Toward the north of Riviera Nayarit, near the coast of San Blas, Matanchén Pier (Muelle de Matanchén) has become one of the most iconic landmarks of Matanchén Bay. Extending more than 650 feet in length, this structure stretches out into the ocean and offers a vantage point over one of the region’s most attractive coastal landscapes.

The pier was completed in 2016 as part of a tourism infrastructure project aimed at creating a public recreational space where residents and visitors could enjoy the marine environment. Unlike traditional piers, it is not intended for docking boats; instead, it functions as a pedestrian walkway and scenic overlook over the Mexican Pacific.

Its design is one of its most distinctive features. Viewed from above, it presents a geometric layout reminiscent of a Celtic cross, with a structure extending toward the sea that creates shifting perspectives of the scenery. Benches are arranged along the walkway, inviting visitors to pause, rest, and take in the vastness of the bay.

Walking along Matanchén Pier is a simple yet particularly pleasant experience. As you move forward, the view of the coastline shifts, revealing different hues of the water, the expanse of the beach, and the motion of the waves. It is also possible to spot marine species moving around the pilings supporting the structure. However, one of the most appealing times to visit is at sunset, when the warm light transforms the horizon and creates an ideal setting for photography.

Its presence has also helped solidify the bay’s tourism identity. Due to its location, scale, and design, the pier has become a visual landmark of San Blas and one of the most photographed spots for travelers exploring this area of Riviera Nayarit.

A TRIBUTE TO “LA LOCA DE SAN BLAS”
Another element that makes this site special is the bronze sculpture dedicated to Rebeca Méndez Jiménez, popularly known as “La Loca de San Blas,” whose figure holds a prominent place in the community’s collective memory. Located in the central section of the pier, the piece pays tribute to a woman whose story transcended Nayarit’s borders through music.

According to the popular account of her story, Rebeca was engaged to a fisherman named Manuel, who disappeared at sea in 1971 shortly before they were to be married. Following that loss, Rebeca began visiting the coast dressed in her wedding gown, waiting for her fiancé’s return. Over the years, her presence became a familiar sight to port residents, who eventually came to know her by that nickname.

“La Loca de San Blas” sculpture.

While varying versions exist regarding certain details of her life, Rebeca Méndez Jiménez was a real person who passed away in September 2012 at the age of 63. Her memory remains closely tied to San Blas and represents an important part of the community’s sentimental heritage.

Thus, Matanchén Pier brings two draws together in a single experience: the chance to take in an exceptional Pacific landscape and a closer look at a story woven into the destination’s cultural identity. More than a structure extending into the sea, it is a space where nature, architecture, and local memory meet.