The preferred of the Riviera Nayarit’s two dozen cities was as soon as a sleepy fishing village. But the key shortly unfold among the many browsing group – and at this time Sayulita attracts guests of all stripes.
Because the village is now a haven for hipster surfers and boho-chic vacationers, you’ll battle to discover a spot for a selfie alongside the much-snapped Calle Delfìnes in the course of the excessive season. But Sayulita is a lot greater than a single avenue lined with rainbow-colored papel picado flags.
Its location on a 200-mile stretch of Pacific shoreline makes it a great base to discover neighboring Riviera Nayarit cities.
Sandy seashores and contemporary seafood abound, the waves go well with surfers of all ranges, and at key occasions of the yr the waters teem with whales stopping by throughout their yearly migration.
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Scorching spots are well-liked for a purpose, and also you shouldn’t move on Sayulita simply because different vacationers have fallen in love with its bohemian vibe. You’re certain to be bewitched, too.
When ought to I am going to Sayulita?
The seashores in Mexico boast fabulous temperatures year-round. Nonetheless, you would possibly need to keep away from touring to Sayulita in the course of the (comparatively) wet season, which runs from June to October.
In case you have your coronary heart set on catching a glimpse of a humpback whale, you’d be sensible to journey between December and April. But we’d advise skipping the wildly well-liked small seaside down in peak vacationer season: round Christmas, Semana Santa (Holy Week) and August.
The perfect time of yr to surf in Sayulita is from December to April, when the northern swells convey constant waves.
How a lot time ought to I spend in Sayulita?
In the event you’re planning on sticking to only Sayulita, three days will can help you spend some much-deserved time on the seaside. However given the vacation spot’s proximity to different cities within the Riviera Nayarit, we advocate a minimum of 5.
Start with a go to to San Pancho, a quieter model of Sayulita that’s only a 15-minute taxi journey north. You’ll be able to both go on a day journey or keep for an evening.
Ten minutes from right here is Lo de Marcos, one other coastal city that’s splendid for a day stroll. A 30-minute drive in the wrong way of Sayulita brings you to the small, pointy peninsula of Punta de Mita, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in contemporary seafood overlooking the seaside or discover the hidden coves of the Islas Marietas.
Is it simple to get in and round Sayulita?
The closest airport to Sayulita is Puerto Vallarta Worldwide Airport (PVR). From there, you’ll be able to attain Sayulita by renting a automotive – helpful for town-hopping – or by taking a taxi or bus. Any of those choices will get you there in about half-hour.
As soon as in Sayulita, you’ll have the ability to stroll nearly in every single place. You can even lease a golf cart to drive inside the city itself – but these are quite dear, and also you’re not allowed to take them outdoors of city.
High issues to do in Sayulita
In the event you’re organising camp in Sayulita for a few days, these are the actions you shouldn’t miss.
Get right into a surf groove
Despite the fact that their secret is lengthy out, Sayulita stays a favourite amongst surfers. A browsing vibe continues to be very a lot current, and you may spend hours watching professionals catching waves.
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In the event you’re extra a doer than a watcher, you’ll be comfortable to know that Sayulita washes up waves for all ranges. Even should you’ve by no means tried browsing earlier than, you’ll be able to take classes to see the way you fare on a surfboard – whether or not a longboard, quick board or paddleboard.
You’ll be spoiled for selection due to over a dozen colleges within the space. Lunazul Surf Faculty & Store is a family-run enterprise with over 20 years working on the primary seaside. Whereas they do accommodate drop-ins, it’s greatest to guide your spot prematurely.
Store for boho-chic house decor and clothes
Buying lovers can spend hours searching the city’s distinctive choices. In Sayulita, boho-chic reigns supreme, from flowy blouses to ethereal clothes and even kimonos.
You’ll additionally discover eclectic items to decorate your property, like a one-of-a-kind, yarn-painted cranium crafted by the Wixarika individuals at Evoke the Spirit.
Owned by a French couple who fell in love with the city over 15 years in the past, Pinche México Te Amo affords a playful number of tote luggage, t-shirts and different objects that profess their love of Mexico by means of witty catchphrases.
Be part of the wellness scene and apply yoga
Yoga and total wellness are as intrinsic to Sayulita’s vibe as browsing. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a yoga class on the seaside or an immersive retreat, you’ll discover it in Sayulita.
