The Best Things to do in Sayulita

The most common question I receive is: What are the best things to do in Sayulita?

In my opinion the best thing to do in Sayulita is relax, be present, and take a break from the rest of the world. If you’re looking to do more while visiting Sayulita there’s plenty to do. Below are my top picks!

Watch the Sunset at Playa Carricitos

This is my favorite beach in Sayulita. It’s located through the jungle off the south side neighborhood. The best sunsets can be seen at Playa Carricitos year round. The beach is about a 40 minute walk from the centro. Golf cart is the most convenient method of transport to Carricitos. I don’t recommend driving a car there– the parking gets too congested and I don’t want to be a source of more cars in the jungle, enjoy the walk. There is a steep hill en-route and a dirt jungle trail down to the beach so this wouldn’t be an easy walk for anyone with mobility issues.

Find directions to get there HERE.

Experience the View from above Sayulita at Monkey Mountain

This sacred area is the highest viewpoint of Sayulita and Punta de Mita. This excursion will take around 4 hours roundtrip. I would advise going early in the morning before the heat and crowds. I’ve hiked this trail both with and with out a tour guide; I suggest having a tour guide if you’re not familiar with the area. This is not a trail you can walk to from Sayulita, it’s located in Higuera Blanca, so having a tour guide gets you to the trail head and keeps you from getting lost.

Book Here with code: MADYINMEXICO10 for 10% discount

Release Baby Sea Turtles

On Sayulita’s north side you’ll find the non-profit Campamento Tortugero. Every evening in October and November at sunset you’ll have the opportunity to volunteer. Meeting time is 7pm and may extend into December so check out their facebook page to see if there is a release while you’re visiting! This is a free activity but donations are very much appreciated.

Hike to Playa Mal paso in Sayulita

Getting to Mal paso beach requires a little hike through the jungle so you’ll have to be up for an adventure! As Sayulita grows this beach is not quite as empty as it used to be but it’s still an incredible beach. As far as swimming goes I wouldn’t recommend swimming at this Sayulita beach on days with a large swell. The undertow is very strong, conditions change quickly, and the beach is far from help. Only advanced swimmers should swim at Malpaso Beach in Sayulita alone.

Find directions to get to Playa Mal paso HERE.

Go Whale Watching or Fishing in a Panga on the Bay of Banderas

A panga is a small fishing boat used here in Sayulita by the local fisherman. I know tourists like fancy boats but I have had the most incredible fishing and whale watching experiences of my life here on one of these little boats. It’s a bit of a different experience as there is no dock in Sayulita, be prepared to get wet and jump on and off the boat. Grey whales head to the bay late December-March to breed, during that time it’s nearly impossible to not see them!

Send me a message HERE to book a local tour.

All-Inclusive Boat Tour in Sayulita

If you’re visiting Sayulita to party then a boat tour is a must-do! Chica Locca is my company of choice although there are a couple others to choose from in town. The tours offered are, Los Arcos, Islas Marietas, and Yelapa. These are all-day tours that include open bar, lunch, snorkeling, use of paddle boards, kayaks, and other fun water toys. Chica Locca has multiple boats to choose from, I’ve been on the “Chica Fun” and the “Mega Yacht.” If you have a large group traveling together this is the absolute best activity to do while you’re in town.

I can set you up with booking info here.

Kayaking in Los Ayalas

I have done this little trip three times with MexiTreks and had so much fun each time. I love Los Ayalas because it’s a real Mexican beach town, really I should be keeping it a secret. Los Ayalas is located on Jaltemba Bay and home to Isla Coral where there’s fantastic snorkeling. The calm waters provide the perfect place to kayak to beaches only accessible by boat. There’s also a gorgeous viewpoint: Mirador del Toro located a short hike from one of the hidden beaches.

Use code MADYINMEXICO10 for a 10% discount on Los Ayala Tours with MexiTreks!

Book Kayaking >HERE

Book Snorkeling >HERE

Visit the Islas Marietas

Honestly, I think the Islas Marietas are a little over-rated. The photos you will commonly see when searching Islas Marietas show the “secret beach.” I have been to Islas Marietas a hand full of times but I’ve actually never been to the “secret beach.” That specific tour is expensive (about $150 per person) and it’s not always accessible, only a certain amount of people are able to visit per day. I believe far too many people visit that beach only to take an instagram photo, to me that’s a waste of a day, and I do social media for a living! There are many other beautiful beaches to visit on the island that are more affordable. You can do an all-inclusive full day boat tour (see above) for a better value.

If you’d like info to book a local tour to Islas Marietas, message me here.

Visit Alta Vista Petroglyphs

Experience both culture and nature at Alta Vista. This beautiful jungle trail brings you to a secluded area with natural pools and ancient petrogrlyphs from the Tecoxquines tribe. Learn about the symbolic meanings and get a glimpse into indigenous life in Riviera Nayarit.

Book Here with code MADYINMEXICO10 for 10% off your tour

In town for a while? Visit Yelapa and Boca de Tomatlan for the weekend!

One of my favorite things to do is visit Boca de Tomatlan, a small fishing village located just south of Puerto Vallarta. I love it there so much that I have a whole blog about it here.

Other Blogs about Sayulita

FAQ Abou Sayulita

Best Places to Eat in Sayulita