The Ultimate Guide To Sayulita 2025: Mexico’s Hidden Gem Surf Town
The Ultimate Guide To Sayulita 2025: Mexico’s Hidden Gem Surf Town
Update 2025: My favorite accommodations are getting booked up faster than before. If you know youR travel dates, book early.
Sayulita is one of my favorite spots in the world. Those who stay long enough understand just how special it is. Surf towns have grown in popularity, but Sayulita stands out for managing to keep its original village appeal.
To be honest, there are plenty of places with better beaches and surf spots that aren’t as crowded. The food here is great, but is this where you’ll find the best food in Mexico? Probably not. In fact, visitors who pop in for a day or two often find it a bit underwhelming and overcrowded.
For me, what makes this place special is that it’s not for those people. The charm here reveals itself when you stay for more than a few days.
Below is my complete guide carefully curated and updated since I started coming here in 2014.
There’s a lot of information below, so you might want to bookmark this page (⌘ + D on Mac and Ctrl + D on PC) to use while planning your trip and for when you get to Sayulita.
Where To Eat | Where To Stay | Beach Front Hotels | Best Boutique Hotels | Cool Apartments | Best Hostels | Top Things To Do | Best Time To Visit | Where To Go Surfing Around Sayulita | Where To Party And Dance In Sayulita | How To Get To Sayulita| Where To Get Groceries | Where To Get Alcohol | Where To Do Laundry | Best Gyms In Sayulita | How To Get To Other Beaches In Sayulita |
Escaping The Crowd In Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a very popular beach destination with everything someone would need for their vacation in Mexico. There’s an international airport, luxury resorts, beaches, shopping malls, and an even a quaint old town. Since Sayulita is over an hour away, people often feel like it’s to worth the effort to leave Puerto Vallarta just for another beach.
In other words, Puerto Vallarta is the ultimate buffer that has allowed Sayulita to grow at a much more manageable pace.
For me, the best part is that because Sayulita is still close enough to Puerto Vallarta, I can take a 2.5 hour flight from Los Angeles in the morning, jump on a local bus or taxi across the street from the airport, and be there in time for an afternoon surf and and some beers on the beach with friends at sunset.
My Favorite Places To Eat In Sayulita
Over the years, I must have eaten at nearly every restaurant and stall in Sayulita. Surprisingly, for such a small town, there are over 100 different places to try.
Before you get here, open and save my complete guide to the food scene in Sayulita. Below are a small handful of places I immediately recommend to anyone new to town, but check out the full list when you have time.
1. El Itacate
You can’t miss come to Sayulita without eating at least once at El Itacate.
They have the best arrachera steak tacos in town. Cheese-lovers need to get their “Itacate” that uses a large heap of freshly grilled cheese as a wrap for your choice of fillings.
For vegetarians, but I recommend the sautéed ‘jamaica’ or hibiscus flower tacos. Everything comes with a massive spread of salsas, fire-grilled onions, beans, cilantro and peppers.
If you come a second, or third time, get the ‘chili’ or ‘papas’.
2. Mary’s
For me, Mary’s has the best Baja-style seafood tacos in Sayulita, but it’s much more than that.
Order the Mary’s Taco or Sayulita Taco, loaded shrimp tacos topped with fresh avocados, roasted poblano peppers, sweet corn and mushrooms.
Pair it with their addictive homemade chipotle sauce and you have perfection. Two of these things will fill me up every time.
Another great option that I eat on the regular is their cazuelita, filled with a variety of grilled vegetables, rice, beans and topped with your favorite protein. Ask for the black chili oil and the chipotle sauce to go with it.
3. Barracuda
This cornerstone restaurant has the freshest seafood in town, whether you eat right on the main Calle Delfines location or at their newer beach front restaurant.
I highly recommend their sizzling seafood molcajete, a volcanic stone bowl with a generous portion of giant prawns, octopus, melt-in-your-mouth arrachera steak and slabs of fresh queso.
The tacos and especially the tuna tostada is also something to get. They’ve got a great cocktail and wine selection too.
