Guide to the Magical Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico and Surfing Town
Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico
Saulita known as Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town), Sayulita is one of the most recognized spots in the municipality of Bahia de Banderas; located approximately 45 minutes by car, north of Puerto Vallarta. Although English is widely spoken throughout the town of Sayulita, it never hurts to learn the language when visiting a foreign country. Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) receives direct flights from all major cities in the US and Canada. Sayulita is a spiritual town home to alternative lifestylers, hippies, surfers, digital nomads, retirees, and everyone in between.
The village is small and walkable if you are able, and the many hills, cobblestones and stairs make for a great workout, not to mention some fantastic photo opportunities! Sayulita town may not be such a “best-kept secret” anymore, but it has retained a hippie, laid-back vibe. Many people from all over the world come visit Sayulita. One of the best things about staying in Sayulita is exploring the beautiful jungles, mountains, and coastline surrounding it.
Strolling through the town is the best way to soak up the vibe. Brightly painted buildings on palm tree–lined cobblestone streets house chic restaurants, hip cafes, art galleries, and a variety of shops. Tables in front of restaurants offer patio dining alongside the streets. The aroma of excellent street food and amazing local cuisine fills the air. Buskers of all sorts entertain. Boutique hotels offer beachfront accommodations with ocean views as well as stays in the heart of town.
Sayulita Plaza, the main square at the center of town and also known as downtown Sayulita, is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Seating areas under the shade of trees offer spaces to rest or visit.
Families and friends gather here in the evenings and Sayulita nightlife can extend into the late hours of the night when it turns into a party town. The colorful Sayulita sign, a popular spot for selfies in the town center, is located in the plaza.
You will see vibrant pieces of street art as you wander through Sayulita. The town is home to many artists.
Sayulita is safe place in Mexico. The town is very small so you will know everyone in an instant. Protecting and caring for each other in Sayulita is a priority. You will really love the community!
There is no bad season to visit Sayulita, but depending on what you want from your vacation, there may be better times for you. If you visit after November and before April, it is less humid, but still plenty warm. Sayulita is for partying, and people come from the Riviera Nayarit to party. People often come to the party, go out on the town and enjoy the night.
Another popular spot for selfies is the flags strung across Calle Delfines creates a colorful canopy to pose under. The local people you meet in the streets are warm and welcoming, makes Sayulita one of the friendliest international towns.
Getting to Sayulita & Transport
Once you are in Puerto Vallarta, there are a couple of ways to get here, ranging from the cheapest to the priciest:
Bus: If you are backpacking for the day when staying in Puerto Vallarta, this is likely be the best way you will reach Sayulita, given this is by far the cheapest option (50 pesos or about $3.00, Jan, 2024). From Puerto Vallarta there are 5 bus stops options to get on a Sayulita bus: 1 bus stop at Medina Ascencio and Francia, 2 Walmart at Marina Terminal, 3 bus station from the airport, cross over the highway using the pedestrian bridge, 4 the bus stop front of the military post passed the airport, 5 bus stop at Las Juntas, and look out for a green and white bus that says “COMPOSTELA” Sayulita posted in the front or for extra confirmation ask the bus driver or helpful people waiting in line, which should come every 20 minutes or so.
Private transpotation + tour guide: If you are a group of 10 or about? This may be an option for the confortable option. You may enquire here for the service offered: Private Tour Guide Puerto Vallarta Riviera Nayarit Travel Guide see details: https://promovisionpv.com/private-tour-guide-puerto-vallarta-riviera-nayarit-travel-guide/
Rental car: If you are interested in exploring the neighboring towns, like San Pancho, Lo de Marcos, it would be highly recommend getting a rental car, which you can usually get pretty cheaply (around $30 or so a day). Car Rentals in Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit. https://promovisionpv.com/car-rentals-in-puerto-vallarta-riviera-nayarit/
Best Things To Do in Sayulita
Roving surfers “discovered” the town in the 1960s and liked its consistent wave breaks and secluded location. Just like that, Sayulita became a hippie off-the-beaten-path travel destination. Over the years, tourism has increased.
