Barra de Navidad is located on Mexico's west coast at the southern boundary of the state of Jalisco. Guadalajara is the Capital of Jalisco and Puerto Vallarta is located at the northern boundary of Jalisco's coast. Barra de Navidad is approximately half way between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, on Mexico's "Costa Alegre" or "Coast of Joy".

This part of Mexico's coastline is famous for its beaches, fishing, and agriculture. All set on a magnificent seacoast where the mountains meet the sea. The warm tropical climate eliminates the need for sweaters except on some evenings from December to February.

On Mexico's "Costa Alegre", the harbor of Barra de Navidad offers dependable saltwater fishing, beautiful Hotels, endless Beaches, traditional Restaurants, and one the most spectacular golf courses In the world. Barra de Navidad is one of the most Economical vacation destinations in the world.

This little fishing village has been a long time favorite for vacationers from Guadalajara. It was the nearest beach before the state highway was constructed to Puerto Vallarta, some thirty years ago. Barra de Navidad offers the visitor who wants to relax, a bit more peace and variety than he can get at the other, developed beach cities like Puerto Vallarta. ZPESCA awaits to take you fishing or to a secluded beach for a picnic and swim.

Sunset in Barra de Navidad

According to Tony Burton in his new book, "Western Mexico-A Traveler's Treasure", the story of this area began at least four hundred and sixty years ago. Tony says:

" as Early as 1523, the existence of the bay was know to Spanish explorers in New Spain. What most interested the Spanish was the rumor of a nearby island inhabited only by women, where unlimited number of pearls might be found... The bay at this time was called Puerto de Xalisco. A few years later, in 1540, the Spanish Viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza, landed in the harbor on Christmas Day, thereupon changing the name to Puerto (later Barra) de Navidad."

The city of Manzanillo with its magnificent harbor is located south of Barra de Navidad. The Manzanillo International airport is a brief 20 minute drive. Guadalajara is a three and a-half hour drive to the interior over a new, high-speed, toll road.

There are many interesting and practically deserted beaches and coves along the coast north of Barra. The beach front town of Melaque is a short ten minute drive north of Barra and is the location of many beach front hotels and restaurants.

A recent new development near Barra has brought those that love golf to the area. La Isla Navidad, or Christmas Island, has a new 27 hole Golf Course that will challenge even the lowest handicapper! All the beautiful vegetation, the warm tropical climate, makes this Golf Course more like a trip to a botanical garden than to a fairway!