For a full list of restaurant recommendations, check out my LOCAL guide to eating in Sayulita where I break down my favorite places to eat by category and budget.
Where To Stay In Sayulita
There are accommodations for all budgets and tastes in Sayulita from hostels and beach bungalows to hilltop hotels offering a private and luxury experience. Below are a few recommendations, but if you’re ready to book, check out my complete guide to the best areas and places to stay in Sayulita.
I’ve added an asterisk (*) next to my favorite spots.
Best Beach Front Hotels In Sayulita
1. Topika at Punta Sayulita
For the most luxurious and private experience in Sayulita, check out Topika. Tucked away in Punta Sayulita, you have access to two pools and a private sandy beach away from the crowds. And every room comes with a small kitchen and a spacious balcony overlooking the bay.
What’s special about this Topika is the access to Punta Sayulita area, which was previously the exclusive domain of privately own condos and homes.
The location is about a 20 minute walk away from the main part of town, and can easily be accessed with a golf cart rental as well.
2. La Esquina*
If you want to be on the beach and want more a home than just a hotel room, check out La Esquina. The condos all have kitchens, dining area, AC and every unit has a beautiful balcony overlooking the ocean. There’s a nice swimming pool here too and overall, I think this is my go to recommendation for Sayulita. There are options for up to 4 people in a condo, so it’s a great option and value if you’re traveling with friends.
3. Hotel Vista Oceana Sayulita
Location-To-Price Ratio, Hotel Vista Oceana is hard to beat with a balcony and sea view. If being right on the beach is your priority and you are budget conscious, but want something more than just a hostel, this is my recommendation hands down.
4. Villa Amor
For the longest time, Villa Amor was the only high-end hotel in Sayulita. It’s still a nice place with small villa style rooms with large balconies overlooking the ocean and the town. It has a great beach front location away from the crowds and one of the nicest pools in Sayulita.
Cheap Accommodation and Best Hostels For Backpackers
For backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few hostels in Sayulita. My go to recommendation for a hostel is La Redonda Hostel*, which has the best location in town and takes a minute to walk to the beach.
If you want something with a pool, there’s the newly opened Viajero Hostel.
And for those who want the social aspect of a hostel, but with a bit more comfort and privacy, there are both dorm and private rooms at Selina and Casa Pepe.
If you’re looking for a female only hostel, there’s My Sisters House.
Best Boutique Hotels For Couples In Sayulita
There have been quite a few boutique hotels that I really like, each with its own vibe. Whether you’re looking for a tropical jungle escape, a modern minimalist vibe, or want to stay in a shipping container, here are my recommendations:
1. Don Bonito*
If you want the most photogenic hotel in Sayulita, look no further than Don Bonito. The upscale boutique hotel is tucked away from the crowds, but still close enough to all the action.
The pool is small, but it’s nice for a dip and local photographers love this spot.
If you book early, the rates are quite good, and unsurprisingly, they’re often booked well in advance.
2. Casa Selva*
I love the well-designed bungalows at Casa Selva and staying here is like a luxury tropical escape. This jungle complex is just a few minutes walk away from a quiet beach and a 15 minute walk to town.
If you’re interested in this place, read my full staycation review here and book at the lowest price here if you choose the option to pay in advance.
3. Distrito 88
Another stylish boutique hotel I really like is Distrito 88. It’s adults only, so you don’t have to worry about kids at that property. Rooms are open and airy. There’s a pool and sunbathing lounge area and you can see the ocean from many of the rooms.
The location is great because you’re in a quiet spot but only a few minutes walk from the town. You’re also only a few minutes walk from both Playa Sayulita and Playa Los Muertos. The price-value ratio is good for this place.
4. AzulPitaya Beach Hotel & Resort
AzulPitaya Hotel is right on the beach and in the heart of Sayulita, and yet is it surprisingly quiet at night. That’s a very rare combination. It has the largest pool in Sayulita, free breakfast, and every room comes with a king sized bed, kitchenette and balcony.
