10 Things to Do in Sayulita, Nayarit
Sayulita is an awesome little town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Best known as a popular surfing destination, Sayulita has grown in the past couple decades to become a top destination for those seeking the art, boho vibes, yoga, and beautiful beaches. One of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (magic towns), it’s a fun little party town fit for both young travelers and families.
We have gone to Sayulita many times over the last 20 years, and have seen it evolve and grow. Although it may not be exactly as it used to be, this town in Nayarit offers some of the best surf in the country, beautiful experiences in nature, and a fun and lively atmosphere.
Catch Some Waves
Obviously we have to mention surfing first! Sayulita is most famous as a surfing town, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer. It made our list of the best beginner surf spots in Latin America, and our list of the best beginner surf spots in Mexico. A stroll along the main beach will give you plenty of opportunity to see what it is all about here. If there are waves, the sea will be full of surfers of all skill levels.
As a hub of surfing, you won’t have any problem finding a way to surf here. The beach is full of surf coaches and shops renting gear. Some of the best surf camps for beginners are here in Sayulita. Rentals cost in the $20/day range, and lessons are generally in the $60-80 range. If you’ve been interested in surfing, Sayulita is truly one of the best places to learn. It’s definitely best in the summer months, but is our favorite beginner spot if you’re looking to surf in December as well. Just watch out for the crowds in the water! We’ve surfed quite a bit there, and definitely recommend giving it a shot. Sayulita is also home to some of the best surf camps in Mexico if you want to make a true surf vacation out of your stay!
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is definitely a seasonal activity. The season for whale watching is generally from December through to the end of March. During the season several different species of whales can be found in Bandera’s Bay, arriving to warmer waters in order to mate and give birth. You might see humpback whales, blue whales, grey whales, and sperm whales. When we went, we also happened to see a group of dolphins!
One thing we have to note here is that with any wildlife tour, it’s important to go with someone who cares for and respects the wildlife. You don’t want a boat plowing through reef or disturbing the whales in any way. There are some solid tours and guides. The one we went with was La Orca de Sayulita. They actually partake in research, and really care about the preservation and protection of the creatures they find.
Visit the Iguana Tree
This one is a little different! El Arbol del Iguana is a popular tree for tourists in Sayulita to visit. It won’t take long, and is definitely something fun to do in Sayulita if you’re out walking around. There’s no cost and it is a fun way to see some local creatures that you may not have back home. I’m not exactly sure why the tree is so full of iguanas, but it is!
The tree is located on Manuel N. Navarrete just a block from the plaza (toward the beach). You might pass by it anyway, so take a moment to stop and check these lizards out! During the day they’re likely to be relaxing or sleeping, but if you go in the morning you may see them jumping from branch to branch or moving around a bit more. Here is the link to the location on Google Maps.
Take a Fishing Tour
Sayulita has some solid sportfishing if that’s your thing! Depending on the season, you might find dorado (mahi mahi), mackerel, tuna, snapper, grouper, and many other types of fish. As with the whale watching, you want to find a legitimate company to take you out fishing. We don’t fish, but my family went on a fishing trip with Sayulita Pescadores and had a great time. We also got a bunch of fresh fish to cook for dinner! The guides pointed us all in the right direction to get salsas and charcoal to grill our fish and were super helpful.
Chill on One of Many Beaches
This seems a bit obvious, but we have to mention it. A lot of people go to the main beach (Sayulita Beach), but there are actually several others worth visiting. The main beach is just a few blocks from the plaza and right next to downtown. It’s generally the busiest of the beaches, and the place to be if you want action or to watch the surfers.
You might also visit Playa de Los Muertos, located about 10 minutes walking south from downtown. Named after the nearby cemetery, it’s a quieter beach. Don’t forget to check out the cemetery, especially if you’re there after Dia de Muertos!
Playa Carricitos is a bit further on, and doesn’t have a whole lot going on. If you want some quiet and seclusion, go check it out! It offers a nice reprieve from the action of the main beach.
The other beach worth visiting is North Beach. You may have guessed it sits to the north of the main beach! With super clear waters and relative calmness, it’s a beautiful place to take a stroll. The long beach won’t be covered in people lounging and vendors selling things, and it’s a nice place to chill.
Shop and Visit Art Galleries
Sayulita certainly isn’t the cheapest place in Mexico to buy things, but it certainly has its own style that can’t be found everywhere else. Right now, the style could best be described as boho-chic, and the prices will likely be much more reasonable than comparable items in other countries. You’ll find tons of macrame work, crochet tops and bags, sundresses and flowy skirts, and much more.
Sayulita is also home to several unique art galleries. The town has attracted artists for many years, and the semi-recent burst of tourism in Sayulita has helped the art scene explode. Many of the art galleries show off unique Huichol art including beadwork, sculptures, and jewelry. The Huichol are the indigenous people of the area, and you may see them referred to as Wixáritari, the word they use for themselves in their native language.
Check out the Hippie Market
The open-air Hippie Market is open every day from 9am to 6pm, located next to the baseball stadium just before the bridge into downtown. When we used to go to Sayulita 15 years ago, the Hippie Market was relatively chill. In recent years, it has become much more of a tourist attraction, and prices have climbed steadily. You’ll still be able to find good deals and authentic Mexican handicrafts though!
You’ll find a lot of arts, crafts, and general Mexican goods. One of my favorite things here are the Huichol pieces, as they are from this area of Mexico. The amount of work and precision to produce the beaded work is astounding, and worth taking home as a souvenir!
Hang Out in the Plaza Principal
We really recommend visiting the plaza any time you visit any new city or town in Mexico. It’s the hub of the local action! On weekends and at nights, you’ll find the plaza full of vendors selling art, food, and more. During the busy season, you’ll find this every day of the week. It’s here you’ll find the famous colorful Sayulita sign, locals skateboarding and hanging out, and a taste of local Sayulita life.
The plaza is just a few blocks from the beach, and at the center of the town. From the plaza you can walk in either direction to explore the art galleries and stores, or hop on down to the main beach in just a few steps. Don’t forget to pause at the Iguana Tree on your way!
Explore the Surrounding Towns
Sayulita is awesome, but there are other places nearby worth visiting. San Pancho is definitely at the top of our list. It’s a very hippie, yoga, healing, artistic community just to the north of Sayulita. A lot of people who once moved to Sayulita for the chill vibes have left to be a part of the San Pancho community. It’s full of immigrants and locals, and has a lot more of a chill vibe than Sayulita.
If you are looking for more action, head down to Puerto Vallarta. If you’re going to Sayulita, chances are you flew into the airport here. Puerto Vallarta is a much bigger city than Sayulita, and even more of a party atmosphere. If you’re looking for something fun to do in Sayulita, try getting out of town for a day or a night in the big city!
Visit Islas Marietas
Finally, you can take a tour to Islas Marietas. In recent years they have begun limiting the number of visitors allowed, so make sure to book your tour in advance. As of writing this, about 100 people are permitted a day to protect the islands. The islands number in the dozens, but there are two main islands sticking out above sea level.
The islands are home to a big crater that is a popular tourist spot. They also are home to a ton of wildlife, including the blue footed booby! The tours take all day, but you’re likely to see fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, and many of the 100+ species of birds present.
So there you have it! Some of our favorite things to do in Sayulita. If nightlife is your thing, don’t forget to head out into town at night to see what’s going on! You’ll find opportunities to salsa dance, party at one of the local bars, and find a welcoming party scene. If you’re heading to Sayulita to surf, don’t forget to check out our post on planning a surf trip!