Have you heard about Sayulita? It’s the ultimate boho-chic surfers paradise, Sayulita surfing is a major highlight of this eclectic town.
Sayulita, a “pueblo de pescadores” (fishermen’s village) is located just off the highway from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara, about 45min north of Puerto Vallarta.
Its main village sits right on the beach, with several homes spread out north and south of it, nestled into the dense jungle and partly with beautiful private beaches.
Related Read: Best Destinations for Surfing Holidays
What makes Sayulita special?
Definitely, my favorite place for a getaway in Mexico…
To me Sayulita always seemed to be a perfectly integrated spot, not a Mexican village invaded by expats. The majority of native Sayulita habitants speak perfectly English, and lots of them work in tourism, as well as the foreigners, who I dare to say are also trying hard to speak decent Spanish.
Sayulita surfing
Sayulita is a melting pot of Mexican and foreigners, with their one main common pastime….. Surfing.
Sayulita is a sunny surfer’s paradise. It’s famous for its steady river mouth surf break.
The bay of Sayulita has one break that fits every surfer’s level, and most of the days one can find a wave there, even if it may be small. One surf school and board rental after the other on the beach, in between them typical beach shacks and food places, vendors of pareos, carved animal figures, huichol art, self-made jewelry, and everything else that gives you feel true Mexican beach feeling.
One of the most popular surf spots in Sayulita is Casa Buena Onda, which is located just a four-minute walk from Sayulita. This beach is a paradise for all surfer levels, from beginners to pros.
More things to do in Sayulita
Another Sayulita surfing attraction is SUP (Stand Up Paddle), a relatively new type of surfing or distance paddling on a longer, wider and thicker board with a paddle. Lots of fun, and very easy to learn.
Exploring the streets and shops is well worth the time; you will find the most unique presents for yourself and your loved ones, from huichol art to Tahitian pearls. It is a boom village, although I am confident it will somehow preserve its special, “boho-chic” character.
Sayulita has lot to offer including horseback riding, ATV tours, hiking, jungle canopy tours, snorkeling, fishing and bird-watching. It’s also got a few great art galleries and high-end restaurants catered for the tourists.
Living in Sayulita for some is living the dream… I never moved there as honestly I was too lazy to do the move, never quite sure how much longer I would stay. And I probably would have had to give up my little red one… Sayulita is awesome, but cobblestone, dust in winter and partly mud in summer. Fine with a 4×4, not fine with my topless frenchie. This being said, also, if you plan to stay there, don’t even consider bringing heels. Havaianas are just fine!
When is the best time to visit Sayulita?
Basically anytime of the year. High season of this part of the pacific coast is basically from US thanksgiving time until Easter week. Temperatures range from 23 to 33 degree C in those months, water gets as cold as 21C/72F on the surface. Rainy season is considered June to October, Shoulder, and still dry, would be May. Temps there are easily a 5-8 C more, water gets nice and bathtub warm with max 28C/86F.
If you can, avoid major Mexican or US holidays…. too crowded for my liking.
How to get to Sayulita?
Fly into Puerto Vallarta Intl. Airport (PVR), then go north to Sayulita. Search for flights to Sayulita on Expedia.
There are buses right at the road by the airport (6 Pesos); alternatively a taxi will take you for about 900 Pesos. You can also rent a car at the airport; just make sure of the usual tourist traps, so scratch off the agency’s bumper sticker.
