This laid-back surf city, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, is thought for its sandy seashores, colourful Huichol tradition, and exquisite coastal views. Although it’s not as in style as its large brother Puerto Vallarta down south, Sayulita continues to be a tremendous vacation spot if you happen to’re searching for one thing just a little extra off the overwhelmed path.
There’s one thing in Sayulita for each sort of traveler, whether or not you wish to hit the seaside to work in your tan, store by the city selecting up native handicrafts, or sail alongside the coast admiring the colourful sundown. Here are a number of of our favourite sights and sights that you just received’t wish to miss throughout your go to to Sayulita.
1. Go Surfing at Sayulita Beach
If there’s one exercise you could do whereas visiting Sayulita, it’s browsing. The sun-soaked seashores, rolling waves, and laid-backed vibes make this considered one of Mexico’s greatest surf cities. Sayulita Beach is among the greatest (and most centrally situated) seashores for newcomers and skilled surfers alike. However, it tends to be one of many extra crowded locations, as nicely. If you’re trying to escape the crowds, we suggest heading to the Cove, Litibu Beach, or La Lancha.
If you’re by no means been on a surfboard earlier than – don’t fear. There are a variety of board rental outlets and tons of surf colleges the place you’ll be able to study the abilities and strategies earlier than hopping within the ocean. The calm waters and delicate waves make Sayulita an incredible place for studying tips on how to surf.
Related Article: Puerta Vallarta to Sayulita – Easy Transporation Options
2. Shop within the Sayulita Hippie Market
With eclectic outlets and colourful boutiques, Sayulita is a client’s paradise. While there are quite a few locations the place you’ll be able to choose up handicrafts and distinctive souvenirs, the Sayulita Hippie Market is arguably the perfect. Located subsequent to the baseball stadium by the river, this each day market options tons of native goodies and humanities and crafts.
Stroll from one sales space to a different and store for crocheted dream catchers, hand-painted collectible figurines, and colourful garments and textiles that make glorious presents or souvenirs out of your time in Sayulita.
3. Go Whale Watching in Banderas Bay
If you occur to be in Sayulita anytime from December to March, you then’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime alternative to see these majestic creatures up shut. Every 12 months, roughly 700 whales make their approach to the hotter waters of Baja, California from Canada to mate and provides start. During this time, you’ll be capable of take a ship tour to go to them as they swim round with their new calves.
Many totally different tour firms provide a whale-watching expertise throughout the winter. While sightings aren’t assured, they’re widespread, particularly off the coast of Banderas Bay. We suggest this whale-watching tour.
*When searching for the perfect worth and largest choice of accommodations, verify costs on Booking.com. We’ve discovered they’re the best choice and have an incredible cancelation coverage.*
4. Take a Boat Tour of Islas Marietas
Located 5 miles off the coast close to Sayulita sits a bunch of small uninhabited islands referred to as Islas Marietas. The islands are largely undeveloped as they’re protected by the Mexican authorities for his or her abundance of unique vegetation and wildlife. Blue-footed boobies, reef corals, manta rays, dolphins, and humpback whales are just some of the creatures that make their house across the islands.
If you might be reserving one tour to your total journey this is able to be it! We suggest this tour to Islas Marietas. You received’t be disillusioned.
Due to conservation efforts to protect the pure setting and coral reef, solely licensed tour guides are literally allowed to enter and dock on the islands. Many firms provide seaside excursions to Long Island, mixed with snorkeling or scuba diving within the close by reefs. However, it’s undoubtedly value visiting to see one of the pristine landscapes that Mexico has to supply.
5. Day Trip to Puerto Vallarta
Take a brief one-hour drive down the coast and go to one of the stunning cities on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta is a well-liked seaside resort with miles of sandy shoreline and dozens of locations the place you’ll be able to take in the solar. However, it additionally has an enthralling metropolis middle filled with winding cobblestone alleys and spectacular church buildings (the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is essentially the most architecturally gorgeous).
