Top Things to Do and Eat [2023]

Looking for issues to do in Sayulita, Mexico? In this text, I’m going to stroll you thru one of the best factor to do on this fashionable coastal city.

If you like the ocean, likelihood is you’ve seen photos circulating on social media from this colourful seaside city. It was a small fishing village, however its relaxed hippie vibes shortly elevated its recognition. 

Needless to say, its colourful streets and surfer breaks caught our eyes which is why my spouse Courtney and I simply needed to see what it was all about. We spent per week in Sayulita absorbing the solar and consuming the entire Mexican meals in order that we may write one of the best listing of “things to do” so you may plan your journey to Sayulita with ease.

Sunsets, yoga, music on the seaside, colourful streets, artisan retailers, and naturally, browsing! If all this stuff are on the high of your listing then you definately’ll positively have to take a look at Sayulita. 

Where is Sayulita?

Sayulita is positioned an hour north of Puerto Vallarta on the Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s west coast. This city has an unexplainable appeal that has the streets overflowing with hip eating places, bars, boutique lodges, open-air markets, and tons of surfers. 

Although it solely has one important seaside (Playa Sayulita), vacationers from throughout come to take a look at the surf breaks, chill, and repeat, which is likely one of the important causes it has change into such a well-liked backpacking vacation spot! 

Don’t fear, if browsing isn’t your factor otherwise you fell and harm your self after catching your first…and final wave like my spouse Courtney did there may be nonetheless lots to discover right here! 

Sayulita isn’t only a seaside city. We loved the upscale (however reasonably priced) eating places, loved cocktails with an unbelievable sundown view, and even hiked to a “secret beach”. 

Keep on studying to see all the highest issues to see, eat and do on this “Pueblo Magico” seaside paradise.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Sayulita?

Although Sayulita is a small city, there are TONS of issues to do in Sayulita, Mexico, particularly should you love the outside. I like to recommend spending at the very least 4-5 full days in Sayulita so you may see and do all the things.

From Sayulita, there are additionally tons of close by day journeys across the Riviera Nayrit so you can even use it as a base to your travels. What I like about Sayulita is that it’s only actually 45 minutes to an hour away from Puerto Vallarta which has all of the facilities of a metropolis that you’d want.

Best Time to Visit Sayulita

Mexico is a vacation spot that’s finest visited throughout Winter months. So should you’re on the lookout for one of the best time to go to Sayulita, I like to recommend going in the course of the months of December – February. However, with that being mentioned, you may go to Sayulita all-year spherical.

If you’re visiting Sayulita to take a look at the numerous surf breaks, surf season is Sayulita is from November to April. This is when you may see constant swells are available in and is taken into account one of the best time to go to for avid surfers or freshmen.

Top Things to Do in Sayulita

1. Go Surfing in Sayulita

Of course, we’ve to begin this listing with the most well-liked exercise in Sayulita, browsing after all! Why is that this city so fashionable for browsing? Well, the waves are the proper measurement for freshmen and specialists alike. It has just a few surf breaks

Courtney and I did surf classes and it price round $40 USD every for a 2-hour lesson. Unfortunately, Courtney solely caught one wave. It was her first, and final, as she jumped off the board mistaken (how did she handle that in 2ft of water?) and harm her knee. She sat on the seaside trying like a tragic pet whereas I carried on.

The waves are small and the water is pretty shallow so it’s a enjoyable exercise to do any time of the day. There are tons of surf corporations on the seaside that supply providers however our favourite was our buddy Cayla (caylacrayons on Instagram).

Shoot her a message and arrange your classes! If you already know tips on how to surf you can even lease boards for the day for round $20 USD PP.

Most browsing classes are held at Playa Sayulita however there are totally different breaks accessible, relying on the waves.

Author’s Note: Don’t make the identical errors we did when touring in Mexico, try our Mexico packing listing so you may come ready and never overpack as we did!

Want to e-book surf classes in Sayulita? Check out these surf classes led by locals!

