Day trip from:
Puerto Vallarta45 min

Sayulita

Pueblo Mágico surf town with bohemian vibe, beginner waves, and vibrant expat scene—45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta

Full day
Free entry(Free to visit. Surf lessons $40-60 USD. Taxi from PV ~900-1,200 pesos ($45-60). Budget route: collectivo bus 46-65 pesos.)
Weekdays to avoid crowds. November-April for best weather (dry, 16-30°C). May and October for shoulder-season value. Avoid Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Christmas/New Year unless you embrace massive crowds. June-September brings afternoon storms but lowest prices.

Overview

Sayulita has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into one of Mexico's most beloved **Pueblo Mágico** destinations, drawing surfers, digital nomads, and day-trippers to its colorful cobblestone streets and beginner-friendly beach break. Just **45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta** (42 km), it's the easiest and most popular day trip in the Banderas Bay region. The surf is perfect for beginners—**WildMex, Lunazul, and Marea** offer lessons from **$40-60 USD** for 2 hours with board, and rentals run **$30/day**. The main beach buzzes with vendors selling ceviche, cold Pacificos, and handmade jewelry, while the town's pedestrian-friendly center offers endless boutiques, taquerias, and mezcal bars. **Friday's Mercado del Pueblo** (10 AM-2 PM, November-April) brings 80+ vendors with organic produce and artisan goods; the **Sunday Tianguis** on Calle Gaviotas operates year-round. The trade-off for its popularity? Crowds—the year-round population of 5,000 swells to potentially 30,000 during high season. For a quieter alternative, combine with nearby **San Pancho** (10 minutes north). The cheapest transport: local **collectivo bus from the Walmart area in Puerto Vallarta for just 46-65 pesos ($2.50-3.50)**, departing every 15-30 minutes. The 90-minute to 2-hour ride makes multiple stops but beats the $900-1,200 peso taxi fare.

Highlights

Pueblo Mágico designation with colorful, Instagram-worthy cobblestone streets
Beginner-friendly surf break—WildMex, Lunazul, Marea offer lessons $40-60 for 2 hours with board
Board rentals just $30/day; experienced surfers head to La Lancha or El Faro for bigger waves
Vibrant shopping: boutiques, artisan crafts, Huichol indigenous art galleries, bohemian fashion
Excellent street food: tacos al pastor 15-18 pesos, fish tacos 30-40 pesos, shrimp tacos 40 pesos
Friday Mercado del Pueblo (Nov-April) with 80+ vendors; Sunday Tianguis year-round
Budget transport: collectivo bus from PV Walmart area just 46-65 pesos ($2.50-3.50)
Combine with San Pancho (10 min north) for quieter beach and arts scene
Gateway to Marietas Islands boat tours—book 2+ weeks ahead for Hidden Beach access
LGBTQ+ welcoming with inclusive bars like Escondido Bar and CAVA
Sunset watching from the main beach or rooftop bars with cold Pacifico in hand
Yoga and wellness scene: The Rose Room rooftop classes, Haramara Retreat nearby

Practical Information

Suggested Duration

Full day

Entrance Fee

Free

Free to visit. Surf lessons $40-60 USD. Taxi from PV ~900-1,200 pesos ($45-60). Budget route: collectivo bus 46-65 pesos.

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays to avoid crowds. November-April for best weather (dry, 16-30°C). May and October for shoulder-season value. Avoid Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Christmas/New Year unless you embrace massive crowds. June-September brings afternoon storms but lowest prices.

How to Get There
BusTaxiuberCar/Rental
Location
Open in Google Maps

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Plan Your Base

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Puerto Vallarta