Nestled within the jungle overlooking the seaside, Haramara Retreat affords intimate and secluded areas throughout 12 personal acres of tropical jungle. Right here, company can recharge by reserving numerous retreats or benefit from the services for a day – together with the personal seaside – with a day move.
Open to the general public, the spa has a roster of 12 therapeutic massage therapists and technicians skilled in deep-tissue, Swedish, reflexology, shiatsu, Chi Nei Tsang and Thai modalities.
Take pleasure in contemporary seafood
The state of Nayarit is legendary for its just-caught seafood. Whereas in Sayulita, be sure you attempt shrimp aguachile (shrimp marinated in lime juice, chili and salt, and served with cucumber and purple onion slices), ceviche tostadas and engaging fish tacos. Sí Señor Sayulita and Don Pedro’s each include a aspect of magnificent sea views.
Dance the night time away
Talking of Don Pedro’s: that is additionally the place to be for Monday night time salsa. From October to June, one in every of Sayulita’s longest-running eating places hosts salsa courses by the ocean (6:30pm for freshmen and seven:30pm for superior dancers), paired with a stay salsa band and engaging meals.
Spot humpback whales
Yearly, humpback whales migrate to hotter waters for the winter, making December to April prime whale-watching season in Sayulita and neighboring Bahía de Banderas.
Humpback whales aren’t the one giant mammals that may be noticed right here: grey whales, Bryde’s whales and orcas additionally make occasional appearances. You’ll be able to see them from catamarans, fishing boats or biologist-led journeys that set off from Sayulita seaside.
My favourite factor to do in Sayulita
I spent about 4 months in Sayulita and the Riviera Nayarit a couple of years in the past and I might by no means recover from the sunsets: they’re actually one thing at this latitude of the Pacific.
My favourite approach to expertise them is with out the crowds – which in Sayulita means foregoing the primary seaside and Playa los Muertos. Head to Playa Norte as an alternative, towards Sayulita Turtle Camp, and end up an empty stretch of sand to admire the brilliant pinks and purples forming within the sky in solitude.
Every time I return to Sayulita there appear to be an increasing number of vacationers – so that you might need to stroll a bit additional up the seaside to benefit from the expertise by yourself.
How a lot cash do I would like for Sayulita?
Sayulita has lodging choices and eating places to go well with all budgets. You received’t discover huge chain resorts right here – so should you’re after luxurious, anticipate the barefoot-chic selection. For eating, informal eateries cater to these on a finances, whereas beachfront spots welcome these seeking to splurge on lobster.
If you go to will affect lodging costs, with summer season being essentially the most reasonably priced time to remain. Simply bear in mind summer season can be the wet season.
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Hostel room: $600–1200 MXN (US$30–60)
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Fundamental room for 2: $1000–3000 MXN (US$50–150)
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Self-catering condo (together with Airbnb) $400–1500 MXN (US$20–75)
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Public transport ticket: $20 MXN (US$1)
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Cappuccino / espresso: $80 MXN (US$4) / $60 MXN (US$3)
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Sandwich $60 MXN (US$3)
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Fish tacos $40–60 MXN (US$2–3) per taco
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Dinner for 2 at a mid-range restaurant $600–1200 MXN (US $30–60)
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Beer/pint on the bar $20 MXN (US$2)
Is Sayulita protected for vacationers?
Regardless of its proximity to Sinaloa, with its repute for narco violence, Nayarit is taken into account one of many most secure locations in Mexico.
Vacationers can safely take pleasure in Sayulita and the remainder of the Riviera Nayarit in the event that they take normal precautions. If exploring close by cities, for instance, it’s greatest to keep away from driving again late at night time.
Can I eat the road meals or drink the faucet water in Sayulita?
Mexican avenue meals is legendary the world over – but it’s all the time sensible to be selective about the place you cease for a chew. Ask your self: does the stall look clear? Is the seafood being provided refrigerated or on ice, or has it been sitting out within the solar? Higher to be picky than ending up with a abdomen bug in your journey.
As in the remainder of the nation, the faucet water in Sayulita isn’t drinkable. Keep on with bottled water and preserve loads at your resort or lodging for consuming at night time, when outlets are closed.
