Welcome to Sayulita Mexico.
In this blog post, we will share everything you need to know about SAYULITA BEACH to plan the best trip! We’ll cover the location, the different Sayulita beaches, and the top things to do.
We will give you many insider tips and tricks to get the most out of your visit!
Let’s get started.
Where is Sayulita Beach located?
Sayulita is a charming town located on Mexico’s west coast, in the state of Nayarit, about 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta.
This destination was once a peaceful FISHING community and is now a popular vacation spot for tourists looking for a fusion of beauty, cultural diversity, and adventure.
What makes this place so special? Keep reading below!
FULL list of Sayulita Beaches
It’s important to have all the facts and know which beaches there are in the region when visiting Sayulita. Below, you’ll find the five Sayulita beaches that we love, and we’ll tell you why. Keep reading!
1. Playa Los Muertos
We consider Playa de los Muertos the most beautiful Sayulita beach (see picture below)! The whole Sayulita beach here is 2050 feet long (630 meters), and we find that it is one of the cleanest beaches in the region! We thought it was pretty cool that huge rocks protect both sides of the Playa Los Muertos beach, creating a little cove sheltered from currents and waves. Hence, this is the only place where you can try some safe snorkeling from shore.
INSIDER TIP: There are no bars or restaurants at Playa Los Muertos itself, so come prepared!
The name Sayulita Beach comes from the cemetery that lies behind it, with its colorful graves decorated with surfboards. Check them out, but do so respectfully!
FUN FACT: The name ‘Playa de los Muertos’ or ‘Beach of the Dead’ has cultural significance in Mexico. According to a survey conducted in October 2023, three out of every four Mexicans usually celebrate Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.
2. Playa Las Cuevas
Playa Las Cuevas is definitely the most romantic beach! It’s perfect for an afternoon out, with amazing white sand and blue waves.
FUN FACT: This Sayulita beach has gained its name from the Spanish word for ‘caves’, due to the small caves at both the north side of the Sayulita beach and the ends of the bay. At low tide, you can walk through these caves from beach to beach.
3. Patzcuaritos Beach
Getting to Patzcuaritos Beach is fairly easy, as it is a half-hour walk (10-minute drive) from Sayulita Mexico, with a well-marked 1-mile trail. As it is a bit further away from the town, there are fewer people, so enjoy your private Sayulita beach experience!
4. Playa Carricitos
Here, you’ll find huge waves, and you may be alone on this wild, windswept beach. Through a jungle trail in dense forests, you’ll reach this amazing Playa Carricitos. The place seems far from society, as there are some homes here, but most of them are well hidden in the wooded hills above the water.
INSIDER TIP: Locals told us that this is the best Sayulita beach to catch the sunset! The second evening, we followed their advice, and we can confirm!
5. Playa Sayulita (Main Beach)
Sayulita Mexico has a 2-kilometer main beach with golden sand that is perfect for some sunbathing! The beach is perfect for both beginner and intermediate surfers!
Playa Sayulita Nayarit offers three surf breaks:
- The southernmost part of the bay provides a serene beach break suitable for beginner surfers.
- The central break is designed for intermediate surfers, offering both left-hand and right-hand waves.
- Moving further north, there’s an additional surf break for intermediate surfers, which features a left-hand wave.
Things To Do at Sayulita Beach
Surfing
Sayulita is a well-known surfing location with consistent waves that are excellent for both inexperienced and expert surfers. While other places serve more experienced surfers, the main Sayulita beach has a gentle break that is ideal for beginners. With many surf schools and rental shops available, it’s easy to find lessons and equipment tailored to your surfing skill level.
Paddleboarding
Another sport that we liked doing in Sayulita is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), which provides a pleasant way to explore the coastline. You can paddleboard to cruise over the pristine waters, take in the breathtaking views, relax, and even work on your balance, swimming, and core strength. There are many rental stores and guided tours available!
Snorkeling
Sayulita’s crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life make it a fantastic place to go snorkeling. When you snorkel around the rock formations and hidden coves, you discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and other intriguing creatures. Numerous local tour companies provide guided snorkeling excursions, equipping you with the required gear and offering professional instruction to guarantee a pleasant experience.
