Sayulita: A “Must” In The Riviera Nayarit

Sayulita has been at the top of the list of “musts” in the Riviera Nayarit for the past decade or so—at the very least. It stands out for its vibrant lifestyle and hippie chic vibe, which makes it irresistible for the laid-back and chill visitor.

Jon Kabat-Zinn famously quipped: “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Every year, thousands of people stand on their very first surfboard or paddleboard on the renowned Ola del Sol, located seaside just beyond the town plaza. This wave is easy enough for beginners, but if you walk just a few meters to the north, you’ll find more complicated waves for those who followed master Kabat-Zinn’s teachings. If you don’t know how to surf, don’t worry: there are plenty of surf schools to get you going.

Every Friday night El Camarón lights up with the feverish beat called Electrocumbia, a mix of different styles of that hot Latin rhythm, from the cumbia villera of Argentina to the cumbia norteña from Monterrey—and everything in between. It’s quite the party!

The nightlife in Sayulita is one of the most active in the Riviera Nayarit: salsa, cumbia, reggae, electronic beats, rock and more are turned on after nightfall to keep you busy till the wee hours.

If you’re up for some adventure you can camp out under the stars with the siren song of the waves as your lullaby. There are even private areas where you can actually rent a spot on the sand to camp on. However, if your idea of camping involves amenities, there are a plethora of furnished villas with pools to cater to your luxury needs. 

Playa Los Muertos is a strip of white sand beach no more than 200 meters long, with crystal-clear water and gentle waves perfect for swimming. These and other features have made it one of the 10 Certified Clean Beaches in the Riviera Nayarit.

One of the “musts” on the to-do list in Sayulita is to savor a dish of fish, shrimp and marlin tacos. But that’s not all: Sayulita’s gastronomy has something for every taste and desire.

The sweet freshness of the fruit in Nayarit coupled with the creativity of its people make dessert time in Sayulita very special indeed. The frozen fruit pops made with strawberries, bananas, kiwi, guava and others are undeniably delicious—it’s like an explosion of flavor on your palate! The juices are incredible: we recommend mint or pineapple with basil. Another “must” on the list of desserts is the famous Chocobanana: a frozen banana dipped in chocolate, then topped with shredded coconut or ground nuts, among other delights.