Playa Sayulita Mexico
A vibrant, bohemian beach town on Mexico's Pacific Coast, famous for beginner surf, colorful streets, and a laid-back vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal weather, fewer crowds
Playa Sayulita Mexico
Best Time
Ideal weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, bohemian beach town on Mexico's Pacific Coast, famous for beginner surf, colorful streets, and a laid-back vibe.
"Sayulita is a picturesque stretch of sand that draws surfers, sunbathers, and people-watchers."
🎯 Swim Safely
Swim near the shore or in designated areas. Avoid the main surf zone if you're not an experienced swimmer.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Sayulita's waves are great for learning to surf. Many shops offer rentals and lessons.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playa Sayulita Main Beach
Town center
Golden sand, gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers, and a lively atmosphere with vendors and cafes.
Surf Lessons
Playa Sayulita
Catch your first wave! Numerous surf shops offer rentals and lessons for all skill levels.
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Colorful Streets & Art
Town center
Wander through vibrant streets adorned with flags, browse art galleries, and soak in the bohemian charm.
Sunset at Playa Carricitos
Short drive/walk from main beach
Experience breathtaking sunsets at this nearby beach, a local favorite for evening views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Surf's Up, But Watch the Waves
Embrace the Vibe, Budget Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Swim Safely
Swim near the shore or in designated areas. Avoid the main surf zone if you're not an experienced swimmer.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Sayulita's waves are great for learning to surf. Many shops offer rentals and lessons.
💰 Eat Like a Local
Explore street food and local eateries away from the main tourist drag for affordable and delicious meals.
🚶♀️ Walkable Town
Everything is within easy reach: restaurants, markets, and beaches. Enjoy exploring on foot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Swim Safely
Swim near the shore or in designated areas. Avoid the main surf zone if you're not an experienced swimmer.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Sayulita's waves are great for learning to surf. Many shops offer rentals and lessons.
💰 Eat Like a Local
Explore street food and local eateries away from the main tourist drag for affordable and delicious meals.
🚶♀️ Walkable Town
Everything is within easy reach: restaurants, markets, and beaches. Enjoy exploring on foot.
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant streets and golden sand make for stunning photos. Don't forget your camera!
☀️ Beat the Midday Sun
The beach can get crowded and hot midday. Consider visiting earlier or later in the day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sayulita is a vibrant beach town known for its beginner-friendly surf, colorful streets, and relaxed bohemian vibe. Visitors love the golden sand, lively atmosphere, and the ease of learning to surf. However, some find the beach can be crowded with vendors, and prices can be higher than expected in certain areas.
"Fishing boats on the south end of the beach, chairs and parasols, and places where to eat or get a drink all the way to the north end.
The golden sand was unexpectedly beautiful.
The various sediments in the sand shifts from regular sand-coloured sand to black. As people walk, the beach retains footsteps for a while, even when the waves come in, because it is so shallow. The surface is sprinkled with golden Mica. It really looks like gold.
On our first day, we quickly figured out where the safe swimming zone was (south) and where the ideal surfing zone was.
You are safe close to the beach or beyond, but the surf zone can be hard to navigate if you are not a good swimmer or a local kid, who knows when to go with the flow.
Just swim where people swim to remain safe and wear bright colours."
Valérie
"A beautiful beach with great introductory waves for beginner surfing-however the amount of vendors on the beach makes it really hard to relax. You’re constantly bombarded by vendors selling anything and everything and its an all day affair of saying “no gracias” as long as you dare to sit in your chair or lay on your towel for your much deserved vacation."
David Rottblatt
"Playa Sayulita, the town’s main beach, is a picturesque stretch of sand that draws surfers, sunbathers, and people-watchers. While the beach itself is stunning, it can become quite crowded, particularly during the midday sun. The surf seems to be a major draw, as board rentals and lessons are conveniently available right on the beach.
The town of Sayulita has a very relaxed, artsy feel. Colorful flags drape across cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, taco stands, and art galleries. It’s very walkable, with everything within easy reach—restaurants, markets, beaches, and local attractions. Expect a mix of locals, surfers, expats, and tourists all sharing the same small space.
The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, some parts of Sayulita can feel a bit overrun by tourism. Prices in restaurants and shops can be higher than expected for a small town in Mexico. That said, there are still plenty of affordable street food options and local spots if you’re willing to explore a little further from the main square.