There’s also a second smaller pool with hammocks and swings that overlook the beach – a great spot to grab a drink and watch the sunset.
You can read my AzulPitaya review for a more in-depth look at their hotel.
5. Avela Boutique Hotel
Located just off the Punta de Mita highway and about 1 km from the center, Avila is one of Sayulita’s most beautiful and spacious hotels. If you are planning to visit other areas with a car, this is the perfect spot to be to avoid having to park and drive around the small streets in town. Some rooms have kitchen and there’s free parking.
6. Sayulinda
Built as a part of a retail/hotel complex, Sayulinda is one of the newer resorts in Sayulita. The rooms are nice and reasonably priced, the location is as central as it can get and there’s an awesome infinity rooftop bar and pool.
Cool and Stylish Airbnb Houses For Groups and Families In Sayulita
If you are staying longer in Sayulita, an apartment with a kitchen and more space is the way to go.
1. La 55*
La 55is a stylish apartment and one of the favorite recommendations in Sayulita. It’s not right on the beach, but you can see the water from the balcony and it’s only about a minute walk to touch sand. This place requires a minimum 3 night booking and is often booked out in advance.
2. Casa Palmar*
For a large group or wedding party, there’s this gorgeous 3 bedroom beach front condo at Casa Palmar that accommodates up to 8 people. It has the best beach front spot in the nicest condominium complex in Sayulita. Homes here are usually only available for long term rental.
If Casa Palmar is not available, there’s also Anclara Apartments, which accommodates up to 7 people.
3. Casa De Ballena
The beautifully landscaped Casa de la Ballena is tucked away just off Calle Ninos Heroes and right by one of my favorite breakfast and lunch spots, Yah-Yah’s. The hotel offers apartment style rooms with a kitchen and there’s a pool and terrace on the property. It’s just far enough away the center that it’s quiet, but only a few minutes walk to be right in the middle of everything.
4. Casa Fenix
Casa Fenix is a bit up the hill on Calle Pelicanos if you want a mountain view with a bright and airy apartment. There’s a shared garden area that’s really nice too. A good spot if you want some quiet away from the town.
5. Casa on Calle Gaviota
Nothing fancy at this one bedroom apartment on Calle Gaviota, but the location is central and you have everything you need in a small apartment on a budget.
See my full list of apartment recommendations here.
Top Things To Do In Sayulita
1. Hit The Surf
Learn to surf with the many surf schools and local surfers in town. If you want to need a surf board rental, check out the selection at Marea Surf School. They are laid-back, professional and offer good prices. You can tell them Kien sent you.
For complete beginners, you can get started with a group surf lesson to learn the basics and how to pop up on a board. You can then rent your own board and practice.
If you want to really learn properly and away from the crowds, my recommendation is to do a sunset lesson at La Lancha, especially at that time when it’s so nice to be out on the water.
If you have your own board, you can book a transfer to La Lancha. There are a couple of shuttle trips going throughout the day that you can book roundtrip here for $18 or you can do a surf trip to La Lancha with surfboard included from Marea Surf School.
The main beach has two main surf spots – one for beginners, and the others for experienced surfers. Further down the beach is another spot that’s right in between. The slower breaks are preferred by longboarders, but shortboarders come out when the breaks are faster and shorter.
2. Visit The Marieta Islands
The protected Marieta Islands is one of Nayarit’s aquatic gems where you can go snorkeling and exploring by boat.
From December – April, you’re almost sure to catch a whale or two during their migration season. You can find good prices here and pay online ahead of times if you don’t want to deal with haggling at a tour office to ultimately get to the same price.
3. Spend The Day On A Catamaran
Daily catamaran tours take sunbathers out on the open waters for an open bar and day of fun and sun.
It might be wrong to say this, but I’m almost bored of seeing whales when I go out on a boat trip here – because you spot so many of them breeching the surface in these parts.
They stop in different spots for you to snorkel, paddleboard or kayak. It’s one of my favorite things to do every so often with friends. Chica Locca and Ally Cats are the two companies offering these boat tours. They are both similar, though you tend you find a younger crowd on Chica Locca.
