An Introduction To Sayulita Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 11, 2025
Sayulita surf is the perfect blend of good waves & good vibes. Tucked into Mexico’s Pacific coast, this colorful little town is known for its lively streets, easygoing energy, & super accessible surf. You can get around on foot or by bike, & with beaches just steps from town, it’s an ideal spot to catch waves without needing a car.
Right in the center of it all is Sayulita Beach—a favorite for both beginners & experienced surfers. The waves here are friendly & consistent, with a mellow takeoff that makes it easy to get started or fine-tune your skills. The beach is lined with surf schools, board rentals, & cafés, so it’s easy to gear up & jump straight into the water.
If you’re in the mood to escape the crowds, a short bike ride or walk leads you to quieter spots like Playa Las Cuevas, Carricitos, or Patzcuarito, where the waves are a little more private & the scenery feels untouched. Whether you’re here to learn, explore, or just enjoy the ride, Sayulita surf makes it all feel effortless & fun.
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In This Guide
Best Time To Surf Sayulita
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Peak Sayulita Surf Season | May to September
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Sayulita surf is most consistent from May to September when southern swells reach the town’s sheltered beach & point breaks. Sayulita surf during this time offers warm water & 3 to 5-foot waves, great for longboarding or beginners stepping up.
The town’s central break is forgiving & soft, ideal for playful sessions. Sayulita surf becomes a favorite during these months for those seeking small but reliable surf in a vibrant setting.
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Shoulder Sayulita Surf Season | March, April & October
Suited For All Skill Levels
During spring & early fall, Sayulita surf remains fun, with smaller but clean conditions. Wave size generally ranges from 2 to 4 feet. Sayulita surf is a good choice for relaxed sessions on foamies or performance longboards.
Though less powerful than peak season, waves still peel across the sand & reef bottom. Crowds are thinner than in winter, making Sayulita surf more enjoyable without high competition in the water.
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Low Sayulita Surf Season | November to February
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Sayulita surf slows down in winter with minimal southern swell activity. Waves hover around 1 to 2 feet, offering soft rollers ideal for total beginners. Sayulita surf during this season is perfect for learning basics & enjoying the town’s colorful surf culture.
While advanced surfers may look elsewhere, Sayulita surf provides a gentle & consistent ride for first-timers, especially during morning high tides.
Sayulita Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Sayulita Surf Temperature:
28–30°C (82–86°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are all you’ll need in the warm, tropical surf.
Rainfall:
Rainfall is heavy, with around 12–16 days per month. Afternoon & evening storms are frequent, especially in July & August.
Sayulita Surf Temperature:
27–29°C (81–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are still all you need, even in November. The warm water makes for super comfortable surfing.
Rainfall:
September sees up to 12 rainy days, but things dry out quickly. October averages 6–8 days, & November 3–5.
Sayulita Surf Temperature:
26–28°C (79–82°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are still suitable. Mornings may feel fresher, but not enough to need neoprene.
Rainfall:
This is the driest time of year with only 1–2 rainy days monthly.
Sayulita Surf Temperature:
27–29°C (81–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are ideal, & the weather is perfect for long surf sessions.
Rainfall: March & April are dry with 1–2 rainy days, May picks up slightly to around 4–6.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Sayulita
| Sayulita Surf Spots | Distance from Sayulita | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sayulita Beach |
In town centre |
2-6 foot |
Consistent beach break |
All levels |
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Playa Las Cuevas |
Approx. 1.5km (0.9mi) north |
2-4 foot |
Consistent beach break |
All levels |
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Playa Carricitos |
Approx. 1.5km (0.9mi) west |
2-5 foot |
Quality beach break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Playa Patzcuarito |
Approx. 2.5km (1.5mi) southwest |
2-6 foot |
Quality beach break |
Intermediate to advanced |
Further Information To Sayulita Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Sayulita Beach is a bustling beach break that performs best at mid tide when a west-southwest swell meets clean easterly winds. Waves break both directions over a shifting sandbar, producing waist- to chest-high peaks with playful shoulders. Smaller swells yield mellow rollers for beginners, while larger swells can deliver fun, punchy sections for intermediates.
The broad shoreline creates multiple peaks, but its proximity to town often leads to crowded lineups. Sayulita Beach’s forgiving take-offs & consistent shape make it a learning hub, though savvy surfers can still find open peaks early or late in the day.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: South
- Swell Direction: North or Northeast
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Playa Las Cuevas is a sheltered beach break that works best during all tides with a north or northeast swell & light east winds. The wave breaks over a broad sandbar into gentle waist-high rollers & occasional chest-high walls. Its protected cove setting softens the take-off, making it ideal for learners & longboarders.
While the lineups can pick up during peak swell windows, the multiple peaks along the bay help disperse surfers. Las Cuevas delivers smooth, rippable waves perfect for carving & flow-style surfing in relatively relaxed conditions.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to low tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low to moderate
Playa Carricitos is a lesser-known beach break that peaks at mid to low tide when a west-southwest swell aligns with offshore east winds. Waves roll in over a sandy bottom, offering waist- to chest-high walls with soft shoulders suitable for cruising turns.
The remote access & smaller crowds make Carricitos an appealing alternative to busier beaches. Its gentle take-off & predictable peaks support progression for beginners & intermediates alike, while the empty lineups provide ample opportunity to catch wave after wave.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to low tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Playa Patzcuarito is a point-inflected beach break that works best at mid to low tide under a west-southwest swell & light easterly wind. Breaking over a sandy bottom with occasional rock outcrops, it offers long peeling lefts & rights ranging from waist-high to overhead. The take-off can be steep, especially on larger swells, rewarding skilled surfers with extended rides.
