Sayulita, Mexico is still our fav for beginner surfers

Sayulita is on our list of the 25 best beginner surf spots, but sometimes it gets mixed reviews, due to the crowds (hello) and water quality in the wet season (hello again). So we went to the local sources to check what the real vibe is.

Sayulita is a small, boho beach town on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Nayarit, about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Once a sleepy fishing village, it’s now a colorful hub for surfers, backpackers, yogis, and taco lovers from around the world.

Getting there is easy: fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), then take a taxi, shuttle, or rental car up the coast. The drive is scenic and usually takes under an hour.

Despite the town’s growing popularity, Sayulita still has a relaxed, walkable vibe—with dusty roads, open-air cafes, and dogs snoozing in the sun. It’s the kind of place where you surf in the morning, sip mezcal by afternoon, and end your day dancing in flip-flops.

🌊 The surf
Sayulita is one of Mexico’s most beginner-friendly surf towns, thanks to its mellow, consistent beach break right in the main bay. The wave breaks both left and right over a sand and cobblestone bottom, making it great for first-timers and foamies. On small days, it’s a longboard dream. On bigger swells, intermediates can play too.

🚿 Water quality
Generally good—especially in the dry season—but it can get a little sketchy after heavy rains. In the wet season (June–October), avoid paddling out right after a storm due to runoff. A little bit of insider advice: if bacteria loves you and you’re prone to illness, avoid Sayulita in the wet season.

👙 Wardrobe
No wetsuit needed. The water is warm year-round—think rash guard, swimsuit, or surf bikini. If you’re sun-sensitive, a long-sleeve top and zinc are your best friends. Bring booties, because shallow reefs!

☀️ Best time for beginners to go
November to April is dry season—sunny, consistent, and beginner-friendly. May–October is the rainy season and can bring heavier surf, but mornings are still usually manageable.

⚠️ Hazards
Crowds, especially in peak season (Dec–Feb and around Easter). The main break gets busy with surf schools, longboarders, and kids. The rocks and reef on the edges of the bay can surprise you at low tide, so steer clear unless you know the spot.

🏄 Rentals + lessons
Every other shop in Sayulita rents boards or offers lessons. You can book in advance or walk right up. Most instructors are bilingual and used to teaching total beginners.

🍉 When you’re not surfing
– Eat tacos
– Shop local at Sayulita’s artisan market
– Do some yoga
– Just relax

🧳 Solo friendly?
Very. Sayulita is a solo traveler’s paradise with a welcoming surf community, tons of hostels, and relaxed social vibes. Most surf schools welcome walk-ins, and the town is easy to navigate on foot. Just be ready to meet a dozen new friends before noon.

Recommendations from Girls Who Can’t Surf Good
Here are businesses or instructors that were specifically recommended by name:

🏄 Surf schools / instructors
WildMex Surf & Adventure – Most frequently recommended. Offices in Sayulita and Punta Mita. Offers lessons, rentals, transport to other breaks, surf camps, and pool access at the Punta Mita location.
Known for professional, ISA-certified instructors.
Selina Hostel Surf Program – Mentioned multiple times. Noted for organizing trips to La Lancha.
Patricia’s Surf Lessons / Patricia’s Surf School – Casual and easy to access.
Lunazul Surf School – Friendly staff, surf classes, good range of boards.
Seasayulita (IG handle) – Highly rated for surf lessons.
Surf It Out Mexico – Instructor Risa Mara Machuca was repeatedly recommended by name.
Lexie Surf Academy (Mazatlán-based, possibly mobile) – Run by Alexia of Surf With Amigas.
Sayulita Central Hotel – Mentioned for coworking, not surf, but near rental shops.
My Sister’s House – Women-only hostel offering surf lessons and surf trips.

🛌 Where to stay
Casa Mariposa – 5 minutes from the beach and high-speed internet.
Selina Hostel – Budget-friendly, walkable, with surf school out front. Great for solo travelers.
Viajero Hostel – Recommended for a social vibe without wild parties.
Villa Amor – Beachfront, more upscale; prices reportedly spiked post–Bachelor in Paradise.
Villa de Amor / Local Tribe de Mexico – Free board rentals, yoga, quiet location.
Sayulina Hotel – Downtown, includes breakfast and rooftop pool.
Northswell Sabor Natural – A café run by a local surf instructor and his wife, with great WiFi.

🍴 Food & cafe recs
Tacos Al Pastor Tal Ivan – Iconic al pastor stand near Pizza Venezia.
Mary’s – Great seafood tacos.
Mexicolate – High-quality cacao smoothies.
Anchor Cafe – Quiet with fast Wi-Fi, ideal for digital nomads.
Café Miscelanea – Cold brew and chill vibe.
Tamagoshi – Loved for breakfast sandwiches.
CAVA – Great cocktails and pricing.
El Itacate – Famous for steak tacos.
La Rustica – Legit Italian pizza and sangria.