You can’t miss their offices walking in town.
4. Catch The Sunset At Carraccitos
The only bad thing you can say about Sayulita is that there is no sunset for parts of the year. It’s blocked by one of the small rocky mountains to the west. Go for a nice hike through the jungle down to Playa Carracitos and you “escape” from Sayulita. It’s a great spot to spend a peaceful day and catch the sunset. The afternoon glow and golden hour on the main beach is just sublime. It’s my favorite time of day.
5. Go On A Jungle ATV Adventure
A lot of people don’t know this, but that’s actually a pretty cool jungle trail if you head west out of town. You can use this path to walk to Playa Malpaso, but it’s also used by mountain bikers.
The narrow trail makes it quite fun to navigate your way through on an ATV quad bike.
6. Party Every Night Somewhere Different
There are a handful of bars and beach clubs that everyone goes to on certain nights of the week. Learn salsa at The Garden on Wednesday and dance on the beach at Coco’s every Friday night.
If you’re into techno and electronic music, Yambak is a local favorite with half the crowd just hanging out on the street having a beer. Lucid just down the same street draws some great local DJs.
Attico is another favorite with locals and visitors alike, where you can grab a seat at one of the swings (or a normal table if you prefer) and listen to live music every night with a good drink in your hands.
Don Pato’s has been around for as long as I’ve been visiting Sayulita and I still like to go here for their live sets and cheap drinks.
7. Fix That Hangover With A Session Of Yoga
There are a plenty of yoga lessons in Sayulita to choose from and take advantage of the quiet tropical space. Oka Hey offers daily yoga classes for 180 pesos (~$11 USD per session).
Alternatively, there are private instructors that teach at the hostels (open to everyone). I’m partial to this method as you are supporting local practitioners and the prices very reasonable. My personal recommendation is to go with Valeria of Happy Yoga Sayulita, who is not just an amazing instructor with teaches with such a wonderful attitude and approach.
She teaches group lessons at My Sister’s House (Monday at 9 am) on a donation basis and Selina (Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30 pm) for 250 pesos ($15 USD). You can take private lessons right wherever you are for 500 pesos (~$30 USD). Prices are lower for 2 people and up. You can reach her at +524761006810 on WhatsApp and tell her Kien sent you.
8. Treat Yourself To A Massage
If you want to keep treating your body well, I recommend getting a massage with one of the best massage therapists I’ve experienced anywhere in the world. Call up Emily at Sayulita Sports Massage (not just sports massage) and thank me later. She still does house calls, but just recently opened her own clinic with the best massage table in town.
You won’t find two more energetic people with the biggest smiles on their faces in Sayulita than these two.
9. Escape to San Pancho
The next town over is what Sayulita was 5-10 years ago. It’s a weekly day trip escape for me to go somewhere a little more quiet. That’s not to say they don’t have everything that Sayulita has, including some of the best restaurants and a sunset that everyone claps for each day.
For a full list of all the things to do in Sayulita, check out my top 15 Things To Do In Sayulita besides surfing“
When Is The Best Time To Come To Sayulita?
December and January is the high season for Sayulita. North Americans and Europeans comes down here to escape their cold winters. It’s also the best to come down in terms of weather.
March and April is another great time to come to Sayulita. Thought it gets really busy every weekend, it’s still an ideal time to come down before it gets too hot. It’s warm, but the heat has yet to truly hit by April. Mexico’s hot and rainy season is from July to September, which is the quietest time of year in Sayulita.
Things cool down a bit in Sayulita in October, just as the holidays begin starting with Dia de los Muertos at the end of the month.
November is my favorite month in Sayulita personally because the water is perfect, it is sunny every day and it’s the calm of the storm before the high season. Not to say that I don’t enjoy December and January. The atmosphere picks up and it’s a lot of fun. If it feels too crowded, like on a local holiday weekend, I just take a 10 minute cab to San Pancho, a sleepier version of Sayulita.
