3 Days In Sayulita Itinerary: A Perfect First Visit
Our last two trips to Mexico have been to attend weddings, one in Akumal and more recently to Sayulita, a laid back coastal gem on Riveria Nayarit. Since we were here anyway, we stayed a little longer. Our 3 days in Sayulita Itinerary is designed to make it easier to plan your special pacific coast getaway.
Come in Spring for awesome seasonal Whale Watching Boat Tours (we even saw them playing from the beach!). Hang out in town for a day, soaking in surfing vibe and although I’m not a surfer, I loved the relaxed feel of this place.
Read on to find out more about Playa Escondido resort, why cocktails at Don Pedros are a must, along with places to stay and eat!
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Day 1 – Sayulita Town Highlights
Dive into the first day of your 3 Day Sayulita vacation by immersing yourself in the activities that make this town so appealing. A morning yoga class, then time at the beach followed by a stroll around downtown before cocktails and dining.
Hire yourself a golf cart to zip around town, although nowhere is very far away from the center.
But first up, if you’re looking for a great morning coffee, head to El Espresso Sayulita to sip your cappuccino while watching the town come to life.
Sunrise Yoga
Sayulita is famed for its yoga retreats but don’t worry, it’s also easy to find a drop-in hour-long class while you’re visiting. Whether on the sandy beach, at your hotel, or one of the many studios around town, enjoy a practice your way.
Check out classes and times at Rose Room Yoga.
Chill Out On Sayulita’s Main Beach
Spend the rest of your first morning at Sayulita’s main beach, easily accessible from town and with plenty of sunbathing areas. You can rent sun loungers from most beachfront restaurants or hotels. Bring cash for beach vendors.
Beach Vendors typically manage an area of the beach and will approach you for payment for rentals and also drinks, and snacks including fresh fruit bowls.
The beach is fairly big and sandy so it’s lovely to stroll along the water’s edge catching the action of surfers, paddlers, and beach life – it’s a lively vibe.
You’re likely going to hear live music or piped music so be prepared for a little party atmosphere at time of day!
For Lunch, we suggest trying Organi-K which as the name suggests, has an extensive organic menu. They do great açaí bowls and smoothies!
Alternatively, head to ChocoBanana right on the main square where the big Sayulita sign is. You can’t miss it.
Head upstairs to enjoy appetizers or a full lunch with direct views over Sayulita’s main square. Yes, they do serve and are famous for frozen chocolate covered bananas (delicious) but their guacamole tastes pretty good too!
Discover Sayulita on Foot
After enjoying a leisurely lunch, or maybe another hour around the beach, explore central Sayulita before the sun sets (around 6 pm year-round).
Although a compact town, we loved having a wander around to get our bearings and seeing a bit more of local living away from the beachfront.
The center is very picturesque with rainbows of bunting (flags) waving in the breeze and countless narrow streets to explore.
By now, It’s time next to treat yourself to a sundowner cocktail at Don Pedros Restaurant and Bar back on the beachfront.
A cheaper drinks alternative is to grab a few of your favourite drinks and stay on the beach as the sun sinks! There are several liquor stores in town.
Also, check out this amazing stock of Tequilas and gorgeous bottles in town.
Where to Eat Dinner? Sayulita has a great range of cafes and restaurants that span the spectrum from traditional casual taco joints to authentic Italian and Sushi restaurants. Pizza and burger joints are all over town.
La Rustica Pizzeria is popular and also offers takeout if you prefer to have dinner back at your accommodation.
Day 2 – On the Waves
First breakfast! We love El Original Cafe who serve filling delicious, traditional Mexican breakfasts – think Huevos Rancheros ++
Try A Surfing Lesson
You’re in one of the most iconic surfing spots in Mexico so today we suggest giving surfing a shot. It makes sense to pre-book your class when you arrive as surfing is so popular.
🔍 Click To Book A Beginners Private 3-hour Surf Lesson
Sayulita Beach has 3 different surf breaks ranging from very calm at the south end to more intermediate waves to the north. Your surf camp will take you to the most suitable spot, so don’t worry!
