BAHIA DE BANDERAS
SURF CARE
Bahía de Banderas has developed a surf culture deeply connected to the community and the natural environment. Here, surfing is much more than a sport or a tourist attraction—it's a tool for social inclusion, cultural affirmation, and environmental awareness.
Local surfers, entrepreneurs, associations, and public institutions collaborate to make surfing a platform for community strengthening, creating opportunities for young people, and protecting the ecosystems that make the region unique.
SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
Inclusive Surf Programs
The Surfeando Sonrisas initiative leads adapted surfing programs, offering access to the sea and the surfing experience to people with disabilities, the elderly, and vulnerable groups. It has become a symbol of equity and inclusion in Bahía de Banderas.
Community Empowerment through Surfing
Clubs and associations, such as the Sayulita Surf Club and ASENAY (Nayarit State Surf Association), promote youth development, organize tournaments, and create opportunities for local athletes—many from humble backgrounds—to compete nationally and internationally.
Environmental Protection
Local organizations and companies linked to surfing carry out beach cleanups, campaigns to protect turtles, whale conservation, and mangrove preservation. Projects such as Limpia tu Mar (Clean Your Sea), Nado por las Ballenas (Swim for the Whales), Proyecto Manta Pacífico (Pacific Manta Project), and Bahía Unida (United Bay) demonstrate how surfing can be a direct ally in ocean conservation.
Surfing and Cultural Heritage
Events like the Día de Muertos Surf Tournament fuse Mexican tradition with surfing, reinforcing community pride and attracting international attention. These projects demonstrate how surfing can be a bridge between culture, sport, and sustainable tourism.
Education and Awareness
Surf schools incorporate environmental education and ocean safety into their programs, ensuring that both residents and tourists learn not only to surf, but also to respect the ocean and its ecosystems.
Collective Action
More than a dozen local organizations — such as Pro Sayulita, Mujeres Unidas, and Azul Sayu AC — have signed letters of support for the integration of Bahía de Banderas into the World Surf Cities Network (WSCN), demonstrating a strong community commitment to sustainability and social inclusion.
