This laid-back surf city, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, is thought for its sandy seashores, colourful Huichol tradition, and delightful coastal views. Though it’s not as fashionable as its huge brother Puerto Vallarta down south, Sayulita remains to be a tremendous vacation spot if you happen to’re in search of one thing slightly extra off the crushed path.
There’s one thing in Sayulita for each kind of traveler, whether or not you wish to hit the seashore to work in your tan, store by the city choosing up native handicrafts, or sail alongside the coast admiring the colourful sundown. Listed here are just a few of our favourite sights and sights that you just gained’t wish to miss throughout your go to to Sayulita.
1. Go Browsing at Sayulita Seaside
If there’s one exercise you should do whereas visiting Sayulita, it’s browsing. The sun-soaked seashores, rolling waves, and laid-backed vibes make this considered one of Mexico’s finest surf cities. Sayulita Seaside is likely one of the finest (and most centrally situated) seashores for newcomers and skilled surfers alike. Nevertheless, it tends to be one of many extra crowded locations, as properly. Should you’re trying to escape the crowds, we suggest heading to the Cove, Litibu Seaside, or La Lancha.
Should you’re by no means been on a surfboard earlier than – don’t fear. There are a selection of board rental outlets and tons of surf colleges the place you may study the abilities and methods earlier than hopping within the ocean. The calm waters and mild waves make Sayulita an incredible place for studying find out how to surf.
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2. Store within the Sayulita Hippie Market
With eclectic outlets and colourful boutiques, Sayulita is a client’s paradise. Whereas there are quite a few locations the place you may choose up handicrafts and distinctive souvenirs, the Sayulita Hippie Market is arguably the most effective. Positioned subsequent to the baseball stadium by the river, this every day market options tons of native goodies and humanities and crafts.
Stroll from one sales space to a different and store for crocheted dream catchers, hand-painted collectible figurines, and colourful garments and textiles that make wonderful presents or souvenirs out of your time in Sayulita.
3. Go Whale Watching in Banderas Bay
Should you occur to be in Sayulita anytime from December to March, then you definitely’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime alternative to see these majestic creatures up shut. Yearly, roughly 700 whales make their approach to the hotter waters of Baja, California from Canada to mate and provides start. Throughout this time, you’ll have the ability to take a ship tour to go to them as they swim round with their new calves.
Many various tour firms supply a whale-watching expertise in the course of the winter. Whereas sightings aren’t assured, they’re frequent, particularly off the coast of Banderas Bay. We suggest this whale-watching tour.
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4. Take a Boat Tour of Islas Marietas
Positioned 5 miles off the coast close to Sayulita sits a gaggle of small uninhabited islands often called Islas Marietas. The islands are largely undeveloped as they’re protected by the Mexican authorities for his or her abundance of unique vegetation and wildlife. Blue-footed boobies, reef corals, manta rays, dolphins, and humpback whales are only a few of the creatures that make their dwelling across the islands.
In case you are reserving one tour to your whole journey this might be it! We suggest this tour to Islas Marietas. You gained’t be dissatisfied.
As a result of conservation efforts to protect the pure surroundings and coral reef, solely licensed tour guides are literally allowed to enter and dock on the islands. Many firms supply seashore excursions to Lengthy Island, mixed with snorkeling or scuba diving within the close by reefs. Nevertheless, it’s positively price visiting to see some of the pristine landscapes that Mexico has to supply.
5. Day Journey to Puerto Vallarta
Take a brief one-hour drive down the coast and go to some of the lovely cities on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta is a well-liked seashore resort with miles of sandy shoreline and dozens of locations the place you may absorb the solar. Nevertheless, it additionally has a captivating metropolis heart filled with winding cobblestone alleys and spectacular church buildings (the Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe is essentially the most architecturally beautiful).
You’ll additionally wish to stroll alongside the Malecon, a paved pedestrian walkway that snakes alongside the shore of the coast. There are quite a few sculptures alongside the best way, in addition to loads of cafes, bars, and meals stalls. Throughout the night, this promenade is a well-liked haunt spot for locals and households that dwell within the metropolis.
6. Go Ziplining over Bandera’s Bay
Thrillseekers – get able to fly your method by the rainforest of Punta de Mita on this thrilling ziplining tour. Consisting of 10 completely different strains, that is the longest and quickest zipline course in all of Riviera Nayarit. Soar excessive above the canopies (4,000-feet excessive) when you velocity by the forest at 60 miles an hour, admiring the breathtaking views of Banderas Bay.
Don’t be stunned if you happen to see unique wildlife throughout your journey. Deers, horses, bulls, wild boars, and even alligators could also be lurking deep throughout the forest. This tour additionally features a scrumptious tequila tasting on the finish of your journey. This tour appears to be like unbelievable!
7. Horseback Using on the Seaside
Is there something extra romantic than a soothing horseback journey alongside the seashores of Sayulita? After you meet your information on the ranch, you and your trusty steed will trot by the city, admiring the completely different native outlets and homes. Extra on the tour right here.
You then’ll make your method into the depths of the rainforest, surrounded by lush vines and dense foliage. Quickly, you’ll arrive on the seashore, the place you’ll have the chance to gallop along with your horse alongside the shoreline.
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8. Go Tequila Tasting
Whereas most individuals cringe when they consider taking tequila photographs, we assure {that a} tasting at one of many tequila distilleries in Sayulita will change your thoughts about this tasty liquor. One among our favourite locations is Agave Liquors, a distillery that produces tequila, mezcal, Raicilla, and Sotol.
One other fashionable selection for tequila tastings is thru the Tequila Expertise. They arrive on to your own home or trip rental and arrange a complete tequila-tasting night for you and your mates or relations. You’ll pattern 10 various kinds of tequila and study in regards to the cultivation and distilling processes.
