Sayulita: Beaches, Art and Seasonal Experiences

Sayulita combines beaches and outdoor activities with markets, galleries and music. Along the coast, the surf and the swimming and snorkeling opportunities at Playa Los Muertos when the sea is calm take center stage. In town, the Mercado del Pueblo and seasonal cultural and nature experiences add to the picture.

Beaches, Surfing and Trails

Sayulita’s beaches include Los Muertos, Kestos and Patzcuarito. Sayulita’s beaches have gentle, consistent surf that is suitable for learning and improving your surfing technique. Weather and season affect the waves; if you’re planning a surfing trip, you should take these changing conditions into account. Surfing conditions therefore differ from those for a beach visit where calm water is the priority.

Playa Los Muertos is near Sayulita’s main beach. Its waters are calmer and clearer; when the sea is calm, the beach is suitable for leisurely swimming and snorkeling. Hiking to Playa Los Muertos is one of the activities in Sayulita. Mountain trails also offer opportunities for outdoor exploration. Access and trail conditions can change, so it’s worth checking conditions before setting out.

Market, Art and Music

At Sayulita’s Mercado del Pueblo, you’ll find organic products, fruit and vegetables, prepared foods, crafts, clothing, accessories, art and live music. The selection combines food and prepared dishes with handmade and artistic goods. Individual vendors and their offerings may change.

You’ll find art galleries in Sayulita’s colorful streets. Visitors can also enjoy live music in bars and restaurants; the program at individual venues may vary. Food and local products are part of the program at the 2026 Sayulita Art Walk. These offerings are developed from one edition to the next, so the Art Walk addresses these local themes in addition to art.

Culture and Seasonal Nature Experiences

On the Day of the Dead, Sayulita’s cemetery behind Playa Los Muertos is decorated with colorful Catrinas, flowers and candles. The exact decorations may vary from year to year. Those interested in this tradition can consider it a seasonal part of Sayulita’s cultural life; the decorations are for the Day of the Dead and should not be understood as a year-round offering.

Sayulita also has a sea turtle camp where visitors can take part in environmental education activities and turtle releases. Participation is seasonal and follows local guidance. This makes the camp different from beach experiences: it focuses on environmental education and releasing animals, not on an activity available at any time.

Seasonal boat trips to observe dolphins and whales that visit the region during the season are offered from Sayulita. Possible sightings depend on the season and the operator. These trips complement land-based experiences with an option on the water, without guaranteeing a sighting. If you’re considering such a trip, check the specific conditions with the operator.

Discover more destinations: Ruiz, San Francisco, San Blas, Valle Dorado, Monteón, Estancia Del López, Ahuacatlán, Las Varas

For the regional travel overview: Nayarit.