Last updated on January 21st, 2024 at 06:48 pm
If you are looking for a surf guide to Sayulita, you came to the right place. In this article, you will find all the information you need to plan your surf trip, including surf seasons, surf tips, surf spots, and everything else you need to know about surfing in Sayulita, Mexico.
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ToggleAbout Surfing in Sayulita, Mexico
If you get the chance to surf in Sayulita during your surf trip to Mexico, you will definitely fall in love with this town, just like anyone else. Sayulita is one of the best surf spots in the country and is considered a surf paradise. With fun waves suitable for all skill levels and a great atmosphere, it is no wonder Sayulita has become so popular in the last few years.
Sayulita is a small village in Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Unlike other places in the country, Sayulita is very safe and famous for its warm and friendly vibe. Due to its rising surf scene in the past decade, Sayulita turned from a sleepy fishing village into a touristy beach town. Nowadays, artists, surfers, and travelers from around the world are found here 365 days a year. Some stay for short terms, some for long, and some simply move in and call it home. Therefore, on the main street of Sayulita, you will find many hotels, restaurants, galleries, and shops.
Surfing in Sayulita became so popular because of the beautiful beach that produces well-shaped waves. While beginners can rent surfboards and take surf lessons, advanced surfers can enjoy long rides over a flat reef. Being such a great beach to surf, Sayulita is a perfect destination for a surf trip or a surf camp.
Surf Seasons in Sayulita
The best time to surf in Sayulita is during winter, between November and April. Due to the shape of the beach, Sayulita is exposed to the north swells, which come in winter, and hidden from the south ones. The average swell size during the surf season ranges between 3 and 6 feet, and the waves are consistent daily.
If you come to surf in Sayulita during summer, it will usually be too small or even completely flat. Sure, you can get some occasional swells, but this is not something you can count on. However, don’t worry; if summer is the only time you have, there are great summer spots just a short drive away, such as Punta Mita and San Pancho.
As for the weather, it is warm and dry during winter and humid in summer. The water, on the other hand, can get a bit chilly in winter. To clarify, there is no need for a wetsuit, but if you are sensitive, a short vest can be a good idea, at least for the early morning sessions.
Surf Spots in Sayulita
When surfing in Sayulita, you can choose between several different breaks depending on the swell and your skill level. Some are just in front of town, and some require a short drive, but the good news is that at least one performs well on any given day of the year.
In detail, these are the main surf spots in Sayulita:
Sayulita Right:
This is Sayulita’s main surfing spot and the most consistent one during winter. It is a combination of a river mouth and a reef break, and it produces an open ride to the right side. The waves are soft and suitable for both shortboards and longboards. However, keep in mind that the lineup is always packed with surfers, so you better wake up early to avoid the crowds.
Sayulita Left:
You will find this spot just on the other side of the reef, on the northern part of the beach. This break requires a bit more swell to work and produces beautiful left-hand rides. The waves in this spot are steeper, and the takeoff is faster, and yet, any intermediate surfer can have fun here, especially goofy footers.
The Sandbar:
This one is the ultimate beginner spot. Just in front of town, the waves here are slow and mellow over a sandy bottom. Therefore, you will see lots of surf lessons take place here. Watch out for surfboards flying in the air; remember, this lineup is for the newbies.
San Pancho:
About a 10-minute drive north, this is a perfect spot for summertime. Here, you can ride a left-hand river mouth with massive power. Due to its steep shape, this spot is suitable for advanced surfers.
Punta Mita:
Drive about 15 minutes south of Sayulita, and you are here. Punta Mita is another excellent summer spot with several different breaks. The best one is Punta Burro, where you can get long rides over a flat reef. The waves are suitable for intermediate surfers.
Can Beginners Surf in Sayulita?
Hell yeah!
Sayulita is a beginner-friendly surf beach. While novice surfers can learn and practice on the Sandbar, experienced surfers can ride more challenging waves in any of the other surf spots in Sayulita, like The Right Break, The Left, San Pancho, and Punta Mita.
In short, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Sayulita.
Surf Camps in Sayulita
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Sayulita’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. WildMex Surf & Adventure – For more details, please click here.
2. Avex Surf Camp Sayulita – For more details, please click here.
3. Variant Surf Co – For more details, please click here.
4. Selina Sayulita – For more details, please click here.
5. Lunazul Surf School, Sayulita – For more details, please click here.
6. Sayulita Surf Camps – For more details, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Sayulita
When surfing in Sayulita, you will find a wide variety of accommodations of all types and for all budgets. So, if you want to stay as close as possible to the waves, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Villa Amor– Villa Amor has a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a garden in Sayulita. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Free WiFi and room service are offered.
2. Casa Love– Casa Love offers accommodation in Sayulita. The house features a kitchenette, a patio, a coffee machine, and a fridge.
3. Junto al Rio Bungalows & Suites– Junto al Rio Bungalows & Suites offers spacious suites and bungalows located right on the beach in Sayulita, just 200 m from the town center. It offers an outdoor lounge area and free WiFi in the rooms, bar, and beach club.
For more surf hotels in Sayulita, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Sayulita- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Population– about 2,500.
Currency– Mexican peso.
Calling code– +52.
Time zone– GMT -5.
Pros– good waves, great for beginners, cool town.
Cons– crowded lineup.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, Sayulita is an incredible destination for a surf trip. You will not find massive barrels here like in Puerto Escondido, nor a crazy nightlife scene like the one in Cabo San Lucas. However, you will find super fun waves for all levels and a chill Mexican vibe that will make you want to stay much longer than planned.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to Sayulita. Have a great surf trip!
Author
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Hi, my name is Matt. I am a surfer, a diver, a traveler, and a true ocean lover. After surfing in so many countries, I founded Reef Break to share my passion with other surfers and help them plan their surf trips better. If you have any questions or ideas to share, I would love to hear them, so please feel free to contact me at reefbreaksite@gmail.com.
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