Sayulita Riviera Nayarit: Your Guide to Mexico’s Boho Beach Town
Sayulita Riviera Nayarit: Your Guide to Mexico’s Boho Beach Town
Sayulita is the perfect destination whether you’re looking to get on a surfboard or relax on the beach sipping a margarita.
This Magical Town in the state of Nayarit surprises travelers with its colorful atmosphere, friendly people, dense tropical forest, and dreamy beaches.
On the shores of the Mexican Pacific, Sayulita offers unforgettable experiences, which I will tell you about in today’s post.
Not so long ago, the Pueblo Mágico of Sayulita was a small and quiet fishing village.
This changed about 15 years ago when word spread that this corner of the Pacific offered excellent surfing conditions.
Since then, many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators have settled in Sayulita.
While it remains far from the mega resorts in Cancun and other Mexican destinations, Sayulita has become an outstanding “small” tourist destination.
Many travelers come to Sayulita looking for a little fun. Despite that, its essence of a quiet town has not yet been completely lost, and in its surroundings, you will find true havens of peace and pristine, secluded beaches where nature is the main protagonist.
Getting to Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit
The picturesque town of Sayulita is located in Banderas Bay, 42 km from Puerto Vallarta.
If you come from PV, is very easy to get there. Just take Highway 200 towards Tepic and follow the signs.
You can take a taxi, Uber, or bus to get to Sayulita if you’re not driving.
Outside the airport, across the pedestrian bridge, you will find the station where you can take an Uber or bus.
Be sure to get on the one with the Sayulita sign on the windshield.
8 Top Things to do in Sayulita Beach, Nayarit
Again, Sayulita is a typical sunny beach destination that offers plenty of activities and leisure options.
Eating delicious food, shopping for handicrafts, surfing (or learning to surf), relaxing, reading a good book on the beach, or exploring the jungle are just a few of the things to do in Sayulita.
Its main beach is the epicenter of tourist life. During the summer it fills up with national and international travelers looking to vacation on these shores.
The many restaurants, surf schools, and tour operators along the beach help visitors to enjoy a complete and pleasurable experience.
As if that were not enough, the entertainment options are not only limited to the town but also extend to its surroundings.
For example, you can visit Punta Mita or take a tour of the amazing Marietas Islands.
This Magical Town with a hippie vibe welcomes all types of travelers, including passionate surfers who walk every morning with their board towards the ocean.
1. Stroll the colorful town
The Pueblo Mágico of Sayulita, in Riviera Nayarit, was built between the beach and small green hills, from which you will have beautiful ocean views.
Strolling the town is the first thing I recommend doing so you can get the feel of the place and get a good idea of what to expect.
The intense vegetation colors contrast beautifully with the blue of the Pacific and the white sand, making Sayulita’s panorama enchanting.
As you take your first steps you will encounter a multitude of cafes, restaurants, art galleries, craft stores, and more.
Every step along its cobblestone streets will make you understand why it was named a Pueblo Magico.
As you walk around, you will see the main square (plaza), like most Mexican towns, adorned with a traditional Kiosk.
On one side of the plaza is Sayulita’s small church, which is the epicenter of the town’s spiritual and religious life.
All around are food stalls selling local dishes and other more upscale restaurants. Try Chocobanana for breakfast. My favorite!
Handicrafts are very present in the town. There is no shortage of art galleries and Mexican handicraft stores where you can buy the best souvenirs.
Wool garments, wicker bags, clay sculptures, and Huichol crafts are some samples of what artisans from all over Mexico produce.
2. Enjoy the Beach, of course
If you are looking for tranquility, the main beach may not be the best alternative. Still, it’s not bad for a first encounter with Sayulita’s Beach vibes.
Sayulita’s main beach is divided into two parts by a sort of sandy tongue that goes into the sea.
On both sides, there are sandy beaches with lots of palm trees and turquoise blue waters that invite you to enjoy one of the best beaches in Nayarit.
You may want to read: 8 Things to Do in Punta Mita, Nayarit: Mexico’s Luxury Coastline
Whether on the left or right, Sayulita Beach has first-class services for surfers and everyone else.
