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 exquisite coastal views. Though it’s not as well-liked as its massive brother Puerto Vallarta down south, Sayulita continues to be a tremendous vacation spot if you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing a little bit extra off the overwhelmed path.
There’s one thing in Sayulita for each kind of traveler, whether or not you wish to hit the seaside to work in your tan, store via the city selecting up native handicrafts, or sail alongside the coast admiring the colourful sundown. Listed here are a number of of our favourite sights and sights that you just received’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 one in all Mexico’s finest surf cities. Sayulita Seaside is among the finest (and most centrally situated) seashores for rookies and skilled surfers alike. Nevertheless, it tends to be one of many extra crowded locations, as nicely. When you’re trying to escape the crowds, we suggest heading to the Cove, Litibu Seaside, or La Lancha.
When 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 faculties the place you may study the abilities and methods earlier than hopping within the ocean. The calm waters and mild waves make Sayulita a terrific place for studying the way 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 each 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 glorious items or souvenirs out of your time in Sayulita.
3. Go Whale Watching in Banderas Bay
When you occur to be in Sayulita anytime from December to March, you then’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime alternative to see these majestic creatures up shut. Yearly, roughly 700 whales make their solution to the hotter waters of Baja, California from Canada to mate and provides delivery. 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 corporations provide a whale-watching expertise through 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 crops and wildlife. Blue-footed boobies, reef corals, manta rays, dolphins, and humpback whales are only a few of the creatures that make their residence across the islands.
In case you are reserving one tour to your whole journey this is able to be it! We suggest this tour to Islas Marietas. You received’t be dissatisfied.
As a result of conservation efforts to protect the pure setting and coral reef, solely licensed tour guides are literally allowed to enter and dock on the islands. Many corporations provide seaside excursions to Lengthy Island, mixed with snorkeling or scuba diving within the close by reefs. Nevertheless, it’s undoubtedly price visiting to see probably the most 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 probably the most lovely cities on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta is a well-liked seaside resort with miles of sandy shoreline and dozens of locations the place you may absorb the solar. Nevertheless, it additionally has an enthralling 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 way in which, 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 reside within the metropolis.
6. Go Ziplining over Bandera’s Bay
Thrillseekers – get able to fly your manner via the rainforest of Punta de Mita on this thrilling ziplining tour. Consisting of 10 completely different traces, that is the longest and quickest zipline course in all of Riviera Nayarit. Soar excessive above the canopies (4,000-feet excessive) when you pace via the forest at 60 miles an hour, admiring the breathtaking views of Banderas Bay.
Don’t be shocked 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 unimaginable!
7. Horseback Driving 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 via the city, admiring the completely different native outlets and homes. Extra on the tour right here.
Then you definately’ll make your manner into the depths of the rainforest, surrounded by lush vines and dense foliage. Quickly, you’ll arrive on the seaside, the place you’ll have the chance to gallop together with your horse alongside the shoreline.
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8. Go Tequila Tasting
Whereas most individuals cringe when they give thought to taking tequila pictures, we assure {that a} tasting at one of many tequila distilleries in Sayulita will change your thoughts about this tasty liquor. One in every of our favourite locations is Agave Liquors, a distillery that produces tequila, mezcal, Raicilla, and Sotol.
One other well-liked 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 identified for its sunsets (it’s north-facing), you can also make the short stroll over to Carricitos Seaside if you happen to’re on the lookout for these colourful views. This lovely space is simply on the opposite aspect of the Punta Sayulita, though it looks 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 would possibly get all the seaside to your self. There aren’t any distributors round, so be sure to carry your personal drinks or meals if you happen to’re hoping to remain right here for a number of hours.
One of many causes we love Sayulita is for the sunsets. You probably have been following us or learn a few of our different articles, you already know we actually love Holbox, Tulum, and Bacalar, however all of them are lacking nice sunsets!
10. Hike Monkey Mountain
When you’re hoping to burn a number of 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 unending views over the Ocean, Sayulita, and even Punta Mita.
Whereas the hike isn’t too lengthy, it’s considerably steep, which might be difficult for inexperienced hikers or these touring with youngsters. Nevertheless, a lot of the path is shaded, so that you received’t should undergo via the noon warmth when you ascend the summit.
11. Bask in Artistic and Wholesome Dishes
You’ll be able to’t go to Sayulita and never discuss in regards to the wonderful gastronomy scene. From genuine road 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 sorts 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 on the lookout for 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 typically extra vegetarian and vegan choices in comparison with quite a lot of different locations in Mexico. The well being meals scene in Sayulita is booming, and also you’ll have loads of selections 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 a terrific vacation spot for snorkeling. Nevertheless, you’ll should put in a little bit effort with the intention 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. When 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 attainable to take a ship for a extra distant snorkeling tour. The waters across the Islas Marietas are teeming with life, making this one in all 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, top-of-the-line methods to see the hidden sights and sights is by an adventurous ATV tour. This two-hour ATV tour begins with a journey via city, the place you may absorb the vibes of the village heart and sandy seashores.
Then, you’ll make your solution to the Cerro de La Loca mountain, the place you’ll benefit from the scenic landscapes and pure fantastic thing about this rugged, untouched panorama. The views from the Cerro del Mono overlook are nothing wanting spectacular. Then, you’ll head again down the mountain and in direction of the Questo seaside, the place you and your group can calm down 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 a terrific place simply to come back for a snack, as there are quite a few meals distributors and stalls the place you may seize a chew to eat. Better of all, all of the proceeds of this not-for-profit market are donated to completely different native initiatives like youngsters’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 individuals who wish to play within the water, with swim steps, slides, and diving platforms. It’s also possible to simply chill on the decks whereas listening to music or sightseeing when you cruise round Islas Marietas.
The sundown cruises are additionally fairly exceptional, as you’ll have front-row tickets to the mesmerizing colours of oranges and pinks because the solar units behind the horizon when you reap the benefits of the open tropical cocktail bar. When you’re fortunate, you may additionally 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 are able to’t wait to return.