Overall, Sayulita is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. We took a bus from Puerto Vallarta, which took about 1 hour and 15 minutes each way. The round-trip fare was approximately 150 pesos per person, making it an affordable and easy day trip."
Francisco Iniguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). From there, you can take a taxi or an Uber to Sayulita, which is about an hour's drive. Buses are also an affordable option, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each way.
Sayulita is a very walkable town, and most attractions are within easy reach on foot. Taxis are available for longer distances or if you prefer not to walk.
Many travelers fly into Puerto Vallarta and then arrange transportation. Some also drive from other parts of Mexico. +1
Yes, a new road has significantly reduced travel time to Sayulita, making it a quicker journey from areas like Puerto Vallarta.
Absolutely! A day trip from Puerto Vallarta is very feasible and popular, thanks to the relatively short travel time and affordable bus options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa Sayulita is a public beach, so there's no entry fee. However, vendors may charge for beach chairs and umbrellas.
Beach activities like surfing and swimming are generally enjoyed from sunrise to sunset. Surf shops typically operate during daylight hours.
Some visitors have reported feeling that prices for services like street parking or rentals can be higher than expected. It's wise to clarify costs upfront. +1
Yes, numerous surf shops are located right on Playa Sayulita, offering board rentals and surf lessons.
Beach clubs like Mi Chula typically have their own pricing for food, drinks, and access. It's best to check their specific policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The south end of Playa Sayulita is generally considered the safest for swimming, away from the main surf zone. Look for where locals and families are.
Yes, Sayulita is renowned for its beginner-friendly waves, making it an ideal spot for learning to surf.
The sand is a beautiful golden color, with some areas containing black sediments and flecks of mica that sparkle in the sun.
Sayulita has a relaxed, artsy, and bohemian vibe. It's a mix of locals, surfers, expats, and tourists creating a unique atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss out on local favorites like enchiladas and treats from Chocobanana. Street food options are also plentiful and delicious.
While some restaurants can be pricey, exploring street food vendors and local spots away from the main square offers more budget-friendly options. +1
Popular spots include Chocobanana for treats and breakfast, and beach clubs like Mi Chula for seafood. Many taco stands offer authentic flavors.
Many restaurants in Sayulita cater to various dietary needs, and you can often find fresh, vegetable-based dishes.
Enjoy refreshing drinks at beachside cafes and bars. Local beers and tropical cocktails are common choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful streets with vibrant flags, the golden sand of Playa Sayulita, and the sunsets are all incredibly photogenic.
Absolutely! The unique bohemian atmosphere, street art, and beach scenes offer endless opportunities for stunning travel photography.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon, provides beautiful light for capturing the essence of Sayulita. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Keep an eye out for the colorful flags, local art installations, fishing boats on the beach, and surfers catching waves.
A versatile camera that can handle both wide-angle shots of the town and beach, as well as telephoto for capturing surfers, would be ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The golden sand of Playa Sayulita and the dramatic sunsets provide stunning natural backdrops. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing in Sayulita
+1While the main beach is ideal for learning, more experienced surfers might find the waves a bit small. However, nearby beaches like San Pancho offer slightly more challenging breaks. It's important to be aware of the designated surf zone on Playa Sayulita to avoid collisions with swimmers.
Many visitors find that hotels or hostels even offer complimentary surfboard rentals, adding to the accessibility of the sport. Whether you're looking to catch your first wave or simply enjoy the surf culture, Sayulita delivers.
The Vibe and Atmosphere
+2This relaxed vibe extends to the beach, where you'll find a mix of sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers. While the town's popularity has led to increased tourism, many visitors still find authentic experiences by exploring beyond the main square. The blend of Mexican culture with a bohemian flair creates a truly distinctive travel destination.
However, some travelers note that the town's popularity has also led to higher prices in some establishments, and occasional issues with cleanliness or noise. Despite these points, the overall sentiment is that Sayulita's unique charm and vibrant energy make it a worthwhile visit.
Navigating Playa Sayulita
The beach is divided into zones: the south end is generally recommended for safe swimming, while the central area is the prime spot for surfing lessons and rentals. It's crucial for visitors to be aware of these zones, especially if they are not experienced swimmers or surfers, to ensure safety.
Be prepared for a lively beach scene. Vendors are a constant presence, offering a variety of goods and services. While this adds to the local flavor, some visitors find the persistent sales pitches can detract from a relaxing experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit