Planning a trip to Sayulita and wondering if it is worth the hype? After spending 3 days here exploring the area, walking down pretty flag streets, taking day trips to San Pancho and Marieta Islands and eating as many tacos as possible we can understand why so many people have fallen in love with this relaxed surf town.
In recent years Sayulita has become a popular place to visit. It was once a small fishing village which has become a boho surf town attracting tourists, digital nomads and people looking for an easier alternative to Cancun and Tulum. Enchanted by its colourful streets, beaches, surf culture and easy day trips people are heading here for the boho vibe. Spend the morning on a boat trip, the afternoon tasting tequila and evening on the beach at sunset.
Table of Contents
Is Sayulita Worth Visiting?
YES – Sayulita is worth visiting for its surf culture, beaches, colourful streets, food scene and relaxed boho atmosphere. It is one of the best towns in Mexico for travellers looking for a more relaxed alternative to Tulum and Cancun.
3 Days in Sayulita Guide
In this guide, weโll show you exactly how to spend the perfect few days in Sayulita including:
- The best things to do in Sayulita
- Our honest experience visiting Marietas Islands
- A day trip to San Pancho
- Tequila tasting at Cachasol Tequila & Raicilla
- The best beaches, restaurants and boutique hotels
- Which tours are actually worth booking
Whether youโre visiting for the surf, the beaches, the food or the boho atmosphere, this Sayulita itinerary will help you plan an unforgettable trip while avoiding some of the common mistakes first-time visitors make.
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Quick Overview Of Our Sayulita Itinerary
Day 1: Spend your first day exploring the town enjoying the beaches and watching a beautiful sunset.
Day 2: Take a Marietas Islands tour, this is a must do while in Sayulita! We had a fabulous day out on the water.
Day 3: Head off to San Pancho and end the day with a unique tequila tasting.
Why Visit Sayulita?
Is Sayulita worth visiting? Yes! Sayulita is absolutely worth it. We weren’t sure if it would live up to the hype but after spending 3 days exploring it we can tell you it really does.
Sayulita is super walkable, full of cool cafes and restaurants and a busy nightlife. There is something for everyone! If you are looking for a chilled out surf vibe, a cool place to soak up between day trips or a boho escape Sayulita is the town for you. When compared to Tulum and Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a smaller town, full of charm and cool vibes.
Where Is Sayulita?
Sayulita is located on the Pacific coast in the west of Mexico. It is in the state of Nayarit, on what is now called the Riviera Nayarit. Situated approximately 40km from Puerto Vallarta, just over an hours drive away. It is easily accessed from Puerto Vallarta airport via bus, private shuttle or taxi.
Riviera Nayarit is a beautiful 320km stretch of palm fringed beaches, villages, towns and resorts. There is a lot to see in this dreamy area and we can’t wait to discover more of the towns here.
Best Things To do In Sayulita
There is a lot to do in Sayulita so you can tailor your time to your style of travel and preferred activities. These are our favourite things to do here:
Flag Street
Strolling flag street and the rest of the town is one of the top things to do here. Each street is full of character and charm. There are lots of cool cafes and restaurants to enjoy as well as beautiful boutique shopping to be indulged.
Shop at the Markets
Sayulita has a great market once a week on Tuesday mornings but there is also a great market set up each day in the town. Wander along and find the perfect souvenir, you can choose between clothing, pottery, arts and crafts.
Surf lessons
Sayulita is one of the best places to take surfing lessons or rent a board and try to teach yourself! The water is pretty calm and the waves are small.
Beach hopping
There are lots of beaches in Sayulita to spend your time on. They are full of vibes and great people watching opportunities. The Main beach in Sayulita is perfect for chilling, people watching and surfing lessons/beginner surfers. Head over to Playa dos Muertos to escape crowds and catch the sunset or sunrise.
Marietas Islands
A day trip the Marietas Islands is a must do, we did this and had a fantastic time! I recommend booking early as they do fill up. There are lots of tours but they aren’t all the same quality, check availability of the one we did here.
San Pancho
This is the smaller fishing village just up from Sayulita, it is definitely worth a visit. San Pancho is really quaint and pretty. Stroll the streets, check out the stores and beach. This is actually the best beach in the area for sunsets as well. Head there Friday mornings for their weekly market. It is actually really good with local product and products on sale.
Tequila tasting
We did this tequila tasting from Sayulita and it is really an experience not to be missed. Imagine sitting in the gorgeous surrounds of a tequila farm, sipping on a margarita made with their own tequila. This is one of my favourite memories from our time in Sayulita. Check the availability here, we loved this authentic farm to table experience.
Yoga
In Sayulita yoga classes are as popular as surf lessons. Check out this Group Yoga Class or for the more adventurous try a Acro Yoga Class. There is also a really cool tour to hike to a secret beach and then do yoga on the sand.
3 Days In Sayulita Itinerary
After visiting Sayulita ourselves this is how we would organise our itinerary to make the most of your time.
DAY 1: Explore Sayulita + Beaches
Sayulita is a popular ‘Pueblo Mรกgico’ (Magic Town) that attracts many tourists and digital nomads each year. Walk through the town and soak up the bohemian vibe, make sure to see the insta famous flag street, many murals and in particular the street art walk.
There is such good shopping here, with streets lined by cool stores and local Huichol art work. Make sure to find the artisan market which has tons of pottery, clothing and handmade trinkets. The many cafes and restaurants will provide sustenance for your shopping in the chic boutiques. Check out Pacha Mama for boho clothing and Mr Shark for cool Sayulita surf t-shirt wear.
Main Beach in Sayulita
The main beach in Sayulita is the perfect place to soak up some sun and either take part in the surf culutre or watch it unfold around you. There will be lessons, beginners practising and lots of swimming.
The vibe here is laid back especially in the beach clubs on the sand. Relax here and enjoy what Sayulita is famous for. This is a great spot to watch sunset from as well. If you are looking to relax in a beach club check out Trรณpikos Sayulita or Goat Beach Club.
Walk to Playa de los Muertos
Take a walk to Dos Muertos Beach Sayulita either for sunset or sunrise. We went here for sunrise and loved it, there was no one else around as the sky lit up. The walk there is really easy, just follow the beach around and you will come across the gates that you walk under to pass through the cemetery and then out on to the beach. It is an easy 10 minute walk from town.
The beach here is quieter and great for swimming, one of the best in the area. The walk is scenic and the whole area feels even more relaxed and calm. It is perfect if you want to escape the busier main beach.
Best Taco Spots + Cafes
Some great food spots to grab lunch are: Ivans Tacos (get the al pastor), Marys Fish Tacos and Naty’s Kitchen. For a restaurant dinner our favourite was Kahlo Restaurante & Bar (get the pork belly taco or beef brisket taco they are impeccable!)
DAY 2: Marietas Islands TOUR
A Marietas Islands Tour is a must! We absolutely loved our day out on the water. The islands are stark and rise from the water dramatically. There is also some unique brid life here. We learnt all about the landscapes and animals, we even sighted some whales even though it was out of season.
Why we loved this tour:
- luxury catamaran
- open bar and food included
- snorkelling stop
- wildlife sightings
This was such a fun and informative day as we learnt so much about the islands home to the unique birds called blue footed boobies. We highly recommend this tour. If you want to read about our full experience check out our Marieta Islands post where I review the whole trip start to finish. You can check availability here, we recommend booking early as they fill up quickly. This is the best tour for travellers wanting a more premium experience.
DAY 3: San Pancho + Tequila Tasting
On your final day a trip up to San Pancho is a must and then end it with the most perfect tequila tasting you could ever have.
Day Trip to San Pancho
You have to do a day trip up to San Pancho, it is the cutest little town. Even smaller than Sayulita, San Pancho is an easy bus ride away. Here you will find a cool boho artsy vibe and less crowded beaches. There is a market on Friday mornings that is well worth visiting for. The sunsets here are the best in the area as well. You will find just as many cool cafes and stores to look in.
How to get to San Pancho from Sayulita
We walked from Sayulita town to the bus station which was easy and then jumped on the next bus to San Pancho. The tickets cost 30 MXN and are bought from the bus station, you can’t pre buy them online. The ride is really quick and you hop off on the highway in front of a restaurant and an OXXO fuel station.
When you return to Sayulita you will get off at a highway station but instead of doing the very long walk into town head over to the side street and wait at the restaurants there. Another bus will come around the corner and pick you up, just show the ticket you already purchased to get to Sayulita as it covers this ride too. This bus will take you back to the bus station. We learnt this the hard way after walking all the way back into town.
Sayulita vs San Pancho
Sayulita or San Pancho is a question that most travellers will ask themselves. The main things to know here are that Sayulita is bigger than San Pancho, San Pancho is quieter and calmer and more local. If you are after a busy vibe, lots of nightlife and boat tours then Sayulita is for you. If you want a quiet and peaceful retreat you will love San Pancho.
Tequila Tasting at Cachasol Tequila & Raicilla
This tequila tasting experience in Sayulita was perhaps my favourite thing we did in the whole town. I left with some of the fondest memories. Sitting out in the racilia farm, listening to the process and sipping on margaritas made with the tequila they produce was wonderful, as was the meal they served. I have written up a post on this excellent tasting experience as it was really magical. This was one of our favourite experiences in Sayulita – check pricing and availability before spots fill up.
Best Tours In Sayulita
Best tours for adventure
Horseback Riding in Sayulita – Go horse riding through jungle and end up on a beach, it is the best of both worlds! These are the two most popular horse riding tours, one along the beach and one from the jungle to the beach.
Monkey Mountain Jungle Hike Adventure – take a guided hike up to the 360ยฐ views over the beaches and hills. Learn about the environment you pass through with a drink and snack included.
Sunset Hike to a Secluded Beach – end the day with a little adventure and take a guided hike to a scenic sunset beach where you can swim and watch the sun go down with a snack and drink.
Surf lessons in Sayulita are a must, the town is known for its chill surf culture. Check out this one to get you out in the water.
Jungle ATV tour – These are fun and adventurous tours that take you all over the area. This Sayulita ATV Jungle & Beach Adventure, Tequila Tasting takes you across beautiful landscapes while riding your own ATV.
Best boat tour
Marietas Islands Hidden Beach Tour
Marietas Islands Boat Tour + Hidden Beach – A tour to Marietas Islands is the number one tour to do in Sayulita. You will head out on a beautiful big boat with food and free flow drinks included. Find your self snorkelling, exploring beaches and learning about the formation of the islands and their unique birdlife. This is a day trip that you have to do, it really is worth it. Check availability here for the tours that include access to the ‘secret hidden beach’.
Whale Watching Tour (seasonal) – The waters around Sayulita are known for whale sightings between December to April with strict cut off dates each year. You can head out on the water on a whale watching tour with the chance to see humpbacks and orcas amongst other species. Check out availability here.
Luxury Catamaran Cruise – Jump on a catamaran and head for a luxurious beach access only area where you recieve all inclusvie drinks, breakfast and lunch. Take a hike to waterfalls, relax on the sand or use the free watersports equiptement. This is a really popular tour.
Best cultural Tour
Check out Wixรกrika Indigenous Blessing & Sacred Walk in Nature for a unique cultural experience. Take part in a Wixarika Blessing Ceremony (Huichol), by a local spiritual guide, where knowledge and tradition are authentically conveyed. You will visit four sacred spaces, each with its own meaning to gain understanding on belief about connection between life, spirit and earth.
Best Food Experience Tour
Tequila Farm Distillery
This is a must, we loved learning about the distilling process from the people that do it each day. The scenery is beautiful and the included food and drinks were of the highest quality. Don’t miss this one, it is special. I have written up a full post on it so you can see why we loved it so much!
Taco & Food Tour
This taco tour takes you around the town and show you the best of each stop. This is one of the best ways to be introduced to a destination and to learn about the culture through food.
Tours from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita
Taco Tour from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita
We did a great taco food tour in Sayulita which actually started in Puerto Vallarta. You can join the tour in Sayulita or do a day trip from Puerto Vallarta, either way the tour is excellent. Your guide will take you around the town, stopping to give you food from different vendors they know and trust. The food was excellent and it gave us the perfect introduction to the best places to eat in Sayulita.
San Pancho and Sayulita day trip
If you can’t spend time in Sayulita then take a day trip from Puerto Vallarta to check it out so you can decide if you want to add it to your next vacation. This day trip takes you from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita and San Pancho in one day.
Best Restaurants in Sayulita
There are some excellent restaurants in Sayulita. The best restaurants Sayulita are the ones with the most authentic food and where we just want to keep coming back to.
Tacos
- Ivans Tacos (get the al pastor)
- Marys Fish Tacos
- Naty’s Kitchen
- Kahlo Restaurante & Bar (high end tacos get the pork belly taco or beef brisket taco they are expensive but impeccable!)
The Best Tacos in Sayulita
The actual best tacos we had were at a street stall stand up on the main road. They are only there between 8am-10am as they sell out. We stumbled on it and came back everyday! They serve up the best birria tacos for 30MXN each with consume. Best value and best taste. I can not express strongly enough how these are the best tacos in Sayulita. Don’t bother with too much breakfast, just fill up on these. You can find it near this spot, find the pharmacy and the stall should be set up right out front.
Trendy cafes
- La Barrita de Sayulita by Coffee Brothers
- Pรกkeke Sayulita (great pancakes)
- ChocoBanana (breakfast and to try the famouse choc coated banana for a snack)
- Cafeterรญa Northswell Sabor Natural
Beachfront Dinner
- Maika Sayulita Seafood. Grille & Good Vibes
- The Dock Sayulita
Where To Stay In Sayulita
We found the best place to stay in Sayulita! This hotel is actually perfect, we stayed here and loved it. Located right on the beachfront with chairs in the sand, comfortable rooms it was the perfect beachfront stay. It was also an incredibly digital nomads friendly stay with great wifi and space in the rooms, lobby or tables by the pool to work at. I can’t imagine a better office!
The best part was even though the location was beachfront and very close to the town it was super quiet in the evening. Sayulita gets busy at night, there is a bustling nightlife scene which can be loud. This is an issue for most places in Sayulita, however our hotel was perfectly located to walk everywhere but also very quiet at night. A simple breakfast of toast and coffee is provided each day with more substantial offerings available from the onsite beach restaurant. Check out availability here.
Cost Of 3 Days In Sayulita
Sayulita is a little more expensive than other Mexican towns however it can be visited on any budget. It really depends on where your choose to stay, dine and what activities you do. A general breakdown for a mid-range traveller is: accommodation ~$250 per night, food between $2 – $100 USD (snack to meals), tours ~$30-$300 USD and transport between $2 – $50USD depending on where you are going and the mode of transport.
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How To Get To Sayulita
Most people will arrive from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita. There are a few options to get from the airport. You can book an airport transfer which is pre-booked and easy but a little more expensive. You can take an Uber which will also be expensive but direct and the fastest option. The bus is the cheapest option and actually pretty good! To catch it all you have to do is exit the airport and walk straight ahead go left at the OXXO shop and use the bridge to cross the road. The bus will pick you up from here, it will have a sign in the window saying Sayulita so you know its going to the right place. You pay the bus driver and it should cost 60MXN.
