Sayulita Area Information
Untouched by time , there is an air of “manaña” here. No need to hurry as you can step back in time and give in to the rhythm of Sayulita, a secluded Mexican fishing village. You can stroll to the beach and watch the fishermen cast their nets or dive for oysters. Sayulita is what many feel Puerto Vallarta was like 30 years ago. Located on the southern end of a beautiful bay, the beach is never crowded and the surfing is good with a break directly in front of the village and several more down the beach.
There are seaside restaurants that serve fresh local seafood. You can rent kayaks and surfboards on the beach. There is a air of old Mexico with horses trotting through the cobble stone streets passing by bungalows and markets and open-air restaurants. Mountains surround the town and keep the weather constant resulting in an ideal year round climate. In the nearby Tepic Mountains you can find waterfalls, lagoons, exotic flowers, badgers, armadillos, deer, and beautiful birds.
Beaches
The main beach of Sayulita is not crowded except for holidays. There are other nearby beaches that are more off the beaten track. The nearest is Playa de Los Muertos. It can be accessed via a path through the village cemetery. Secluded Carasitos, a 45 minute walk to the south, is worth visiting. There are other great beaches to the South – ask about Pasquero.
Biking
Bikes are available to rent. You can explore the edges of town and even find a local bike tour guide. Inquire at the Taller de Bicicleta on the hill of Avenue Pelicanos.
Directions
Sayulita is about 21 miles (35kms) north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. Upon exiting the airport take a right onto Rte 200 and an immediate left in order to be traveling north on Rte. 200. Proceed north on coastal Highway 200 following the signs towards Compostela and Tepic. After approximately twenty minutes you will pass through the town of Bucerias. Continue north on Rte. 200. Past the turnoff to Punta de Mita you should bear left, still Rte. 200, towards Tepic. The highway then becomes more winding, watch for animals grazing along the road and slow moving vehicles. You will pass signs for several small villages. After passing San Ignacio watch for a sign on your right that says “Sayulita 3km”. That is the entry to Sayulita.
Drinks
There is liquor, beer, wine and numerous non-alcoholic beverages available in the village but they are a bit more expensive than in Puerto Vallarta. You will have to pay a deposit the first time you buy beer or soda in bottles. Bag ice is available at the liquor store and ice cream store in the village or you can use bottled water and make your own ice in your freezer.
Entertainment
Sayulita is a sleepy little fishing village whose restaurants and bars close early most evenings. But, you can usually find something going on at Don Pedro’s, Calypso or at the plaza. Or, you can drive to Puerto Vallarta for a more refined nightlife. Some of those discos and clubs are open all night.
Golf
There are numerous golf courses in the Puerto Vallarta area. The nearest, Flamingo Country Club, is on the road to Vallarta near Bucerias. The greens fee, to include caddy, is approximately $100 and clubs are available if needed. Special rates are available for those willing to play after 2 pm.
Grocery Stores
If you want to cook at home there are a number of small grocery stores in town. It is worth a stroll through town to see what is fresh that day. Stores open at 6 am and close at about 11 pm. Fresh fruit is always available. The grocery store with the most choices is across from the plaza. There are meat stores (carnecerias) where you can buy fresh meat. In addition, barbecued chicken is sold most days right off the grills which are set up on sidewalks all over town. The easiest place to buy fish is from the grocery store on the left after crossing the bridge into town. Some may wish to get it directly from the fishing boats when they come in with the day’s catch, usually between noon and 2 pm.
Hiking
There are many trails leading out of town. You can hike out and see where they lead. A hike to one of the nearby beaches is fun or an organized trip to Monkey Mountain can be arranged.
Holidays
Banks and most businesses in the area will close on the following:
- New Year’s Day January 1
- Constitution Day February 5
- Birthday of Benito Juaréz March 21
- Good Friday to Easter Monday Four days in March or April
- Labor Day May 1
- Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla May 5
- Independence Day September 16
- Columbus Day October 12
- All Saints’ Day November 1
- All Souls’ Day November 2
- Anniversary of the Revolution of 1910 November 20
- Christmas Day December 25
Horseback Riding
Horses can be rented from Verdin across from the baseball field. He will set up a beach or jungle tour for you and your companions.
Internet
There are many locations where you can log on to check on world news or sports scores or to e-mail those that couldn’t make the trip. Many of these sites also serve food and beverages.
Phones and Faxes
There are numerous public phones in Sayulita and a number of locations where faxes can be sent. San Francisco, 5 miles north of Sayulita, has over 12 card operated public phone booths.
Medical Needs
It is possible to buy many medicines in Mexico but be safe and bring your own, especially prescriptions. There are many pharmacies in Sayulita and a clinic (Salud).
Sayulita does not have a post office. The mail from Mexico takes at least three weeks to arrive at its US address. Americans living in Sayulita give their mail to people who are returning to the States where letters can then be sent through the US Postal Service. However, if sending mail out of Mexico it should be done from a post office but it is also possible to do through Mi Tiendita, across from the plaza. There you can purchase stamps and put you mail in the box to be picked up at some future time. While it is possible to receive mail at the same tiendra, packages must be picked up at a post office. When shipping packages to Mexico be aware that Mexican Customs will open boxes and access a 30% tax on their value.
Money
Cash is the primary means of purchase in Sayulita and there are no ATM’s or moneychangers available at present. Credit cards are accepted at very few locations. US dollars are accepted at some locations but at an unfavorable exchange rate. There are two money exchange banks at the airport. Compare rates. Bital Bank has been the most competitive recently.
Snorkeling
Snorkels and fins can be rented in the village at Santa Crucita or on the beach at Papa’s Palapas. The best place in Sayulita to see fish and find clear water is Playa de los Muertos, on the south end of town. Or hire a boat out to the Marietas Islands. This is a great trip. Ask the guide to take you to the cave where you can swim through to an enclosed private beach.
Swimming
Pick a beach – any beach. The waters are usually safe except when there are storms at sea and the waves get big. At those times there are rip tides and hard-hitting waves. Use good judgment and don’t swim alone.