If you want to join a Surf Camp or School, LunAzul Surfing has its base right off the beach. Just turn right at the end of the main pedestrian road towards the beach. You won’t miss it as the surfboards outside are a major clue!
Expect to pay around $65 pp for 2 people in a shared lesson or book a 3 day package! All the gear is included so all you need to do is to have fun and soon you’ll be riding the waves!
Alternatively, if you already have surfing basics under your belt, just rent a board for around 100 Mexican Pesos on the beach.
Taco Lunch Your Way
After all that fun and exercise, enjoy some Fish Tacos for lunch.
Where better than the one and only Mary’s Traditional Mexican Cuisine? Fish Tacos is Mary’s specialty and their best dish! It’s a small place but don’t let that put you off.
However, if you prefer vegetarian or vegan options, a better bet is El Itacate just down the street with its awesome range of creative taco fillings.
Or hang out with some fellow travelers and join a Taco Food Tour. This is fun as you visit different places and may find a Sayulita Hidden Gem restaurant to return to.
🔍 Click Here to Book A Taco Food Tour
Whale Watching
Who doesn’t love to see these incredible creatures playing in the waters of the Pacific? Having lived in Alaska, we were entertained frequently but we never tired of watching them. It’s no different in Sayulita.
If you are in Sayulita between December and March this is a don’t miss experience where you might get quite close up to these giants of the Pacific.
Believe it or not, we saw breeching whales from our Playa Escondido hotel beach (a little way away but still incredible).
However, it’s also fun to go Whale Watching as part of a boat tour. Or combine a whale watch and sunset cruise.
🔍 Click to Book This popular Whale Watching Tour.
Explore San Pancho or Playa de Los Muertos
If it is not Whale Watching season, maybe take a short Day Trip to San Pancho, a smaller, artsy town, and typically quieter than Sayulita. It’s only around 10 minutes by Uber or local taxi.
Or just head to a quieter beach like Playa de los Muertos which is calmer and just the spot to hide away in the sunshine. You can walk here from Sayulita town center.
Don’t expect a hideaway type beach – although less busy than the main one, it’s getting more popular especially at weekends.
Day 3 – Hiking, Massages & Markets
If you would like to try another great breakfast spot head to Yah-Yah Sayulita Café or return to ChocoBanana. By the way, Choco also offers an all day breakfast menu so if you love a later start to your day, this is the place.
Monkey Mountain Hike
Today it’s time to check out the area surrounding Sayulita and get some great views. Hire a golf cart and drive yourself to the trail head. Or you can climb Monkey Mountain as part of a guide led excursion.
🔍 Check Availability of Monkey Mountain Guided Tours
If you are a seasoned hiker, it’s pretty easy to do the climb yourselves – just bring water and wear sunscreen!
Sayulita Beach Massages
On return relax back on the beach and why not indulge in a well earned Beach Massage during your 3 days in Sayulita.
You will spot various massage ‘tents’ on the beach or if you prefer a spa treatment, head to Nirvana Spa, just a block from the beach. Just up the street from the beach past Don Pedro’s so a central location.
Roof Top Pool Afternoon
If you’re looking for a change from the beach, another option is to head up to the rooftop pool of Hotel Sayulinda.
With a Day Pass or Half Day Pass you can relax away from the crowds and enjoy great views. When we were here, it was pretty empty so lots of space to ourselves!
Stroll Sayulita Markets
Late afternoon, take a stroll through town and walk over the main bridge that leads to the local market. You will discover countless stalls full of handicrafts from embroidered bags to straw hats. Some things are a bit touristy but it’s a fun look around.
Loop back into town and head to Cocos Beach Club for Happy Hour 4-6pm daily. On the sand, with a terrific cocktail choice and music, it’s a sociable spot.
For dinner, treat yourself at Tierra Viva Restaurant, near to Don Pedro’s.
🎒Our Tip: If you’re here on a Friday, don’t miss Sayulita Farmers Market with live music and local foods.
Final Morning – Horseback Ride or Go Zip Lining
We know times flies, but maybe you can squeeze in a final morning to your 3 Day Sayulita Vacation. If you have time before checking out, let your hair blow in the wind as you stroll on horseback through local jungle forested areas or on the beach.
