Nestled near the southwestern tip of State of Nayarit, Sayulita sits on a section of scenic coastline known simply as the Riviera Nayarit.Long known by North American surfers as a quaint, fishing village with amazing waves on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the town’s stature has ascended alongside the growing popularity of SUP to become a world renowned destination for stand up paddlers. Located approximately 40 km (24 miles) north of Puerto Vallarta, the village oozes with charm, delectable fish tacos and palms swaying in the warm, gentle breeze off the water.
Fernando Stalla letting it rip at the 2014 Sayulita Classic. Photo, Jay Ailworth
The area is a mecca for stand up paddling in Mexico and regularly hosts international SUP events. The coastline boasts a number of beautiful beaches and a range of paddling conditions from extraordinary SUP surfing to flat water paddling in the bay.
Climate
Sayulita has a subtropical climate with essentially two seasons: summer (June – October) and winter (November – April). As with many destinations in subtropical regions, summer is considered the off season and is marked by hot, humid weather and regular rain showers. August and September are the height of the rainy season. By contrast, winters in Sayulita are generally warm and dry. Regardless of the season, the temperature cools down in the evenings.
SUP Shops
Due to it’s fantastic range of paddling conditions from the bay to is renowned waves, the town is home to a growing number of SUP shops ready to help you enjoy your time on the water.
A couple of our favorites include:
-
Sayulita Surf Co. Located at Av. Revolucion 6, the shop is open daily from 0800 – dusk. Contact them ahead of time to make a reservation and they’ll gladly set aside a board for you. Website: www.sayulitasurfco.com Phone: From the US: 303-882-7994 From Mexico: (52) 1 322 11628816 Email: [email protected]. Mention SUP Examiner when making your reservation and receive 10% off your SUP rental.
-
Wild Mex Located half a block from the beach on Pelicanos St., Wild Mex is open 0900 – 1900 daily. Wild Mex accepts reservations and also offers surf and ride packages, kayaks, bicycles and surfboards. Website: Wildmex.com Phone: from the US: 877-904-3974, From Mexico: (52) 329 2913726 After hours cell: (52) 1 322 100 70 70 or (52) 1 322 107 06 01 Email: [email protected]. Use the promo code: SUP EXAMINER when making your reservation and receive 10% off your SUP rental.
Groceries
There are a wide range of tiendas, small markets, dispersed throughout Sayulita. Fruit and vegetable stands are also ubiquitous throughout the town. Additional options in Sayulita include:
-
Alas Blancas Find Foods and Wine Market Located one block from the beach in the center of town, Alas Blancas is a specialty food store with a selection of imported wines and spirits from around the world.
-
Trancos Carniceria Established butcher shop and deli located on Av. Revolucion, Trancos is open every day of the year from 0700-2000.
Getting There
Sayulita is approximately 40 km (24 miles) north of Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta. If you are flying from the U.S., Alaska Airlines is one of your best bets. Alaska Airlines offers multiple direct flights to Puerto Vallarta from a major cities on the West Coast. If you are traveling with your boards, travelers can check a bag with two paddleboards up to 9’7″ in length for the standard over sized baggage fee of $75, provided the boards are properly packed in a soft or hard sided case, according to the Alaska Airline’s website. Other options among carriers include Delta, American, U.S. Airways, Aeromexico and United.
Once you arrive in Puerto Vallarta, take Highway 200 north from Puerto Vallarta. You will traverse a rugged section of green jungle before descending into Sayulita. The journey by car from the airport to Sayulita is approximately 45 minutes.
Racers departing the beach, 2014 Sayulita Classic. Photo, Jay Ailworth
There are 10 buses each day between Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita taking roughly one hour to complete the journey for around 30 pesos. It is also possible to hire a taxi, but be mindful that rates are contingent on your negotiating skills and not a set price. If you are travelling with boards you may want to rent a car from one of the numerous rental agencies located at the airport.
Where to Stay
Sayulita hosts a range of hotels from luxury resorts and trendy bungalows to cheap and cheerful hostels. A few options include the following:
-
Hotel Sayulita Central With an eclectic assortment of rock band themed rooms, this budget conscious hotel is one block from the beach and town square and serves up a free breakfast each morning. Website: Hotelsayulitacentral.com Phone: From the U.S. 646-472-5072 From Mexico 1 329 29 13845 Address: Delfines 7, Centro 63734 Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico.
-
Villa Amor Hotel This 100% solar powered, oceanfront, 5-star luxury resort boasts 27 villas of varying sizes ranging from 5 bedrooms to studio accommodation. Website: hotelvillaamorsayulita.com Phone: From the U.S. 619-819-5407 | 619-819-5969 | 602-748-4144 From Mexico: 329 29 13010.
-
Playa Escondida This luxury private beach resort and spa is a 30 minute walk from town (or short taxi ride away). Onsite amenities include a private beach, pool and jacuzzi, spa, restaurant & bar alongside a range of activities. Website: www.playa-escondida.com Phone: From the U.S. and Canada 888-445-0103 International 52 329 291 3641.
