Beaches:

The main beach of Sayulita is not crowded except for holidays. There are other nearby beaches that are more off the beaten track. The nearest is Playa de Los Muertos. It can be accessed via a path through the village cemetery. Secluded Carasitos, a 45 minute walk to the south, is worth visiting. There are other great beaches to the South - ask about Pasquero.
Biking

Bikes are available to rent. You can explore the edges of town and even find a local bike tour guide. Inquire at the Taller de Bicicleta on the hill of Avenue Pelicanos.

Directions

Sayulita is about 21 miles (35kms) north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. Upon exiting the airport take a right onto Rte 200 and an immediate left in order to be traveling north on Rte. 200. Proceed north on coastal Highway 200 following the signs towards Compostela and Tepic. After approximately twenty minutes you will pass through the town of Bucerias. Continue north on Rte. 200. Past the turnoff to Punta de Mita you should bear left, still Rte. 200, towards Tepic. The highway then becomes more winding, watch for animals grazing along the road and slow moving vehicles. You will pass signs for several small villages. After passing San Ignacio watch for a sign on your right that says "Sayulita 3km". That is the entry to Sayulita.

Drinks

There is liquor, beer, wine and numerous non-alcoholic beverages available in the village but they are a bit more expensive than in Puerto Vallarta. You will have to pay a deposit the first time you buy beer or soda in bottles. Bag ice is available at the liquor store and ice cream store in the village or you can use bottled water and make your own ice in your freezer.

Entertainment

Sayulita is a sleepy little fishing village whose restaurants and bars close early most evenings. But, you can usually find something going on at Don Pedro's, Calypso or at the plaza. Or, you can drive to Puerto Vallarta for a more refined nightlife. Some of those discos and clubs are open all night.

Golf

There are numerous golf courses in the Puerto Vallarta area. The nearest, Flamingo Country Club, is on the road to Vallarta near Bucerias. The greens fee, to include caddy, is approximately $100 and clubs are available if needed. Special rates are available for those willing to play after 2 pm.

Grocery Stores

If you want to cook at home there are a number of small grocery stores in town. It is worth a stroll through town to see what is fresh that day. Stores open at 6 am and close at about 11 pm. Fresh fruit is always available. The grocery store with the most choices is across from the plaza. There are meat stores (carnecerias) where you can buy fresh meat. In addition, barbecued chicken is sold most days right off the grills which are set up on sidewalks all over town. The easiest place to buy fish is from the grocery store on the left after crossing the bridge into town. Some may wish to get it directly from the fishing boats when they come in with the day's catch, usually between noon and 2 pm.

Hiking

There are many trails leading out of town. You can hike out and see where they lead. A hike to one of the nearby beaches is fun or an organized trip to Monkey Mountain can be arranged.

Holidays

Banks and most businesses in the area will close on the following:

New Year's Day January 1
Constitution Day February 5
Birthday of Benito Juaréz March 21
Good Friday to Easter Monday Four days in March or April
Labor Day May 1
Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla May 5
Independence Day September 16
Columbus Day October 12
All Saints' Day November 1
All Souls' Day November 2
Anniversary of the Revolution of 1910 November 20
Christmas Day December 25

Horseback Riding

Horses can be rented from Verdin across from the baseball field. He will set up a beach or jungle tour for you and your companions.

Internet

There are many locations where you can log on to check on world news or sports scores or to e-mail those that couldn't make the trip. Many of these sites also serve food and beverages.

Mail

Sayulita does not have a post office. The mail from Mexico takes at least three weeks to arrive at its US address. Americans living in Sayulita give their mail to people who are returning to the States where letters can then be sent through the US Postal Service. However, if sending mail out of Mexico it should be done from a post office but it is also possible to do through Mi Tiendita, across from the plaza. There you can purchase stamps and put you mail in the box to be picked up at some future time. While it is possible to receive mail at the same tiendra, packages must be picked up at a post office. When shipping packages to Mexico be aware that Mexican Customs will open boxes and access a 30% tax on their value.

