The Best Beaches in Sayulita and the Pacific Coast of Mexico

The Riviera Nayarit: Mexico's Pacific Beach Corridor

The Pacific coast of Mexico between Puerto Vallarta and the northern end of the Riviera Nayarit holds a string of beach towns that range from fully developed resort areas to fishing villages with dirt roads and no streetlights. Sayulita, the most well-known of these towns, has transformed from a quiet surf village into a bustling destination that draws surfers, yogis, digital nomads, and families from across North America. But Sayulita is just the starting point — towns like San Pancho, Lo de Marcos, Rincon de Guayabitos, and Punta de Mita each have their own character and beaches worth exploring.

Puerto Vallarta's Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) is the gateway. From there, Sayulita is a 50-minute drive north on Highway 200. Taxis from the airport run around $60-$80 USD (negotiate before getting in), while shuttle services like Pacific Agave or Sayulita Life charge $25-$35 per person. Once in the area, local buses (camiones) connect the coastal towns for 15-30 pesos ($1-$2) per ride.

Sayulita Beaches

Sayulita Main Beach (Playa Sayulita)

The main beach in Sayulita is a half-moon bay framed by rocky headlands, with the town spilling right onto the sand. The left side of the bay (facing the ocean) is the surf break, and the right side offers calmer water for swimming. The wave here is a mellow, right-breaking point wave that's excellent for beginner and intermediate surfers. On a good day, you can ride it for 50-100 meters. Surf lessons run $50-$70 per person for a 90-minute group class including board rental.

The beach is lively and somewhat crowded, especially from November through April (high season). Beachfront palapa restaurants serve ceviche, shrimp tacos, and cold Pacifico beer directly on the sand. Sun loungers with an umbrella cost 200-300 pesos ($12-$18) for the day, usually with a food/drink minimum from the associated restaurant. The water is warm (24-28°C year-round), and the sandy bottom slopes gradually — safe for children in the calm right-side zone.

This is one of the reasons Sayulita Beaches continues to draw visitors year after year.

Sayulita's main beach has a wastewater issue that flares up periodically, particularly after heavy rains during the wet season (June through October). Runoff from the town's overtaxed sewer system can temporarily make the water inadvisable for swimming. Check with local surf shops about current water quality before heading in — they'll give you an honest answer. During the dry season (November through May), water quality is generally good.

Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead)

Walk 15 minutes south from Sayulita's main beach through the cemetery (yes, through the actual cemetery — it's a normal walkway) and down a trail through jungle to reach Playa de los Muertos, a smaller, more sheltered cove with fewer people. The beach is rocky at the entrance but opens to a sandy stretch with calm, clear water ideal for snorkeling. The rock formations on both sides of the cove harbor tropical fish, sea urchins, and starfish.

This beach has no vendors, no restaurants, and no facilities — bring water, snacks, and a bag for trash. The lack of development is the appeal. During high season, expect a handful of other visitors; in low season or early morning, you may have it to yourself. The snorkeling is best on the south side of the cove where the rocks drop off into deeper water. Bring your own mask and fins — there's nowhere to rent equipment at the beach.

Compared to similar options, Sayulita Beaches stands out for its mix of quality and accessibility.

Playa Patzcuarito

A 20-minute hike south from Playa de los Muertos (follow the trail over the headland) brings you to Patzcuarito, a remote beach accessed only on foot or by boat. The beach is a narrow strip of sand beneath a forested hillside, with warm turquoise water and virtually no other visitors. Swimming is safe in calm conditions, though check the conditions before committing to the hike — if the surf is up, waves can make the beach inaccessible.

Nearby Beach Towns

San Pancho (San Francisco)

San Pancho sits 10 minutes north of Sayulita and represents what Sayulita was 15 years ago: a small, quiet town with a single long beach, no chain stores, and a creative community of Mexican and expat artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. The beach is a long, wide stretch of golden sand with strong surf — not ideal for swimming but excellent for walks, sunset watching, and intermediate surfing.

The town has a growing food scene. Restaurants like Maria's and El Itacate serve creative Mexican cuisine using local ingredients. The Saturday community market features local produce, artisan crafts, and prepared foods. Accommodation is more limited than Sayulita, with a handful of boutique hotels and vacation rentals starting at $60-$120/night. San Pancho is the better choice for travelers who want peace and quiet with easy access to Sayulita's livelier scene when desired.

Local travel experts consistently recommend Sayulita Beaches as a top choice for visitors.

Punta de Mita

Punta de Mita occupies the northern tip of Banderas Bay, about 30 minutes west of Sayulita. The point juts into the Pacific and offers beaches on multiple exposures, meaning you can find calm water on one side when waves pound the other. Playa Anclote, the main beach in the village, is a wide sandy beach with calm water, fishing boats, and a row of seafood restaurants. Ceviche at one of the waterfront enramadas (thatched-roof restaurants) is a mandatory experience — the marlin ceviche is the local specialty.

The Marietas Islands, a protected national park visible from Punta de Mita, are a 20-minute boat ride away. The islands are famous for the Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor), a beach inside a collapsed volcanic crater. Access to the Hidden Beach requires a permit (limited to 116 visitors per day) obtained through authorized tour operators, and visitors must swim through a short tunnel to reach the beach. Tours from Punta de Mita run $80-$120 per person. Book at least a week in advance during high season.

Lo de Marcos

Lo de Marcos, 20 minutes north of Sayulita, is the quietest of the accessible beach towns in the region. The beach is a long, empty stretch of sand with reliable surf, tide pools at the southern end, and a turtle release program during nesting season (July through December). A handful of beachfront palapa restaurants serve fresh fish and cold drinks. Accommodation is limited to small guesthouses and vacation rentals, mostly in the $40-$80/night range.

If Sayulita Beaches is on your list, booking during shoulder season typically delivers the best value.

During turtle season, visitors can participate in releasing baby olive ridley sea turtles at sunset — a free, community-organized event that happens several times per week on the beach. The local conservation group welcomes volunteers to help protect nests and guide hatchlings to the water. It's one of the most meaningful wildlife experiences you can have on the Pacific coast without a tour operator or entrance fee.

Practical Information

When to Visit

The dry season (November through May) brings the best weather: sunny days, low humidity, and warm water. December through March is peak season with the highest prices and biggest crowds in Sayulita. June through October is the wet season — daily afternoon rain showers, higher humidity, and the sargassum seaweed issue on some beaches. The upside of wet season travel is lower prices (30-50% discounts on accommodation), warmer water, and larger surf swells. Check our beach destination guides for seasonal comparisons across Mexico's coastline.

Budget

Sayulita's cost of living has risen sharply with its popularity. Budget travelers can manage on $50-$80/day (hostel, street food, self-catering). Mid-range comfort runs $100-$200/day (private room, restaurant meals, activities). Luxury options start at $300+/day. San Pancho and Lo de Marcos are 20-40% cheaper than Sayulita for accommodation and food. Tacos from street stands cost 15-25 pesos ($1-$1.50). A sit-down restaurant meal with drinks runs 200-400 pesos ($12-$24).

Repeat visitors to Sayulita Beaches often say the second trip reveals layers they missed the first time.

Safety

The Riviera Nayarit is generally safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply: don't leave valuables on the beach, use hotel safes, and be aware of your surroundings at night. The surf at several beaches can be strong — pay attention to local advice about swimming conditions. Rip currents are common at open-ocean beaches like San Pancho and Lo de Marcos. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until you're out of the pull, then swim back at an angle. More detailed safety information is available from the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau.