Sayulita Starter Pack

Fly into Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR), about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Sayulita

Private transfer: Book online in advance. ~$80-120 USD for private car.

Shared shuttle: More affordable option, ~$30-40 per person.

Uber: Works from the airport but may be limited in Sayulita itself.

Rental car: Useful for exploring the coast but parking in Sayulita is challenging.

Bus: Compostela bus from Puerto Vallarta bus station, then taxi to Sayulita. Cheap but slower.

Tip: Book airport transfer in advance. Taxis at the airport can be expensive.

FMM Tourist Card: Given on arrival, valid for up to 180 days. Keep this safe!

Visa runs: Some fly to the US (short flight from PVR) to reset their 180 days.

Temporary Resident Visa: For stays over 180 days. Apply at a Mexican consulate before arrival.

Permanent Resident: After 4 years on temporary, or if you qualify by income/investment.

INM office: Immigration handled in Puerto Vallarta. Plan a trip for paperwork.

Surf town vibes: Many young expats and digital nomads on tourist visas.

RFC (tax ID): Required for work or business in Mexico.

Dry season (Nov-May): Sunny, warm, perfect beach weather. Peak tourist season.

Rainy season (June-Oct): Daily afternoon downpours, humid. Jungle is lush and green.

Hurricane season (June-Nov): Pacific hurricanes possible. Stay informed.

Hottest months: May-September. Very humid, 90°F+ with high humidity.

Best surf: Summer months bring bigger swells, but beginners can surf year-round.

High season: December-April. Prices peak, town is busy, book ahead.

Tip: Shoulder season (November, early December) offers great weather and fewer crowds.

Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)

Sayulita has a small medical clinic for basic care.

For serious medical issues, Puerto Vallarta hospitals are needed (45 min-1 hr).

Hospital CMQ Premier (Puerto Vallarta)

Amerimed Hospital (Puerto Vallarta)

US Consular Agency (Puerto Vallarta)

Save these numbers to your phone before you need them!

Walking: The town is tiny. You can walk anywhere in 10-15 minutes.

Golf carts: The preferred way to get around. Rent for ~$50-80 USD per day.

Bikes: Rentals available. Good for exploring but streets are sandy and bumpy.

Taxis: Limited but available for trips outside town.

No Uber in Sayulita: The town is too small. Walk, golf cart, or taxi.

Parking: Very limited in town center. Many stay outside and walk in.

Nearby towns: San Pancho (10 min), Punta Mita (20 min), Puerto Vallarta (45 min-1 hr).

Tip: Most people go car-free once they arrive. Golf cart is king here.

Telcel: Best coverage. Buy SIM at the small Telcel shop in town or OXXO.

Cell coverage: Generally good in town, can be spotty in surrounding jungle.

SIM registration required: Residents need CURP, tourists need passport to buy a SIM card.

Home internet: Available but speeds can be unreliable compared to larger cities.

Starlink: Growing popular with remote workers needing reliable internet.

Cafe WiFi: Many cafes have WiFi, but speeds vary significantly.

Coworking: Limited options. Some cafes function as informal coworking spots.

Tip: If reliable internet is critical, test before signing a long-term rental.

ATMs: A few in town but they run out of cash on busy weekends!

Cash is king: Many shops, restaurants, and vendors are cash-only.

Bring pesos: Have cash on hand before arriving. Don't rely on Sayulita ATMs.

USD accepted: Some tourist shops accept dollars at poor exchange rates.

Banking: For full services, go to Puerto Vallarta.

Wise (TransferWise): Popular with expats for receiving and converting money.

Credit cards: Accepted at hotels and some restaurants, but many places are cash-only.

Centro: Heart of town. Walking distance to beach and restaurants. Can be noisy.

North side: Quieter, closer to the jungle. Short walk to town.

South side: Near the cemetery and surf break. Local vibe, still walkable.

Gringo Hill: Popular expat area up the hill. Great views, need golf cart.

Outside town: Jungle properties offer peace and nature. Need transportation.

San Pancho: Neighboring town 10 min north. Quieter, more local feel.

Rental prices: Start around $800/month for basic, $1500+ for nice places. High season is expensive.

Beach restaurants: Fresh ceviche and fish tacos right on the sand.

ChocoBanana: Legendary frozen chocolate bananas and smoothies.

Mary's: Famous for breakfast burritos. An institution.

Si Hay Olitas: Great tacos and Mexican food at local prices.

Don Pedro's: Upscale beach restaurant, live music, great sunsets.

Street tacos: Find the taco carts around the plaza in the evening.

Groceries: Small tiendas in town. Larger stores in Puerto Vallarta.

Organic market: Friday organic market with local produce and goods.

Tip: Prices are higher in Sayulita than typical Mexican beach towns.

Main beach (Playa Sayulita): The town beach. Surfing, swimming, beach restaurants.

Playa de los Muertos: South of main beach past the cemetery. Quieter, less crowded.

Carricitos: Hidden beach north of town. Short hike through the jungle to get there.

Playa Patzcuarito: North end of the bay. Good snorkeling, calmer water.

San Pancho beach: 10 min north. Longer beach, fewer crowds, surf-friendly.

Punta Mita beaches: 20 min south. Upscale resorts but some public access.

Tip: The main beach can be crowded. Explore the hidden beaches for more space.

Surfing: Sayulita is famous for beginner-friendly waves. Lessons everywhere!

Paddle boarding: Calm mornings are perfect for SUP. Rentals on the beach.

Whale watching: Humpback whales visit December-March. Book boat tours.

Marietas Islands: Day trip for snorkeling and the famous hidden beach.

Yoga: Multiple studios and beach yoga classes.

Art walk: Friday art walk through galleries and shops.

Day trips: Puerto Vallarta, San Pancho, Punta Mita, Islas Marietas.

Nightlife: Beach bars and small clubs. The vibe is chill, not raging.

Surfing: The main attraction! Multiple breaks for different skill levels.

SUP (Stand-up paddle): Very popular in the calm morning waters.

Yoga: Several studios and drop-in classes throughout town.

Snorkeling: Good spots around the bay and on island trips.

Fishing: Deep-sea fishing trips available from Puerto Vallarta.

Hiking: Jungle trails to hidden beaches and viewpoints.

Gyms: Limited in Sayulita. More options in Puerto Vallarta.

Beach volleyball and soccer: Pickup games happen on the beach.

Small town reality: Sayulita is tiny. Expect to see the same faces. Drama spreads fast.

ATMs: Seriously, bring cash. ATMs run out on weekends.

Prices: Higher than you might expect for a small town. Tourism drives prices up.

Rainy season: June-October is very humid and rainy. Some businesses close.

Drinking water: Tap water is not potable. Stick to bottled or purified.

Spanish: Helpful but you can get by with English in the tourist areas.

Surf etiquette: Learn the lineup rules. Beginners should take lessons first.

Noise: Town center can be loud, especially weekends. Consider staying outside centro.