Sayulita: Your Ultimate Guide to Mexico’s Hidden Gem
Tucked away along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, Sayulita is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret- where colorful streets meet golden beaches, and time seems to slow down just enough for you to breathe it all in. Once a sleepy fishing village, Sayulita has blossomed into a vibrant surf town with bohemian charm, yet it’s managed to hold onto its laid-back soul. From morning surf sessions and jungle hikes to fresh ceviche and sunsets that light up the sky, Sayulita will capture your heart. Check out this ultimate guide to Mexico’s hidden gem, whether you’re chasing off-the-beaten-path adventures or simply looking to unwind with a drink in hand.
Day 1
Arrive in Puerto Vallarta and catch your ride to Sayulita. Check in to your accommodations, unpack and get settled. Then head out to explore the small town. There are plenty of options for cute patios to grab a drink and snacks. We had a sunset dinner on the beach.
We hired 2 cars as we were travelling with 4 couples and 2 children. You can easily get an Uber or taxi from the airport. Another option is the bus, which leaves every 20-30 minutes and is only 60 pesos. The drive to Sayulita is about an hour.
Where to Stay
One of the best things about Sayulita is that there are no large hotels or all-inclusive resorts. This leaves the overall vibe much more relaxed and offers an authentic view of Mexico. If you choose a hotel in town, almost everything will be within walking distance. If you choose an Airbnb/VRBO up on the hill, you will also want to rent golf carts. Getting around with a car is cumbersome and unnecessary. Golf carts fit the small streets much better, and you will be in good company as this is the way the majority of people get around.
We stayed in the most amazing VRBO. Each room was completely detached from one another with private baths. This open-air home was beautifully designed with fun touches like a tree trunk going through the shower and intricate stone designs on the spiral stairs.
Check out these other amazing accommodations:
Casa Mar with Private Beach
Gated 5 acre property with private beach
Las Hadas Del Mar
This is TRULY one of the most amazing villas in Sayulita
Riviera Sayulita Hotel
Aparthotel with free parking, a quick walk to Sayulita Square
Day 2
Easy lazy morning at the house. We had a private chef that came to prepare us breakfast each morning. The home we rented was spectacular, with amazing views, so much of this trip centered around taking full advantage of such luxury.
We took the golf carts into town to do some shopping and exploring. The afternoon was spent at the beach enjoying the warm water, building sandcastles and people watching. We wrapped up this day back at our house, taking in the sights from the infinity pool and relaxing with our friends.
Here are some other great activities to do in Sayulita:
Day 3
The guys left early for a fishing expedition while the girls had a slow morning before heading into town for lunch. The sleepy town of Sayulita is such a lovely place to visit in the shoulder seasons (Oct-Nov & Apr-May). It was not overcrowded, and the weather was perfect. Shopping ranges from inexpensive to some very pricey shops. There is something for everyone to enjoy. We spent the early afternoon hours relaxing by the pool awaiting the return of our fish!
The guys brought back a large haul of Mahi Mahi. We gave some to the private chef so she could curate a beautiful dinner for us the following night. For this nights’ dinner, we brought the fish to a local restaurant, and they prepared numerous dishes using the Mahi Mahi. From ceviche, to sashimi, to various fried versions. The spread was absolutely amazing, and I would highly recommend asking a local restaurant to do the same for you if you go fishing!
Other great places to eat:
Day 4
Mid-morning departure to the marina to catch a catamaran with Ally Cat Sailing. This was a 5 hour, completely catered adventure. There was a full bar, fresh spreads for snacks, and a full lunch menu. We dropped anchor 2 times and got off the boat to snorkel, swim, and relax on the floating pad. This was a special excursion for sure and would have felt quite costly if not split between 4 couples.
Our dinner this evening was absolutely amazing. The private chef and her crew outdid themselves with the meal that featured the Mahi Mahi caught by our guys.
Day 5
We hired the same 2 cars to bring us back to the airport. Depending on the time of year, it can get quite busy at the Puerto Vallarta airport so you will want to plan accordingly.
Have you been to Sayulita or have questions about planning a trip? I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and share your thoughts or experiences. And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to subscribe for more hidden gems, travel tips, and destination inspiration straight to your inbox.
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