9. Watch the Sundown on Carricitos Seaside
Though Sayulita isn’t recognized for its sunsets (it’s north-facing), you can also make the fast stroll over to Carricitos Seaside if you happen to’re in search of these colourful views. This lovely space is simply on the opposite aspect of the Punta Sayulita, though it seems like a completely completely different world as soon as the solar units behind the horizon.
From downtown, Carricitos Seaside is only a 20-minute stroll or 10-minute golf cart journey west alongside Niños Heroes. It’s a lot much less crowded than Sayulita Seaside, and if you happen to’re fortunate, you may get your complete seashore to your self. There aren’t any distributors round, so be sure that to convey your individual drinks or meals if you happen to’re hoping to remain right here for just a few hours.
One of many causes we love Sayulita is for the sunsets. If in case you have been following us or learn a few of our different articles, you realize we actually love Holbox, Tulum, and Bacalar, however all of them are lacking nice sunsets!
10. Hike Monkey Mountain
Should you’re hoping to burn just a few additional energy throughout your trip, then the trek up Monkey Mountain is a good way to get some train. This four-mile out-and-back path takes you to the summit of the mountain, the place you’ll be rewarded with endless views over the Ocean, Sayulita, and even Punta Mita.
Whereas the hike isn’t too lengthy, it’s considerably steep, which may be difficult for inexperienced hikers or these touring with youngsters. Nevertheless, many of the path is shaded, so that you gained’t should endure by the noon warmth when you ascend the summit.
11. Bask in Artistic and Wholesome Dishes
You may’t go to Sayulita and never discuss in regards to the wonderful gastronomy scene. From genuine avenue meals to freshly grilled fish and lobster, Sayulita has a number of the most numerous eating places on the coast. Head to Sayulita Fish Tacos for scrumptious Mexican meals (and 300 kinds of tequila) or to La Rustica for wood-fired pizza. It’s additionally price visiting Don Pedro’s Restaurant Bar if you happen to’re in search of sweeping water views and open-aired eating.
Whereas Sayulita has an enormous number of completely different eating places and cafes, you’ll most likely discover that there are usually extra vegetarian and vegan choices in comparison with a variety of different locations in Mexico. The well being meals scene in Sayulita is booming, and also you’ll have loads of decisions if you happen to’re craving one thing on the lighter aspect, like bowls, smoothies, and salads. Café’ el Fortin, Organi-k, and La Esperanza are only a few of our favorites for wholesome meals.
12. Go Snorkeling within the Ocean
The abundance of colourful corals, tropical corals, and unique marine life makes Sayulita an incredible vacation spot for snorkeling. Nevertheless, you’ll should put in slightly effort in an effort to discover a number of the finest snorkeling spots. Sayulita Seaside could also be centrally situated, however the waters are higher fitted to surfers and swimmers than snorkelers. Should you’re trying to snorkel off-shore, then we suggest taking the quick stroll over to Punta Los Arcos, Carrictos, or Playa de Los Muertos As a substitute.
It’s additionally doable to take a ship for a extra distant snorkeling tour. The waters across the Islas Marietas are teeming with life, making this considered one of Sayulita’s hottest snorkeling locations. You’ll even have the possibility to see extra distinctive marine creatures, like octopi, blowfish, sea horses, and manta rays.
13. Go on an ATV Tour
Though you may primarily discover Sayulita on foot, among the finest methods to see the hidden sights and sights is by an adventurous ATV tour. This two-hour ATV tour begins with a journey by city, the place you may absorb the vibes of the village heart and sandy seashores.
Then, you’ll make your approach to the Cerro de La Loca mountain, the place you’ll benefit from the scenic landscapes and pure great thing about this rugged, untouched panorama. The views from the Cerro del Mono overlook are nothing in need of spectacular. Then, you’ll head again down the mountain and in the direction of the Questo seashore, the place you and your group can chill out on the white sand.
14. Store on the Sayulita Farmers Market
As the one farmer’s market in all of Nayarit, the Sayulita Farmers Market is a must-see for foodies and buyers. Though it’s solely open on Fridays from November to April (the rising season), it’s price stopping by to feast your eyes on the native, natural merchandise sourced from across the space.
Right here, you’ll discover virtually 80 completely different distributors promoting various kinds of merchandise, from natural greens and home made yogurts to oven-baked bread and artisan spices and sauces. It’s additionally an incredible place simply to come back for a snack, as there are quite a few meals distributors and stalls the place you may seize a chunk to eat. Better of all, all of the proceeds of this not-for-profit market are donated to completely different native initiatives like kids’s parks, river clear up, and researching biodegradable cleansing provides.
15. Take pleasure in a Luxurious Catamaran Cruise
Why spend your whole trip on land when you may head out into the ocean for an exhilarating day of journey? Ally Cat Crusing Excursions hosts a number of the coolest boating excursions within the Bay of Banderas. They’ve three completely different boats, the unique 56-foot Ally Cat, the smaller 50-foot Ally Cat Too, and the high-powered 60-foot Fats Cat Yacht.
The day journeys are nice for many who wish to play within the water, with swim steps, slides, and diving platforms. You too can simply chill on the decks whereas listening to music or sightseeing when you cruise round Islas Marietas.
The sundown cruises are additionally fairly outstanding, as you’ll have front-row tickets to the mesmerizing colours of oranges and pinks because the solar units behind the horizon when you benefit from the open tropical cocktail bar. Should you’re fortunate, you may also spot dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and if you happen to’re visiting throughout winter, humpback whales.
What are your favourite issues to do in Sayulita?
Sayulita is really one of many finest locations in Mexico, and we will’t wait to return.