Sayulita, Mexico Travel Guide

Discover Sayulita: Mexico's vibrant beach town renowned for surfing, local crafts, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Nestled on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Sayulita is a charming beach town with a bohemian vibe. Known for its colorful streets, friendly locals, and vibrant surf culture, Sayulita offers a unique blend of natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle. Whether you're looking to ride the waves, explore local art, or simply relax under the sun, Sayulita has something for everyone. Sayulita's main beach is a hub of activity, attracting surfers from around the world with its consistent waves. If you're new to surfing, there are plenty of local instructors ready to show you the ropes. Beyond the beach, the town itself is a treasure trove of artisan shops, offering everything from handmade jewelry to traditional Mexican crafts. Food lovers will delight in Sayulita's diverse culinary scene. From street tacos to upscale dining, the town offers a range of options to satisfy any palate. Don't miss the chance to try fresh seafood, especially the ceviche, which is a local favorite. For those seeking adventure, Sayulita's surrounding jungle offers numerous hiking trails and hidden waterfalls. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are also popular activities, providing plenty of ways to explore the stunning coastline. As the sun sets, the town comes alive with music and dance, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sayulita.

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Bring cash, as many local vendors and restaurants do not accept credit cards.
If you plan to surf, check the tide schedules to catch the best waves.
Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the local marine life.
Explore the town on foot or by renting a golf cart, which is a popular mode of transport.

Explore Sayulita: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Sayulita

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Vallarta Adventures | Marina Vallarta

Experience the wonders of Puerto Vallarta's marine life with Vallarta Adventures' thrilling tours, from whale watching to scuba diving and beyond.

4.9

Marina Riviera Nayarit at La Cruz

Experience the tranquil beauty and vibrant culture at Marina Riviera Nayarit, a premier destination for relaxation and adventure in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

4.7

Playa Carricitos

Explore the serene beauty of Playa Carricitos, a tranquil public beach in Nayarit, Mexico, perfect for relaxation and adventure.

4.8

Sayulita Discovery

Experience the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Sayulita with personalized tours from Sayulita Discovery, your gateway to adventure.

4.5

Best landmarks in Sayulita

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Si Señor Sayulita

Experience authentic Mexican cuisine in the vibrant atmosphere of Sayulita at Si Señor Sayulita, where every bite tells a story.

3.9

Alas Blancas Restaurante

Experience the flavors of Mexico at Alas Blancas Restaurante in Sayulita, where fresh seafood and vibrant dishes await in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.5

Escondido Bar

Discover Escondido Bar in Sayulita, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

4.6

Sayulita gate

Experience the vibrant culture and stunning beaches of Sayulita at the enchanting Sayulita Gate, your gateway to adventure in Mexico.

Best restaurants in Sayulita

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La Rustica Sayulita

Discover La Rustica Sayulita - A vibrant Italian restaurant offering delicious wood-fired pizzas and cocktails in the heart of Mexico's coastal paradise.

4.5

Don Pedro's Restaurant & Bar

Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Don Pedro's Restaurant & Bar in Sayulita - perfect for breakfast or sunset cocktails!

4.3

ChocoBanana

Experience the vibrant flavors of breakfast at ChocoBanana in Sayulita—where every dish celebrates local ingredients and Mexican hospitality.

4.4

Mary's Traditional Mexican Cuisine

Savor authentic flavors at Mary's Traditional Mexican Cuisine in Sayulita - where every meal is a celebration of traditional Mexican cooking.

4.6

Best bars in Sayulita

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YamBak Sayulita

Experience the best handcrafted beers and vibrant nightlife at YamBak Sayulita, the heart of Sayulita's social scene.

4.6

Bar Don Pato

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Bar Don Pato in Sayulita, where lively music, delicious cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere await you.

4.5

Latitude 20 Sayulita

Experience the best of Sayulita at Latitude 20, where delicious grilled dishes meet vibrant live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

4.5

Sayulita Public House

Experience the vibrant flavors and festive atmosphere at Sayulita Public House, the ultimate dining and entertainment destination in Sayulita.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Sayulita

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YamBak Sayulita

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of YamBak Sayulita, where craft beer meets lively nightlife in the heart of this coastal paradise.