Whether you are a surfer seeking the perfect wave or a beach-goer looking for a tranquil escape, Sayulita has something for everyone. The town’s warm, welcoming atmosphere, picturesque beaches, and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Mexico.
Sayulita is truly a surfer’s paradise, offering lessons and board rentals of all types. The bay has a nice break that is perfect for beginners but offers plenty of fun and challenges for advanced surfers as well. Sayulita is also a great place to learn Stand Up Paddleboarding. A number of surfing schools offer surf lessons and are always so much fun. Surfboard rentals are also available.
Sayulita is a surf town. Surfers brought Sayulita to tourists attention, so it should be no surprise to find excellent surfing for all levels, from beginner through advanced and to find an affordable surf lesson. You will find both right and left surf breaks. Waves break all year, with December through early April being the best months.
Safety
Sayulita is a very safe place to travel for you, your family (including children) and friends. Sayulita is easygoing, peaceful and has a strong sense of community that relies heavily on tourism. Like anywhere in the world, it is important to be travel smart. Do not wear expensive jewelry and flash a lot of cash or expensive electronics. Be aware of your surroundings and your level of consumption of intoxicants. Walk in groups at night and stay on well lit streets. As long as you travel smart, you will feel safe & comfortable in Sayulita!
The local police force in Sayulita is on 24-hour patrol of the town and surrounding area; these tourist police (policia turistica) keep the streets and beaches safe at night and enforce laws regarding drug possession and other crimes. Sayulita is safe place in Mexico. The town is very small so you will know everyone in an instant. Protecting and caring for each other in Sayulita is a priority. You will really love the community!
Is Sayulita Beach Safe?
The Federal Government agency that monitors water quality, has now done further tests and declared Playa Sayulita safe for swimming.
Sayulita is romantic.
In Sayulita, romance takes on new meaning: the balmy air, the surging, ever-changing sea, the exquisite sunsets, the dense, colorful jungle, all conspire to heighten the senses, including the sense of possibility–the possibility of romance, either new, or reawakened.
Weddings and Events
Sayulita offers some of the most stunning and beautiful places to have that destination wedding you have been dreaming of. Sayulita truly has it all for a stress-free wedding; Beautiful villas, casas and hotels to house your guests are just a start. Add wedding coordinators, florists, photographers, top notch chefs and caterers, breathtaking venues, even spa and salon services for your bridal party and Sayulita quickly tops the list for destination weddings. You may also be surprised to learn that your million-dollar-view wedding is quite affordable, costing generally about half of the average wedding in the United States.
Sayulita Wedding Photographer and Videographer promovision@hotmail.com
On the south side the waves are pretty mellow offering good swimming conditions for all ages.
Browse the town’s many galleries and see the wide variety of styles to enjoy. You will find Mexican folk art, Huichol art, beaded textiles and rugs from small Indigenous villages, encaustic works, paintings, pottery, and jewelry.
Huichol Art And Culture
The Huichol are renowned for their colorful artwork that expresses their reverence, relationship, and interdependence with nature. Huichol art features one-of-a-kind, intricately embroidered bead or yarn appliqué designs. Each piece tells a historic or mythical story. Common themes include deer, scorpions, arrows, maize, Peyote cacti, eagles, and the eye of God, an instrument to acquire the “gift of seeing.” You will find Huichol beadwork in art galleries throughout town. Authentic Huichol artworks are highly collectible.
Food
Sayulita offers a range of dining options that include street vendors, taco bars, bakeries, beachside restaurants, casual cafés, lively patios, and fine dining establishments. You will find fresh seafood, all kinds of Mexican food, margaritas, pizzerias, and a variety of international cuisines. Sayulita as you will really love Mexican food.
How Many Days Do You Need In Sayulita Mexico?
2 days in Sayulita is a perfect amount of time to really get a good lay of the land, eat at all the restaurants and tap into the vibe! Sayulita has accommodations for every kind of traveler, from budget hostels to upscale resorts.
Sayulita is super charming, but you would consider explore other nearby towns in Nayarit. Consider visiting the neighboring town of San Pancho for chill surfer vibes for something even more quiet and disconnected.
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