Traveling to Sayulita, Mexico: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Why is traveling to Sayulita for yoga and surf vacations, weddings, and girl’s trips so popular right now? Well, with its sun-kissed beaches, colorful streets, and laid-back atmosphere, Sayulita beckons travelers from around the world seeking that bohemian chic inspired vibe! In addition, Sayulita is much more affordable than places like Tulum, and there’s so much more to see and do!
In Sayulita, you’ll get a taste of that authentic Mexican culture paired equally with adventure and relaxation. In this comprehensive Sayulita travel guide, we’re giving you lots of tips on how to get here, where to stay, play, and get your surf or yoga on! So let’s get trip planning and make the most of your journey to one of Mexico’s pueblo mágicos!
Where is Sayulita, Mexico?
Situated amidst the lush tropical jungles of mainland Mexico and overlooking the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, Sayulita boasts a picturesque setting that is both breathtaking and tranquil. And it’s easy to get to! If you’re traveling to Sayulita, you will most likely fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) which is approximately 40 minutes to the south. Puerto Vallarta is a large Mexican city with about 220,000 people, and there are flights daily on airlines like Aero Mexico, Volaris, and even Alaska Airlines!
While Puerto Vallarta is nowhere near as big as Mexico City, it’s been quite a popular destination for travelers to escape the cold winters for decades. Over 35,000 Americans and Canadians have retired here! Even the old 80’s TV show, The Love Boat, used to sail to Puerto Vallarta from Los Angeles all the time, but now I’m dating myself…
Getting to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta
Getting to Sayulita once you arrive in Puerto Vallarta is relatively easy, with several transportation options available depending on your preferences and budget. Once you land, you can opt for a private taxi, shuttle service, bus, or rental car to reach your accommodations. We recommend scheduling a shuttle or a private van transport in advance, especially if you have a few friends in tow!
The cost for a private shuttle or van will be around $90-$120 US dollars. However, keep in mind you will probably need to convert your US dollars to pesos before leaving the airport. Or have your driver stop at an ATM on the way out of Puerto Vallarta!
We do not recommend renting a car for traveling to Sayulita as the town is very walkable. In addition, taxis or day trips to get to other nearby towns or back to Puerto Vallarta for your flight home are easy to book!
When to Visit Sayulita
The best time of year to visit Sayulita is during the dry season, which typically spans from November to April. During this time, you can expect sunny skies, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall. This creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities and beachside relaxation.
However, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and don’t mind the occasional afternoon shower, visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to October can also offer rewarding experiences with fewer crowds!
Traveling to Sayulita: What to Do
A vacation in Sayulita offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re craving lazy days lounging on sun-drenched beaches, water sports like surfing or stand-up paddleboarding, or simply exploring charming cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops and local eateries, Sayulita has something for everyone!
Sayultia is also one of Mexico’s pueblos mágicos, which are villages that have kept their mystical character along with their original architecture, culture, folklore, and history intact. As you stroll along the quaint streets lined with colorful flags, you will meet lots of local vendors who still make all of their crafts by hand. The Sayulita street dogs are by far the cutest creations, modeled after all the little dogs you will find wandering the alleyways around town. If you don’t have room in your suitcase to take one home, pick one up stateside through Ugly Cute Dogs. In addition, a portion of your purchase of an Ugly Cute Dog goes to support a local rescue organization!
For those that want more adventure, check out Chica Locca Tours for lots of all-inclusive day trip options by boat including visiting the Yelapa Waterfall, the Marietas Islands, whale watching, stand-up paddle boarding, and snorkeling! Keep in mind that most tours leaving from Sayulita will include van transport to/from Nuevo Vallarta, about 40 minutes south. This is where you will board one of Chica Locca’s mega-yachts!
Best Places to Stay in Sayulita
Sayulita offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxury resorts to cozy beachfront bungalows and budget-friendly AirBnBs, you can fit almost every budget!
For those seeking a luxurious retreat, boutique 4-star hotels such as Hotelito Los Suenos and Haramara Retreat offer yoga workshops, upscale amenities, and breathtaking ocean views. If you prefer a more authentic experience, consider staying in one of Sayulita’s many charming guesthouses or vacation rentals, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy personalized hospitality. For budget-conscious travelers, hostels like Selina Sayulita provide comfortable accommodations at affordable prices, with communal spaces perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
Best Places to Eat in Sayulita
What surprised us most when traveling to Sayulita was the food. Sayulita is a culinary paradise with an abundance of eateries serving up delicious Mexican cuisine and international fare to satisfy every palate! Start your day with a hearty breakfast at ChocoBanana, known for its chocolate-covered bananas, mouthwatering pancakes, and fresh fruit smoothies.
For lunch or dinner, head to Sayulita’s vibrant town center, where you’ll find a plethora of casual eateries serving up authentic tacos, ceviche, and seafood dishes. Don Pedro’s offers a more upscale dining experience with a menu featuring fresh seafood and Mexican classics with an ocean view. Our favorite meal was at the small L’Ulivo Ristorante! Here you’ll be treated to homemade pasta dishes with local seafood and incredible service!
Practicing Yoga in Sayulita
Walk a block in Sayulita’s colorful downtown area and you’re likely to pass several yoga studios along the way. Sayulita’s bohemian chic vibe lends itself easily to the practice of yoga, and here you’ll find many different options to get your namaste on! In addition, many hotels and AirBnbs will offer free yoga mats plus a space to practice in. Our rooftop patio was the perfect retreat for a quiet yoga session as the sun rose each morning!
Surfing Sayulita’s Gentle Waves
Sayulita’s warm waters, about 80 degrees, and consistent 2-3 feet waves make it an ideal destination for longboard surfing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more advanced longboarder, there are plenty of options for both surf lessons and board rentals so leave your surfboard at home!
Several surf schools operate along Sayulita’s main beach, offering group and private lessons taught by experienced instructors. Sayulita Surf School and Lunazul Surf School are both perfect for beginners! Both shops offer great rental prices, about $5 US dollars per hour, and a nice variety of longboards to choose from. In addition, we highly recommend both if you’re searching for a friendly atmosphere, lockers to leave your valuables while you surf, and a chance to shower off afterward!
If you prefer a more personalized experience, consider booking a surf retreat or camp, where you can enjoy guided surf sessions, yoga classes, and accommodations all in one package. Sayulita’s laid-back vibe and warm hospitality make it the perfect destination to learn to surf and connect with fellow surfers from around the world.
Final Thoughts on Traveling to Sayulita
In conclusion, Sayulita is no longer a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. However, it does still offer an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure! So whether you seek to curl up with a good book by the beach, browse through a bustling marketplace, or catch your first wave, Sayulita has something for everyone. Lastly, when you visit Sayulita, you will embark on an unforgettable journey and experience a true Pueblo Magico!
Want more Mexico travel tips? Read a few of our popular Mexico vacation travel blogs:
- Oaxaca Mexico Travel Guide for Outdoor Adventurers
- Merida Mexico, The Yucatan Like You’ve Never Seen Before
- Valle de Guadalupe: Baja Mexico’s Wine Country
- Saladita: Surfing Mexico’s Longest Wave
Thanks for reading and happy traveling!
Meredith McConvill, Top Rope Media
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