Renting a boat
Something that we love doing, wherever we are, is renting a boat and exploring the coastline. Throwing the anchor out, going into the water for a quick swim, and enjoying our time. We rented a boat in the Vallarta marina with a local agency. We explored the coast with some friends, so we were able to split the costs, which makes it a no-brainer! You won’t regret renting a boat and sunbathing at an Instagram-worthy spot!
Diving
I am an Advanced open-water diver with more than 130 dives to this day in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America so I love diving. Whenever I get the choice, I look for spots where I can visit the underwater world.
Playa Sayulita does, unfortunately, not offer the best spots for diving with its sandy bottoms, no reefs, etc. That is why I recommend going to the Marietas Islands where you can dive to underwater mountains and large underwater caves. Perfect for a day trip with 2 dives included!
Explore the Town
Sayulita is a bustling town that is a popular destination for tourists as it has a wide variety of stores, eateries, and coffee shops to suit all preferences and price ranges. You will become absorbed in the local culture as you stroll through the cobblestone streets, surrounded by vibrant structures and welcoming people.
To enjoy real Mexican shopping, you must visit local markets while you are there. This place is perfect for picking up souvenirs or just soaking in the local culture because you can get everything here, from handcrafted crafts and clothing to fresh produce and the best street food.
Sayulita’s Nightlife and Events
The nightlife culture comes to life as the sun goes down, with a variety of beachside bars, buzzing cantinas, and live music venues to suit every vibe. We went partying in Le Zouave, known for its amazing cocktails and lounge-style vibe.
How to get around Sayulita
Based on our experience, these are the transport modes that we recommend when you are in Sayulita, Mexico.
Golf Carts
If you want to experience Sayulita uniquely, this is the perfect destination to rent a golf cart! We chose to use these little electric cars as they just make it so simple to get to many beaches without having to worry about parking.
Renting a golf cart can cost anywhere between $40 and $60 per day, depending on the size of the cart and the rental duration.
Bicycles
A fun and environmentally responsible way to get around town is by renting a bicycle. Renting a bike from one of the many nearby stores will let you explore more of the area while taking in the breathtaking surroundings.
Bus
The local bus is a fantastic choice if you want to see the neighborhood. The buses are convenient and reasonably priced, and they operate often all day.
Several routes stop in Sayulita, including some that go north and end up in neighboring cities with beaches like San Pancho and Lo de Marcos. Ticket prices for buses to nearby towns typically range from $1 to $3, depending on the destination and the bus route.
Taxis
Taxis are easily accessible in Sayulita if you’re looking for more direct and comfortable transportation.
Be sure to negotiate the fare before your journey, as not all taxis have meters.
Taxi rates in Sayulita are typically flexible, but depending on the distance, you may anticipate paying anywhere from $5 to $20 per journey.
Car Rental
A fantastic choice if you want the independence to go at your own pace is to rent a car. This makes it possible for you to explore off-the-beaten-track spots and travel further out to other Riviera Nayarit attractions.
Our favorite company for all our travel is DiscoverCars.com, they have a great selection of cars! From small cars to SUVs, you will find the perfect car for your trip at the best price. The platform compares prices from different agencies, which guarantees the best deals.
Hotels near Sayulita Beach
Sayulita provides a wide variety of accommodation choices to satisfy the requirements and tastes of any guest.
You can use the widget below to find the perfect accommodation to your liking!
Here, you’ll find our recommendations! We stayed at Casa Tokipa, we can definitely recommend this hotel!
Luxury
Suite Master King Casa Tokipa, Ocean View: This luxurious beachfront property features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is just a short walk away from Sayulita Beach’s main square. Its spacious suites offer modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Guests can also take advantage of the on-site pool and restaurant.
Mid Range
Hotel Ysuri Sayulita: This mid-range boutique hotel, offers comfortable and affordable accommodation for those looking to explore Sayulita within a budget. The rooms have air conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies overlooking the town. Guests can also enjoy the hotel with onsite restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi access.
Budget
Selina Sayulita provides affordable accommodation for backpackers; you can either choose a shared room or pay a bit more for a private room. Guests can take advantage of the boutique hotel’s free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen facilities, and chill-out areas that feature music and movies. Guests can also enjoy the rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean. Selina is known among digital nomads as they have hostels everywhere in the world and a large community of travelers.
Where To Eat in Sayulita
The dining options in Sayulita are plentiful and excellent!