Lineups remain moderate due to the spot’s reputation among locals but generally provide space to connect multiple sections. Patzcuarito’s consistent offshore conditions make it a reliable choice for performance-oriented sessions.
Rating: 4/5
Travel Time To Sayulita Surf Spots
| Sayulita Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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Sayulita Beach |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Playa Las Cuevas |
Approx. 20 min. |
5-10 min. |
Not required |
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Playa Carricitos |
Approx. 25 min. |
5-10 min. |
Not required |
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Playa Patzcuarito |
Approx. 35 min. |
10-15 min. |
10 min. taxi |
Sayulita Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Sayulita surf schools are among the most popular in Mexico, known for their accessible beach break & vibrant learning environment. Marea Sayulita provides top-notch surf instruction in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, helping surfers progress confidently.
Sayulitacruz combines expert coaching with convenient accommodations, making it a fantastic option for travelers seeking an all-in-one surf experience. Sea Sayulita offers personalized lessons with skilled instructors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time on the waves.
Surf Nayar focuses on delivering high-quality coaching tailored to individual needs, while Variant Surf Co offers customized packages that include lessons, rentals, and more.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, Sayulita surf schools offer a fun, laid-back way to learn.
Sayulita Surf Camp
Sayulita Surf Camp With Wild Mex Surf and Adventure
WildMex offers progressive surf camps in Sayulita that combine small group coaching with access to a variety of point & beach breaks across Nayarit. All sessions are led by bilingual instructors with a 4:1 student-to-coach ratio (or 2:1 for kids), focusing on ocean safety, wave selection, & technique.
You’ll get land & boat transfers to the best waves each day, plus unlimited use of WildMex’s massive board collection. Between surf sessions, enjoy the laid-back rhythm of Sayulita, relax by the pool, or catch sunset from your terrace.
Select either a 7-Day or 10-Day surf camp from the options below.
7-Day Sayulita Surf Camp With Wild Mex Surf and Adventure
Best for quick learners & short stays. Includes 6 nights of accommodation (dorm, basic, or standard private), 5 progressive surf lessons with expert instruction, & daily transport to waves by land or boat.
You’ll also have full access to over 300 surfboards, rashguards, booties, wetsuit tops, & gear insurance (excluding theft/loss). Enjoy downtime at the pool or beach, & connect with fellow surfers during laid-back evenings in town. Find Out More
10-Day Sayulita Surf Camp With Wild Mex Surf and Adventure
Designed for deeper progression & extra water time. Includes 9 nights of accommodation in your choice of lodging style, 8 coached surf sessions with bilingual instructors, & all surf transfers to optimal breaks.
You’ll have unlimited board access throughout your stay, along with wetsuit gear, board insurance, & use of pool & beach facilities. Ideal for surfers looking to build confidence, improve technique, & fully experience Sayulita surf culture. Find Out More
Discover your ideal surf camp below—compare options across Mexico and around the world!
Sayulita Surfboard Hire
Sayulita surfboard hire is abundant & hassle-free, with plenty of beachfront shops offering a wide range of boards for all skill levels. Marea Sayulita offers a wide selection of boards, ensuring you have the perfect equipment for local conditions.
Lunazul provides well-maintained surfboards and is conveniently located near the beach. Patricia’s Surf School also offers quality rentals, making it simple to grab a board and enjoy Sayulita’s famous breaks. Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, Sayulita surfboard hire makes it easy to hit the waves.
Sayulita Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on Sayulita surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and Sayulita surf reports, including swell size, wind direction, and tide times, to help you plan your day.
For those wanting a real-time view of the waves, Surfline offers live surf cameras at many popular breaks. However, access to these cameras requires a paid subscription. Despite the cost, Surfline’s cameras can be a valuable tool for surfers who want to check conditions before heading out. With these resources, you’ll always be in the know about the best times to hit the water.
How To Get To Sayulita Surf
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) To Sayulita
Distance: 38km (24mi)
To reach Sayulita surf, the most convenient route is to fly into Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) & then take a local bus or taxi to your destination.
Below is a guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Sayulita based on your preferences & budget.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 1-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $5-10 USD per person
Details:
Catch a bus from the highway outside PVR toward Sayulita, usually via the Compostela or ATM lines. You’ll need to walk about 10 minutes from the terminal to the bus stop.
The journey is scenic but involves a number of stops. Affordable & reliable, this option is best for solo travelers or those without surfboards.
Shuttle Service
- Time: 1-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $25-$50 USD per person
Details:
Shuttle companies run frequent services between PVR & Sayulita, popular among surf tourists. Most vans have secure surfboard racks & air conditioning. Shared shuttles are affordable & run on semi-regular schedules, while private options offer flexible timing & direct drop-offs.
Booking in advance is strongly advised, especially during holidays & weekends.
Accommodation In Sayulita
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€18 to €60 |
$20 to $65 |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€75 to €190 |
$80 to $200 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€200 to €420+ |
$210 to $450+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Find Your Perfect Stay
When planning your stay at Sayulita, Tripaneer should be your first stop, offering a seamless booking experience for surf camps and unique local adventures that truly capture the spirit of the coast. Tripaneer’s curated options ensure you start your journey with the best blend of excitement and comfort.
For those interested in a wider array of accommodation, Booking.com presents a range of luxurious beachfront properties and cozy apartments just steps away from the sand, while Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travellers with its selection of affordable hostels and social surf lodges.
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