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 exquisite coastal views. Though it’s not as fashionable as its large brother Puerto Vallarta down south, Sayulita remains to be a tremendous vacation spot in the event you’re in search of one thing somewhat extra off the overwhelmed path.
There’s one thing in Sayulita for each kind of traveler, whether or not you need to hit the seashore to work in your tan, store by way of the city choosing up native handicrafts, or sail alongside the coast admiring the colourful sundown. Listed below are a number of of our favourite sights and sights that you simply received’t need 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 greatest surf cities. Sayulita Seaside is among the greatest (and most centrally positioned) seashores for newcomers and skilled surfers alike. Nevertheless, it tends to be one of many extra crowded locations, as effectively. When you’re seeking 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 retailers and tons of surf faculties the place you may be taught the abilities and methods earlier than hopping within the ocean. The calm waters and delicate waves make Sayulita an amazing place for studying surf.
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2. Store within the Sayulita Hippie Market
With eclectic retailers and colourful boutiques, Sayulita is a consumer’s paradise. Whereas there are quite a few locations the place you may decide up handicrafts and distinctive souvenirs, the Sayulita Hippie Market is arguably the perfect. Situated 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 wonderful 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 technique 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 firms provide 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
Situated 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 just some of the creatures that make their dwelling across the islands.
In case you are reserving one tour in your total journey this may be it! We suggest this tour to Islas Marietas. You received’t be dissatisfied.
Attributable to 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 firms provide seashore excursions to Lengthy Island, mixed with snorkeling or scuba diving within the close by reefs. Nevertheless, it’s positively value visiting to see one of the vital 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 one of the vital stunning 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 take in the solar. Nevertheless, it additionally has an enthralling metropolis heart stuffed with winding cobblestone alleys and spectacular church buildings (the Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe is probably the most architecturally gorgeous).
You’ll additionally need 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 approach by way of 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 velocity by way of the forest at 60 miles an hour, admiring the breathtaking views of Banderas Bay.
Don’t be stunned in the event you see unique wildlife throughout your journey. Deers, horses, bulls, wild boars, and even alligators could also be lurking deep inside 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 calming horseback trip alongside the seashores of Sayulita? After you meet your information on the ranch, you and your trusty steed will trot by way of the city, admiring the completely different native retailers and homes. Extra on the tour right here.
Then you definately’ll make your approach 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 give thought to 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 private home or trip rental and arrange a whole tequila-tasting night for you and your pals or relations. You’ll pattern 10 several types of tequila and be taught concerning 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 may make the fast stroll over to Carricitos Seaside in the event you’re in search of these colourful views. This stunning space is simply on the opposite aspect of the Punta Sayulita, though it looks like a wholly 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 trip west alongside Niños Heroes. It’s a lot much less crowded than Sayulita Seaside, and in the event you’re fortunate, you may get your entire seashore to your self. There aren’t any distributors round, so be sure to carry your individual drinks or meals in the event you’re hoping to remain right here for a number of hours.
One of many causes we love Sayulita is for the sunsets. 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
When you’re hoping to burn a number 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 endless views over the Ocean, Sayulita, and even Punta Mita.
Whereas the hike isn’t too lengthy, it’s considerably steep, which could be difficult for inexperienced hikers or these touring with children. Nevertheless, a lot of the path is shaded, so that you received’t should undergo by way of the noon warmth when you ascend the summit.
11. Take pleasure in Artistic and Wholesome Dishes
You’ll be able to’t go to Sayulita and never speak concerning the superb gastronomy scene. From genuine avenue meals to freshly grilled fish and lobster, Sayulita has among 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 value visiting Don Pedro’s Restaurant Bar in the event you’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 typically extra vegetarian and vegan choices in comparison with loads of different locations in Mexico. The well being meals scene in Sayulita is booming, and also you’ll have loads of selections in the event you’re craving one thing on the lighter aspect, like bowls, smoothies, and salads. Café’ el Fortin, Organi-k, and La Esperanza are just some 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 amazing vacation spot for snorkeling. Nevertheless, you’ll should put in somewhat effort in an effort to discover among the greatest snorkeling spots. Sayulita Seaside could also be centrally positioned, however the waters are higher suited to surfers and swimmers than snorkelers. When you’re seeking 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 potential 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 prospect 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, the most effective methods to see the hidden sights and sights is by an adventurous ATV tour. This two-hour ATV tour begins with a trip by way of city, the place you may take in the vibes of the village heart and sandy seashores.
Then, you’ll make your technique 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 in need of 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 customers. Though it’s solely open on Fridays from November to April (the rising season), it’s value stopping by to feast your eyes on the native, natural merchandise sourced from across the space.
Right here, you’ll discover nearly 80 completely different distributors promoting several types of merchandise, from natural greens and do-it-yourself yogurts to oven-baked bread and artisan spices and sauces. It’s additionally an amazing 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 tasks like youngsters’s parks, river clear up, and researching biodegradable cleansing provides.
15. Take pleasure in a Luxurious Catamaran Cruise
Why spend your total trip on land when you may head out into the ocean for an exhilarating day of journey? Ally Cat Crusing Excursions hosts among 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 need 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 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 make the most of the open tropical cocktail bar. When you’re fortunate, you may also spot dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and in the event you’re visiting throughout winter, humpback whales.
What are your favourite issues to do in Sayulita?
Sayulita is really one of many greatest locations in Mexico, and we are able to’t wait to return.