Surviving Paradise: Quirky and Essential Things to do in Sayulita

Essential Things To Do In Sayulita Without Looking Like A Tourist Stereotype

The things to do in Sayulita range from the sublimely authentic to the ridiculously touristy, often occurring simultaneously on the same street corner. The key to enjoying this contradiction is embracing both while pretending you’re doing neither. From surfing waves that don’t appear in any beginner’s manual to haggling over handicrafts you don’t have room for in your suitcase, here’s how to experience Sayulita without becoming the foreigner locals use as a cautionary tale.

Surf Like You Know What You’re Doing (Even If You Don’t)

Surfing in Sayulita is less optional than it is a municipal requirement—even if your previous water sports experience is limited to aggressive poolside lounging. The main beach offers forgiving morning waves perfect for beginners, while the north beaches provide challenges that separate the genuinely skilled from those who just look good in board shorts. For best conditions, hit the water between 7-10am before the wind picks up and the crowds materialize like a flash mob of sunscreen and misplaced confidence.

Board rentals run $20-30 daily or $50-70 weekly from reputable shops like Tigre Surf Shop or Sayulita Surf School. First-timers should invest in lessons ($40-60 for group sessions, $75-100 for private torture—er, instruction) from established outfits like Lunazul or Patricia’s Surf School, where instructors possess the patience of kindergarten teachers on meditation retreats. November through April delivers the most consistent waves, though expect to navigate a complex pecking order where locals rightfully claim priority and tourists are expected to wait their turn with appropriate humility.

Beach-Hopping Beyond the Main Strip

While Sayulita’s main beach serves as the town’s sandy living room, escaping the vendor gauntlet becomes necessary around day three. Playa de los Muertos, despite its cheerful “Beach of the Dead” moniker, offers calmer waters and fewer crowds just a 10-minute walk south of town center through the cemetery (follow the path past the gravestones, which seems ominous but is actually quite pleasant). The beach delivers natural shade from palms and mercifully fewer hawkers offering bracelets you’ll never wear again after your tan fades.

For true escape, trek 20 minutes north to Carricitos Beach for wild waves and minimal development, or grab a taxi ($15-20 each way) to San Pancho (officially San Francisco) for a more laid-back scene that resembles what Sayulita looked like before Instagram discovered it. Remember that these beaches lack vendors, meaning you’ll need to bring your own refreshments and sunscreen—which costs approximately three times more in Sayulita ($15-25 for quality SPF) than what you’d pay at home. Consider bringing reef-safe sunscreen from home, as the coral doesn’t need your chemical contribution.

Dining Adventures from Street Corner to White Tablecloth

Sayulita’s culinary scene perfectly illustrates Mexico’s democratic approach to deliciousness—some of the best meals come from street carts with plastic stools while others arrive on white tablecloths with stemware. Start with street tacos at El Itacate on Calle Jose Mariscal, where $1-3 delivers handheld perfection that makes those $15 “authentic” tacos back home seem like highway robbery. For seafood, the blue painted El Costeño fish stand offers fresh catch tostadas for under $5 that would cost $20 at any coastal restaurant in California.

Mid-range spots like Mary’s and Yeikame serve traditional Mexican dishes in the $10-20 per person range with enough atmosphere to justify changing out of your beach clothes. For special occasions, Achara offers Thai-Mexican fusion (an unlikely but successful marriage) or Don Pedro’s right on the beach provides oceanfront dining with entrees in the $35-70 range. The breakfast scene centers around Chocobanana for morning fuel with reliable WiFi for those pretending not to work on vacation, while Yah-Yah Sayulita Coffee serves espresso strong enough to counteract last night’s mezcal experiments.

Food safety doesn’t require paranoia, just common sense. Stick to bottled water, patronize busy street stands (high turnover equals freshness), and remember that the most immaculate-looking restaurant can still harbor questionable ice cubes. The “Sayulita sickness” strikes indiscriminately but tends to spare those who pop a daily probiotic and avoid drinking from the tap—even accidentally while brushing teeth.

Shopping That Actually Supports Local Artists

Sayulita specializes in separating tourists from their discretionary income through a dazzling array of handicrafts—some authentic, others mass-produced imports with “Mexican” styling. For genuine Huichol art featuring intricate beadwork and yarn paintings, visit Galeria Tanana, where pieces range from $25 for small items to $500+ for complex works requiring weeks of labor. The indigenous Huichol artists create geometric patterns and spiritual symbols representing their cosmology, making them legitimate cultural artifacts rather than airport gift shop fodder.