Sayulita settles down a bit in February, so it’s similar to November, but a bit warmer. March and April marks the beginning of the hot months in Sayulita. The town is a lot more quiet, so it’s great time to go if you want to avoid most of the visitors.
May, June and July puts you right in the middle of summer. Puerto Vallarta gets a lot of the summer vacation crowd, with some making their way to Sayulita. I personally avoid these months because it gets too hot for me.
Surf Breaks Around Sayulita
1. Main Break (El Punto or La Derecho)
This is the main spot to surf in Sayulita. It’s located just to the right of the main entrances to the beach from town. This is an intermediate area and is the most crowded spot in Sayulita.
Surfers are already out here at dawn, but the early morning is still your best chance of avoiding the day long crowd. The waves here are pretty consistent and are usually about 1-2 meters tall.
There’s a rock bottom with the occasional sea urchin so try not to step down when you get off the board.
2. Beginners Sandbar
Turn left when you enter onto the beach from town and you’ll find a spot where swimmers and surfers mingle. This area is where the schools take new surfers out for their lessons. The waves and white water are gentle here so it’s ideal for learning how to pop up on board.
Just be mindful of all the beachgoers and swimmers wading in the shallow water.
3. Left Break (La Izquierda)
Not as consistent as the main break, but still a good spot is the Left Break further north on the beach. This area is not as crowded because the waves are usually a bit smaller and closer to the beach.
4. La Lancha
La Lancha is perhaps the most popular spot away from Sayulita and a lot less crowded. Located in Punta Mita, this beach has multiple breaks spread out which also helps with the crowding.
You’ll need to walk 10-15 minutes through a jungle to get to the beach, but it’s definitely worth it.
You can drive here or join one of the shuttles going 3 times a day. They depart from Sayulita at 8 am, 11 am, and 2 pm from November – April and at 9am, 12 pm and 3 pm from May – October.
It’s 12 USD one way or 20 USD for a roundtrip transport. It’s cheaper to book online here for $18. It takes about 30 minutes to get to La Lancha from Sayulita.
You can also rent your surfboards out at the WildMex shop where the shuttle drops off.
5. Anclote
One of my favorite spots when there are strong swells in Sayulita is Anclote. The waves here are long and gentle. Just don’t drift too far left as there’s a rocky section with exposed reefs here.
Park in the shopping center and walk through one of the restaurants to get to the beach. The break will be to your right.
6. Stinky’s
Another popular spot close to La Lancha if you have a car is Stinky’s. It’s also a popular spot for swimmers and sunbathers with a few different breaks here that will satisfy any surfers. This is a great spot if you want to surf and also just hang out on the beach.
7. Burros
Burros is further south on the Punta Mita highway from La Lancha. Getting to the beach here also requires a walk through the jungle, but the payoff is access to some of the bigger swells in the area.
Where To Party And Dance In Sayulita
Coco’s Beach Club
This is the place to go on Friday night is you’re visiting Sayulita. They usually have a DJ and play a lot of the top hits and favorites on the radio. It’s right on the beach and the party goes on til 3 am. If you want to dance, go here. There’s a cover of 50-80 pesos depending on the season.
Yambak
This is where the locals like to go on the weekends to hang out in the bar and on the street in front of it. There’s also a DJ playing electronic music most nights. Tuesdays is 2 for 1 at Yambak.
Mucho Bueno
Thursday is main party night at Mucho Bueno and they usually have some kind of 2 for 1 drinks going on. It’s not the biggest place, but there’s a DJ and makes for a fun atmosphere since everyone comes here on Thursday night.
Don Pato’s
This was one of my favorite places to go in the past to dance until they started charging a cover for every night of the week. They have live music most nights of the week, but it’s not somewhere my friends and I go as much anymore.
Don Pedro
Don Pedro hosts Salsa nights on Monday. You can come around 7 for a salsa lesson and then continue dancing until 11 or 12.
The Garden at Selina’s
Selina’s offer salsa lessons on Wednesday and then a live salsa band until the end of the evening. Every couple of weeks, they will throw a Freaky Party on Saturday nights.
