Sayulita Beach
Sayulita Beach
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- Devon2014Regina, Canada48 contributionsVery pretty beach but check water qualitySayulita Beach is beautiful but can get crowded. It is unclear how clean the water is so check out official reports before you go. Supposedly the new water treatment plant has eliminated problems but some official reports online still have high counts of things you don't want to swim in. On the other hand, there are lots of people swimming and surfing so maybe it's okay. In Sayulita itself, you'll need cash - most places (stores, cafes, taxis) don't accept credit cards.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 9, 2024
- JustmythoughtsPlymouth, Wisconsin40 contributionsSee previous commentThere are a few things to know if you plan on traveling to Sayulita. 1. Everything here is fairly reasonably priced 2. Most of the food you get at restaurants is Mexican and not tons of variety. 3. Dogs roam free here. Watch where you step; sidewalk, streets, and beach. 4. The Flies here are for real. 5. Everyone here is really nice 6. You can get a cab or golf cart but you can absolutely walk everywhere in Sayulita. We put on atleast 5 miles per day. 7. It is very busy here and loud. There isn't a quiet part of sayulitaVisited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 11, 2024
- Fernando D4 contributionsA place that you should know without having much timeIt is a very quiet beach and is ideal for learning to surf. It is a very busy beach on weekends, especially by locals. There is a large number of foreign visitors; in which some reside there. The town is picturesque although small. Food is affordable in most placesVisited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 8, 2024
- Eva_in_CAPalo Alto, California34 contributionsA great time in SayulitaI had heard about the issues with the sanitation line back in January and February, and apparently some people reported getting sick. I was worried about our spring break trip from the stories, but had the best time and no one got sick. It looks like repairs were made and the water quality was tested. We swam in the ocean and surfed and had no issues. We ate out a lot, but only at reputable place (no oysters on the beach for us). The weather was fantastic, food was great, and locals were friendly. A great Mexican community. We'll be back.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 11, 2024
- Javier GAlicante, Spain8,200 contributionsThe hippie-chic of NayaritSAYULITA (from Nahuatl: Sayolin, “place of flies”) is a small tourist town located in the municipality of Bahia de Banderas in the southern Mexican state of Nayarit, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Sayulita is a hippie-chic surfer village and a destination thanks to its white sand beaches and proximity to Puerto Vallarta. It is a colorful town, whose coastline has become an important surfing destination in Mexico, for all levels, when the best time of year to surf in Sayulita is from December to April because the waves coming from the north are constant. And where its beaches stand out, such as Playa Norte, Playa Malpaso, Playa Las Cuevas, Playa Los Muertos, Playa La Lancha,...Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 18, 2024
- Christina RPortland, Oregon131 contributionsPerfect Family Beach in SayulitaSayulita's beach is the ideal spot for a fun and relaxing day by the ocean! The calm, shallow waters near the shore are perfect for kids to splash around safely, while the gentle waves further out make it an excellent place to learn how to surf. Whether you’re new to the sport or just want to have fun, the beach has plenty of surf schools and equipment rentals, including boogie boards and paddleboards. One of the best parts? You can rent a lounge chair and umbrella for the day, which makes it so easy to stay comfortable while soaking up the beach vibes. The convenience of ordering food and drinks from a neighboring restaurant is a huge bonus—you can enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks without leaving your spot. The friendly atmosphere, beautiful views, and versatility make this beach a must-visit for families, beginners, and anyone who loves a well-rounded beach day. Whether you're surfing, lounging, or just playing in the sand, Sayulita’s beach truly has something for everyone!Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 29, 2024