2. Take Pictures and Explore the Market

Time to expertise essentially the most photogenic avenue in Sayulita, Mexico. The ever-growing recognition of Calle Delfines, or “Slap Street” is one thing you simply should expertise whilst you’re in Sayulita. It’s one of many busiest streets in the course of the day because it’s stuffed with eating places and bars. The avenue is lined with palm bushes which have colourful flags hung throughout them. 

We went early within the morning to take our photos. Get there earlier than 9 if you need the house to your self. Not considering getting up early or having your image taken in entrance of the crowds of individuals? No downside, as you discover Sayulita you’ll discover a ton of colourful streets to have a photoshoot on. 

While you’re strolling round and looking for your subsequent photoshoot location try among the artisan outfitters and the native market in Sayulita or wander round Sayulita Plaza.

On Fridays, the native market is even larger and you will discover issues from garments to canine collars, baggage, sneakers, and different souvenirs. 

3. Go on a Food Tour

Because you’re in Mexico, Sayulita is FULL of unbelievable eating places and avenue eats. Go on a avenue meals tour with a neighborhood to find one of the best of what this small seaside city can supply. This tour will take you to 7 of one of the best foods and drinks spots in Sayulita!

4. Attend a Yoga Class

While Courtney and I aren’t good at staying quiet with out laughing or releasing unusual gases from our our bodies with out consent (you recognize you do it too) we all know that Yoga is a large a part of the tradition in Sayulita.

There are a ton of choices in Sayulita. From hostels that supply free seaside yoga within the mornings (pay a donation) to full-on retreats that home you and feed you. You ought to be capable of discover one thing that’s excellent to your price range. The Rose Room Sayulita has an exquisite yoga shala proper on the town! If you’re an avid yogi, preserve your eyes peeled as Sayulita is a well-liked spot for yoga retreats and trainer trainings.

5. Join a Cooking Class in Sayulita

Hands down, the most effective issues to do in Sayulita is to hitch a neighborhood cooking class. This explicit one begins off with margaritas, palomas then goes straight into making Chilaquiles, Tacos, Enchiladas, and Guacamole.

Whatever you do, come hungry as you’re in for an actual deal with! Other native cooking class in Sayulita presents hand-made tortillas, Salsa de Molcajetes, and Chile Rellenos. Both are extremely beneficial!

6. Hiking in Sayulita

At first look Sayulita is only a small seaside city, however do you know there are numerous epic mountain climbing trails round? A number of of our favourite trails are:

• Mal Paso Beach
• Sayulita-San Pancho Trail
• Cerro del Mono
• Monkey Mountain

Here’s a hyperlink to All-Trails round Sayulita Mexico so you may try the path directions.

7. Hike to Mal Paso Beach

If the sound of mountain climbing to a hidden seaside sounds intriguing to you, you positively want to take a look at Mal Paso Beach. It’s about half-hour from the principle a part of Sayulita and you may both entry it by strolling on the principle seaside (take a proper and preserve strolling till you attain rocks you may climb up and over). If you stroll via city you’ll stroll alongside av. del Palmar which is parallel to the seaside. 

Walk over the river which is dry throughout most of winter. Keep following this highway all the best way till you attain a non-public condominium complicated. Then you’ll see a dust path. Keep following the trail into the jungle then you definately’ll stroll over rocks and huge boulders, you’ll cross a brilliant personal seaside home. Keep strolling previous that and cease for an image with an unbelievable view of the ocean. 

Continue on the filth path which is parallel to a non-public highway and head again down the filth path again into the jungle. The filth path will cut up, the left will take you to Las Cuevas Cove, however proceed on straight. You will see a few outdated buildings in ruins and then you definately’ll stroll down a dust path with a wall in your proper facet to the seaside. 

Know that swimming isn’t attainable right here as the present and undertow are very very robust. You can put on sandals for this hike as it’s simple. If you’re on the lookout for a swimmable seaside, Playa Sayulita is your finest wager.

8. Trek Up Monkey Mountain

Another fashionable mountain climbing choice and has what is taken into account one of the best viewpoint in Sayulita. This is a reasonable/ troublesome hike and tennis sneakers are required for this. You can do that hike by yourself from city or rent a information with MexiTreks (price round $65 USD PP). 