How To Get To Sayulita From Puerto Vallarta
By Taxi
From the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta, a taxi will cost about 1400 pesos ($75 USD) and takes about a to get to Sayulita.
If you walk outside the airport and cross the overhead bridge, the taxis are a little cheaper. You will have to negotiate a fee, but expect to pay around 1200 pesos for a taxi to get to Sayulita. From the Malecon in the center of Puerto Vallarta, it costs about 1600 pesos to get to Sayulita.
Alternatively, if you can get an Uber, it is generally a little less than a taxi.
There’s also this day trip I recommend for people who want to visit both Sayulita and San Pancho in one day from Puerto Vallarta.
From Sayulita back to the airport, will cost around 1200 pesos.
By Private Car
My personal recommendation is to use a local private driver that offer pick-ups and drop-offs. It’s usually cheaper than a taxi, the cars are nicer, and you have someone who speaks English.
My go-to guy is Geraldo, who’s just one of the nicest guys in Sayulita. He’ll pick you up in his new Mazda CX3. You can contact him on WhatsApp at +52 722 501 1383 to setup a pickup or drop off. At the moment, he charges 700 pesos, which is about half the price of a taxi, much less hassle, and a much nicer overall experience.
By Uber
Although it’s possible to get an Uber to Sayulita, it is more difficult to get an Uber back to Puerto Vallarta from Sayulita. Like a lot of small towns around the world, the taxi drivers are still against Uber and strong-arm drivers away.
By Public Bus
Alternatively, you can cross the highway outside the airport using the bridge and catch a local bus going to Sayulita. The buses will have a sign on it or the locations written in markers on the windows. Just look for ‘Sayulita’ or say Sayulita to the bus driver with a question mark. It costs 50 pesos ($2.50 USD) and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. It’s a local bus, but it’s perfectly safe. If you have a lot of luggage, take a taxi.
Driving
If you are renting a car and driving to Sayulita, it’s a pretty straightforward drive with a grand total of two right turns to get into town. Parking inside the main part of town is difficult. You won’t need a car in Sayulita unless you plan on driving to other towns or beaches like Punta Mita regularly.
Groceries and Food Markets In Sayulita
There are no large supermarkets in Sayulita. The closest ones, Mega, Chedraui and La Comer are in Bucerias.
However, there are plenty of shops and a weekly Farmer’s Market in Sayulita where you can get most of what you’ll need. I’ve listed a few of the places I like to go to, but there are plenty of small and similar shops/carnicerias/tortilleria that are not on this list.
If you are staying long term or want to do a big shopping trip, I’d suggest going to the MEGA in Bucerias. If you head all the way to Puerto Vallarta, you’ll even find a Wal-Mart and a Costco.
Mercado Del Pueblo Farmer’s Market
From November through May, there’s a local farmer’s market and artisan crafts fair every Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. Local farmers and producers from the area sell many organic produce here. There are a few food and artisanal craft stalls as well as live music. I like that it’s not a farmers market just for tourists. A lot of locals come to hang out here on Fridays.
It’s located past the bridge on Calle Revolucion just across from Galeria Tenana.
Terrenal Organic Food Store
A bit of a walk from the center of town, but well worth it if you want stuff that you can’t get anywhere else in town. They have a rather large selection of healthy and organic products including fresh cheeses and sauces.
This was the only place in town where I found fish sauce, just to give you an idea of what you can find here. Worth a visit.
Carniceria Trancos
This is a spot right in town where you can get different cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, but they also stock a lot of international items. If you need some ponzu sauce or parmesan cheese, you can probably find it here.
Pescaderia Piolin
This is where I get my seafood. You can get shrimp and tuna steaks here for a great price. The menu is on the wall, but it’s pretty easy to miss. Come early to get the best selection.
Alas Blancas
This is another convenience store like OXXO and Kiosk, but it’s not a chain and also has a small selection of international food and a small veggie stand in the back.
