I was introduced to Sayulita through my father. A surfer for most of his life he was one of the original east coast long boarders catching his first waves on the Jersey Shore in the 1960’s. When he started traveling to Mexico, Sayulita was a natural draw for him with its consistent breaks and boho vibe. In planning my latest trip to this gypset spot I decided to share a bit about Sayulita…one of my favorite spots to disappear.
Source: Flickr – Villa Amor in Salyulita
You will find Sayulita in the state of Nayarit, 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. An easy drive that takes about an hour from the airport to the jungle. The village has become popular as a surf destination because it has a dependable river mouth break. What I love about Sayulita is that it is perfect for surfers of all levels. Waves break in Sayulita all year-long, although the north swells generally arrive between December and early April, and they can bring bigger surf to the area.
Source: Flickr – Frank DiBona
When you arrive in Sayulita with your board, you will find two popular surf sports: a right break in front of the village (perfect for long boarding) and a left break in front of the campground with a faster wave. If you choose not to bring your own boards, there is a great place called Quiverito (Little Quiver) that will be more than happy to help you find the right stick. They have a great selection of short boards, long boards, and retro boards. You can also check out the Surf n’ Roll for a great selection of boards, stand up paddle boards, and gear.
Source: Flickr – apasciuto
If you would like to visit other nearby surf destinations, there are a number of companies that can help you arrange transportation, whether it be by car or boat. Wildmex is one company that can help you arrange a surf excursion to nearby spots. One thing to keep in mind when you are surfing in Sayulita is that the breaks do get crowded on the weekends. While the locals surfers are friendly, they can get a bit competitive for waves in crowded conditions. Don’t forget to brush up on your surfer’s etiquette.
Source: Flickr – Scott Meis
The stand up paddle boarding (SUP) craze has also reached Sayulita, and there are plenty of the local surf shops offer lessons and tips on where to find the best locations for paddle boarding. If you feel like you need a little break from your surf board, check out SUP!
More to come about where to stay, eat and chill in the next couple of weeks from my getaway in Sayulita!
Wow. What an amazing spot!
I love that your dad was one of the original long boarders in Jersey. I spent many a summer sitting on the beach watching the surfers. It’s such a childhood memory and I love taking my kids to watch the surfers. I have only managed to learn the SUP myself, but I still aspire to ride a real board. This place looks beautiful!