- Explorer40916029 contributionsIt's a party! Go to join but do not expect a relaxing timeI would love to find the person who took the picture of the beach so they can tell me what time they were there to not see one person/vendor/animal in the picture. It's busy, noisy, I mean really noisy and has many dogs running around unsupervised. Could be cute but not when your 8 years old is trying to eat a hamburger for lunch and is surrounded by 5 drawling dogs with no owners in sight. Vendors walk by non stop asking to buy their products and the music from many different people and bars are a complete cacophony. The sewer system spills into the ocean so swimming can be somewhat risky. Overall, relaxation is not what this beach is about. Partying? Sure thing!Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 22, 2024
- Voyage01374923015Brandon, Canada57 contributionsSayulitaNice beach town! Surfing and bogie boarding is good here. Lots of places to eat at. If you are eating at the places on the beach ask if there is a chair rental charge. We found out after the bill came. You can take the bus for 60 pesos each way. Taxi would be over 1000 pesos each way. There are tours that you can take as well.Visited January 2025Traveled with familyWritten January 30, 2025
- Robert CFrederick, Maryland6 contributionsSweet SalulitaSweet little town and lovely beaches. Restaurants and bars were clean and friendly. We used Salulita Suburban for the trip from Puerto Vallarta and they were wonderful. It is a developing destination so it is not outfitted like more touristy places but it is a charming, beautiful place to vacation at a slower pace.Visited January 2025Traveled with familyWritten February 4, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
2,214 reviews
Excellent
979
Very good
621
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298
Poor
154
Terrible
162
OrlandoRachel
Orlando, FL62 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
While there were some interesting stores that had authentic artisan items, we found it to be dirty as well. There were street vendors that approached you but not as bad as some other places I have been in Mexico. They took "no" for an answer and did not follow you around. We found an authentic restaurant that offered a breakfast special for $4.00. We did find out that not all restaurants use filtered water as stated on one of the Sayulita's tourist sites. My coffee, I was told, was not filtered water. Make sure you get pesos at a bank for the best rates (closed Sat Sun) as the small exchange businesses in windows are pricey. We were able to get about 21.50 pesos for dollar and on a Saturday, the window exchangers only offered 17.50. Our taxi in from our hotel was 54.00US because the cheaper taxi apps would not come out. If we agreed to have our driver wait for 3 hrs, our round trip was 108.00 US. If the hotel had to call him back more than 3 hrs, the fee rose to 74.00 return. We decided to pass on scheduling the return. Look for the taxi signs off of the main square. We were able to hire a taxi for approx 30 US to return. The beach was swarming and the conditions of the area just was not enough to make us want to stay and explore. I concur with another reviewer that there was not much of a surfer vibe anymore. While I know the locals need the tourists, the cost of the taxi there and back was not justified for us.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amydeloach
Honolulu, HI861 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
One last magical day. This place is bohemian and full of surprises. Food is amazing. People are genuinely nice. The scenery is indescribable! I’ll definitely be back! I do not recommend driving here because the city is not set up to find where you were going. It is full of dirt roads and obstacles. I would recommend getting a taxi for the round-trip journey. You can rent a golf cart if you really want to avoid walking. I would recommend this trip to anyone. There were families, surfers, fishermen, elderly, and artists.
Written February 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hernandezlucia
Coquitlam, Canada57 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We ventured out to Sayulita from the Hilton in Puerto Vallarta. We took the Compostole (Green lettered bus) that cost 45 pesos per adult and 10 per kid, from the Wal-Mart across the Marina Terminal.
The bus ride there was about an hour long. We had entertainment on the bus (a man boarded the bus to sing, and did very well), had food vendors come aboard throughout the bus ride to sell goods. Make sure you keep about 50 pesos handy on you, incase you crave a fresh squeezed orange juice, or some of their fresh made chips, pork finds, fruits,etc. Or to tip the people that come on board. The bus ride back was almost 2 hours long, there was A LOT of traffic, and according to the locals it's the busiest route, going back into the city. Therefore the bus stopped at every stop. And Uber would of been a better idea, as it was only going to cost us about 20 American dollars. And the commute would of been only 45 min long.
The bus stop at the end has. Washroom that costs 5 pesos to use (it was very clean).
