This laid-back surf city, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, is understood for its sandy seashores, colourful Huichol tradition, and delightful coastal views. Though it’s not as common as its large brother Puerto Vallarta down south, Sayulita remains to be an incredible vacation spot if you happen to’re searching for one thing a bit 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 selecting up native handicrafts, or sail alongside the coast admiring the colourful sundown. Listed here are a couple of of our favourite sights and sights that you simply gained’t wish to miss throughout your go to to Sayulita.
1. Go Browsing at Sayulita Seashore
If there’s one exercise you will need to 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 Seashore is among the finest (and most centrally situated) seashores for freshmen and skilled surfers alike. Nevertheless, it tends to be one of many extra crowded locations, as nicely. If you happen to’re trying to escape the crowds, we advocate heading to the Cove, Litibu Seashore, or La Lancha.
If you happen to’re by no means been on a surfboard earlier than – don’t fear. There are a variety of board rental outlets and tons of surf colleges the place you’ll be able to be taught the talents and methods earlier than hopping within the ocean. The calm waters and delicate waves make Sayulita a terrific place for studying easy methods to surf.
Associated Article: Puerta Vallarta to Sayulita – Simple Transporation Choices
2. Store within the Sayulita Hippie Market
With eclectic outlets and colourful boutiques, Sayulita is a consumer’s paradise. Whereas there are quite a few locations the place you’ll be able to choose up handicrafts and distinctive souvenirs, the Sayulita Hippie Market is arguably the perfect. 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 glorious presents or souvenirs out of your time in Sayulita.
3. Go Whale Watching in Banderas Bay
If you happen to occur to be in Sayulita anytime from December to March, then you definately’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime alternative to see these majestic creatures up shut. Yearly, roughly 700 whales make their method to the hotter waters of Baja, California from Canada to mate and provides start. Throughout this time, you’ll be capable to take a ship tour to go to them as they swim round with their new calves.
Many alternative tour corporations supply a whale-watching expertise throughout the winter. Whereas sightings aren’t assured, they’re frequent, particularly off the coast of Banderas Bay. We advocate this whale-watching tour.
*When searching for the perfect worth and largest collection of motels, verify costs on Reserving.com. We’ve discovered they’re the most suitable choice and have a terrific cancelation coverage.*
4. Take a Boat Tour of Islas Marietas
Positioned 5 miles off the coast close to Sayulita sits a bunch of small uninhabited islands generally known as 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 dwelling across the islands.
If you’re reserving one tour on your complete journey this could be it! We advocate this tour to Islas Marietas. You gained’t be upset.
On account of conservation efforts to protect the pure atmosphere and coral reef, solely licensed tour guides are literally allowed to enter and dock on the islands. Many corporations supply seashore 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 seashore resort with miles of sandy shoreline and dozens of locations the place you’ll be able to take in the solar. Nevertheless, it additionally has an enthralling metropolis middle stuffed with winding cobblestone alleys and spectacular church buildings (the Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe is probably 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. Through 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 method by the rainforest of Punta de Mita on this thrilling ziplining tour. Consisting of 10 totally different strains, that is the longest and quickest zipline course in all of Riviera Nayarit. Soar excessive above the canopies (4,000-feet excessive) whilst 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 Driving on the Seashore
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 totally 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 together with your horse alongside the shoreline.
Associated Article: Renting a Automobile in Mexico – Should Know Suggestions
8. Go Tequila Tasting
Whereas most individuals cringe when they consider taking tequila pictures, we assure {that a} tasting at one of many tequila distilleries in Sayulita will change your thoughts about this tasty liquor. Certainly one of our favourite locations is Agave Liquors, a distillery that produces tequila, mezcal, Raicilla, and Sotol.
One other common selection for tequila tastings is thru the Tequila Expertise. They arrive on to your house or trip rental and arrange a whole tequila-tasting night for you and your pals or members of the family. You’ll pattern 10 various kinds of tequila and be taught concerning the cultivation and distilling processes.
9. Watch the Sundown on Carricitos Seashore
Though Sayulita isn’t identified for its sunsets (it’s north-facing), you may make the short stroll over to Carricitos Seashore if you happen to’re searching for these colourful views. This lovely space is simply on the opposite aspect of the Punta Sayulita, though it appears like a wholly totally different world as soon as the solar units behind the horizon.
From downtown, Carricitos Seashore 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 Seashore, and if you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly get the complete seashore to your self. There aren’t any distributors round, so be certain that to carry your individual drinks or meals if you happen to’re hoping to remain right here for a couple of 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, we actually love Holbox, Tulum, and Bacalar, however all of them are lacking nice sunsets!
10. Hike Monkey Mountain
If you happen to’re hoping to burn a couple of further 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 will be difficult for inexperienced hikers or these touring with children. Nevertheless, many of the path is shaded, so that you gained’t need to endure by the noon warmth whilst you ascend the summit.
11. Bask in Inventive and Wholesome Dishes
You may’t go to Sayulita and never discuss concerning the wonderful gastronomy scene. From genuine road meals to freshly grilled fish and lobster, Sayulita has a number of the most various 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 searching for sweeping water views and open-aired eating.
Whereas Sayulita has an enormous number of totally different eating places and cafes, you’ll in all probability 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 a terrific vacation spot for snorkeling. Nevertheless, you’ll need to put in a bit effort with a view to discover a number of the finest snorkeling spots. Sayulita Seashore could also be centrally situated, however the waters are higher fitted to surfers and swimmers than snorkelers. If you happen to’re trying to snorkel off-shore, then we advocate taking the brief stroll over to Punta Los Arcos, Carrictos, or Playa de Los Muertos As a substitute.
It’s additionally potential 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’ll be able to primarily discover Sayulita on foot, probably the greatest 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’ll be able to take in the vibes of the village middle and sandy seashores.
Then, you’ll make your method 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 seashore, 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 totally different distributors promoting various kinds of merchandise, from natural greens and do-it-yourself yogurts to oven-baked bread and artisan spices and sauces. It’s additionally a terrific place simply to return for a snack, as there are quite a few meals distributors and stalls the place you’ll be able to seize a chunk to eat. Better of all, all of the proceeds of this not-for-profit market are donated to totally 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 complete trip on land when you’ll be able to 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 totally 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 may as well simply chill on the decks whereas listening to music or sightseeing whilst 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 whilst you benefit from the open tropical cocktail bar. If you happen to’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.