Visit Barra de Navidad,
One Of Mexico's Many Coastal Towns
Mexico has many pretty coastal towns that
attract tourists from around the world. Barra de Navidad sits in a
sheltered bay on the west in the state of Jalisco. It has an old world
charm with cobbled streets but modern amenities for visitors. There is
plenty of accommodation, shopping outlets and restaurants. In addition
to Mexican and American style dining, there is French and Italian
cuisine. Many restaurants specialize in locally caught seafood. For
those people that want to stay in touch with home, there are Internet
cafes.
The Barra Street Market is open on Thursdays and is good for browsing.
There are also several pedestrinised shopping malls and a fish market,
selling the catch of the day. In the days leading up to Ash Wednesday,
Barra de Navidad has its annual Carnival, so that would be the perfect
time to visit the town if noisy celebrations is what you're looking for.
The area is well known for its number of beaches, ideal for beachcombing
or sunbathing. The main one is the Playa Principal where people like to
swim and surfers and boogie boarders ride the waves. There are other
beaches that are more suitable for young children to go in the water.
Beginners who want to take up surfing, boarding or snorkeling can book
lessons and hire or buy equipment.
There are plenty outdoor activities to do in the region. Visitors can
book Mountain bike tours with the bikes, helmets and gloves provided.
Other excursions can be organized from Barra de Navidad, such as yacht
tours and snorkeling trips. Sport fishermen can also hire a boat and
fish for marlin, dorado and sailfishes. Serious fishermen can visit
during the third week in January when the local Fishing Tournament takes
place. There are also golf facilities in the area. The region is a
favorite spot for birdwatchers and they can hire a boat to sail the
lagoon to observe the nesting areas for pelicans, cormorants and
spoonbills. Whales, dolphins and crocodiles have also been spotted from
the bay.
Tours can also be booked to travel to the city of Colima. It's a popular
destination for tourists who want to see the active volcano,
Guadalajara. For family fun, there is the Rancho Aorora Water Park,
which has five pools and three slides. Nightlife is lively in Barra de
Navidad, with lots of beach bars, sports bars and live entertainment.
Some bars have dance floors and there are karaoke nights.