Sayulita, Mexico isn’t Cancun or Cabo San Lucas — The coast is not dotted with all-inclusive resorts, and it’s not a Spring Break mecca — And that suits those just fine that that choose to visit this sleepy hamlet about an hour north of Puerta Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the region known as “Riviera Nayarit.”
Built around the protected Bahia (Bay) de Banderas, the Sierra Madre mountains ring Sayulita and provide immediate elevation options just off the beach, allowing spectacular views of both the sea and the verdant hills that abound. The warm ocean breezes sweeping off the Pacific keep the region a bit cooler and less humid than the opposite Caribbean coast, and unlike the southern tip of Baja California and Cabo San Lucas, the water is much calmer with better swimming beaches.
Designated as a “Pueblo Magico” (magic town), visitors to Sayulita come for the beach, the jungles, hiking, fishing, whale watching, the food, and a chance to unplug and relax. Whatever your goal, there are several options to keep you entertained:
Beach Time: One of Sayulita’s biggest selling points is that the wide, sandy beach is very swimmable and protected from some big surf that hits other parts of Pacific Mexico. You can spend the day under a rented umbrella at the main Playa (beach), dipping into the water to cool off, or play in the gentle surf. If you find yourself craving a bite, a selection of smaller food shacks and larger full-service restaurants such as Cocos Beach Club line the beach, with almost all offering a large selection of fresh seafood such as snapper, grouper, shrimp and lobster pulled out of the water by local fishing boats that day.
For those with little ones or those seeking a more remote choice, the Playa de Los Muertos (of the dead) on the southern end of town is a slightly more sedate and quiet beach, a bit removed from the bustle of the main part of town.
Sayulita is also an excellent place for beginner surfers to try catching a wave, with several surf schools such as Wild Mex (https://wildmex.com) offering lessons and rentals. Again, the protected nature of the larger bay gives novices a chance to try and stand up without worrying about large waves knocking them down.
Jungle Life: With the lush and green Sierra Madre mountains almost butting up directly next to the coast, you could easily hike in the morning and surf in the afternoon. One popular activity just outside town is Monkey Mountain, a four-mile total out-and-back hike to a peak that affords spectacular 360-degree views of the ocean and the mountains.
Monkey Mountain is usually classified as a “moderate” hike with more meandering parts, but a steep ascent of the last mile may be challenging for those not physically fit. Local tour operators offer day trips and can rent equipment you may not have with you (proper shoes, hiking poles, etc.) or you can also do the hike on your own; just be sure to prepare with plenty of water, food, and other supplies such as a first aid kit, flashlight, various weather clothing needs, etc.
Get on the Water: Both fishing and whale watching are extremely popular in Sayulita and the greater Riviera Nayarit area. Sport fishing companies like Sayulita Pescadores can take you out for a half day or full day or more with special charters designed to take you beyond the Bay of Banderas and try your hand also at some of the larger pelagic species such as swordfish that live off the coast.
Whale watching season is from December to April, when guests can ooh and aah at the acrobatics and graceful beauty of the migrating humpback whales that come to this region to feed each year. These gentle giants can often be seen from shore as well, with their majestic blows towering up to 20 feet in the air. Book a tour on a smaller panga (fishing) boat for an up close encounter with a company like La Orca Sayulita (https://laorcadesayulita.com). The whale season is heavily regulated in this part of Mexico, so be sure to verify with a potential operator that the season will still be open if you try to time a trip with a whale-watching adventure.
Find Your Zen: With its laid-back vibe, chill waves, and tasty food, Sayulita has emerged as a great spot for those seeking to recharge their batteries. Taking advantage of several local yoga schools, spas, and even hotels offer various classes and programs. You can take an open-air yoga class under a giant palapa or rebalance your chakras at a local spa. Hotelito Los Sueños has emerged as a top choice with a selection of classes, retreats, and packages for a variety of travelers.
One of the best advantages for U.S. travelers is that the dollar remains strong against the Mexican Peso, and many accommodations, restaurants, and experiences are still significantly cheaper than a comparable offering stateside.