Sayulita Guide

BEACHES

PLAYA SAYULITA

The main beach and hub of activity in Sayulita. Very easy access from any of the main streets in el centro. There is beginner level surf, surf lesson providers, surf board rental, restaurants lining the beach and lots of beach vendors including massages. Not our favorite beach because it is so busy. Read on for more suggestions nearby.

NORTH BEACH

Connected to Playa Sayulita, on the other side of the river. North beach is much quieter and cleaner. A great spot to watch the sunset.

PLAYA DE LOS MUERTOS

A nice walk from Playa Sayulita and often a quieter beach to spend the day. Walk to the south (left when facing the sea) around the curve of the bay of Playa Sayulita past Villa Amor and follow the dirt road left up the hill, under an arch and by the side of the cemetery. At the bottom of the hill, on the far side of the cemetery, turn right to Playa de Los Muertos. Generally the waves are calm here as rocks protect the beach.

PLAYA CARRICITOS

A rugged usually deserted beach. Generally there are big waves, often they are good for bodysurfing. Must be very careful when swimming here as the waves and currents can be very strong.

How to get there: Starting at the Playa de Los Muertos side of the cemetery, follow the dirt road into the jungle and take the second right turn and walk for 20 mins. From the Sayulita plaza, take Av. Revolucion past El Espresso, then the first right and follow straight for about ½ a mile. The road turns sharply to the right and up a short hill where it turns left and splits. Go straight, the track begins to go downhill and soon enters the jungle. (Take the right fork and follow the road for outstanding views of Sayulita and the bay; 5 minute detour). Take the first left turn for Playa Carricitos. From the plaza it is a 40 minute walk.

PLAYA PATZCUARO

Further away from downtown Sayulita but provides a lovely walk and rewarding destination. A virgin beach with very minimal development. The waves and currents can be strong. Directions can be a bit confusing, we will go to this beach as a group.

PLAYA LAS CUEVAS & PLAYA MALPASOS

Playa Las Cuevas is the small beach surrounded by rocks at the front of the image. Playa Malpasos is the long idyllic stretch of sand on the other side. Getting to the beaches is an adventure. Swimming is not advised due to strong currents.

How to get there. From Sayulita center, walk along Av. del Palmar (which parallels the beach) across the river (dry in the winter), past the campsites and school until it ends at a condo complex. The pathway can be clearly seen and easily accessed. Shortly you will cross a small river (dry in the winter); the main path appears to follow the river to the right but look straight ahead and you will see several large boulders. Clamber over or go around the rocks and follow the path across a cobblestone road (which is a private road from the beach-house to the main highway) and continue along the dirt track. You will go over a small rise and a dirt road will join from the right. Approximately 50 meters further the path splits, left goes to Las Cuevas Cove, you go straight ahead down the wide track for 20 meters and through an open gate and follow the path as it angles left and down towards the beach. You will come to a small yellow house in ruins and a cement block building in a clearing beside the beach. Come in the early morning or evening to enjoy solitude.

Playa Las Cuevas can be accessed via the route above or via a natural tunnel from the south end of Playa Malpaso at low tide.

EXPLORE NEARBY

SAN PANCHO

A delightful surf town with a laid-back hippy vibe. The main beach is beautiful and the succession of beaches along the coastline heading northward are equally impressive. There is a small collection of restaurants and stores, a polo club and the stunning Patrona Beach Club (day passes available), plus a circus school!

There is a hiking route that connects Sayulita and San Pancho but it is sometimes blocked by property owners along the route. It is 5 minutes away by car/taxi/uber.

We will explore San Pancho as a group.

LITIBU

An idyllic long white sand beach with beautiful big crashing waves. It is usually completely empty. You need to drive to this beach, it takes 10 - 15 minutes. You pass through the small town of Higuera Blanca. There is a golf course in the Litibu resort.

PUNTA MITA

Punta Mita has become the focus of luxury and exclusivity in the bay. Bill Gates invested in the peninsula of Punta Mita and the Four Seasons resort which attracted a lot of tech millionaires and celebrities. The gated peninsula can only be accessed by those with a reservation at one of the fancy properties (with very high price-tags), day passes and spa access are available at the St Regis. Two world-class gold courses are behind the gates, one of which has a hole on a small island called the tail of the whale. The original town of Punta Mita is accessible to the public, it definitely does not have the glamour of the resort. There are many surf breaks in the area and a variety of restaurants and stores. Punta Mita is the perfect place from which to visit the Islas Marietas (see Activities).

SURF

There are a lot of surf breaks in the area. This map gives an excellent overview and current conditions: https://wildmex.com/surf-break-map-sayulita-punta-mita/

RESTAURANTS/CAFES

Some of our favorites.

Barracuda
Creative seafood, reasonably price.
Delfines 21, 63734 Sayulita

Cafe Miscelanea
Delicious coffees/teas and healthy food.
Av Revolución 32a, Sayulita

Wikiki
Refreshing paletas (popsicles) and indulgent ice creams.
Av Revolución 40, Sayulita

Organik
Healthy bowls, juices and other delights.
Av Revolución 21B, Sayulita.

Mexicolate
Handmade chocolate, excellent cacao, hot chocolates, smoothies, desserts, gifts.
Calle Jose Mariscal 13

STORES

Revolución del Sueño
Beautiful Mexican designs - cushions, notebooks postcards, keychains
55 Calle Manuel Navarret, Sayulia

Evolve Designs
Homewares, jewelry and artisan goods.
Calle Marlín 26, Sayulita

FARMER’S MARKETS

Sayulita
Fridays 9 - 2

San Pancho
Tuesdays 9 - 2

La Cruz
Sundays 9 - 2

ACTIVITIES

There are tons of activities to do nearby. Horse-riding, golf, surf, scuba, whale watching, ziplining. Just ask us and we can give you more info.

MEDICAL

Unimed Urgent Care: 329 298 8874

5 mins away

For serious incidents: CMQ Hospital in Bucerias and AmeriMed and San Javier Hospital in Puerto Vallarta are highly recommended for serious incidents.

MONEY

The best ATM is at Intercam on Calle Revolucion. Be careful with ATM’s in downtown as they often charge high fees and are more easily tampered with for fraud.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of the routes mentioned in this guide may be challenging or potentially dangerous , guests follow directions and suggestions at their own risk. Remember that most beaches do not have lifeguards and there can be strong waves and current.