On your individual, you’ll head south from Sayulita heading within the path of Punta Mita. You’ll discover a marker at 5km that goes in direction of Playa Patzcuaro. Continue on for an additional 1km till you attain a ranch. After you cross the river the highway splits. 

The important highway takes you to Playa Patzcuaro whereas to the left there may be an unused highway that takes you to a path main you to the highest of Monkey Mountain. This is a 4-hour hike and it is rather scorching in Sayulita so convey plenty of water and snacks. 

9. Visit Isla Marietas

The Isla Marietas tour is likely one of the most sought-after excursions in Sayulita and the entire of the Riviera Nayarit. It is an exquisite island with a secret seaside. You can take a tour for six hours and really swim into the seaside via a cave. 

The movies of this place alone ignited my curiosity however resulting from so many vacationers visiting the federal government has made it tougher, and costly to get to. Book a tour forward of time as solely 100 individuals are allowed to go to per day. Know that entry to the National Park isn’t accessible on Mondays or Tuesdays. 

Waters could be tough so should you’re susceptible to seasickness, convey some Dramamine. The tour strikes shortly from the boat experience to getting snorkel gear on and attending to the island.

10. Go Beach Hopping round Sayulita and Riviera Nayarit

There are a number of choices for seaside hopping round Sayulita. Located in Riviera Nayarit, the seashores within the space are completely gorgeous and is a crowd favourite in Mexico. They are sometimes strains with coconut palm bushes and have essentially the most unbelievable sunsets.

If you’re prepared to flee the crowds of Sayulita Beach (Playa Sayulita) which is positioned within the heart of city try one in every of these others for an journey! 

One of our favorites is Playa de Los Muertos. It’s a brief 10-minute stroll from city. Head left and keep on the principle avenue till you see indicators for Playa de Los Muertos. You’ll get to cross a colourful cemetery on the best way! Once you arrive you’ll be met with locals who will allow you to buy chairs and umbrellas for the day for 300 pesos PP ($15 USD). 

They additionally serve meals and drinks and there are restrooms for $5 pesos. Bring money! Catch the sundown at Carricitos Beach (Playa Carricitors) as it’s secluded, quiet, and has killer views. Keep strolling alongside a dust path via the jungle previous the seaside to succeed in it.

Wait, what? Yes, it’s a literal tree that’s stuffed with large iguanas. Take ten minutes to take a look at this protected tree and be taught extra about why they’re throughout simply this one tree. Never contact or feed these iguanas, simply admire them from a distance. 

You can discover them subsequent to Tierra viva restaurant on the nook of Calle Marlin. This is on the best way to Playa de Los Muertos so be at liberty to suit two actions into one!

11. Whale Watching in Sayulita / Punta Mita

Our favourite exercise whereas visiting Riviera Nayarit! Whale watching season is from mid-December to the start of April. You can simply e-book a whale watching tour they usually final round 4 hours. There are a number of various kinds of whales you’ll get to expertise together with turtles and dolphins! You might even get to see the leaping stingrays! 

Be certain to solely e-book with an organization that’s targeted on the protection and wellbeing of the wildlife, this implies low influence boats and by no means getting too near the whales.

12. Visit San Pancho

Want to flee the crowds in Sayulita and simply go someplace even smaller, even quieter however holding that very same hippie vibe? You should take a day journey or spend the evening in San Pancho. After Sayulita, San Pancho is one other well-known seaside city within the Riviera Nayarit space.

It’s about half-hour from Sayulita and should you hike over to Mal Paso (secret seaside with cave) you’re midway to San Pancho! We aren’t into the get together scene so we have been curious to make our method right here. It’s north of Sayulita and is 20 minutes by automobile. 

13. Go on a Biking Trip round San Pancho

If you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable and distinctive strategy to discover San Pancho, you can even e-book a native bike tour which takes you round one of the best sights, together with native farmers markets which promote plenty of artisanal items.

14. Go Scuba Diving in Sayulita

When in Sayulita, browsing isn’t the one water sport you are able to do. While most dive journeys are technically outdoors of Sayulita city, it doesn’t imply it’s not value doing, particularly should you’re an avid fan of cave swim throughs.