4.6

Bar Don Pato

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Bar Don Pato, Sayulita's premier bar and dance club, where unforgettable nights await!

4.5

Lucid

Experience Sayulita's vibrant nightlife at Lucid, a trendy bar offering delicious cocktails, lively music, and an unforgettable atmosphere for all.

4.7

Club de Playa Camaron

Experience the vibrant beach culture at Club de Playa Camaron, where refreshing cocktails and stunning ocean views come together in perfect harmony.

4.5

Best shops in Sayulita

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Sayulita Wine Shop

Discover Sayulita Wine Shop, a treasure trove of fine wines, gourmet cheeses, and artisanal chocolates in the heart of the vibrant Sayulita.

4.8

Nahui

Discover unique gifts and heartfelt souvenirs at Nahui, your go-to boutique in Sayulita, capturing the essence of Mexican craftsmanship.

4.5

Sayulita Sol Jewelry

Explore exquisite handcrafted jewelry at Sayulita Sol Jewelry, a charming store in the heart of Sayulita, celebrating Mexican artistry and craftsmanship.

4.6

CALMA CHICHA

Shop unique handmade clothing and accessories at Calma Chicha, a charming boutique in the heart of Sayulita, Mexico.

4.9

Explore Sayulita on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Sayulita, mapped for you.

Sayulita Essentials

Sayulita is located in the Riviera Nayarit region of Mexico, approximately 40 kilometers north of Puerto Vallarta. The nearest airport is Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use a shuttle service to reach Sayulita. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour by road.
Sayulita is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis and golf cart rentals are popular options. Public buses and colectivos (shared vans) also operate within the area and connect Sayulita to nearby towns and cities. Renting a car can be convenient for exploring the surrounding region at your own pace.
The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Sayulita, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash upon arrival to ensure you have enough funds for your stay.
Sayulita is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Sayulita does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Sayulita has a local police station and medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Sayulita where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in more traditional areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hola' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Sayulita like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Mexican goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the Thursday Farmers Market for unique crafts and food items. For a unique experience, take a surf lesson or join a yoga class on the beach.

When is the best time to visit Sayulita?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Sayulita

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Sayulita. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
- YesSí
  [see]
- NoNo
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
- Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
- Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah ver ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, poor fah-vor]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
- I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
- That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
- It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
- Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (diez)]
- MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
- TodayHoy
  [oy]
- TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
- 2Dos
  [dohs]
- 3Tres
  [trehs]
- 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
- 6Seis
  [says]
- 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
- 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
- 10Diez
  [diez]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

History of Sayulita

Long before the arrival of Spanish explorers, Sayulita was inhabited by the indigenous Cora and Huichol people. These communities lived harmoniously with nature, utilizing the abundant resources of the region. They were skilled in agriculture, fishing, and crafts, creating intricate beadwork and textiles that remain culturally significant today.
The arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century marked a significant turning point for Sayulita. The region, like much of Mexico, was subjected to Spanish rule, which brought about drastic changes in the local way of life. The indigenous population faced new diseases and cultural imposition, but they also integrated some aspects of Spanish culture, leading to a blend of traditions that can still be observed today.
Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, Sayulita transitioned into a quiet, agrarian community. The fertile land and abundant waters supported farming and fishing, which became the primary livelihoods for the local population. This period also saw the gradual development of social structures and local governance in the village.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Sayulita gained popularity among a new wave of visitors—the hippies. Attracted by the area's natural beauty, laid-back lifestyle, and surf-friendly beaches, these travelers began to establish a counter-culture enclave. They contributed to the local economy by opening small businesses, which helped to put Sayulita on the map as a bohemian beach destination.
The 1990s saw a significant boom in Sayulita's popularity as a surfing hotspot. The consistent waves and picturesque beaches attracted surfers from around the world. This influx of surfing enthusiasts led to the development of surf schools, shops, and competitions, which further solidified Sayulita's reputation as a premier surfing destination.
Today, Sayulita is a vibrant blend of old and new, where traditional Mexican culture coexists with modern tourism. Efforts have been made to preserve the area's cultural heritage, including traditional festivals, artisanal crafts, and indigenous practices. At the same time, Sayulita has embraced its role as a tourist haven, offering a variety of accommodations, dining experiences, and activities that cater to visitors from around the globe.