You’ll additionally wish to stroll alongside the Malecon, a paved pedestrian walkway that snakes alongside the shore of the coast. There are quite a few sculptures alongside the way in which, in addition to loads of cafes, bars, and meals stalls. During the night, this promenade is a well-liked haunt spot for locals and households that stay within the metropolis.
6. Go Ziplining over Bandera’s Bay
Thrillseekers – get able to fly your approach by the rainforest of Punta de Mita on this thrilling ziplining tour. Consisting of 10 totally different traces, that is the longest and quickest zipline course in all of Riviera Nayarit. Soar excessive above the canopies (4,000-feet excessive) when you pace by the forest at 60 miles an hour, admiring the breathtaking views of Banderas Bay.
Don’t be stunned if you happen to see unique wildlife throughout your journey. Deers, horses, bulls, wild boars, and even alligators could also be lurking deep throughout the forest. This tour additionally features a scrumptious tequila tasting on the finish of your journey. This tour appears unimaginable!
7. Horseback Riding on the Beach
Is there something extra romantic than a soothing horseback experience alongside the seashores of Sayulita? After you meet your information on the ranch, you and your trusty steed will trot by the city, admiring the totally different native outlets and homes. More on the tour right here.
Then you’ll make your approach into the depths of the rainforest, surrounded by lush vines and dense foliage. Soon, you’ll arrive on the seaside, the place you’ll have the chance to gallop together with your horse alongside the shoreline.
Related Article: Renting a Car in Mexico – Must Know Tips
8. Go Tequila Tasting
While most individuals cringe when they consider taking tequila pictures, we assure {that a} tasting at one of many tequila distilleries in Sayulita will change your thoughts about this tasty liquor. One of our favourite locations is Agave Liquors, a distillery that produces tequila, mezcal, Raicilla, and Sotol.
Another in style alternative for tequila tastings is thru the Tequila Experience. They come on to your own home or trip rental and arrange a whole tequila-tasting night for you and your mates or relations. You’ll pattern 10 various kinds of tequila and study concerning the cultivation and distilling processes.
9. Watch the Sunset on Carricitos Beach
Although Sayulita isn’t identified for its sunsets (it’s north-facing), you may make the fast stroll over to Carricitos Beach if you happen to’re searching for these colourful views. This stunning space is simply on the opposite facet of the Punta Sayulita, though it appears like a completely totally different world as soon as the solar units behind the horizon.
From downtown, Carricitos Beach is only a 20-minute stroll or 10-minute golf cart experience west alongside Niños Heroes. It’s a lot much less crowded than Sayulita Beach, and if you happen to’re fortunate, you may get your entire seaside to your self. There aren’t any distributors round, so be sure to convey your individual drinks or meals if you happen to’re hoping to remain right here for a number of hours.
One of the explanations we love Sayulita is for the sunsets. If you’ve been following us or learn a few of our different articles, you realize we actually love Holbox, Tulum, and Bacalar, however all of them are lacking nice sunsets!
10. Hike Monkey Mountain
If you’re hoping to burn a number of additional energy throughout your trip, then the trek up Monkey Mountain is an effective way to get some train. This four-mile out-and-back path takes you to the summit of the mountain, the place you’ll be rewarded with endless views over the Ocean, Sayulita, and even Punta Mita.
While the hike isn’t too lengthy, it’s considerably steep, which could be difficult for inexperienced hikers or these touring with youngsters. However, many of the path is shaded, so that you received’t must endure by the noon warmth when you ascend the summit.
11. Indulge in Creative and Healthy Dishes
You can’t go to Sayulita and never speak concerning the wonderful gastronomy scene. From genuine road meals to freshly grilled fish and lobster, Sayulita has among the most various eating places on the coast. Head to Sayulita Fish Tacos for scrumptious Mexican meals (and 300 kinds of tequila) or to La Rustica for wood-fired pizza. It’s additionally value visiting Don Pedro’s Restaurant Bar if you happen to’re searching for sweeping water views and open-aired eating.