The area in front of the coast is full of accommodations for all budgets, restaurants, and tour operators that offer different activities.
Palapa huts, beach bars, umbrellas, lounge chairs, and lifeguard service are also available here.
3. Surfing in Sayulita
Beginners or experts, everyone can enjoy surfing in Sayulita.
The sea in this stretch of the Riviera Nayarit offers conditions for all surfers, regardless of their level of experience.
This is possible because at times the sea is moderate, while at others the waves become much more challenging.
In the mornings the coast presents a calmer swell, perfect for those who are starting out in this sport.
That’s when surf schools along the beach fill up with tourists looking for a little adrenaline.
As the day progresses, the waves gain height and the most experienced surfers delight the spectators with their exhibitions.
This is especially true during December through April, when the waves are more consistent.
Sayulita is home to some of the best surf schools in the Riviera Nayarit, so you can learn this exciting sport from experts.
The schools are not only geared to those who want to learn but also to surfers who have already mastered the board but want to improve their skills.
A 20-minute drive from Sayulita, just past Punta Mita, you’ll reach a perfect surfing beach: La Lancha.
Here the waves are a bit more demanding than those in Sayulita, but it’s still a good option for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Other surfing beaches near Sayulita are Malpaso, Carricitos, and San Pancho, characterized by their larger waves since they are open and receive more wind.
So if you’re looking for more challenging waves, you know where to find them.
4. Visit Los Muertos Beach near Sayulita
If surfing and crowds aren’t your thing, very close to Sayulita you’ll find a true oasis of tranquility.
Playa los Muertos is a beautiful cove just north of the town’s main beach. Its peculiar name is because to get there you have to pass through the local cemetery.
After crossing a small hill, you will find a piece of heaven on earth.
The Playa de los Muertos boasts calm waters, ideal for swimming. In addition, the color and transparency of its waters create the perfect conditions to discover the marine fauna with your snorkel mask.
At the same time, its calm atmosphere and beautiful landscapes invite contemplation and relaxation.
Undoubtedly, one of the things you must do in Sayulita is to visit Playa de los Muertos. It’s a 15-minute hike from downtown Sayulita, so you have no excuse not to go.
Its services include sun loungers and umbrella rentals, food vendors and drinks. In other words, Playa de los Muertos has the perfect balance between isolation and a little crowd.
5. Hike to Cerro del Mono (Monkey Hill)
While Sayulita’s life revolves around the beach, there are also many trekking options for hikers.
The most popular is the one that leads to Cerro del Mono, from which you will have an unbeatable panoramic view of the coast.
The hike starts in the town of Higuera Blanca, located 20 minutes by car from Sayulita.
You don’t need to hire a guided tour to get to the top since you can do it on your own without any problem.
The final stretch is the steepest and rockiest part of the trail, although, after 30-40 minutes of hiking, you will find yourself with a 360° panoramic view of Banderas Bay, the Marietas Islands, and Punta Mita.
When you come down from the top you can make a refreshing stop at the beautiful Litibu beach.
6. Tour the Marietas Islands and its famous Hidden Beach
The Marietas Islands are four insular bodies that form a virgin archipelago of great beauty.
They are located off the coast of Banderas Bay and comprise Isla Larga, Isla Redonda, and two islets, all uninhabited and of volcanic origin.
Its main charm is given by the presence of caves, underwater passages, and openings in the surface.
To visit this paradise all you have to do is go to the Sayulita pier and hire a boat ride to Isla Redonda.
The boats stop a few feet before the island, so to reach the famous Playa Escondida you will have to swim through a small tunnel.
What is Playa Escondida? A unique paradise which is also known as Playa del Amor (Love Beach).
The sandy beach is hidden under a rocky dome that opens to the sky like a huge crater.
This singularity has captivated thousands of tourists who travel every year to visit it, making it one of the most famous destinations in Mexico.
Of course, this natural treasure is protected by UNESCO, so you must be extremely respectful of the environment.
So much so, that a maximum of 110 tourists per day are allowed to enter and the time allowed to stay on the beach is 30 minutes.
For this reason, if you are traveling to Sayulita during high season, make sure to reserve in advance.