Medical Needs

It is possible to buy many medicines in Mexico but be safe and bring your own, especially prescriptions. There are many pharmacies in Sayulita and a clinic (Salud).

Money

Cash is the primary means of purchase in Sayulita and there are no ATM's or moneychangers available at present. Credit cards are accepted at very few locations. US dollars are accepted at some locations but at an unfavorable exchange rate. There are two money exchange banks at the airport. Compare rates. Bital Bank has been the most competitive recently.

Phones and Faxes

There are numerous public phones in Sayulita and a number of locations where faxes can be sent. San Francisco, 5 miles north of Sayulita, has over 12 card operated public phone booths.

Restaurants

What follows is a little bit of information on the eateries in the area.

Alas Blancas - The food is "very good" Mexican fare. The menu is in English. Open almost every day.

Anna's or El Bicho - Quaint. Serves only a few dishes, tortillas being the specialty. Very reasonable prices. They also serve great smoothies and fresh juices. Located on the main road into the town center, just after the bridge, under a large palapa.

Café Sayulita - Located on the main street coming into town. Only one half block before the plaza. Known for their chile rellenos.

Calypso - On the corner across from the plaza, on the second floor. It has a nice bar and seating outside. Great place to oversee the action on the plaza and to watch sports on TV.

Captain Pablo's - On the beach directly in front of the main surf break. Cozy spot featuring traditional Mexican seafood. Pablo and his wife, Patti, also offer fishing and surfing trips. Surfboard rental available.

El Casteno - (aka Ruperto's) On the beach, straight down from the plaza. Good food. Simple egg breakfasts for only 20 Pesos.

Cheo's Tacos - On the left directly after the bridge. The real Mexican deal and the best of the street vendors. Only open at night. Great food and great prices.

Choco Banana - On the plaza. Known as Sayulita's original coffee shop and café. Serve breakfast and lunch and lots of healthy food. Great place to hang out and maybe find a US newspaper.

Don Pedro's - The upscale restaurant in town. On the beach. They accept credit cards, can make all the drinks, serve a great filet and have American TV.

Fish Taco - Decorated as a rustic taco stand but the food is far from it. Excellent Baja style breaded fish taco or shrimp taco. Also do a great job with steamed veggies and chile rellenos. On the east side of the plaza.

Laura's - Half a block from the beach. Excellent Mexican food with seating on the street. She is famous in town for her cooking and when she's open she's busy.

Leza's - On the plaza. Good food at good prices. Try everything.

Macando - Italian restaurant located beyond the NE corner of the baseball field. Great salads, pizzas and pasta.

Margarita's - On the beach in front of the surf break. Traditional Mexican food, seafood and Gringo-Mexican food. A good place to have a beer and watch the surfers.

Papa's Palapa's - Great little natural foods restaurant on the beach at surf central.

Red Dragon - Didn't you expect to find a great Chinese restaurant in Sayulita? A block north of Alas Blancas on the east side of the road. Great egg fu yung and a full bar.

Rollie's - Rollie and his family serve a great, American-style breakfast and a great time. Two blocks south of town on the road to Punta de Mita. A very large meal and a very large time. You won't escape without trying the fried potatoes.
Ron's Pizza - A great hang out that's been around a long time and has excellent pizza. Located on the south side of the river. Go right after the bridge. Wood burning pizza oven.

Sayulita Net Lounge - Great drinks, snacks and internet connections. Copy services always and live music often.

Si Hay Olitas - Traditional Mexican food with seafood specialties.

Street Vendors - Many makeshift street side taco stands near the plaza. They are fried right in front of you and most are excellent. Most do not serve alcohol but you can always buy a beer or two at a nearby store, sit down at the sidewalk table and enjoy a good, cheap meal.

