Sayulita Day Trip
Surf town turned bohemian favourite, an hour up the coast. Easy to reach without a tour.
Sayulita is a small surf town about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Nayarit. Once a sleepy fishing village, it's now a colourful, bohemian favourite — cobbled streets strung with papel picado, surf breaks, taco stands and boutiques. It makes an easy day trip, and a tempting overnight.
What to do
- Learn to surf — the main beach has gentle beginner waves and cheap lessons.
- Wander the town — galleries, Huichol art, boutiques and street food.
- Playa de los Muertos (Sayulita's own, not PV's) — a quieter cove a short walk south.
- Eat — the food scene punches well above the town's size.
How to get there
You don't need a packaged tour. The cheapest way is the Compostela bus from the Walmart/bus area north of Puerto Vallarta, around an hour for a few dollars. A taxi or private transfer is faster and pricier; some visitors combine Sayulita with nearby Bucerías or San Pancho. See getting around.
Day trip or overnight?
A day is enough to get the feel of it. But Sayulita is livelier in the evening once the day crowds leave, so if it clicks with you, one night lets you enjoy the town and the sunset without watching the clock. Book ahead in high season — it's popular.
Sayulita is more backpacker-boho than PV's polished coast. If that's your taste, you'll love it; if you want calm and classic, you might prefer Bucerías.