One of the most picturesque spots in the Riviera Nayarit is the Mercado del Mar, located right next to the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. This is where locals and visitors buy fresh fish and seafood, bringing to life the phrase from the “sea to your table.”
The market—built in 2008 as part of the Marina—has about 30 shops that are supplied by over a hundred fishermen who go to sea at dawn every day in their rustic boats, and return loaded down with all kinds of fish and marine products. You have to arrive very early so you can witness these picturesque scenes.
As the fishermen empty out their pangas, the clients move from one stand to another shopping for whatever they want for the day’s meal: there’s tuna, snapper, Mahi-Mahi, red snapper, sierra, tilapia, shrimp, lobster, and much more. Along with picking up their dinner, shoppers enjoy the views of the ocean and the marina and can walk out to admire the yachts docked in the Marina Riviera Nayarit.
According to the tenants, before the market was built the fishermen were independent workers who sold their catch on their own at the edge of the water. The construction of the market changed everyone’s life, as they can now sell in a more organized manner in a fixed spot so the people who come from all over know exactly where to find them.
Besides the Mercado del Mar, local producers and artisans also set up a traditional tianguis, or market, in this locale. Officially known as La Cruz Market, the sellers offer arts and crafts and organic products, while visitors delight their palates with typical dishes from the region.
These days when the COVID-19 health emergency is keeping us home, the Mercado del Mar is an excellent option for purchasing fresh fish at a great price while supporting local trade.
The market is open every day from 8 in the morning till 3 in the afternoon, and all sanitary measures recommended by the Mexican governments Health Department are, of course, being closely followed.
For after the pandemic…
The nearby town of La Cruz is a very laid-back place, with traditional homes and a Mexican-style plaza that contrast nicely with the modern Marina Riviera Nayarit. It also has very pretty beaches ideal for families that stretch along five kilometers divided into five sections: El Tizate, Cruz de Huanacaxtle, La Manzanilla, Piedra Blanca, and Arena Blanca.
Here, visitors not only enjoy activities typical of a beach destination but can also dine at any of several restaurants on dishes prepared with the fresh catch of the day.
Keep La Cruz de Huanacaxtle in mind for your next visit to the Riviera Nayarit!
Mexico’s Pacific Treasure will be here when the COVID-19 health crisis is over. Meanwhile: #StayHomeWithRivieraNayarit
Visit our webpage: www.RivieraNayarit.com.mx
The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Bahía de Banderas Hotel and Motel Association (AHMBB) work tirelessly to promote the destination with the support of the Government of the State of Nayarit via its Tourism Promotional Trust (Fiprotur).