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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. Although it’s not as fashionable as its massive brother Puerto Vallarta down south, Sayulita continues to be a tremendous vacation spot in the event you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit extra off the overwhelmed path.
There’s one thing in Sayulita for each sort of traveler, whether or not you need to hit the seaside to work in your tan, store by way of the city selecting up native handicrafts, or sail alongside the coast admiring the colourful sundown. Here are just a few of our favourite sights and points of interest that you just gained’t need to miss throughout your go to to Sayulita.
1. Go Surfing at Sayulita Beach
If there’s one exercise you will need to do whereas visiting Sayulita, it’s browsing. The sun-soaked seashores, rolling waves, and laid-backed vibes make this one in every of Mexico’s greatest surf cities. Sayulita Beach is likely one of the greatest (and most centrally positioned) seashores for learners and skilled surfers alike. However, it tends to be one of many extra crowded locations, as properly. If you’re trying to escape the crowds, we suggest heading to the Cove, Litibu Beach, or La Lancha.
If you’re by no means been on a surfboard earlier than – don’t fear. There are a lot of board rental outlets and tons of surf faculties the place you’ll be able to study the abilities and strategies earlier than hopping within the ocean. The calm waters and delicate waves make Sayulita an incredible place for studying tips on how to surf.
Related Article: Puerta Vallarta to Sayulita – Easy Transporation Options
2. Shop within the Sayulita Hippie Market
With eclectic outlets and colourful boutiques, Sayulita is a consumer’s paradise. While there are quite a few locations the place you’ll be able to decide up handicrafts and distinctive souvenirs, the Sayulita Hippie Market is arguably one of the best. Located subsequent to the baseball stadium by the river, this day by 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 items or souvenirs out of your time in Sayulita.
3. Go Whale Watching in Banderas Bay
If you 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. Every yr, roughly 700 whales make their solution to the hotter waters of Baja, California from Canada to mate and provides beginning. During this time, you’ll have the ability to take a ship tour to go to them as they swim round with their new calves.
Many completely different tour corporations supply a whale-watching expertise in the course of the winter. While 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
Located 5 miles off the coast close to Sayulita sits a gaggle of small uninhabited islands generally known 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 dwelling across the islands.
If you’re reserving one tour on your complete journey this is able to be it! We suggest this tour to Islas Marietas. You gained’t be disillusioned.
Due to conservation efforts to protect the pure setting and coral reef, solely licensed tour guides are literally allowed to enter and dock on the islands. Many corporations supply seaside excursions to Long Island, mixed with snorkeling or scuba diving within the close by reefs. However, it’s positively price visiting to see one of the crucial pristine landscapes that Mexico has to supply.
5. Day Trip to Puerto Vallarta
Take a brief one-hour drive down the coast and go to one of the crucial lovely cities on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta is a well-liked seaside resort with miles of sandy shoreline and dozens of locations the place you’ll be able to take in the solar. However, it additionally has a captivating metropolis middle stuffed with winding cobblestone alleys and spectacular church buildings (the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is essentially the most architecturally beautiful).
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 way in which, in addition to loads of cafes, bars, and meals stalls. During the night, this promenade is a well-liked haunt spot for locals and households that reside 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 traces, 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 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 seems unimaginable!
7. Horseback Riding on the Beach
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 outlets and homes. More on the tour right here.
Then you’ll make your means into the depths of the rainforest, surrounded by lush vines and dense foliage. Soon, you’ll arrive on the seaside, the place you’ll have the chance to gallop together with your horse alongside the shoreline.
Related Article: Renting a Car in Mexico – Must Know Tips
8. Go Tequila Tasting
While 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 of our favourite locations is Agave Liquors, a distillery that produces tequila, mezcal, Raicilla, and Sotol.
Another fashionable selection for tequila tastings is thru the Tequila Experience. They come on to your property or trip rental and arrange a complete tequila-tasting night for you and your pals or relations. You’ll pattern 10 several types of tequila and study in regards to the cultivation and distilling processes.
9. Watch the Sunset on Carricitos Beach
Although Sayulita isn’t recognized for its sunsets (it’s north-facing), you can also make the short stroll over to Carricitos Beach in the event you’re on the lookout for these colourful views. This lovely space is simply on the opposite aspect of the Punta Sayulita, though it appears like a wholly completely different world as soon as the solar units behind the horizon.
From downtown, Carricitos Beach 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 Beach, and in the event you’re fortunate, you would possibly get the complete seaside to your self. There aren’t any distributors round, so be certain to convey your individual drinks or meals in the event you’re hoping to remain right here for just a few hours.
One of the explanations we love Sayulita is for the sunsets. If you may have been following us or learn a few of our different articles, you recognize we actually love Holbox, Tulum, and Bacalar, however all of them are lacking nice sunsets!
10. Hike Monkey Mountain
If you’re hoping to burn just a few 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.
While the hike isn’t too lengthy, it’s considerably steep, which might be difficult for inexperienced hikers or these touring with children. However, many of the path is shaded, so that you gained’t should undergo by way of the noon warmth whilst you ascend the summit.
11. Indulge in Creative and Healthy Dishes
You can’t go to Sayulita and never speak 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 varieties of tequila) or to La Rustica for wood-fired pizza. It’s additionally price visiting Don Pedro’s Restaurant Bar in the event you’re on the lookout for sweeping water views and open-aired eating.
While Sayulita has an enormous number of completely different eating places and cafes, you’ll in all probability discover that there are usually 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 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 incredible vacation spot for snorkeling. However, you’ll should put in a bit effort to be able to discover among the greatest snorkeling spots. Sayulita Beach could also be centrally positioned, however the waters are higher suited to surfers and swimmers than snorkelers. If you’re trying to snorkel off-shore, then we suggest taking the brief stroll over to Punta Los Arcos, Carrictos, or Playa de Los Muertos Instead.
It’s additionally doable to take a ship for a extra distant snorkeling tour. The waters across the Islas Marietas are teeming with life, making this one in every of Sayulita’s hottest snorkeling locations. You’ll even have the possibility to see extra distinctive marine creatures, like octopi, blowfish, sea horses, and manta rays.
13. Go on an ATV Tour
Although you’ll be able to primarily discover Sayulita on foot, among the best methods to see the hidden sights and points of interest is by an adventurous ATV tour. This two-hour ATV tour begins with a trip by way of city, the place you’ll be able to take in the vibes of the village middle and sandy seashores.
Then, you’ll make your solution 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 direction of the Questo seaside, the place you and your group can loosen up on the white sand.
14. Shop 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. Although it’s solely open on Fridays from November to April (the rising season), it’s price stopping by to feast your eyes on the native, natural merchandise sourced from across the space.
Here, you’ll discover virtually 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 incredible place simply to return 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. Best of all, all of the proceeds of this not-for-profit market are donated to completely different native tasks like kids’s parks, river clear up, and researching biodegradable cleansing provides.
15. Enjoy a Luxury Catamaran Cruise
Why spend your complete trip on land when you’ll be able to head out into the ocean for an exhilarating day of journey? Ally Cat Sailing Tours hosts among the coolest boating excursions within the Bay of Banderas. They have three completely different boats, the unique 56-foot Ally Cat, the smaller 50-foot Ally Cat Too, and the high-powered 60-foot Fat Cat Yacht.
The day journeys are nice for individuals who need to play within the water, with swim steps, slides, and diving platforms. You can even 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’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.