Playa Sayulita (Sayulita Beach): 2024 Visitor’s Guide

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Playa Sayulita (Sayulita Beach) is the main public beach in the town and is not to be missed during your visit!

Boasting an almost endless strip of golden sands and bluish-green waters, it’s one of the most idyllic beaches in Nayarit, Mexico.

When visiting this hippie-chic town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, it’s pretty hard to miss Sayulita Playa as it’s one of the main features that attracts locals, foreign tourists, and surfers from around the world.

I have put together this complete visitor’s guide to Sayulita Beach including how to get here and a list of the best things to do when you arrive!

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QUICK ANSWERS: PLAYA SAYULITA

Here are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about Sayulita Beach Mexico from first-time visitors.

WHERE IS PLAYA SAYULITA MEXICO?

Playa Sayulita is located 40 km northwest of Puerto Vallarta, one of the main cities in the state of Nayarit.

From Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive and is easily accessible by car.

Click here to see the location on Google maps.

sayulita beach map

HOW TO GET TO PLAYA SAYULITA?

Sayulita is a short 45-minute drive from the main city of Puerto Vallarta, Nayarit.

You can take a taxi from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita which costs anywhere between $50 – $75 for a one-way trip.

Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport for the time you plan to spend in the region.

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Another option is to book a private transfer from the airport in Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita.

Once you arrive in the town, Playa Sayulita Mexico can be reached easily on foot. It’s no more than a 5-minute walk from downtown, or a 10-minute walk if you’re staying in outer Sayulita.

There are many roads leading directly from downtown to the shoreline at Sayulita Beach so you can’t get lost.

BOOK NOW: Private Transfer to Sayulita
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On the way to the beach
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The entrance to Sayulita Beach

WHERE TO STAY IN SAYULITA?

Sayulita has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

See the list of Sayulita accommodations below that I personally recommend:

LUXURY: YSURI HOTEL SAYULITA

ysuri hotel 3

MID RANGE: HOTEL VISTA OCEANA

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BUDGET: SELINA HOSTEL

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For More Options, See My Complete Guide On Where To Stay In Sayulita

WHAT TO EXPECT AT SAYULITA PLAYA NAYARIT?

When you arrive from Puerto Vallarta, there are many seaside bars, restaurants, and beach umbrellas where you can simply pick a spot to perch up for a few hours or the entire day.

You can expect to pay around 100 MXN ($5) for a beach umbrella that comes complete with a table and chairs.

Toilets, change rooms, and shower facilities can be found in a few locations along the beach with a small fee of around 5 or 10 MXN ($0.25 – $0.50) for beachgoers to use.

Also, some of the beach entrances have small convenience stores where you can stock up on drinks and snacks to take down to the beach if you don’t wish to sit down at one of the seaside restaurants.

Any trash that you accumulate during your visit can be placed in the rubbish bins provided at the entrances to the beach.

Please help keep this beautiful coastline clean by not littering and ultimately avoiding trash ending up in the ocean.

BEST TOUR IN SAYULITA

Marietas Islands Full Day Boat Tour with Lunch

Looking for an awesome day trip? The best tour in Sayulita is the All-Inclusive Marietas Islands Boat Tour!

It includes unlimited drinks, lunch, a visit to the Marietas Islands, and a fun group to share the day with!

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Sayulita Beach photos
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Beach umbrellas on Sayulita Beach
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Small convenience store

THINGS TO DO AT PLAYA SAYULITA

To make the most of your time during your visit to this spectacular beach in Sayulita, I have put together a list of awesome things to do that you absolutely can’t miss!

GO SURFING

Sayulita was originally put on the map by surfers, so you’re in for a treat whether you’re a beginner surfer or someone with plenty of experience.

There are three surf breaks at Playa Sayulita Nayarit:

  • the very south side of the bay is a calm beach break for beginners 
  • the middle break is for intermediate surfers featuring a left-hand and right-hand wave
  • and further north there is another intermediate surf break featuring a left-hand wave

For those of you who already know how to surf, you can simply rent a board from Sayulita Surf School for around 100 pesos per session.

And if you have never surfed before, this is your chance to learn and I highly recommend booking a surf lesson with an experienced surf coach.

BOOK NOW: Surf Lesson In Sayulita
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Sayulita Playa
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Sayulita Surf School

GET A MASSAGE

What better way to unwind and relax than getting a massage on the beach with the sound of crashing waves in the background?! 

There are a number of massage tents dotted along Sayulita Beach and the cost is around 400-500 MXN ($20 – $25) depending on which type of massage you get.

Some options include relaxation, deep tissue, sports massage, aromatherapy, back massage, and leg massage.

I personally got a deep-tissue massage and it sure did hit the spot.

