Sayulita is a small beach town in the southern part of Nayarit, north of Bahía de Banderas on Mexico's Pacific coast. It started as a surfer's hideaway and has become a lively but still walkable stop on the Riviera Nayarit.
AT A GLANCE
Best time
November to May brings dry weather and the busiest season.
How long
Plan two or three nights, with a day trip or two.
Getting there
Fly to Puerto Vallarta, then take a bus or taxi north along the coast.
Why visit Sayulita
Sayulita packs a lot into a small area. The main beach runs along the edge of town, the plaza is a short walk away, and jungle trails and quiet coves sit just beyond the last streets.
The town grew from a farming and fishing community, with coconut palm ranches in its early days, and surfers have come since the 1960s.
In and around town
Playa Sayulita
The main beach is the reason most people come. The bottom is sandy and shallow, which makes it friendly for swimmers and beginner surfers.
The plaza
The central plaza is where the day winds down. Stalls and shops sell local crafts, and Huichol artisans sell handcrafted pieces there every day.
Playa Los Muertos and the cemetery
A short dirt road through the town cemetery leads to Playa Los Muertos, a quieter beach with a local legend about the dead strolling to the water at night. Go in daylight and leave before sunset.
Surfing at Sayulita
Sayulita is a friendly place to learn the sport. Waves are small in the winter months, and instructors work along the beach. Book a lesson in the morning when the water is calmer, and always check conditions with your instructor.
Jungle trails
Hiking paths lead northeast, west and south of town through the jungle. You can also join a guided horse or ATV tour, or ride a mountain bike on the jungle roads.
Nearby beaches and towns
San Pancho
San Francisco, known to everyone as San Pancho, is about seven kilometers north of Sayulita. It has a beach, jungle hikes and a quieter feel.
Punta Mita
Punta Mita sits on the northern end of Bahía de Banderas and is known for its surf breaks around the peninsula. A bus or taxi gets you there, and the beaches suit a long afternoon.
Islas Marietas
The Marietas are islands off the coast near Punta Mita and are a national park and a protected habitat for seabirds.
Bucerías
Bucerías is a beach town about twenty kilometers southeast of Sayulita with a long stretch of sand. It makes a relaxed stop on the way to or from the airport, and you can walk the beach for an hour or more.
On the water and beyond the beach
Sayulita is a good base for time on the sea. Small sport fishing trips leave from the beach, and you can rent kayaks to explore the coastline at your own pace. Panga boats can also take you whale watching in the cooler months, roughly from November to January, and operators will often pause to fish if they see something interesting.
Back on land, yoga classes run twice daily at several studios, and the jungle roads are well suited to mountain biking. If you prefer to stay low-key, walk the shoreline at low tide and watch frigatebirds drift over the Pacific.
Food and local flavors
The Nayarit coast is known for seafood. Look for pescado zarandeado, fish marinated in lime, soy sauce and chile, then grilled and served with tortillas and salsa.
For a drink that locals love, try tejuino, a cold fermented corn drink made with masa and unrefined cane sugar, usually served with lime and salt. Street taco stands near the plaza are a good place to eat quickly, and you will find more than forty restaurants in town, from beachfront palapas to casual spots serving seafood and breakfast.
Popular dishes to try in Sayulita
Where to stay
Your base decides how the trip feels. Centro is the best choice for first-timers and anyone who wants to walk to the beach, restaurants and plaza. It is lively, so ask about noise at night if you sleep lightly.
Playa Los Muertos suits travelers who prefer a quieter beach and are fine with a short walk or ride into the center. It works well for couples and surfers who want early mornings. San Pancho is a calmer alternative about seven kilometers away, good for families and anyone who likes a slower pace and jungle walks.
Where to stay in Sayulita
Best time to visit
The best weather runs from about January to May, when the dry season brings sun and little rain. This is also the busiest time, with tourism highest in winter.
The water is warmer from April through October, which suits swimmers. Summer brings humidity and heavy rain, and some businesses slow down. Shoulder months such as May and November can offer a good balance of weather and calmer streets.
Getting there and getting around
Most visitors fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Sayulita is about thirty-seven kilometers north on Federal Highway 200, a two-lane road. From the airport you can take a taxi or cross the highway by the pedestrian overpass and flag a green and white Compostela bus with Sayulita on the front.
In town, almost everything is walkable. A rental car helps if you stay a mile or two from the center, or if you want to reach beaches and trails on your own. Local buses and combis connect the beach towns along the coast, and taxis are easy to find.
A suggested itinerary
First day
Arrive, drop your bags and walk to Playa Sayulita. Take a surf lesson or a swim, browse the plaza and watch the sunset.
Second day
Hike the jungle trails in the morning, then visit Playa Los Muertos in the afternoon. Finish with a seafood dinner near the plaza.
Third day
Take a bus to San Pancho for the beach and a stroll.
Practical tips
- Check your government's current travel advisory before you go.
- Shuffle your feet when entering the water to avoid stingrays.
- Watch for pollution notices before swimming, as water systems can be strained at busy times.
- Use ATMs inside shops or banks when you can, and check the machine before using it.
- Carry cash for small vendors and buses.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