The editor of this weblog ventured out to close by city, Punta Mita with @divewithfrankie and had an absolute blast! Alternatively, should you favor to scuba dive across the gorgeous Marietas Islands, we suggest trying out this dive tour.

15. Rent a Beach Umbrella in Playa Sayulita

After you’ve had your share of actions round Sayulita, palms down, the most effective issues to do is to take a seat down with a coconut or chilly beer in hand whereas stress-free underneath a seaside umbrella. There are many individuals renting umbrellas they usually vary from 300-350 MX a day.

Most umbrella distributors have a restaurant connected to it so you may order some meals and cervezas for the day.

16. Get a Massage

One of one of the best issues about being in Mexico is how reasonably priced all the things is! While in Sayulita, we suggest getting a therapeutic massage from both Nirvanna Spa or Sayulita Holistic Bodyworks.

The better part is you can even prepare for a house service so when you’re finished together with your therapeutic massage, you may calm down with a glass of wine whereas trying on the sundown which is precisely what we did!

17. Rent a Golf Buggy in Sayulita

While Sayulita is 100% walkable, you can even decide to lease a golf buggy to drive across the space. Everyone in Sayulita drives a golf buggy and we should admit, it’s a enjoyable strategy to get round! They lease for $50 USD a day and turns out to be useful once you don’t wish to stroll.

Where to Eat in Sayulita

There are a ton of scrumptious eating places packed into this tiny seaside city. Here are a few of our favorites:

Recommended Breakfast Places in Sayulita

• Organik: Healthy smoothie choices together with poke bowls for lunch. It is recent and was our go-to spot.
• The Garden Bar & Cafe by Selina: An unbelievable hostel that can also be a co-working house. If you want a dependable web connection that is the place to go! They serve an incredible breakfast as nicely! 
• Miscelanea Cafe: Fresh, wholesome, native meals and nice espresso.

Lunch Places in Sayulita

• Marys: Cheap however scrumptious Mexican meals. The parts are huge! From tacos to empanadas this place does it proper.
• Barracuda: A bit expensive however has among the finest tacos within the metropolis! It’s positioned on the road with all of the colourful flags.

Dinner/ Drinks in Sayulita

• La Rustica: Amazing Italian meals. More expensive. Pizza and pasta are so good it’s important to test it out. They even have some nice cocktails!
• Loro Cafe: Ramen in Mexico? Yes, do it. It’s superb and tremendous reasonably priced.
• Cava: Small dive bar with a ton of Mezcal choices. We had some superb cocktails right here.

How to Get to Sayulita, Nayarit

Although Sayulita is a small city, the Riviera Nayarit encompasses just a few cities alongside the coast. Wondering tips on how to get to Sayulita? Here are just a few of the alternative ways.

Sayulita is positioned an hour from Puerto Vallarta which is the place the closest worldwide airport is positioned (PVR). Flying into PVR is what most vacationers do, from there you may have a number of choices for attending to Sayulita, most of which you’ll e-book straight from the airport and may vary from low-cost to expensive relying in your price range.

Uber from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita

Uber is broadly utilized in Puerto Vallarta and it’s our most well-liked alternative. You can get an Uber for about $24-30 to Sayulita however it’s important to exit the airport by taking a left when you’re outdoors and search for the orange overpass, use this and go throughout the road and order an Uber right here.

This method you may have made it previous the entire aggressive taxi drivers within the airport attempting to get you to pay for an overpriced (in our choice) taxi.

Don’t allow them to know you might be getting an Uber as they are going to attempt to confuse you and say it’s unlawful when it isn’t. If you don’t have telephone service outdoors of the free airport Wifi you should buy a SIM card from Telcel within the airport for $10 (ATT & Verizon work in Mexico at no additional cost). 

Know that Uber isn’t usually utilized in Sayulita so this is not going to be a dependable choice for getting again to Puerto Vallarta, nevertheless, you may at all times take the title and variety of the motive force into Whatsapp and see if they’d be keen to drive you again.

