Things to do in Sayulita

Best time to visit Sayulita

• a note or something on   ✦ an occasion worth the trip

• November to April

  Dry season, best weather, busiest and priciest.

• December to March

  Whale season.

• May and June

  Hot and quiet; good value.

• July to October

  Rainy season; lush, humid, fewer people.

Best things to do in Sayulita

• Sayulita Beach

  $$

  Beginner-friendly surf break; lessons and rentals on the sand.

• Playa Carricitos

  Free

  Quiet cove west of town; sunset spot, no services, bring water.

• Playa de los Muertos

  Free

  Calmer beach south of the main beach; easier swimming.

• Monkey Mountain

  Free

  Jungle hike to a summit cross with bay views; go early with water.

• Marietas Islands

  $$$

  Day trip to the islands and Hidden Beach; book a licensed operator ahead.

• Bahía de Banderas

  $$$

  Humpback whale-watching cruises, December to March.

• Sayulita

  Free

  Plaza and market streets; the unhurried evening stroll.

Where to stay in Sayulita

• Central Sayulita

  first-timers, walkers, surf mornings

• Gringo Hill

  budget travellers, longer stays

• North End

  families, surfers wanting space

• South End

  couples wanting quiet

Think twice about

• Beach road without earplugs
• Jungle hills without transport
• Punta de Mita as a Sayulita base

Best restaurants in Sayulita

• Mary's

  $

  Local pick for the best tacos; cheap and quick.

• Miscelanea

  $$

  Breakfast favourite; go early, it fills up.

• Xochi Sayulita

  $$

  Regional Mexican dishes; good with kids, good dinner.

• La Rústica

  $$

  Dinner spot; reliable evening reservation.

• Sayulita Fish Taco

  $

  Fish tacos on the square; good, not life-changing.

• Tacos on the Street

  $

  Weekend-only carne asada tacos after 5pm; cash.

• Goat Beach Club

  $$

  Beach club with loungers, surf school, and quesabirria tacos.

• Mi Chula Beach Club

  $$

  Beach club with shrimp tacos and aguachiles; upstairs deck is best.

Best bars in Sayulita

• CAVA

  $$

  Cocktails; the evening drink spot.

Best coffee in Sayulita

• Alquimista Coffee

  $

  The recommended coffee spot; breakfast and good espresso.

Outdoor things to do in Sayulita

• San Pancho

  $

  Quieter neighbour town 10 minutes north; Sunday market worth timing.

• La Lancha

  Free

  Better wave for progressing beginners near Punta de Mita.

• Puerto Vallarta

  $

  City day trip an hour south: malecón, old town, food scene.

Best hotels in Sayulita

• Mi Otra Casa

  $$

  Mexican-style suites with a pool near the beach; breakfast included.

• Casa de la Ballena

  $$

  Chic apartments with a pool and restaurant on Gringo Hill.

• Junto Al Rio Bungalows

  $$

  Beach bungalows with terraces and an on-site surf shop.

• My Sister's House

  $

  Women's hostel; secure and social, good for solo travellers.

Is Sayulita expensive? What a day costs

A day of food, drink, sights and getting around, before the room

What to book ahead

• Marietas Islands: a few days ahead
• Bahía de Banderas: a few days ahead
• La Rústica: a few days ahead
• Mi Otra Casa: weeks ahead
• Casa de la Ballena: weeks ahead
• Junto Al Rio Bungalows: weeks ahead
• My Sister's House: weeks ahead

• Christmas to Easter: book hotels weeks to months ahead.
• Marietas boats: book a day or two ahead.

Is Sayulita safe?

• Rip currents and shore break are the main risk; swim near lifeguarded areas. Do not leave valuables on the beach. Emergency number: 911.

Sayulita travel tips: tourist traps to skip

• Main beach at midday in high season is packed; walk to Carricitos or Muertos.
• Beach vendors are persistent; a polite no works.
• There are better dinners for the money than the famous-name spots.

Getting around Sayulita: public transport and more

• Town is walkable; golf carts are unnecessary.
• Buses and colectivos to San Pancho, Punta de Mita, Puerto Vallarta.
• PVR airport is about an hour away; pre-book shuttles.

Who Sayulita suits

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