While roaming around we noticed that the prices for souvenirs, hair, etc. We're cheaper than in Puerto Vallarta.
The seafood here is a must. Sayulita Is a well known place for its seafood and surfer waves!
Be prepared to spend as there are a variety of things you can do, and eat, or buy around here.
We recommend renting a mini golf cart, instead of walking through all the cobblestone.
There is also a Sayulita sign at the Plaza de Armas, right across the Church.
Lots of taxis and Ubers available. But no Wi-Fi anywhere.
The bus ride there was about an hour long. We had entertainment on the bus (a man boarded the bus to sing, and did very well), had food vendors come aboard throughout the bus ride to sell goods. Make sure you keep about 50 pesos handy on you, incase you crave a fresh squeezed orange juice, or some of their fresh made chips, pork finds, fruits,etc. Or to tip the people that come on board. The bus ride back was almost 2 hours long, there was A LOT of traffic, and according to the locals it's the busiest route, going back into the city. Therefore the bus stopped at every stop. And Uber would of been a better idea, as it was only going to cost us about 20 American dollars. And the commute would of been only 45 min long.
The bus stop at the end has. Washroom that costs 5 pesos to use (it was very clean).
While roaming around we noticed that the prices for souvenirs, hair, etc. We're cheaper than in Puerto Vallarta.
The seafood here is a must. Sayulita Is a well known place for its seafood and surfer waves!
Be prepared to spend as there are a variety of things you can do, and eat, or buy around here.
We recommend renting a mini golf cart, instead of walking through all the cobblestone.
There is also a Sayulita sign at the Plaza de Armas, right across the Church.
Lots of taxis and Ubers available. But no Wi-Fi anywhere.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James N
6 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This place has gone to hell. The vibe has changed from alternative to the PVR rip off beaches to a far darker place. They don’t take credit cards and will charge you 15 percent markup on exchange for dollars, Need an atm? Good luck. The drug cartels charge $15 per transaction, we had a $29 meal and paid $21 in fees on atm and restaurant. STAY AWAY!!!
Written January 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RNtra
Pasadena, CA44 contributions
This is a cute Mexican beach town very small and all shops restaurants are located within walking distance. Many young and older artists selling cute things on the beach and in boutiques. It’s a total bohemian vibe. Food is good people are super chill. Hard to get around without a car and yet it’s not somewhere I would want to drive.
The only negative I would say about this part of Mexico, it doesn’t understand what it wants to be. There are 300 dollar dresses in boutiques. I mean I don’t even look at that stuff and I’m a higher earner. Although some of garments are very unique and beautiful It’s hard to decide to spend 300 dollars an an item that costs around 60 dollars at the most. The mark up is basically what they think they can get from Tourists. I was looking at a blouse I was wearing the identical design which I paid 20 U.S dollars for. She was asking 80 dollars. They want dollars not pesos. I’f that’s what your asking for then you need to understand what the U.S dollar can buy or what’s it’s worth to us. Me I rather move my merchandise than have it sit.
The only negative I would say about this part of Mexico, it doesn’t understand what it wants to be. There are 300 dollar dresses in boutiques. I mean I don’t even look at that stuff and I’m a higher earner. Although some of garments are very unique and beautiful It’s hard to decide to spend 300 dollars an an item that costs around 60 dollars at the most. The mark up is basically what they think they can get from Tourists. I was looking at a blouse I was wearing the identical design which I paid 20 U.S dollars for. She was asking 80 dollars. They want dollars not pesos. I’f that’s what your asking for then you need to understand what the U.S dollar can buy or what’s it’s worth to us. Me I rather move my merchandise than have it sit.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave T
10 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We will never travel to Sayulita again. It is terribly overrun with tourists and nearly EVERYONE we met got sick there. They hide this from you and they will pay a big price for this nondisclosure of their sewage problems. Greed is ruining Sayulita and its really ashame - Sayulita never again!
Written February 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BriskeyBabyOfficial
Richland, WA35 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The Wild Iris in Sayulita is a standout. The moment you step in, you're swept up by the vibrant atmosphere. The bartender, with a personality that sparkles as much as the drinks, is a true star. Their skill and enthusiasm in crafting the drinks elevate the experience. Each drink is fresh and absolutely amazing, bursting with flavors that are as vibrant as the town of Sayulita itself. Whether you're a local or a visitor, The Wild Iris is a must-visit for an unforgettable night out!
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marlene08
Dryden, Canada82 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We went on a day trip to sayulita this week. We have been coming to the area for several years but it was our first time to sayulita. I can say that it is a unique little place however we found it very dirty and overcrowded. We were approached at least once every block to buy drugs, very easily accessible for those who are looking. (We were not). It was neat to see the little surfer town but it’s a one time trip for us. We came, we saw, we left and won’t be back. We were scared to eat anywhere as it didn’t look clean and after we returned home we had read how so many people had been very ill there after eating or swimming.
Written February 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HGlasgowFortCollins
Fort Collins3 contributions
Dec 2022
I headed to Sayulita for a week with a head full of ideas for a lovely surf town. What was immediately evident is that this place is dirty, loud, and overrun with people.
I couldn't find a restaurant that wasn't blasting music like a nightclub at midnight on a Saturday. The beach is full of really old and dirty beach chairs and umbrellas, dogs roam doing their business in the sand.
One night was all I spent in Sayulita. I won't be back. What ever charm this place used to have is gone. Unless, of course, you love loud music blasting all the time.
I couldn't find a restaurant that wasn't blasting music like a nightclub at midnight on a Saturday. The beach is full of really old and dirty beach chairs and umbrellas, dogs roam doing their business in the sand.
One night was all I spent in Sayulita. I won't be back. What ever charm this place used to have is gone. Unless, of course, you love loud music blasting all the time.
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zensoda
Calgary, Canada70 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
I took a solo trip to Mexico to just recharge with this whole pandemic stuff. I stayed in Riviera Nayarit. I hired a cab to take me to Sayulita, as I heard it was a wonderful vibe for surfers and was very bohemian. I was not disappointed. The cab driver was kind enough to park for the duration of my visit and wait for me, ( about 3 hours for $700 pescoes plus I gave him a generpus tip for his time so about $64 canadian).
This town is so vibrant. The streets are lined with open air cafes and little restaurants. The shops are all very artistic and curated. There was lots of beautiful bohemian clothing and art and jewelry.
Everyone was keeping in with covid protocals both tourists and locals alike. I felt more comfortable here than at costco back home! And having the option for the cab ( yes it was a little more $ than a bus) made me feel safe being a single female and more comfortable with covid measures. Plus they are really hurting for patrons.
I had a capuccino at a little sidewalk cafe and watched a gentleman play guitar and sing across the street and it was so lovely. I feel like this little town brought me back to life after a year of just blah.
This town is so vibrant. The streets are lined with open air cafes and little restaurants. The shops are all very artistic and curated. There was lots of beautiful bohemian clothing and art and jewelry.
Everyone was keeping in with covid protocals both tourists and locals alike. I felt more comfortable here than at costco back home! And having the option for the cab ( yes it was a little more $ than a bus) made me feel safe being a single female and more comfortable with covid measures. Plus they are really hurting for patrons.
I had a capuccino at a little sidewalk cafe and watched a gentleman play guitar and sing across the street and it was so lovely. I feel like this little town brought me back to life after a year of just blah.
Written January 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy M
Anchorage, Alaska
Is the water in Sayulita safe now in November of 2021? I love Sayulita, but the last time I was there (2019) many people in Sayulita, including my whole family, were very sick even though we didn't swim in the ocean.
Written November 22, 2021
The beach is huge, about half a mile long and the creek that has all the sewage and garbage and stuff pouring right into the ocean is at the main swimming area on the south end where for some reason, 95% of the people choose to swim because that is where all the bars and restaurants are located and where everyone surfs.
