Waterways, fishing and beach

Nautla reveals its maritime side through its waterways and traditional fishing. The main access channel for smaller boats is fully equipped with lights and signs; it is 300 meters long and 40 meters wide. Both the river and the sea are used for traditional fishing in Nautla. Fish species include snook, red snapper, mojarra and besugo. The channel and fishing thus point to different aspects of the local connection to the water: nautical navigation and fishing.

Playa Maracaibo lies 1.5 kilometers east of the municipal seat of Nautla. The beach has fine sand, a gentle slope and moderate surf; traditional fishing is also practiced there. For trip planning, this beach adds a place with its own character to the themes of the channel and fishing.

Activities and maritime culture

In Nautla, you can take excursions through mangroves, go on bicycle tours and enjoy water sports. These activities offer different ways to experience the surroundings: a mangrove excursion, a bicycle tour and water sports. If one of these activities is important to your plans, it is advisable to check dates and arrangements in advance.

Nature conservation activities in Nautla include the release of sea turtles. For specific visit plans, check current dates and public access options in advance.

Nautla is also home to a Museo Marino featuring an exhibition of products from the sea and river. The museum thus showcases both bodies of water, which also play a role in traditional fishing. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening hours in advance.

History and festivals in the Municipality of Nautla

The history of the present-day settlement is also linked to a specific event: in the mid-16th century, the viceroys granted Juan de Cuenca the lands of what is now Nautla, as well as San Sebastián and La Peña. Cuenca settled where the town is now located. The account thus connects the location of present-day Nautla with a history that also encompasses other place names.

The recurring festival calendar in the Municipality of Nautla includes the patron saint festivities in honor of San Miguel Arcángel. They take place from September 26 to 30 and feature folk dances. On June 1, the municipality celebrates Navy Day with a traditional civic festival; on August 15, the Feast of the Virgen de la Asunción is celebrated there. These dates mark different occasions: a patron saint festival with dances, a traditional civic festival and a religious celebration.

The municipality’s cultural traditions include sones jarochos, danzón, décimas and popular music. Baskets are also made there from corn leaves. Together with the festivals, these music and craft traditions broaden the picture beyond the maritime side. For trip planning, it is useful to distinguish the locations: the channel, fishing and Museo Marino are associated with Nautla, while the festivals, musical traditions and basket weaving mentioned here belong to the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Trapiche Del Rosario, La Encantada, Alvarado, Jáltipan de Morelos, Alonso Lázaro, Catemaco, Huatusco, Alto Tio Diego.

For the broader travel overview: Veracruz.