Terrazola - One of our favorites. Right on the water. On the northern part of the beach just at the left surf break. Othon and Wendy serve great food and great music for lunch and dinner. Don't leave without having one of Wendy's special Margarita's.

Snorkeling

Snorkels and fins can be rented in the village at Santa Crucita or on the beach at Papa's Palapas. The best place in Sayulita to see fish and find clear water is Playa de los Muertos, on the south end of town. Or hire a boat out to the Marietas Islands. This is a great trip. Ask the guide to take you to the cave where you can swim through to an enclosed private beach.

Swimming

Pick a beach - any beach. The waters are usually safe except when there are storms at sea and the waves get big. At those times there are rip tides and hard-hitting waves. Use good judgment and don't swim alone.

Things To Consider

Although Sayulita is only about a half hour from the airport it is one hour earlier than in Puerto Vallarta (PV). Sayulita has grocery stores where you can get most everything, but it does not have places where you can purchase up-scale foodstuffs. Just south of the PV airport on Rte. 200 is the Plaza Marina shopping center. It has a large supermarket, two moneychangers, US newspapers, restaurants and two banks. In addition, just a little further south there is a Wal-Mart and a Sam's. Anything you need can be found there. Of course, there are great restaurants and shopping.

Tourist Cards

Do not lose this card. You must have it to leave the country. You will get one on the plane going to Mexico and it will be stamped by Mexican immigration upon entry. Should you lose the card a new one will be issued at the airport but it will take time and cost money.

Transportation - Buses

The least expensive way to travel to Sayulita is by bus. From the airport cross the bridge and wait at the bottom of the stairs for the Compostela bus which also says Sayulita across the front windshield. The fare should be about 20 Pesos. Going back to Vallarta is very easy. Buses leave from the plaza every hour and will drop you off at the airport. If you go into Vallarta the bus will let you off in front of the Sheraton. The last bus back from Vallarta leaves the area across the street from the Sheraton at 8 pm. The Pacifico bus lines do not come into Sayulita but will stop at the Sayulita exit on 200 for you and you can get some exercise.

Transportation - Rental Cars

Rental cars may be obtained at the airport. You can book your car online before you leave (less expensive than renting at the airport) or we can arrange personalized roundtrip taxi/van service directly to your house for about $100.00.

Transportation - Taxis

Taxis are available at the airport and across the highway (Route 200) from the airport. Fares range between forty and seventy-five dollars - depending on the size of the vehicle. The taxis across the highway over the pedestrian bridge are less expensive. Always ask the fare before getting into any taxi. Once in Sayulita, taxi and bus service is available at the town square to Puerto Vallarta and nearby villages.

Utilities

Use the large bottled water (garafons) for cooking and drinking. Water from the tap should be boiled for at least 10 minutes before using. Gas is supplied to the houses by refillable tanks. During your stay you may get a cold shower or run out of gas for cooking. Contact the property manager or rental agency. Electricity is not as dependable as the States and the town is subject to periodic blackout. Be patient.

Weather

Sayulita, while located on one of the Pacific Ocean's most beautiful coves, is otherwise surrounded by jungle. At approximately 20 degrees latitude it is the same as the Hawaiian Islands. This sub-tropical climate does receive a large amount of rain but it is limited to the June through September rainy season and generally occurs in the afternoon. Temperatures rarely, if ever, go below 60°F nor above 95°F. Temperatures (F°) and rainfall information is as below;

                Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Ave. High 78  78  79    80    85   86   87 86    86   85   82  76

Ave. Low  64  64  65    66    71   77   78 76    76   76   77  65

Wet Days  2     1    0      0       1    10   15 15   14    5      1    2

Whale Watching

You can rent a boat in Sayulita, Punta de Mita or Vallarta for this exciting excursion. In the Bahia de Banderas all the boats work together to make sure that you see a whale on your trip. It is amazing to be up close to the largest living thing on the planet.

http://www.tropical-getaways.com

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