Along the MEX 15 in the direction of Mazatlán, a road turns off after 34km/21mi to the seaside resort of San Blas, 36km/22mi distant, which has become very popular during the last ten years (population 6000; fiesta: February 3rd, Día de San Blas). The little town can also be reached from Tepic via Santa Cruz (51km/32mi) and then 25km/16mi along
the beaches. In the colonial period San Blas was an important trading port boasting shipping connections with eastern Asia. Testimony to this link is provided by the remains of the old Spanish fort of Fuerte San Basilio. Using San Blas as a picturesque base, it is possible to make attractive boating trips through tropical river and lagoon landscapes, which are chiefly distinguished by their rich bird life. The 2mi of superb beaches include the Playa El Borrego in the south and in the south-east the Playas Las Islitas (9km/5.6mi), Matanchén (11km/7mi), Los Limones, de los Cocos and Miramar (23km/14mi).