The Friday market (10am-2pm in the plaza) showcases local artisans selling everything from silver jewelry to organic produce. For everyday shopping, avoid the obviously touristy spots on the main square in favor of shops like Revolucion del Sueño or Pachamama, which feature contemporary Mexican designs rather than mass-market sombreros. Haggling remains appropriate at markets and street stands (start at 70% of the asking price) but is considered poor form in established shops with fixed prices. For larger purchases, Estafeta offers shipping services that cost less than the excess baggage fees your airline will charge.

Adventure Activities Beyond Surfing

When your shoulders revolt against paddling practice, Sayulita offers land-based adventures to supplement beach time. Jungle hiking trails crisscross the hills surrounding town, ranging from easy 30-minute strolls to challenging 3-hour treks. The Monkey Mountain hike delivers panoramic views after a moderately difficult 45-minute climb—bring twice as much water as you think you’ll need and watch for snakes sunning themselves on the path.

From December through March, whale watching tours ($50-80 per person) provide front-row views of humpbacks breaching and slapping tails against the water. Fishing charters ($200-400 for half-day trips) yield dorado, tuna, and sailfish depending on the season. Horseback riding along the beach and through jungle trails costs $40-60 for 2-hour guided rides, while boat trips to the Marietas Islands ($80-120) include snorkeling at the famous “hidden beach” accessible only by swimming through a rock tunnel at specific tide conditions. For the spiritually inclined, drop-in yoga classes ($10-15) at studios like Paraiso Yoga offer ocean-view savasana.

Where to Sleep: From Beach Shacks to Boutique Luxury

Accommodations in Sayulita span from hammocks-with-walls to villas-with-infinity-pools. Budget travelers can secure hostel beds for $15-30 nightly at spots like Amazing Hostel or The Sayulita Hostel, while basic hotels like Hotel Sayulita Central offer private rooms with minimal amenities for $40-70 per night. These options typically provide fans rather than air conditioning—a distinction that becomes critically important between May and October.

Mid-range accommodations ($100-200 nightly) include boutique hotels like Petit Hotel Hafa or Aurinko Bungalows with air conditioning, reliable hot water, and tasteful Mexican decor. For luxury seekers, Villa Amor or the hillside Siete Lunas provide spectacular ocean views, private plunge pools, and full kitchens for $250-600 per night. Location matters tremendously—central accommodations put you in the heart of the action (and noise), while hillside lodging offers tranquility at the cost of potentially thigh-destroying walks home.

Book accommodations at least three months ahead for high season (December-April), especially for Christmas and Easter weeks when occupancy hits 100%. Always confirm essential amenities before booking—air conditioning, water pressure, and backup generators aren’t universal. Many vacation rentals list “partial ocean views” which often translates to “if you stand on a chair and lean out the window, you might glimpse a sliver of blue on a clear day.” Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer extensive options, though local agencies like Sayulita Life typically provide better on-the-ground support.

Practical Matters: Getting There, Getting Around, Staying Safe

Puerto Vallarta’s international airport serves as the gateway to Sayulita, with the actual journey taking 90 minutes by taxi ($50-80) or significantly longer via public transportation. The budget route involves an airport taxi to the Sayulita bus stop ($10) and then catching the local bus ($2) for a scenic but sluggish journey. Once in town, everything within the central area sits within walking distance, though renting a golf cart ($50-70 daily) or bicycle ($10-15 daily) helps combat the heat and extends your exploration range.

Cash remains king in Sayulita despite increasing credit card acceptance. ATMs dispense pesos with foreign transaction fees ranging from reasonable to criminal, so bring cash and make larger withdrawals to minimize fees. Many establishments add 5-8% surcharges for credit card payments. For connectivity, T-Mobile and ATandT plans typically work without additional fees, while Verizon users should purchase international packages or grab a local SIM card.

Safety in Sayulita rarely involves serious crime but rather petty theft and traffic hazards. Don’t leave valuables unattended at the beach, avoid walking alone on isolated beaches after dark, and watch for local drivers who consider stop signs more as decor than traffic control. The nearest pharmacy stocks basics, while the small local clinic handles minor issues. For serious medical concerns, Puerto Vallarta offers international-standard hospitals. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation provides peace of mind without excessively tempting fate.