La Tovara, San Blas: boat tours through the mangroves (English guide)
La Tovara is a freshwater spring and mangrove reserve in San Blas, Nayarit, on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The classic way to see it is a two- to three-hour boat tour through narrow mangrove channels, past crocodiles, turtles and hundreds of bird species, ending at a crystal-clear pool where you can swim. This page covers everything an English-speaking visitor needs: what La Tovara is, prices, opening hours, where the boats leave from, what you will see and how to get there.
What is La Tovara?
La Tovara (sometimes spelled La Tobara) is a spring that feeds a network of estuaries and channels running through the mangrove forest south of San Blas, down to Matanchén Bay. The wetland covers 5,733 hectares and was declared a Ramsar site of international importance in 2008. It is one of the best places in western Mexico to see American crocodiles in the wild and to watch birds: more than 300 species have been recorded, including herons, roseate spoonbills, kingfishers, anhingas, parrots and, in winter, many North American migrants.
The boat tour
Tours are run by the local boatmen’s cooperative, founded in 1950, in small open boats (pangas) with four-stroke engines. You sit down, the boat moves slowly, and the guide points out wildlife along the way. The route runs through tunnels of red, white and black mangrove roots, passes the set of the 1990 film Cabeza de Vaca and the Kiekari crocodile sanctuary, and ends at the spring, where there is a fenced swimming area, a dock, changing rooms, restrooms and a small seafood restaurant.
Prices (2026 reference)
| Tour | Price per person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Short tour to the spring | 150 to 200 MXN | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Full tour with crocodile sanctuary | 200 to 350 MXN | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Private boat (up to 8 people) | From 2,000 MXN per boat | Flexible |
| Kiekari crocodile sanctuary entry | About 100 MXN | 1-hour guided visit |
Prices are regulated by the cooperative and are the same with every boatman. Cash only. Fares may be higher during Easter week, summer and Christmas holidays.
Opening hours
Boats run every day from 7 am to 5 pm; the last full tour leaves around 4 pm. Go early in the morning for the best light, fewer people and the most birds.
Where the boats leave from
- La Aguada. The cooperative’s main dock, on the road from San Blas to Matanchén, about 10 minutes by car from town. The long tour starts here.
- El Conchal. In San Blas itself, at the foot of the Contaduría hill. Convenient if you are staying in the center without a car.
- La Tovara tourist dock (Matanchén). Closer to the spring, on federal highway 76 toward Matanchén. The short tour starts here.
How to get to San Blas
San Blas is 62 km (about one hour) from Tepic, the capital of Nayarit, on highway 76. From Puerto Vallarta it is about three hours north on highway 200 and the coastal road; from Guadalajara about three and a half hours via the toll road to Tepic; from Mazatlán about four hours. The nearest airports are Tepic (one hour), Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Buses run frequently between Tepic and San Blas.
Tips
- Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and water.
- Bring a swimsuit and towel: the spring is safe for swimming inside the fenced area.
- Binoculars and a long lens make a big difference for birding. Serious birders should hire a private boat and ask the guide to cut the engine in the channels.
- The best season is November to April (dry, cooler, migratory birds). June to September is hotter with more mosquitoes and sand flies, but it is surf season in Matanchén Bay.
- The tour is suitable for children and older visitors; life jackets are provided.
Things to do around La Tovara
San Blas has more to offer: the calm beaches of Matanchén Bay and Las Islitas, the 18th-century ruins of the Contaduría fort above town, fresh seafood on El Borrego beach, and long-board surfing in summer. Most of our site is in Spanish; see our guides to beaches, restaurants and hotels in San Blas.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the La Tovara boat tour cost?
Between 150 and 350 Mexican pesos per person depending on the route, or from 2,000 pesos for a private boat for up to eight people.
Can you swim at La Tovara?
Yes. There is a fenced swimming area at the spring, separated from the crocodile habitat.
Is La Tovara a national park?
It is a Ramsar wetland of international importance and a protected natural area rather than a national park, but it is often called La Tovara National Park.
How do I get from Puerto Vallarta to La Tovara?
Drive or take a bus north to San Blas (about three hours), then a taxi to the La Aguada dock, ten minutes from town.