Here are some popular restaurants and local food specialties worth trying during your visit:
- Mary’s, a local favorite, offers classic Mexican food with a focus on tasty, fresh ingredients. Don’t forget to try their chiles rellenos and legendary shrimp tacos.
- At La Rustica, customers can enjoy a delicious combination of Italian and Mexican flavors. Popular menu items include wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and seafood dishes.
- El Itacate is a must-stop for anybody craving genuine Mexican street food and is well-known for its mouthwatering selection of tacos. Try their signature stuffed taco (taco relleno) for a unique twist on a classic dish.
When it comes to local food specialties, be sure to try the following (you can even find this at some of the beach vendors):
- Fish Tacos: A quintessential Sayulita dish, fish tacos can be found at various street food stands and restaurants throughout the town.
- Churros: These deep-fried dough pastries, often dusted with sugar and cinnamon, are a popular dessert or snack in Sayulita.
- Tamales: A traditional Mexican staple, tamales are made from masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or vegetables, then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Playa Sayulita is between November and April. See below why!
November to April
Often considered the best time to visit Sayulita, this period offers pleasant weather with warm temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C) and relatively low humidity.
The peak tourist season runs from December to March when the town is bustling with visitors seeking a sunny escape from colder climates.
While this means more lively vibes and events, it also raises prices and increases crowds at popular restaurants, bars, hotels, and attractions.
May to June
As the high season winds down, May and the very end of June offer a sweet spot between the busy peak season and the rainy months.
During these months, you can still enjoy warm weather and sunny days, but with fewer crowds and potentially lower prices.
Be prepared for the heat, though, as temperatures can rise dramatically in June and get as high as 90°F (32°C).
July to October
This period marks the rainy season in Sayulita, with increased humidity, frequent rain showers, and occasional tropical storms.
While this may not be ideal for beachgoers, the lush greenery and vibrant flora that result from the rainfall can be quite stunning.
Additionally, as this is considered the low season, you’re likely to find better deals on accommodations and fewer crowds.
If you don’t mind the occasional rain shower and are looking for a more tranquil experience, visiting during these months could be a great option.
Nearby Attractions
Punta de Mita
For locals and those traveling through the region south of Sayulita, Punta de Mita is a must-visit location. situated in a quiet setting on a private ocean peninsula that is surrounded by beautiful sand beaches, tranquility, and a luxury experience.
Rincon de Guayabitos
Rincon de Guayabitos is a hidden little gem often referred to as the “pool of the Pacific.” Due to its calm, warm waters, this sunny seaside town is an ideal destination for families and those seeking a relaxed, authentic Mexican seaside experience.
We found both destinations so special that we created separate blog posts highlighting everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip. Check them out!
Conclusion
We hope this blog post was insightful for you.
Sayulita is a destination you definitely shouldn’t miss if you are traveling in the area.
Let us know in the comments below how your experience was!
If you want to learn more about the different beaches around this bay area, check out our blog post about Nayarit Playas.
FAQ
Why is Sayulita so popular?
Sayulita is popular as it is a charming, bohemian beach town famous for its surfing, vibrant arts scene, and rich indigenous Huichol culture. The town is also known for its fresh, local seafood, with dorado (Mahi Mahi) being a popular choice. Additionally, the town is loaded with Mexican artisanal decor and souvenirs, plus earthy, bohemian clothing, jewelry, and more. Its popularity has also grown due to its strong surf, stunning sunsets, yoga, and colorful little streets.
Is it worth going to Sayulita?
Yes, it is worth going to Sayulita if you enjoy a bohemian beach vibe, surfing, an arts scene, and rich local culture. The town is packed with adorable shops offering bohemian clothes and Mexican crafts and decor. We can definitely confirm this! However, Sayulita is a famous town, so expect a lot of tourists, and the nightlife can be quite loud.
Is Sayulita safe for solo female travelers?
YES! We felt safe, and the solo female travelers we have spoken to never felt in danger or uncomfortable. However, we always recommend following standard travel safety advice: avoid walking alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.
Sayulita surf spots
Sayulita is well-known for its surfing, with several popular spots around town. The main Sayulita beach offers consistent surf breaks suitable for all levels. Other popular surf spots include Playa Las Cuevas and Patzcuaritos Beach. However, it’s important to note that some beaches, like Patzcuaritos Beach, have strong waves and currents and are better suited for experienced surfers.
