8 beaches in Sayulita you should visit: discover the great waters of the Pacific Coast
The best Sayulita beaches including location, how to get there, what to bring, and everything you need to know.
Sayulita beaches don’t have blue waters like Cancun but what I love about the beaches in Riviera Nayarit is that you need to go through the jungle to reach them.
There are 4 walkable beaches within Sayulita so you don’t have to rent a golf cart and a car to get to them. However, I added a few nearby beaches on this list (a 20-minutes drive) which you will surely love to explore.
All these Sayulita beaches are swimmable but it depends on the wave season. Carricitos and Patzcuarito have strong currents and it can be dangerous if you’re not a skilled swimmer.
Golf cart rental starts at $55 per day but if you’re on a budget, I recommend walking. It only takes 30 minutes to get to them. You’ll also walk into a lush jungle on the way to these beaches so it won’t be that challenging.
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1. Sayulita main beach: crowded beach spot
📍 [open on Google maps] | 🚶♀️ in the center | ☀️ sunset spot
Sayulita main beach is where all the bars and restaurants are so you’d like to explore this first. It is also a learning beach for surfers so there will be many activities here during the day.
Beach vendors are everywhere so that may be a hassle to your sunbathing escapades I would recommend coming to this beach for lunch or day drinking, just so the vendors won’t bother you inside the establishments.
La Isla and Barracuda by the beach are two great spots for day drinking. They also have day beds where you can lay all day plus a great menu of food and beverage.
If you want to lay privately on the sand (while reading a book), walk to the north side where there are fewer people (towards San Pancho).
2. Carricitos Beach: best of the best Sayulita beaches
📍 [open on Google maps] |🚶♀️ 30-min walk from the plaza | ☀️ sunset spot
Carricitos is my second favorite beach in Sayulita but I go here quite a lot. From Monday to Thursday, it is very likely that you’ll have this beach by yourself but during the weekends, expect more people hanging out on this beach (but not as much as the Sayulita main beach.
I like going to this beach because my dogs can have more space for themselves. My dogs like to play on the beach and there were many instances when they always get into fights with other dogs on crowded beaches.
The waters of Carricitos beach are not for surfing – it all depends on the water condition but I’ve seen a lot of people surf there. It is definitely for swimming but beware of the undercurrents as they are very unpredictable.
There are no stores or bars on Carricitos beach so I recommend you bring your own beach mats, beers, and food if you’re spending the day there.
The walk is also a canopied pathway so it won’t be very hot if you choose to go on foot. This is one of the best small hikes in Sayulita and I promise you’ll enjoy it!
3. Los Muertos Beach: best sunrise beach
📍 [open on Google maps] | 🚶♀️ 10-min walk from the plaza | ☀️ sunrise spot
There is also Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta so don’t confuse this with the one from Sayulita. You might be confused if you search it on Google maps and it will show you it’s an hour’s drive.
Los Muertos means “the dead” in English. To get to Playa Los Muertos, you need to pass by the town’s cemetery, hence the name.
Don’t worry, it’s not scary! Mexican cemeteries are usually pleasing to look at and this will enable you to see the local culture of Sayulita. You will also pass by local homes along the way.
Los Muertos is in a cove and is a favorite for families traveling with children. The waves are not too strong and this beach is swimmable.
These days, vendors are already selling food and drinks here. You can also rent an umbrella for
4. Patzcuarito Beach: remote beach in the jungle
📍 [open on Google maps] | 🚶♀️ 30-min walk from the plaza | ☀️ sunset spot
This is my favorite beach in Sayulita and I come here every morning because it’s always empty! Patzcuarito is not as popular as Carricitos but I prefer this more because of the canopy trail.
There aren’t any stores or beach vendors here so you must bring your own food and drinks. There are no shaded areas so you need to bring an umbrella.
This is also a great camping spot if you want to stay the night. Just put your tent on higher ground because the tide gets really high in the evening.
5. Patzcuaro Beach: not-so-popular beach
📍 [open on Google maps] | 🚘 14-min drive from the plaza |☀️ sunrise spot
Note that there is also a Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacan so make sure to put ‘Nayarit’ on Google maps or follow the link above for directions.
Patzcuaro is a surf beach but I like to come here when I want to change the scenery. There is a different community in the Patzcuaro area despite its close proximity to Sayulita.
The beach is not extraordinary but you’ll love the jungle drive where you’ll pass by rivers and the rainforest of Riviera Nayarit.
If you want to stay the night, there are many beachfront vacation rentals here!
6. Mal Paso Beach: best remote beach
📍 [open on Google maps] | 🚘 14-min drive from the plaza | ☀️ sunset spot
A 45-min walk through the Sayulita main beach, Mal Paso is another adventurous jungle trail that is fit for adventure-lovers. You don’t need a guide to get here – just simply walk the shore north and you’ll arrive easily!
Mal Paso is remote and deserted so as usual, bring your drinks and food. I encourage you to spend the full day here. There are many trees around for shade so no need to bring an umbrella!
7. La Lancha: best surfing beach
📍 [open on Google maps] | 🚶♀️ 30-min walk from the plaza | ☀️ sunset spot
La Lancha is in Punta de Mita, about 20 minute drive from Sayulita. There is a 15-min jungle trail and despite having to walk long with their surfboards, surfers love this beach because of the intermediate to pro waves.
La Lancha beach is my Sunday jam because my dogs love this beach! When bringing pets, be mindful about the river as there can be alligators lurking around the area.
There are no stores in La Lancha beach but there is an Oxxo and a few restaurants at the beginning of the trail where you will also park your car.
8. San Pancho main beach: best sunset beach
📍 [open on Google maps] | 🚶♀️ 30-min walk from the plaza | ☀️ sunset spot
San Pancho is another small town that is only 10 minutes from Sayulita. It’s also a great place to stay and it is much quieter than Sayulita (and also more expensive).
San Pancho’s main beach has very decent waves (higher than Sayulita). I love going to San Pancho when I want to take a break from the bustling Sayulita noise.
There are also many restaurants on this beach but it is not (yet) as crowded as Sayulita’s main beach. If you spend the day here, I also encourage you to take the San Pancho City tour with us!
9. Punta Negra Beach
Punta Negra stands out among Sayulita beaches for its tranquil ambiance and picturesque setting, offering a stark contrast to the bustling main beaches.
Ideal for sunbathing, Punta Negra provides a peaceful retreat with its soft, golden sands and clear, calm waters. Travelers seeking solitude or a romantic getaway will find Punta Negra perfect for quiet beach days.
Bring snacks and water, as amenities are sparse. The access might require a bit of a walk, so wearing comfortable shoes is advisable.
10. Playa Las Cuevas
Playa Las Cuevas, another jewel among Sayulita beaches, offers a unique adventure with its distinctive rock formations and hidden caves accessible only at low tide.
This beach’s secluded coves and mysterious caves invite exploration and photography, making it an ideal spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The journey to Playa Las Cuevas itself is part of the allure, involving a scenic hike that reveals stunning views and the untouched beauty of the coastline.
Due to its rugged terrain and strong currents, it’s recommended to be cautious when swimming. For those planning to explore the caves, timing your visit with low tide is crucial for safe access.
Bringing sturdy footwear for the hike and water shoes for navigating the rocky shoreline enhances the experience at Playa Las Cuevas, ensuring both safety and comfort during your adventure.