While Sayulita has an enormous number of totally different eating places and cafes, you’ll in all probability discover that there are typically extra vegetarian and vegan choices in comparison with a whole lot of different locations in Mexico. The well being meals scene in Sayulita is booming, and also you’ll have loads of decisions if you happen to’re craving one thing on the lighter facet, like bowls, smoothies, and salads. Café’ el Fortin, Organi-k, and La Esperanza are just some of our favorites for wholesome meals.
12. Go Snorkeling within the Ocean
The abundance of colourful corals, tropical corals, and unique marine life makes Sayulita an incredible vacation spot for snorkeling. However, you’ll must put in just a little effort with a purpose to discover among the greatest snorkeling spots. Sayulita Beach could also be centrally situated, however the waters are higher fitted to surfers and swimmers than snorkelers. If you’re trying to snorkel off-shore, then we suggest taking the brief stroll over to Punta Los Arcos, Carrictos, or Playa de Los Muertos Instead.
It’s additionally attainable to take a ship for a extra distant snorkeling tour. The waters across the Islas Marietas are teeming with life, making this considered one of Sayulita’s hottest snorkeling locations. You’ll even have the prospect to see extra distinctive marine creatures, like octopi, blowfish, sea horses, and manta rays.
13. Go on an ATV Tour
Although you’ll be able to primarily discover Sayulita on foot, probably the greatest methods to see the hidden sights and sights is by an adventurous ATV tour. This two-hour ATV tour begins with a experience by city, the place you’ll be able to take in the vibes of the village middle and sandy seashores.
Then, you’ll make your approach to the Cerro de La Loca mountain, the place you’ll benefit from the scenic landscapes and pure great thing about this rugged, untouched panorama. The views from the Cerro del Mono overlook are nothing wanting spectacular. Then, you’ll head again down the mountain and in the direction of the Questo seaside, the place you and your group can loosen up on the white sand.
14. Shop on the Sayulita Farmers Market
As the one farmer’s market in all of Nayarit, the Sayulita Farmers Market is a must-see for foodies and consumers. Although it’s solely open on Fridays from November to April (the rising season), it’s value stopping by to feast your eyes on the native, natural merchandise sourced from across the space.
Here, you’ll discover nearly 80 totally different distributors promoting various kinds of merchandise, from natural greens and do-it-yourself yogurts to oven-baked bread and artisan spices and sauces. It’s additionally an incredible place simply to come back for a snack, as there are quite a few meals distributors and stalls the place you’ll be able to seize a chew to eat. Best of all, all of the proceeds of this not-for-profit market are donated to totally different native initiatives like youngsters’s parks, river clear up, and researching biodegradable cleansing provides.
15. Enjoy a Luxury Catamaran Cruise
Why spend your total trip on land when you’ll be able to head out into the ocean for an exhilarating day of journey? Ally Cat Sailing Tours hosts among the coolest boating excursions within the Bay of Banderas. They have three totally different boats, the unique 56-foot Ally Cat, the smaller 50-foot Ally Cat Too, and the high-powered 60-foot Fat Cat Yacht.
The day journeys are nice for individuals who wish to play within the water, with swim steps, slides, and diving platforms. You may also simply chill on the decks whereas listening to music or sightseeing when you cruise round Islas Marietas.
The sundown cruises are additionally fairly outstanding, as you’ll have front-row tickets to the mesmerizing colours of oranges and pinks because the solar units behind the horizon when you make the most of the open tropical cocktail bar. If you’re fortunate, you may additionally spot dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and if you happen to’re visiting throughout winter, humpback whales.
What are your favourite issues to do in Sayulita?
Sayulita is actually one of many greatest locations in Mexico, and we will’t wait to return.