Friday Markets
Every Friday, there’s a little open air market just across the bridge on Avenida Revolución where you can buy a lot of artisan products from clothes and jewelries to organic vegetables and ready to eat dishes. It’s worth visiting. Closest at 2, so get there earlier rather than later.
Sana Spices
This is great local spot for pretty much any of the spices from around the world that you need. They also do Turkish coffee here too.
Veggie Stands
There are a few stands that I go to for my veggies. One is at the corner of Calle Pelicanos and Avenida Revolución. The other is across the bridge on Manuel Rodriguez Sanchez where the old Veggie Land used to be. There quite a few other ones that you’ll inevitably walk by.
OXXO/Kiosko
Of course you can find plenty of snacks and drinks at the OXXO and Kiosk and they stay open late in case you need something after hours.
Where To Get Good Wine and Alcohol In Sayulita
Sayulita Wine Shop
Definitely the place in Sayulita to get good imported wine. There’s also a large curated selection of Mexican wines that’s not available elsewhere in town. They do a tastings event on Wednesday evenings.
El Coyul
This is where I go to get my cheap liquor. It’s a chain and they always have some crazy cheap deal going on with the half sized bottles on the rack near the cashier.
There’s a lot of cheap drinkable wine here too. A good stop if you want to pick up cold for the beach.
OXXO/Kiosko
This is where everyone goes to grab a beer or drinks for the night. It’s convenient and there are always promotions.
Where To Do Laundry In Sayulita
There’s a public laundromat called No Manches Laundromat but it’s a bit out of the way from the center. Mostly, people drop off their clothes at one of the lavanderias to be washed, dried and folded.
You drop everything off in a bag and pay by weight. There’s usually a 3 kg minimum and prices start around 60 pesos for 3 kg.
There’s a spot without a name that’s listed as Lavaderia En 3 Horas on Google Maps. It’s at the back of a souvenir shop and it’s where I go to get my laundry done.
Best Gyms And Where To Workout In Sayulita
If surfing and yoga isn’t enough and you need a gym, Sayulita has a couple of options in and around town.
1. Sayulita Fit
Opened in 2019, Sayulita Fit is the newer and better equipped of the two main gyms in Sayulita. It’s on Avenida Revolucion about a 10 minute walk across the bridge in town. There’s an entire area with weights, benches, and machines that are kept up in great condition.
For cardio, you’ll find treadmills, ellipticals and a rowing machine.
There’s also large open studio that’s used for different classes and jiu-jitsu training. Outside the 2-3 hours a day that the classes are held, it’s empty and available for use.
You’ll find dance poles, battle ropes, bosu balls, and mats amongst other smaller equipment that you can use to put together any kind of workout.
Finally, there is the spin studio and the men and women’s restrooms. There’s a shower in both.
This is where I workout when I’m in Sayulita. It’s 200 pesos a day to drop in, 500 pesos for a 3 day pass, 750 pesos for a week and 1400 pesos for a month. There are longer term membership and other class options, so check their website for the latest prices.
2. Quilombo
Quilombo is an old school gym with a local charm that Sayulita Fit lacks. If you prefer classes, like boxing, kickboxing, and HIIT, I would definitely recommend Quilombo. This gym is more rustic, but still has most things you would need to get a great workout. The prices are a little cheaper than Sayulita Fit, and I think you get more value out of it if you’re there for the classes.
There is much more of a family/community vibe here. It was getting pretty hot in May/June so I opted for Sayulita Fit for their air conditioning, but otherwise I probably prefer Quilombo out of the two.
3. Alchemize House
While not a traditional gym, Alchemize House is a new wellness club that is a holistic haven for those wanting a few hours of escape from the crowds of Sayulita.
Tucked away on quiet Calle Miramar, they offer yoga, but focus on pilates and breathwork classes. They also have a pool, cold plunge and sauna for relaxation and recovery. Combine all that with a co-working space, and it’s easy to see why digital nomads and visitors alike come here.