🔍 Click to Book Sayulita Horse Riding Excursion
You don’t have to be experienced – all levels are welcome. It’s a perfect way to end your exciting 3 days Sayulita itinerary.
If you to fly through the air with gravity as your friend, try some ziplining of your last morning in town.
🔍 Click to Book Sayulita Zip-Lining and Canopy Trails
The scenery here is fabulous and although this is not like zipping as part of any Costa Rica Monterverde Trip Itinerary, it’s a lot of fun!
Getting to Sayulita
Sayulita is around a 45-minute to 1-hour drive north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).
When you arrive at the airport, you’re going to be greeted by people who offer transfers and engage you with a ‘free’ margarita! Don’t be seduced into these private shuttles/transfers. They are very expensive and not worth it.
These same people may also tell you Uber and Local Taxi Pick Up a long walk from the arrivals area, but honestly having done this, it’s about 5 minutes, over a bridge link to a nearby street.
We have used Uber both to get from Puerto Vallarta and around Sayulita and it is great. We paid $55 USD door to door and it took around an hour.
A friend of ours also took the local bus from the airport to Sayulita and found it clean, reliable and on time. At $3-5 USD it’s a real bargain!
Pick the bus up at the Componstela Stop just across from the airport. Ask airport information staff as you leave arrivals and they will happily point it out.
If it’s easier to pre-book your airport transfer, check out prices and options with worldwide Welcome Pick Ups.
Where to Stay In Sayulita
For a stay of 3 Days In Sayulita you will want to be in town or close by to save driving or spending money on taxi rides.
Sayulita has a wide choice from all inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, beachfront apartments, and hidden away smaller guesthouses.
📍$ Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas – perfect mid priced location a little out of town but easy to walk here. Pool, excellent breakfast, and laid back vibes.
📍$$ – Hotel Sayulinda – with a serene rooftop pool we mentioned earlier this is a perfect location if you want to be in the middle of everything. Don’t stay here if you are a light sleeper!
📍$$ – La Esquina – just off the beach – each unit has an apartment layout, some with sea views. Again it might be noisy for some at night due to its down town location.
📍$$$ – 📍Playa Escondida – we have stayed here and it is beautiful. A luxurious eco-resort with fabulous staff. The rooms have incredible balconies which face the ocean and are cabana style.
The beach is private and although not suitable for swimming it, it’s a delight to relax on. With a spa, pool and excellent restaurant along with a beach bar, there’s nothing to leave for!
->> Click here for more great accommodation choices.
FAQs
Yes. Although there are plenty of pharmacies in Sayulita for basics, do buy travel insurance for coverage in case you need medical treatment in Mexico. We recommend taking a look at Visitors Coverage options
No. It’s a bit of a debate as some hotels say it’s okay but we say don’t drink the tap water or clean your teeth with it. We always have bottled water supplied in hotels so that’s a good sign they don’t trust it either!
Not really if you plan to be based here and stay local. You can easily get an Uber around town, or use your golf cart. If you want to explore more of the stunning Nayarit coastline after or before Sayulita, yes, hire a car for a couple of days.
Our suggestion for the properties we recommend is to use Booking.com or if you’re keen to find a private home, VRBO has some wonderful options in Sayulita.
Check with your provider to see if you have coverage within your existing contract or can set this up for your trip.
If not, then buy a local SIM card on arrival.
Not if you are coming from the USA, Canada, UK & EU. If you are coming from elsewhere you might need a tourist card or visa.
Check Mexican Tourist Card Guidelines for how to apply. If you plan to stay for a longer than 180 days you may need a visa.
Conclusion
3 Days in Sayulita is just enough time to embrace surf and beach life along with discovering a few hidden gems. Whether you come to conquer the waves, climb Monkey Mountain or discover yoga, Sayulita has a charm that’s unique.
Nature still reigns around here with whale watching January to March and hidden hiking trails or horseback ides open year round. If you’re keen to discover more, why not combine Sayulita with time in Puerto Vallarta or elsewhere in the coastal Nayarit Region.
Or add Mexico City or even Oaxaca both easy to reach from Puerto Vallarta.
Our 9 Amazing Things to Do in Mexico post will help you decide if an extension might work for you.
