The best beaches near Sayulita
Sayulita is famous for its main beach, but the surrounding coastline offers a diverse collection of beautiful beaches that cater to every type of beachgoer. From secluded coves perfect for swimming to wild stretches of sand ideal for adventure seekers, the area around Sayulita has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for calm waters, stunning sunsets, surfing spots, or simply a place to escape the crowds, exploring these nearby beaches will give you a deeper appreciation of why this stretch of Riviera Nayarit is so special.
The beauty of this region is that you can experience completely different beach environments within just a few kilometers of each other. Some beaches are easily accessible from town, while others require a bit of effort to reach – but the reward is often having a stunning stretch of coastline mostly to yourself. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best beaches near Sayulita.
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Beaches within walking distance of Sayulita
Sayulita Main Beach (Playa Sayulita)
The heart of the town's beach scene, Sayulita's main beach is vibrant, colorful, and always bustling with activity. The beach is divided by a sand tongue that extends into the sea, creating two distinct sections. Both sides have golden sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters. The waves here are generally gentle in the mornings, making it perfect for beginners learning to surf, while afternoons bring larger waves that attract more experienced surfers.
This beach is ideal if you don't want to stray far from town and want easy access to restaurants, bars, and amenities. You can rent chairs and umbrellas (around 300 pesos per day), get a beach massage, and have vendors come to you with everything from fresh coconuts to jewelry. It can get crowded, especially on weekends, but if you walk north along the beach for just a few minutes, the crowds dissipate quickly and you'll find more peaceful spots.
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Playa Los Muertos (Beach of the Dead)
Despite its ominous name, Playa Los Muertos is one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in the area. The name comes from its proximity to Sayulita Cemetery, which you must pass through to reach the beach. After crossing a small hill, you'll discover this hidden cove with calm, protected waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Because it's tucked away in a cove, it's protected from winds and waves, making it an excellent choice for families and those who prefer tranquil swimming conditions. The beach is less crowded than the main beach but still has amenities – you can rent chairs and umbrellas (300 pesos for the day, including two chairs and an umbrella), and waiters will come by to take food and drink orders. It's the perfect balance between comfort and seclusion.
Malpaso Beach
For those willing to put in a bit of effort, Malpaso Beach offers a rewarding escape from civilization. To reach it, you'll need to walk north along Sayulita Beach, over a rocky cove, through a forest, and down a steep area – about three miles round trip from town. The trail can be slightly confusing, so downloading the Maps.Me app is recommended.
The reward is a mile of stunning sand that's usually one of the least crowded beaches in the area. Swimming is generally discouraged due to safety concerns, but there are shady spots perfect for setting up for the day. There are no food or drink vendors, so bring a picnic. The beach features a huge rock with a secret cave leading to another cove, perfect for exploration. This is the beach to choose if you want a true wilderness experience.
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Playa Norte (North Beach)
Located north of the main beach, Playa Norte offers a quieter alternative while still being easily accessible. This stretch of beach is less developed than the main area and provides a more relaxed atmosphere. It's a good option if you want to escape the busiest part of Sayulita Beach without venturing too far from town.
Playa Las Cuevas (Caves Beach)
Further north from Playa Norte, this beach gets its name from the caves and rock formations that characterize the area. It's more secluded and wild, appealing to those who prefer natural landscapes over developed beach clubs. The journey here involves some rock scrambling, making it less suitable for families with small children but perfect for adventurous explorers.
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Beaches west and south of Sayulita
Playa Carricitos
If you're chasing spectacular sunsets, Playa Carricitos is one of the best spots in the area. Located on the Pacific side of the point, this west-facing beach offers some of the most dramatic sunset views you'll find anywhere. The sand is powdery and white, and the beach is less developed than most in the area, with only a couple of large rental villas overlooking it from above.
However, Carricitos is 100% exposed to the Pacific with no protection from wind and waves. Swimming is generally discouraged due to powerful waves and undertow conditions. Bodyboarders love the waves here, and surfing can be decent under the right conditions, but most people come simply to watch the sunset. There are no restaurants or services, so bring everything you need from town. The walk back in the dark after sunset can be challenging, so plan accordingly.
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Playa Patzcuarito
Just south of Carricitos, Playa Patzcuarito takes Sayulita's off-the-beaten-path charm one step further. This long, golden beach feels deliciously remote – an untouched stretch of coastline where jungle meets sea and sunsets feel almost private. It does take more effort to reach than other beaches, making it less visited and more peaceful. The sense of isolation here is profound, perfect for those who truly want to get away from everything.
