. This gives you different ways to spend time outdoors: trails leading to natural attractions and guided visits to the hills. Excursions to nearby waterfalls are also possible from Lo de Marcos.

Another option takes you out on the water: tour companies, including Xplore, can take visitors from Playa Lo de Marcos to Isla del Coral. Check current tour dates before making plans. Water sports equipment such as surfboards and kayaks is also available to rent at Playa. If you want to use a particular piece of equipment, check availability in advance.

Local Cuisine and Handicrafts

Traditional Nayarit dishes are served in Lo de Marcos, including fresh seafood and Pescado zarandeado. There are restaurants serving local cuisine around the main square, while local restaurants and bars can be found at Playa. When dining, you can choose between the surroundings of the main square and the beach. Check current opening hours before making a specific visit.

Mercado Artesanal is another local point of interest. A municipal tourism recognition from 2026 lists the market among the ten seasonal handicraft markets of Bahía de Banderas. As it is a seasonal market, check the dates before making it a fixed part of your travel plans.

Seasonal Wildlife Watching in Bahía de Banderas

When choosing your travel dates, it may also be worth considering the wider destination of Bahía de Banderas. Humpback whales come to Bahía de Banderas each year to give birth and stay in the bay with their calves between December and March. Dolphins and sea turtles come to the bay in summer and leave again in autumn. Sightings are not guaranteed. Wildlife in the region therefore follows different seasonal patterns.

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Lo de Marcos, you can start by focusing on your main interest: Playa, nature hikes and excursions, or local cuisine. Consider which of these options you want to shape your stay; you can then plan seasonal and date-dependent offerings accordingly.

Explore more destinations: Ruiz, San Pedro Lagunillas, Cuastecomate, La Peñita De Jaltemba, Jala, Santa María Del Oro, Agua Escondida, San Blas

For the broader travel overview: Nayarit.