Take the native bus

Buses from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita price round $46 pesos ($2.50 USD) departing each 20 minutes and it takes between an hour to 1.5 hours because it does have frequent stops. 

If you might be comfy with talking a little bit Spanish and don’t thoughts carrying all of your baggage with you throughout the freeway outdoors of the airport utilizing the pedestrian bridge (it’s orange you may’t miss it) then that is the proper choice!

Know that there isn’t storage underneath or above the bus so you probably have a ton of bags this might not be your best option. 

The bus title is COMPOSTELA and they’re usually inexperienced and white. Simply search for the title “Sayulita” on the sprint of the bus. Be certain to solely get on the bus that claims Sayulita! If you wish to take the bus again to Puerto Vallarta from Sayulita the bus cease is positioned subsequent to the Salud Clinic on the principle highway earlier than heading into Sayulita. The honest can also be $46 pesos.

Rent a Car from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita

A whole lot of vacationers select to lease a automobile and drive themselves to Sayulita. This is a good choice because it permits you the liberty to come back and go as you please, and the excellent news is that there are a ton of choices on the PVR airport for automobile leases.

Once you make it via customs you will notice indicators that lead you to airport shuttles that can take you on to the automobile rental space. 

Know that costs on-line will say you may lease a automobile for $10 a day BUT you additionally should pay a compulsory $25 insurance coverage price on high of that $10 worth so it does add up. If you don’t thoughts the associated fee and need this chance to take a look at different seaside cities round Sayulita then it is a nice alternative.

Private Car / Shuttle

f you don’t have a strict price range and simply need the quickest and most comfy strategy to Sayulita with out having to stroll or plan or drive, then personal transport is your finest wager. Once you land you’ll see indicators and airport workers that may assist direct you to an space the place you may e-book a shuttle or taxi. 

Know that this generally is a little overwhelming as locals will swarm you all of sudden providing their providers. You may also e-book on-line and there will probably be a driver with an indication and your title on it ready for you. Just know that this feature will price round $80-90 USD a technique.

Want extra recommendations on Traveling to Mexico? Take a have a look at our Guide to  Mexico Travel!

Getting Around Sayulita

Sayulita is a small city, making getting round tremendous easy. You can stroll just about in every single place or if you need you may lease a golf cart and cruise round in model for about $50 USD a day!

Where to Stay in Sayulita(Best Hotels and Vacation Homes)

Sayulita is a small city that’s extraordinarily fashionable in the course of the excessive season (December-April) which implies that it is rather essential to plan your lodging forward of time. Courtney and I didn’t do that, don’t be dummies like us as we went to Sayulita throughout a significant Mexican vacation and costs have been double their regular price. 

Budget Accommodations in Sayulita ($15-50 USD)

1. Selina Sayulita: This is the most well-liked hostel in Sayulita and for good causes! It’s trendy, has a pool, surf classes, yoga lessons, and it’s positioned within the heart of downtown Sayulita a block behind the seaside. 

2. The Amazing Hostel Sayulita: Located outdoors the principle a part of city. Has a pool, presents Spanish classes, and easy lodging.

3. La Redonda Sayulita Hostel: Lounge, backyard, and has backpackers staying right here. 

Boutique/ Luxury Hotels ($60-200+ USD)

1. Siete Lunas: Located within the jungle previous Playa de Los Muertos. Incredible villas with an out of doors pool that boasts an unbelievable view of the ocean.

2. Sayulinda Hotel: Rooftop infinity pool (uncommon discover), patio, and lounge space. Lots of vacationers keep right here and it’s positioned within the central a part of city.

3. Onda Surf Hotel: Located outdoors of Sayulita in Punta de Mita however 100% well worth the keep. Courtney and I wished to remain right here so dangerous because the lodge is constructed from delivery containers which were reworked into rooms! This place books up quick so if you wish to attempt to snag a room plan forward.

If you like to remain in personal leases, try our full article right here:

So there you may have it! Our full overview on one of the best issues to do in Sayulita, together with recommendations on the place to remain, the place to eat and extra. Looking for different articles associated to touring in Mexico? Check out our Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide right here for all the data you want on this LGBTQ+ pleasant seaside city.

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