The main Costa Alegre attractions are its beaches, sunsets, weather, rich Mexican culture with its traditional cuisine, and the various ecological reserves. Those who visit this wonderful region enjoy a diversity of tourist attractions that make for an unforgettable vacation.

Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere

In the heart of Costa Alegre, you will find the Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere, an ecological reserve that serves as habitat to several endangered species; this reserve has an expanse of 150,000 hectares and is surrounded by the counties of Autlan, Casimiro Castillo, Cuautitlan, Toliman, and Tuxcacuesco.

This site is important as a home to more than 2900 plant species, 50% of which are found only in Mexico. The main objectives are to maintain regional biological diversity and to set norms for developing sustainable ecotourism. This ambitious project focuses mainly on preserving and protecting the precious life of the ecosystem, as well as educating and creating a culture of awareness of the endangered flora and fauna, thereby promoting a love of nature.

Fishing

In Barra de Navidad, fishing serves as recreation in harmony with nature. If you like sport fishing, the Barra de Navidad region is rich in species such as sailfish, marlin, and tuna. The internationally renowned Sailfish Fishing International Tournament takes place each year over three days at the end of January.

Snorkeling and Diving

In Costa Alegre, and specifically in Tenacatita Bay, snorkeling and diving lovers are in a paradise of amusement and recreation. This bay features numerous coral reefs and a great diversity of interesting marine life, such as sharks, whales, turtles, and dolphins, as well as the heterogeneous flora typical of the Pacific Ocean.

Surfing

Barra de Navidad and Majahuas are perfect places to surf due to the imposing force of waves, an important condition for this sport. Another beach in Costa Alegre appropriate for surfing is El Tecuan, 3 miles north of Tenacatita. This beach presents the wildest waves of the region due to the westerly winds and is recommended for experienced surfers.

Barra de Navidad

This town is in the south of Costa Alegre. It is a village by the sea ideal for a tranquil vacation. Just the name of this spot awakens special interest. Barra de Navidad is indeed, as its name says, a natural sand bar (barra) perpendicular to Punta El Viejo, between Melaque Bay and Navidad Lagoon. This rustic settlement offers sufficient facilities for every visitor. Barra de Navidad restaurants are right on the beach where you can savor the freshest regional seafood.

La Manzanilla

This is a classic and discreet Mexican village located about two hundred kilometers to the south of Puerto Vallarta and around a hundred kilometers to the north of Manzanillo. La Manzanilla is a small fishing town that features huge beaches and typical palapas, calm waters and golden sands surrounded by a set of palm trees and fruit trees on the shore of a great mangrove swamp that provides life to different marshes where a great variety of alligators and fish can be seen on their natural habitat.

Melaque

Melaque is a coastal town located about 300 kilometers south of Guadalajara. It is found under the protection of huge rocks and features beautiful beaches. It is known, along with Barra de Navidad, as Costa Alegre's capital. Melaque is famous for its amazing beaches, which are ideal for fishing, diving and boating. In this village you can taste the traditional regional cuisine that includes the freshest seafood and the typical tuba (palm trees' beverage) at any of the various restaurants on the beach. El Mirador is the perfect place to admire the unequalled sunsets of this region.

Tomatlan

Its name stands for tomatoes place. This county's topography is rather flat and its peculiar vegetation is very diverse, since this is where the coast meets the mountains. Here you will find the main salt mines of the state of Jalisco. Amongst its natural attractions are a large amount of beaches along the 45 kilometers of coast.