We've been making annual trips to Sayulita, Mexico for 6 years now — and every year we learn something new about timing it right, where to stay, and what to bring. This is the practical logistics guide. For the surf spots, wave breaks, and food favorites, see our full Sayulita surfing and adventures guide.
Best Time to Visit Sayulita
November through April is the dry season — less humidity, consistent surf, comfortable evenings. December through March is peak season: busier, pricier, but the weather is perfect. May through October is rainy season — waves can be excellent and crowds thin out significantly. Humidity is higher. If you want waves without the crowd, shoulder season (October/November, April/May) hits the sweet spot.
Where to Stay
Sayulita's town center puts you walking distance to the beach, restaurants, and the surf break. Properties directly on the beach run more expensive but the tradeoff is obvious. We've stayed in town center casitas and preferred that to anything farther out — Sayulita is a walkable town and that's part of the magic.
If you want more privacy or are traveling with family, check properties just north of town or the Punta de Mita area — 20 minutes from Sayulita but with more space and access to La Lancha and Punta Burros surf breaks.
What to Pack
Surfboard or rent locally (rental shops are solid), reef shoes for rock entries at La Lancha and Punta Burros, sunscreen (the high-altitude UV is real), light layers for evenings (it cools down more than you'd expect in winter). Good sandals — the cobblestone streets destroy footwear fast. And pack light: you'll want room to bring back hot sauces and a few things from the market.
Getting There
Fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) — about a 45-minute drive north to Sayulita. Pre-book a shuttle or take an Uber. Don't bother with a rental car unless you're doing a larger Riviera Nayarit circuit — you won't need it in Sayulita itself.
For everything else — the surf spots, best tacos, and what it's actually like to surf here for a week — read our personal Sayulita surfing guide. And if the vibe speaks to you, check out our surf t-shirts — several designs were sketched on napkins during Sayulita sessions.
— Jeremy Curran, Stoked Clothing Company