This laid-back surf city, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, is thought for its sandy seashores, colourful Huichol tradition, and delightful coastal views. Though it’s not as in style as its huge brother Puerto Vallarta down south, Sayulita remains to be a tremendous vacation spot should you’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 way of the city selecting up native handicrafts, or sail alongside the coast admiring the colourful sundown. Listed below are just a few of our favourite sights and sights that you simply received’t wish to miss throughout your go to to Sayulita.
1. Go Browsing at Sayulita Seaside
If there’s one exercise it’s essential to do whereas visiting Sayulita, it’s browsing. The sun-soaked seashores, rolling waves, and laid-backed vibes make this certainly one of Mexico’s greatest surf cities. Sayulita Seaside is without doubt one of the greatest (and most centrally positioned) 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 Seaside, 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 retailers and tons of surf faculties the place you’ll be able to be taught the talents and methods earlier than hopping within the ocean. The calm waters and mild waves make Sayulita an amazing place for studying the best way to surf.
Associated Article: Puerta Vallarta to Sayulita – Simple Transporation Choices
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’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 definitely’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 delivery. 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 supply a whale-watching expertise throughout the winter. Whereas sightings aren’t assured, they’re widespread, particularly off the coast of Banderas Bay. We advocate this whale-watching tour.
*When searching for the perfect worth and largest choice of resorts, examine costs on Reserving.com. We’ve discovered they’re the most suitable choice and have an amazing 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 referred to 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 house across the islands.
In case you are reserving one tour on your whole journey this may be it! We advocate this tour to Islas Marietas. You received’t be disillusioned.
Resulting from conservation efforts to protect the pure surroundings and coral reef, solely licensed tour guides are literally allowed to enter and dock on the islands. Many firms supply 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 crucial 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 crucial 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’ll be able to absorb 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 essentially the most architecturally gorgeous).
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 dwell within the metropolis.
6. Go Ziplining over Bandera’s Bay
Thrillseekers – get able to fly your means by way of the rainforest of Punta de Mita on this thrilling ziplining tour. Consisting of 10 completely 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 pace by way of the forest at 60 miles an hour, admiring the breathtaking views of Banderas Bay.
Don’t be stunned should 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 seems to be unimaginable!
7. Horseback Driving on the Seaside
Is there something extra romantic than a calming horseback journey 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 definitely’ll make your means 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.
Associated Article: Renting a Automotive in Mexico – Should Know Ideas
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. One in all our favourite locations is Agave Liquors, a distillery that produces tequila, mezcal, Raicilla, and Sotol.
One other in style alternative for tequila tastings is thru the Tequila Expertise. They arrive on to your house or trip rental and arrange a complete tequila-tasting night for you and your mates or relations. You’ll pattern 10 several types of tequila and be taught in regards to 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 should you’re searching for these colourful views. This stunning space is simply on the opposite facet of the Punta Sayulita, though it looks like a completely 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 journey west alongside Niños Heroes. It’s a lot much less crowded than Sayulita Seaside, and should you’re fortunate, you would possibly get the whole seashore to your self. There aren’t any distributors round, so be sure that to deliver your individual drinks or meals should you’re hoping to remain right here for just a few hours.
One of many causes we love Sayulita is for the sunsets. When you’ve got 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 just a few additional 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, many of the path is shaded, so that you received’t should endure by way of the noon warmth whilst you ascend the summit.
11. Take pleasure in Artistic and Wholesome Dishes
You’ll be able to’t go to Sayulita and never discuss in regards to the superb gastronomy scene. From genuine road meals to freshly grilled fish and lobster, Sayulita has among the most numerous eating places on the coast. Head to Sayulita Fish Tacos for scrumptious Mexican meals (and 300 forms of tequila) or to La Rustica for wood-fired pizza. It’s additionally value visiting Don Pedro’s Restaurant Bar should you’re searching for 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 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 selections should you’re craving one thing on the lighter facet, 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 an amazing vacation spot for snorkeling. Nevertheless, you’ll should put in a bit effort with the intention 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. If you happen to’re trying to snorkel off-shore, then we advocate taking the quick stroll over to Punta Los Arcos, Carrictos, or Playa de Los Muertos As a substitute.
It’s additionally attainable to take a ship for a extra distant snorkeling tour. The waters across the Islas Marietas are teeming with life, making this certainly one of 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’ll be able to 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 journey by way of city, the place you’ll be able to absorb the vibes of the village heart 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 great 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 the direction of the Questo seashore, the place you and your group can chill out 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 virtually 80 completely different distributors promoting several types of merchandise, from natural greens and home made 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’ll be able to 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. Get pleasure from a Luxurious Catamaran Cruise
Why spend your whole 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 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 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 outstanding, as you’ll have front-row tickets to the mesmerizing colours of oranges and pinks because the solar units behind the horizon whilst you make the most of the open tropical cocktail bar. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may additionally spot dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and should you’re visiting throughout winter, humpback whales.
What are your favourite issues to do in Sayulita?
Sayulita is actually one of many greatest locations in Mexico, and we will’t wait to return.
