El Encanto is located in the pueblo of Santa Cruz de Miramar. About 2,000 local residents farm or fish. There are a dozen inexpensive seafood restaurants just a moment's walk down the beach from El Encanto. They serve fish, shrimp, oysters, lobster, and octopus caught that same day by fishermen in small outboard motorboats.

For decades surfers have sought the mile-long waves of San Blas, 14 miles to the north. Also, 3 surrounding estuaries make up the most extensive systems of waterways in Mexico; known worldwide as an excellent location for bird watching (over 240 species). The more athletically inclined can hike to nearby pristine waterfalls and hot springs. Tepic, the capitol city of the state of Nayarit, is just 30 miles east and offers museums, galleries and unique shopping opportunities.