Beaches Within Walking Distance from Sayulita Town
One of Sayulita's biggest draws is its walkability. You can close your laptop and be on the sand in minutes. These four beaches offer distinct vibes, all accessible on foot from the town center.
1. Playa Sayulita (The Main Beach)
The Vibe: The energetic heart of the town. This is the social hub, a vibrant stretch of sand buzzing with activity from sunrise to sunset. It's colorful, convenient, and always entertaining.
Nomad's Take: Perfect for a quick swim between tasks or a social afternoon. The constant buzz of mariachi bands and vendors can be distracting if you're looking for peace, but it's ideal for feeling the town's pulse. For a quieter experience, simply walk north for five minutes away from the main crowds near the river mouth.
Activities: Beginner surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, people-watching.
Surfing: An excellent spot for learners. The main area has a sandy bottom, while the right reef break (best at mid to high tide) suits intermediate longboarders. Surf lessons and rentals are everywhere—Sayulita Surf School is a reliable choice.
Amenities: Full service. Rent two chairs and an umbrella for the day (approx. 300 MXN), order food and drinks directly to your spot, and even get a beachside massage.
2. Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead)
The Vibe: A stunningly beautiful and sheltered cove that strikes the perfect balance between accessible and serene. Named for the colorful cemetery you pass on the way, this beach feels like a secluded paradise without sacrificing convenience.
Nomad's Take: This is the go-to beach for a relaxing afternoon without a major trek. The water is calm and perfect for swimming, and the amenities mean you can stay for hours. It’s less chaotic than the main beach but still has a social, friendly atmosphere.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling near the rocks, relaxing.
Water Conditions: Almost always calm with little to no waves, making it the best swimming beach in town.
Amenities: Chair and umbrella rentals are highly recommended (around 300 MXN). This includes waiter service from beach vendors for fresh coconuts, micheladas, and seafood ceviche.
Getting There: A scenic 10-15 minute walk south from the main beach, past the iconic Villa Amor and through the Sayulita Cemetery.
3. Playa Carricitos
The Vibe: Wild, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful. This is the sunset beach. Facing the open Pacific, Carricitos offers soft golden sand, dramatic rock formations, and a powerful sense of solitude.
Nomad's Take: This is your digital detox destination. When you need to completely disconnect and recharge, the 20-minute jungle walk is a small price to pay for having this paradise almost to yourself. The sunsets here are unparalleled. Be warned: there is virtually no shade, so pack an umbrella and sunscreen.
Activities: Sunbathing, exploring rocky coves, watching incredible sunsets.
Water Conditions: The waves can be powerful and unpredictable. Swim with extreme caution.
Amenities: None. Pack everything you need: water, snacks, and shade.
Getting There: A 20-minute walk from the town center. Follow the signs or Google Maps; the trek is uphill but well worth the effort.
4. Playa Malpaso
The Vibe: A truly hidden gem. This mile-long stretch of pristine sand is the reward for adventurers willing to go the extra mile. It's often completely deserted, offering total seclusion.
Nomad's Take: The perfect spot for focused thinking, meditation, or simply enjoying the peace. The journey itself—a jungle hike along the coast—is part of the appeal. Discovering the secret cave that leads to another hidden cove is a highlight.
Activities: Beachcombing, picnicking, exploring the secret cave.
Water Conditions: Swimming is generally discouraged due to strong currents.
Amenities: Zero. This is a self-sufficient excursion.
Getting There: Walk north all the way to the end of Sayulita Beach, then follow the jungle trail over the rocks. The round trip is about 3 miles. Use an offline map app like Maps.Me to stay on track.
Nearby Beaches (A Short Trip Away)
For a change of scenery, these incredible beaches are easily accessible via a short bus ride, taxi, or rental car, offering new surf breaks and different atmospheres.
5. San Pancho (San Francisco) Beach
The Vibe: Sayulita's slightly more laid-back, bohemian sibling. The beach is wide and clean, bordered by charming beach restaurants and a growing number of boutique hotels, but it maintains a relaxed, artsy feel.
Nomad's Take: A great day trip when you want a different town vibe. The surfing is more challenging, making it a good spot to watch skilled surfers. It's less crowded and has fewer vendors than Sayulita's main beach.
Surfing: Best for intermediate to advanced surfers due to a faster, more powerful break.
Getting There: A quick 10-minute taxi or a frequent local bus from the Sayulita terminal.
6. La Lancha Beach
The Vibe: The surfer's paradise. Many locals and long-term visitors consider this the best surf break in the area. It’s a wide, beautiful beach with consistent, easy-rolling waves perfect for all levels, especially longboarders.
Nomad's Take: If you're serious about improving your surfing, this is where you should spend your time. It has far more surfable area and fewer crowds than Sayulita's main break. The 10-minute jungle walk to get there keeps it from getting overrun.
Activities: Surfing is king here, but it's also a stunning beach for a long walk.
Pro-Tip: Rent a board from a shop like WildMex on the highway and carry it through the jungle. Pack light as there are no amenities on the beach itself.
Getting There: A 15-minute taxi or bus ride towards Punta de Mita.
7. Patzcuarito Beach
The Vibe: Raw, undeveloped natural beauty. Known for its incredible blue water and dramatic shoreline rocks, Patzcuarito feels remote and untouched. It's a small but stunning beach for those looking to get off the beaten path.
Nomad's Take: A bit of a trek, but a worthy adventure for the landscape photographer or anyone craving true coastal wilderness without the crowds.
Getting There: It's a 40-minute walk from Sayulita, so a taxi is recommended. The taxi will drop you off for a final 10-minute walk through the jungle.
8. Punta Mita Beaches
The Vibe: Luxurious and exclusive. Once a small fishing village, Punta Mita is now a high-end peninsula home to luxury resorts like the Four Seasons and St. Regis. While many of the most pristine beaches are private, the public beach near town is still pleasant.
Nomad's Take: Visit for a taste of luxury or for some gentle paddleboarding in the protected bay. It’s a different world from Sayulita, offering a glimpse into the resort lifestyle.
Getting There: About a 30-minute bus or taxi ride from Sayulita.
9. Marieta Islands & The Hidden Beach
The Vibe: A bucket-list natural wonder. This isn't just a beach; it's an experience. The famous "Hidden Beach" (Playa Escondida) is a stunning open-air cavern accessible only by swimming through a short tunnel at low tide.
Nomad's Take: This is a must-do tour. It's a unique adventure that feels worlds away from anything else. The government strictly limits access (116 people per day), so it never feels over-touristed. Book your tour well in advance. During whale season (Dec-Mar), the boat ride itself is spectacular.
Access: Only possible via a licensed boat tour. The beach is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Experience: You get about 30 minutes on the Hidden Beach itself, which is plenty of time to soak in its magic.
