Sayulita is the best-known village on the Riviera Nayarit: a former fishing settlement turned surf town, about 30–40 minutes north of Bucerías. Its crescent beach has gentle waves that are ideal for learning, and its centre is a riot of colour, with papel picado strung over the streets, boutiques, cafés and taco stands.
It is busy and lively — especially in high season and at weekends — and was named one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos. Many visitors from Bucerías come for a day of surfing, shopping and eating, and leave before the evening traffic.
Sayulita: the top things to do
Take a surf lesson
The main beach break is forgiving, with schools and board rentals all along the sand. More experienced surfers head for the reef breaks.
Explore the centre
Wander the streets around the plaza for boutiques, Huichol art, cafés and street food.
Zip line or ride
The forested hills around Sayulita have canopy tours and horseback rides to the beach.
Find a quieter beach
Walk south to quieter coves, or continue north to San Pancho.
Getting there: Sayulita
- By bus: local buses run from Bucerías up the coast to Sayulita; the trip is cheap but slower than driving.
- By car or taxi: roughly 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking in the centre can be difficult.
- On a tour: group and private day trips include Sayulita and San Pancho — see our tours page.
Insider tips
- Sayulita is busy at weekends and on holidays; go on a weekday morning.
- Swim only where it is calm, and follow surf-school and lifeguard advice.
- Carry cash for street food and small shops.
- Check the time of the last bus back to Bucerías.
Bookable experiences to pair with Sayulita
These are the real, bookable experiences that fit best around a visit to Sayulita:
Adventure from US$103 Sayulita: Canopy Tours with 13 Zip-Lines & 4 Bridges
A canopy course in the forested hills near Sayulita, with thirteen zip lines and four hanging bridges. Very well reviewed, and easy to combine with an afternoon in Sayulita.
- 13 zip lines and 4 bridges
- Jungle setting near Sayulita
- Rated around 4.9
Day trip from US$55 From Puerto Vallarta: San Pancho & Sayulita Beach Day Trip
An inexpensive guided day to San Pancho and Sayulita. Reviews are mixed, so see it as convenient transport with free time on the beach rather than an in-depth tour.
- Two surf villages in one day
- Budget price
- Mixed reviews — mainly transport and free time
Horseback from US$102 Punta de Mita/Sayulita: Horseback Riding Tour
A short guided ride through the jungle to the beach in the Punta de Mita and Sayulita area. Good for beginners; check the meeting point on the listing.
- Jungle trails to the beach
- Short ride, suitable for beginners
- Well reviewed