The BEST Hotel in Sayulita

ysuri hotel 3

Need a place to stay? Hotel Ysuri Sayulita is conveniently located near Sayulita Beach.

Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Hotel Ysuri offers the best of both worlds.

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Massage oN Playas de Nayarit Sayulita

ORDER A MARGARITA

After getting the best massage Sayulita, sipping on a Margarita is the best way to enjoy the day!

Arguably one of the best margaritas I’ve had was ordered right from the comfort of my beach chair at Playa Sayulita Nayarit Mexico for just 100 MXN ($5)!

RELATED ARTICLE: 27 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAYULITA

There are many local beach vendors that will make will take care of you, so you don’t even have to worry about getting off your butt to get something to eat or drink.

When it comes to paying your bill, it’s a courtesy to tip your beach waiters or waitresses around 15-20%.

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Sipping on a classic margarita
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Couldn’t resist another one when in Sayulita Playa

CHILL OUT AT COCO’S BEACH CLUB

Coco’s Beach Club is the go-to spot for food, drinks, and nighttime beach parties on Sayulita Playa!

Boasting a great selection of cocktails, cold beers, and delicious food, you can choose to sit inside under the large palapa, or perch up at one of the beachside tables and feel the sand between your toes.

There’s also an epic rooftop dining area overlooking the ocean that I highly recommend checking out when coming to this beach club Sayulita!

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Coco’s Beach Club Sayulita
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Sayulita Beach photos from the rooftop

The BEST Affordable Camera For Travel

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If you’re on the hunt for a professional camera for traveling, check out the Canon G7 X Mark II.

This tiny camera fits in your pocket, captures high-quality photos and videos, and has Wi-Fi so you can instantly transfer to your phone!

TAKE A REFRESHING DIP

Basically everywhere along the beach is an ideal spot to go swimming apart from right in front of the river mouth where there are some rocky outcrops.

So what are you waiting for?! Round up your friends and family for a big beach day and be sure to take a refreshing dip in the ocean to cool off.

RELATED ARTICLE: 4-WEEK MEXICO ITINERARY

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Refreshing waters at the beach

HIKE TO MALPASO BEACH

If you’re up for an adventure, head north along the shoreline of the main beach where you’ll find a jungle trail that leads over the headland to Malpaso Beach (Playa Malpaso).

Malpaso features a long sandy shoreline and is very much secluded away from the crowds.

You won’t find any beach vendors or umbrellas here, so be prepared with everything you need in the way of food and drinks if you venture up this way.

When you arrive you’ll be spoiled with the whole beach to yourself and there are even some small caves to explore!

You just don’t have a good enough reason not to explore the other Sayulita Mexico beaches!

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Playa Malpaso
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The coastal trail

WATCH THE SUNSET AT PLAYA SAYULITA

You can’t leave Sayulita without witnessing a burning sunset over the Pacific Ocean!

Each sunset is different from the last and you’ll find many bars playing music along the beach to enjoy a sundowner, or simply throw down a towel on the sand and BYO drinks and beats.

It’s a bloody good vibe and a fantastic way to end a fun-filled day at the beach.

MUST READ: BEST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR ANY TRIP

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Sunset beach bar
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Sunset on the shoreline

VISIT PLAYA LOS MUERTOS

A short 10-minute walk to the south of Sayulita Main Beach, Playa Los Muertos is a hidden little cove surrounded by coconut palm trees and away from the crowds.

Here you can find beach umbrellas to rent, a small bar, and beach vendors. There is a cemetery just back from the beach which is how this beach gets its name.

There are also some rocky outcrops at both ends of the beach which can be explored.

Needless to say, you won’t regret visiting the Sayulita Mexico beaches.

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Playa Los Muertos Sayulita
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Playa Los Muertos – Playas de Sayulita

Protect Yo’ Thangs!

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Keep your cash and other valuables safe with the Pacsafe Anti-Theft Hidden Waist Wallet.

With RFID-blocking and a slash-resistant strap, you’ll never be pick-pocketed again!

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Had enough of sandy toes and salty kisses?!

A short stone’s throwback from the beach you can find countless retail stores from surf shops, artisan wear, homewares, jewelry, artworks, and much more!

It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a souvenir for yourself or treat someone back home with a little gift.

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Market stalls in Sayulita
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Did someone say shopping spree?

WHAT TO PACK FOR SAYULITA

When visiting Sayulita Playa Nayarit, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden Money Wallet

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Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!


Reusable Water Bottle

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The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!


Travel Backpack

Nomatic 20L Bag

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!


Quick-Dry Travel Towel

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The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!


Portable PowerBank

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Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

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FINAL THOUGHTS – SAYULITA BEACH MEXICO

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about Sayulita Playa Nayarit, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations, including Playa de Sayulita, to our awesome community!

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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

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Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.


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Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.


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Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.


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THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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