7. See dolphins and humpback whales
Banderas Bay is not only famous for the beauty of its beaches but also because it offers tourists the chance to see the largest marine creatures up close.
The waters of the northern hemisphere are populated by dolphins and in winter (between December and April) are frequented by humpback whales, which come from the icy arctic seas in search of warmer waters.
Therefore, if you travel at this time of the year, do not hesitate to take a trip out to sea and admire these incredible ocean creatures.
Dolphins, on the other hand, can be seen throughout the year. If you are lucky, you may even see one swimming near the coast. Undoubtedly, a memorable experience.
8. Savor Sayulita’s food
Sayulita is home to several restaurants offering fresh and delicious meals, primarily seafood.
The star dish of Sayulita and all of Banderas Bay is pescado zarandeado, a piece of fish (snapper), marinated in a special sauce and grilled over wood fire.
The final touch is given by the “emplatado” in banana leaves. Practically all the restaurants in town prepare this dish so typical of Nayarit cuisine, so there will be no shortage of opportunities to try it.
Zarandeado shrimp, lobster served in many forms and clams are other popular local dishes. The same goes for shrimp ceviche, fish cracklings, and seafood soup.
Sayulita’s warm nights invite you to close the day with a drink in one of its bars.
They are distinguished by their lively and bohemian atmosphere, where you can meet people, dance to the rhythm of the music, and taste the best craft beers.
Other nearby Sayulita beaches
The further you move away from downtown Sayulita, the more secluded and unspoiled beaches come into view.
Within a 3-mile radius of the town center, you’ll find several beaches worth exploring. Want to know which ones?
Playa Carricitos
Just beyond the turnoff to Los Muertos beach is Carricitos, a small beach that is never crowded with tourists.
Carricitos is known for its soft sands and rough currents (not suitable for children or inexperienced swimmers).
However, the real charm of this place lies in its postcard-worthy sunsets. This magical moment, which cannot be enjoyed on Sayulita’s central beaches due to its northern orientation, is experienced to the fullest at Carricitos.
It is also far from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it the perfect place to end the day.
There are no vendors or bars in Carricitos, so if you plan to spend the day you will need to be equipped. The beach is unspoiled, allowing for an intimate encounter with nature.
Following the coastal street Pescadores (the same one that leads to Los Muertos Beach), Carricitos is easily accessible.
The hike should take no more than half an hour and is very scenic.
Playa Malpaso
Malpaso is a beautiful beach about half an hour’s walk from Sayulita, halfway to the town of San Pancho.
Here you will have to put in a little more effort, as the narrow and at times steep road leading to Malpaso demands it.
In total, it’s a 6 km round trip through the forest and along the coast. However, when you arrive you will be pleasantly rewarded with 1.5 km of uncrowded virgin beach.
Precisely because of the “difficulty” of the path, you may be practically alone. The beach does not have any services, so you should bring your food and drink and be cautious when swimming.
Traveler’s tip: if you have an explorer’s soul, look for the huge rock with a secret cave that leads to another cove.
Playa Patzcuarito
Another beach near Sayulita that I suggest visiting is Patzcuarito.
Although it is only 400 meters long, its enormous natural beauty makes it one of the most beautiful enclaves of this stretch of the Riviera Nayarit.
To get to Patzcuarito you will have to walk a little further through the jungle.
Once there, you will be surprised by the three colors of sand on the beach: black, white, and gold, which contrast sharply with the intense blue of the sea.
The coast is dotted with rocks and the atmosphere is even calmer than in the previous ones. Also, the sunset is truly magical.
Sayulita Nayarit: Conclusion
In conclusion, Sayulita offers a perfect mix of laid-back charm, vibrant culture, and stunning coastal beauty, making it a must-visit destination on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.
Whether you’re drawn to the bohemian spirit, the surf-friendly beaches, or the lively markets and dining spots, this enchanting town caters to a variety of travelers.
From relaxing on the beach to immersing yourself in the local art scene or exploring nearby jungle trails, Sayulita promises an unforgettable experience.
Add it to your travel itinerary, and embrace the magic of this boho paradise!