How To Get To The Best Beaches In Sayulita
Sayulita’s main stretch of beach is quite a long stretch. If you head a bit North away from the center, the beach starts to empty out. My friends and I usually walk about 10-15 minutes in the direction towards Playa Malpaso and hang out near Las Sirenas Beach Club.
It’s less crowded there and a great spot to see the sunset from March onwards. If you really want to get away from the crowd, below are a couple of other beaches and directions on how to get there.
Playa De Los Muertos
Los Muertos is the second most popular beach in Sayulita and only a 10-15 minute walk. To get here, walk along Calle Pescadores. There’s a driving path, or you can walk along the beach. Follow it to the end past Villa Amor and Amor Boutique.
At the end of that road, turn left and keep walking up. You’ll start to go downhill and see a cemetery to your left. At the end of that dirt path, turn right and you’re at Muertos.
Playa Carracitos
Carracitos is where my friends and I usually go to get away from the crowd and see the sunset. It’s not always empty, but this place is far enough away that most of the tourists will skip it. It’s one of my favorite spots in Sayulita.
Getting here requires a bit of effort walking through a jungle path.
Follow the same path towards Muertos, but instead of turning right towards the beach, you go turn left and walk into the jungle. At the first fork, go right and almost make a U-turn going up Ninos Heroes. Next, you’ll see more signs indicating paths to Punta Sayulita. Take the left path and continue up until you see a house.
Go left here and it’ll look like there’s nowhere else to go, but you’ll see a path that goes through a broken up piece of wall. Go through and follow the dirt path down to the end and you’ll be at Carracitos.
Playa Patzcuarito
Even emptier and farther away than Carracitos is Patzcuarito. I love this spot as well, but it can take almost an hour to get here without a car. Maybe a bit faster if you walk with some intent.
Forget what Google Maps says. The easiest and most straight forward way is to head along Avenida Revolución heading out of Sayulita towards Punta Mita. That street becomes Punta de Mita. If you’re walking, it’s about 20 minutes until you reach Calle Palapa. There’s an unfinished building to your right.
Turn right down this dirt road and follow it. Keep on it through the jungle for about 20-30 minutes until you come to a T intersection. There will be signs, but turn right and then left and you’ll find yourself at Playa Patzcuarito.
Playa Malpaso
I put Malpaso last because I personally don’t like going far down this area. There have also been the occasional reports of theft/attacks that I just avoid it all together. If you do go, try to avoid going alone and just exercise caution with your belongings.
I may be a bit of an alarmist here, but better safe than sorry. It’s almost always empty around here and far enough away from town that anything can happen.
To get here, you just keep walking North on the main beach from Sayulita.
Last Words On Sayulita
Relax. Enjoy. Eat. That’s why I come to Sayulita. It’s always the perfect break and holiday after my travels. I come here to unwind, hang out with good people, and eat the best food.
Looking for more travel inspirations? Scroll through some of the 450+ experiences on my bucket list. Maybe you’ll find your next adventure on there.
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Updated on January 20, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this article. Thank you for writing. I’ve been visiting Punta Mita for quite some time but I’ve never been to Sayulita.
Thanks! I think you should definitely pop over to Sayulita. It’s right there and there’s so much charm to it.
Thanks for this! We going to Sayulita in November and I’m excited! We lived in Barra de Navidad for a few years in the late 90s, early 2000s. We’ve been to PV many times but this will be our first stay in Sayulita. It sounds like it will be relaxing and fun.
That’s great Michelle. I hope you enjoy it. November is an amazing time to be in Sayulita. It’s very different from PV. Let me know if you have any questions.
Is Thies still there with his combo trailer park and accommodation
Thank you! I have just arrived for 2 months in Sayulita and truly appreciate your article! Safe and wonderful travels friend!
Thanks! I’m glad you found it useful and let me know if you find anything else that’s not on the list.
Thanks for writing this. Super helpful. I was in Sayulita in 2021 and am excited to go back next week. And i will certainly explore some of your recommendations. Just wanted to confirm if Geraldo still offers private rides to Sayulita? Does he speak English? And is he able to pick up at the airport or would I have to walk across the bridge?