Playa Patzcuaro (North and South)
These beaches continue the pattern of remote, wild coastline south of Sayulita. Both Patzcuaro Norte and Patzcuaro Sur offer pristine stretches of sand with minimal development. They're ideal for experienced beachgoers who are comfortable with more challenging access and fewer amenities. The reward is having some of the most unspoiled coastline in the region largely to yourself.
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Beaches requiring a short trip from Sayulita
San Pancho Beach (San Francisco)
Just a few kilometers south of Sayulita, San Pancho offers a completely different beach experience. The beach here is wider and less crowded than Sayulita's main beach, with a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The town itself is quieter and more laid-back than Sayulita, making it perfect for a day trip if you want to experience a different pace.
San Pancho Beach has excellent swimming conditions and is home to a turtle camp where you can learn about sea turtle conservation efforts, especially during hatching season from June to January. The beach has some restaurants and services, but nothing like the commercial intensity of Sayulita. It's the perfect place to go if you want a more authentic, less touristy beach experience while still having access to basic amenities.
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La Lancha
Located about 20 minutes past Punta Mita, La Lancha is renowned as one of the best surfing spots in the area. The waves here are consistently good and attract surfers from around the world, particularly longboarders who appreciate the long, clean rides. While it's primarily a surfing beach, non-surfers can still enjoy the beautiful setting and watch the surfers perform.
Accessing La Lancha requires some effort – you can take the Compostela bus to Punta Mita and ask to be dropped off at the highway, then walk or hitchhike the rest of the way (about 40 minutes along the highway). The beach itself is about 15-20 minutes down a dirt road from the highway. There are no services, so bring water, snacks, and sun protection. If you're serious about surfing or want to watch world-class surfers in a beautiful setting, the journey is worth it.
Punta Mita Beaches
The Punta Mita area offers several beautiful beaches, including Playa Careyeros, located just before you arrive at Punta Mita proper. Careyeros is considered one of the region's most beautiful beaches, with pristine sand and clear waters. The area around Punta Mita is more developed than the wilder beaches south of Sayulita, with luxury resorts and high-end amenities, but the beaches remain stunning and worth visiting if you want to experience the contrast between rustic Sayulita and upscale Punta Mita.
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Marietas Islands
While not technically a beach you can walk to, the Marietas Islands are worth mentioning for their famous Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor). Located about 20-30 minutes by boat from Sayulita, these uninhabited islands are part of a protected natural area. The Hidden Beach is accessible only by swimming through a cave, and visits are highly regulated (only 125 people per day, Wednesday through Sunday).
Even if you don't visit the Hidden Beach, boat tours to the Marietas Islands offer excellent snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing. From December to April, this is prime whale-watching territory. The islands are home to diverse bird colonies and coral reefs, making them a complete nature experience. Tours typically last a full day and can be arranged from Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta.
Practical tips for visiting Sayulita's beaches
- Timing matters: Visit beaches like Carricitos specifically for sunset, while others like the main beach are best enjoyed in the morning when crowds are thinner and conditions are calmer.
- Bring essentials: Remote beaches like Malpaso, Patzcuarito, and Carricitos have no services – bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else you might need.
- Check conditions: Swimming conditions can vary dramatically between beaches. Always assess the waves, currents, and undertow before entering the water, especially at exposed beaches like Carricitos.
- Respect the environment: Many of these beaches are in or near protected areas. Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and follow any posted restrictions.
- Transportation: While many beaches are walkable from Sayulita, others like San Pancho are easily reached by taxi. For more remote beaches, consider renting a golf cart or bicycle to make the journey easier.
- Safety: Some beaches have no lifeguards and can have dangerous conditions. Never swim alone, especially at remote beaches, and always let someone know where you're going.
Travel tip: If you want to experience the variety of beaches in the area, plan at least one day for beach exploration. Start with a morning at the main beach, then walk to Los Muertos for a swim, and if you're feeling adventurous, continue to Malpaso for a true wilderness experience. Or take a taxi to San Pancho for a completely different beach vibe.
Conclusion
The beaches near Sayulita offer an incredible diversity of experiences, from the convenient and vibrant main beach to remote wilderness stretches that feel worlds away from civilization. Each beach has its own character, advantages, and ideal visitor type. By exploring beyond the main beach, you'll discover why this stretch of coastline is considered one of Mexico's most beautiful coastal regions.
Whether you're a surfer chasing the perfect wave, a family seeking calm swimming waters, an adventurer looking for hidden coves, or simply someone who wants to watch a spectacular sunset in peace, there's a beach near Sayulita that's perfect for you. The key is knowing what each beach offers and choosing accordingly – and being willing to put in a little effort to reach the more remote spots, where the rewards are often the greatest.