If you just walk north up the beach for about 10 minutes, you get away from all the people, and blocks away from that area and the ocean is crystal clear and few if any people and the surfing is better and there are no people on that break and there is a little surf shop there as well. The ocean water down at the main area is literally brown in color and gross. You can always walk back down there to get some lunch or beers and simply walk back up the beach.
And NEVER drink the water from a glass. We were vigilant about that for a week and then at our last meal, at a really nice place, we got served a glass of water instead of from a sealed bottle and for some reason, we let our guard down and both drank the water from the glass and we both got sick within hours. Had to see a doctor when we got back to the states as we both had parasites in our stomachs. It lasted a week and was awful.
Keep you guard up!!! lol
Written November 24, 2021
June 1 2020. Are the beaches still closed? How is the local situation as far as covid 19?
Written June 1, 2020
The beaches may be closed. There is a website for Sayulitas that can give you up to date local information. Sorry I don't have the website link. I do know that they are enforcing the beach regulations seriously. Some local surfers are pissed.
Written June 2, 2020
Bonjour, nous projetons un trip surf avec des amis fin mars et pensions aller Ă Sayulita Beach.
Beaucoup de commentaires indiquent des maladies à cause de l'eau. Est-ce que les gens qui y sont allés récemment ont eu un soucis ou est-il réglé ?
Merci !!
Written January 23, 2020
Heading to Puerta Vallarta in November, how is the water situation in Sayulita?
Written October 23, 2019
This is a surfing area. Although it’s a very tricky area. They have riptides fast-moving currents and some of the people that I went on a trip with had gotten in the water and ended up with some crazy skin rash.
After I got back from my trip we started doing research and found out some unpleasant things about some of the illnesses from the food and the water and this particular area.
There are a lot of vendors, restaurants and some great shopping.
Written October 28, 2019
I noted a lot of people talking about getting sick (February 2019) due to waste flowing into the sea, but you mentioned a new treatment plant.
Has the issue of sewage in the water been resolved?
Written July 26, 2019
We visited the beach about a month ago and I saw water waste flowing from a restaurant straight to the ocean.
Written July 29, 2019
Hello, heading to PVR and Sayulita in a couple months. We’ve wanted to buy a stand up paddle board for a while and are trying to make the right decision before heading down there with or without one. Wondering if it would be best to buy an inflatable SUP and bring it with us on our trip or if the deals are good enough to purchase an inflatable SUP down there.
We’ll head to PVR for about two nights and then spend 4 nights in the Sayulita area. Thanks!
Written April 18, 2019
Go to San Pancho/ San Francisco the next town north it is not as touristy with gringos. I mean of course there are lots but it is not soooo over taken by golf carts full of gringos almost running you over
Written April 18, 2019
Why are you giving Sayulita such a good rating when all ratings are telling you it’s dangerous for your health!
Written February 26, 2019
I dont remember how many stars I gave it. But I said it was awful. Maybe the good ratings are from people who go off season when its not so overwhelmed.
Written February 27, 2019
There’s a day?!? Oh my goodness I had no idea! Sorry I don’t know the answer.
Written January 30, 2019
What is the best option to go to sayulita from Puerto Vallarta (marina Vallarta)... thanks
Written January 3, 2019
You can take the city bus in front of Walmart but I know this would be like backtracking from the Marina. You can take UBER going TO Sayulita but it is technically "illegal" for UBER to operate in the state of Nayarit where Sayulita is located so you would probably have to take the bus back. Very easy as there is a main bus station at the entrance to Sayulita town. Trip takes about 1 hour with stops and traffic.
Be very careful if you plan on going into the ocean in Sayulita. You can read the many posts and warnings on the subject of contamination and illness on TripAdvisor and the internet. Also, the town is very crowded and expensive, but I suppose worth a look.
Written January 3, 2019
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