The Ultimate Guide: Best Things to Do in Sayulita

Welcome to Sayulita! Known for its vibrant culture, incredible food, and world-class waves, this Pueblo Mágico offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. When you visit, we always encourage travelers to support local businesses, learn a little Spanish, and give back to the community that makes this place so special.

If you're looking for an unforgettable trip, here are the absolute best things to do in Sayulita.

1. Customize Your Own Surfboard with Mainland Surfboards

Why rent a generic board when you can paddle out on a custom shape crafted specifically for you? Getting a custom surfboard from Mainland Surfboards is the ultimate Sayulita experience.

Order 8 weeks prior to have your board ready for your arrival. Beyond high-performance surfboards, we also craft:

  • Wedding Guestbooks: A unique way to remember your special day.

  • Interior Design: Surfboard light fixtures and decor for restaurants and homes.

  • Gifts: Perfect for baby showers, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or birthdays.

  • Business Branding: Custom company signage and logos on surfboards.

2. Surf Your New Board in Sayulita (and Beyond!)

Once you pick up your freshly glassed custom board from Mainland Surfboards, it's time to get it in the water. Sayulita’s main beach offers a friendly, consistent break that is perfect for testing out your new ride. After you’ve caught some waves in town, explore the surrounding Riviera Nayarit coastline. Take a quick trip to the pristine breaks at La Lancha, enjoy the punchier waves in neighboring San Pancho, or charter a boat to the secluded point breaks at Punta Mita. Having a board tailored to your exact height, weight, and skill level will completely elevate your Mexico surf trip.

3. Fish with Local Experts

Sayulita's roots as a humble fishing village are still alive and well. Head down to the main beach early and hire a local fisherman to take you out on a traditional panga boat. The local captains know these waters better than anyone and will take you to the best spots to reel in Mahi Mahi (Dorado), Roosterfish, Yellowfin Tuna, or Red Snapper. It’s an authentic way to spend the morning—and many local restaurants will happily grill up your fresh catch for lunch when you return to shore!

4. Release Baby Turtles at Sunset

From August through December, Sayulita’s coastline transforms into a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles. To protect these nests from predators, poachers, and development, dedicated volunteers carefully relocate the eggs to a secure hatchery. Because nature sets the schedule, turtle releases are only held on the days the hatchlings emerge.

Check the Sayulita Turtle Release Facebook page—they typically post by 2:00 PM to confirm if a sunset release will happen that evening. It is a truly magical, family-friendly experience to witness these tiny creatures reach the Pacific. As regular volunteers ourselves, we’d love to share more about the process! If you’re interested in helping out, just ask us or reach out to the organization directly.

5. Whale watching

If you are visiting between December and March, you are in for a spectacular show. Every winter, hundreds of Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Banderas Bay to mate and give birth. Booking a boat tour gives you a front-row seat to watch these massive, 40-ton creatures breach and tail-slap. Get ready—you’ll likely spot mother whales teaching their calves how to jump! You may also encounter pods of Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins racing alongside the boat.

6. Hike Through the Jungle

When your shoulders need a break from paddling out on your new custom surfboard, trade your boardshorts for sneakers and immerse yourself in the lush Sierra Madre jungle. The canopy surrounding Sayulita is teeming with life; keep your eyes peeled for vibrant Military Macaws soaring overhead, colorful Iguanas sunning on branches, and the elusive Coatimundi (locally known as tejón) scurrying through the underbrush. You might even spot a Chachalaca or a Cacique flitting through the palms.

For the ultimate bird’s-eye view of the surf breaks you’ve been conquering, take on the challenge of Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain). The trailhead is just a short drive from town, and the trek leads you to a summit with jaw-dropping, 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Riviera Nayarit coastline, the dense jungle, and the sparkling Pacific. It is the perfect spot to scout for new swell lines! We highly recommend hiring a local guide to navigate the winding trails safely and to help point out the hidden wildlife you might otherwise miss.

7. Marieta Islands

No trip is complete without visiting the Islas Marietas National Park. Often referred to as "Mexico's Galapagos," this marine sanctuary is a haven for rare wildlife. Above the water, you can see the quirky Blue-Footed Booby birds nesting on volcanic cliffs. Below the surface, the snorkeling is world-class; you’ll swim with King Angelfish, Moorish Idols, and schools of vibrant Yellowtail Surgeonfish. Because the ecosystem is delicate, be sure to book a certified eco-tour in advance to visit the famous Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor).

Ready to Build Your Dream Board?

Your Sayulita adventure deserves more than a standard rental. At Mainland Surfboards, we pour our passion into every custom shape, ensuring your board is perfectly tuned for your style and the Mexican waves you’re about to ride.

Because our boards are personalized to your exact specifications, we require an 8-week lead time—so don't wait until you pack your bags! Whether you need a high-performance shape for your trip, a unique piece of surf-inspired home decor, a wedding guestbook or an unforgettable gift, we are here to bring your vision to life.

👉 Contact us today to start your custom surfboard order and secure your spot in the queue before your arrival!

  • Yes, it is recommended. Sourcing a board bag and other surf equipment (fins, traction pads, leashes) is not particularly easy to find in our small surf village. There may be some at ___ or __ in town, but availability varies. Plan accordingly!

  • Put down a deposit with us (equivalent to about 60% of the cost of the board).

How you can give back?

Sayulita has a way of capturing the hearts of everyone who visits. If you feel moved to leave this town a little better than you found it, there are three incredible local projects that are close to our hearts. These organizations work tirelessly to support our children, protect our wildlife, and keep our coastline pristine.

Campamento Tortuguero (Sayulita Turtle Release)

The survival of our Olive Ridley turtles depends on the dedicated volunteers at the turtle camp. Beyond physically relocating nests to the hatchery, the camp requires constant funding for supplies like flashlights, wood for fencing, and marking tools.

  • How to help: You can make a general donation or even "Adopt a Nest." When your specific nest hatches, you’ll receive photos and videos of the release!

La Escuela Cooperativa

This Montessori-based preschool provides a vital early childhood education for local children aged 3 to 5. It is a community-led collaboration between families and educators that focuses on starting children on a path of lifelong learning in a harmonious environment.

  • How to help: Donations go directly toward classroom materials, teacher salaries, and maintaining a safe, creative space for Sayulita’s youngest students.

ProSayulita Water Testing & Beach Health

A clean ocean is essential for everyone—especially the surf community! ProSayulita manages an independent water testing program, contracting professional labs to test the river and ocean four times a year. This ensures that the water remains safe for locals, tourists, and the marine ecosystem.

  • How to help: By becoming a member or donating to ProSayulita, you help fund these vital tests, as well as the town's trash collection and lifeguard programs.