To get to and from San Pancho you can take a taxi which will be expensive. Alternatively jump on the local bus at the Sayulita bus station and pay 30MXN. Just pay at the bus station desk and to return pay the bus driver. Returning you need to get off at a large petrol station, cross the road and jump on the next bus coming around the corner to Sayulita. Show them your ticket and you will get back to the bus station and save yourself a long walk, it is really easy.
To get around Sayulita you can walk around the town but if you are staying a little further out you can rent a golf cart, lots of people were driving these around town.
Sayulita vs San Pancho: Which Is Better?
Sayulita or San Pancho is something many people wonder when planning their itinerary. Basically if you want a trendier, busier, boho town with flag streets and nightlife then Sayulita is for you. If you want a quieter, artsy and community first vibe then you should check out San Pancho. I have detailed the differences in our post on Sayulita or San Pancho so you can go in depth if you want a little more information.
Best Time To Visit Sayulita
The best time to visit Sayulita Mexico is between November to April for great weather and good surf for beginners. To experience Dia de los Muertos visit in late October/early November. Whale watching season runs December to March, Jan/Feb is the peak.
I would avoid June to October as it is the worst of the weather & rainy season although it is when you will find the biggest surf for more experienced surfers.
Is Sayulita Safe?
Sayulita is generally safe although I would watch out for opportunistic petty theft and pickpocketing. We actually saw a man get his phone stolen from a table in a taco stand. Luckily he called it and we got it back but he was really upset over the experience, understandably. I felt safe while there, walking around and staying in town. There were a lot of people around at all times. Definitely still use you usual travel safety precautions. We heard that some people got sick from swimming at the main beach in Sayulita however I think that was old information, we had no problems and think it is only an issue after heavy rain.
Mistakes To Avoid
There are only a couple of things I would avoid to enjoy my time.
- Don’t just book to stay for only 1 night if possible. You wont have enough time to really soak up the atmosphere.
- I wouldn’t swim after heavy rain in Sayulita for at least 48 hours as run off can cause illness in the water.
- Don’t come expecting clear blue water, it is a brown colour and the sand is a little darker too. There is also a lot of birds in the water which was unexpected.
- Don’t come to Sayulita without cash. Many people come thinking you can just pay with card, there are extra card fees. The money exchange here is not great either there is a terrible exchange rate. The ATMs don’t look that great, we didn’t use them and we heard they always run out of money too.
FAQ For Sayulita
Is Sayulita worth visiting?
Yes! Sayulita is worth visiting. This cute boho town has a lot to offer, even if you don’t surf there is plenty to enjoy here.
How many days in Sayulita?
3 days is the ideal amount to spend in Sayulita. You could spend a few extra here to do a couple more day trips or to relax.
Is Sayulita expensive?
Sayulita is more expensive than other areas of Mexico. It is similar to Tulum pricing, which is due to the smaller size and high tourist interest.
Is Sayulita or San Pancho better?
This really depends on your preferences: Sayulita-busier, bigger, boho vibe, nightlife. San Pancho-smaller, quieter, artsy and community focused. Check out my detailed post on the differences to help you choose!
Can you visit Marietas Islands from Sayulita?
Yes! Sayulita is the best place to do a Marietas Island trip from. We did this and had the best day, seeing the famous blue footed boobies, dramatic island formation, beautiful beach and snorkelling all from our luxury boat.
Are there any supermarkets in Sayulita?
There is a larger supermarket out on the main road called Mercado Ollin Market, it would be easiest to take a taxi back with groceries from here. In town there is a small OXXO and Kiosko which are convenience stores with the basics. There is a couple of fruit shops in Sayulita but we found the cheapest one was in San Pancho and stocked up there when we visited.
Sayulita Map
If you love beach towns with personality, great food, surf culture and slow afternoons watching the sunset with tacos in hand Sayulita is hard not to fall for.
Plan your trip:
๐ Read next: Sayulita or San Pancho, which is best?
๐ Plan your trip: Riviera Nayarit Travel Guide
๐ Donโt miss: Mexico City is the vibrant city break you need to indulge in
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