In contrast, the Malecn alone in Puerto Vallarta is one mile long. The app will say you can book an Uber but wouldnt advise taking an Uber from the airport. As a top-rated day trip destinations, it gets quite busy here especially on weekends and holidays. Click here to learn more and pay the deposit. We left the daily grind in California to live and work in Mexico and now help others do the same! We even stayed in a tree house last time. What does that mean? Mortgage options are now available in Mexico for Canadians and US citizens. If thats not your thing, theres still a long stretch of beach to enjoy here. Puerto Vallarta is worth a day trip if only to walk along the Malecon in the morning as the shops and restaurants are opening up for the day. Nuevo Vallarta is closer to Sayulita than Puerto Vallarta. Traveling from Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita is pretty straightforward and much easier than youd imagine. From Los Muertos Pier, Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa, MONDAY through SATURDAY: 10:00 11:00 11:45 3:00 5:00 Puerto Vallarta to Punta Mita by bus. The music was fun. Puerto Vallarta is packed with high-end shops at malls like La Isla and Galerias. But Ill follow Googles recommendation on this one and tell you that Sayulita is 42 kilometers from Puerto Vallarta. P.S.If youre still on the fence about where to travel, check out my article on Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun and Cabo vs Puerto Vallarta. That was, of course, until the surfers showed up. All morning tours start with a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, muffins and cinnamon rolls. Hours of Operations: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM +52 329-291-3549 (Please mention Sayulita Life) Call Now! In contrast, you can expect most restaurants and shops in Puerto Vallarta to accept credit card payments. Discover the Marietas Islands for yourself! And because of Sayulitas limited beach space, there really are crowds everywhere. Ixtapa is a locality in PV, not to be confused with the municipality of Ixtapa in Guerrero state. Thanks to Sayulita's small size, it will take you less than ten minutes to walk from the tourist center to the bus terminal located on the road out of town. The only issue is that you will be very unlikely to get an uber back unless one happens to be in the area dropping off. Should you be up for a hike, I recommend crossing to Playa Carricitos on the opposite side of the peninsula. By Car If you already have access to a vehicle or plan to rent a car, it may be worth your while to drive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I live here and refuse to drive it at night. . He loves to help plan the best customized option that is perfect for your family and friends. Just click the links to book your Sayulita transport. We have never taken a taxi from the airport to Sayulita as it never made sense dollar-wise. That's probably where you'll have to go for one of the boat trips too. Something else to check out that time of year? Time for snorkeling and playing in the water, 2 hours Sunset to full day options available. There, youll have a pristine beach almost entirely to yourself. On top of that, you can head north to Nuevo Vallarta for more beaches and upscale shopping or behind the Malecn for cute cafes and bars. Sayulita. World Nomads is great for incidents that happen prior to your trip, so if you get sick or are unable to travel due to travel restrictions some of their policies will cover that as cancellation cover. San Pancho is located on the Mexican Pacific coast, in the state of Nayarit, along Highway 200, just 1 hour North of Puerto Vallarta. We had an absolute great time! LIKE MASSIVE. Here, Bali meets the Pacific Ocean. 3) Those who should be in Sayulita most of the time but would enjoy a few days in Puerto Vallarta as well. We begin our tour at 9 oclock in the morning at the maritime terminal of Puerto Vallarta, then we will have fun doing snorkeling and kayaking activities in Majahuitas Bay and in the afternoon we will go to Yelapa, a fishing village with a beautiful and refreshing waterfall, where you can practice your best dive or enjoy the splendid view. The staff and captain were just amazing! The trip takes approximately 1 hour. Now that Ive covered the differences between Sayulita vs. Puerto Vallarta, lets look at the similarities these destinations share. Water Taxi Schedule Its so small, in fact, that many people who wish to get around on wheels opt for a golf cart instead of a vehicle. Any of the beaches north of San Francisco (San Pancho) are nice and will be a lot quieter than Sayulita which is something of a surfing mecca and can be quite crowded around midday with day trippers streaming in. So when looking for travel insurance its important to check it covers travel disruption due to COVID-19, World Nomads, Safety Wing, or Travel Insurance Master all provide cover for this. So, you can expect to encounter the greatest number of tourists from December to mid-April. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. This town of about 3,000 inhabitants has become a must-see destination for surfers from all over the world, as well as being widely chosen by those seeking tranquility and calm. Our Captain & Crew have a Passion for what they do & would LOVE to share it with you. Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita are such charming destinations that its common for visitors to become residents in both places. Heres another reason why a working debit card is so important in Sayulitamany, if not most, restaurants and shops only accept cash. We have taken several dozen taxis in Mexico, and all have been fine. If you find one, you got lucky! If you want to buy groceries there are many supermarkets on the way. Here are the top ways to getting from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita from cheapest to most expensive: Im now going to break each of these options for getting to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta airport in more detail including some booking options. You can get there via bus, taxi, Uber, or scooter. Boat great food alcohol quandary boat crew were all phenomenal. For Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is one of those gems. Whatever your needs, rely on our expertise to ensure you get the most out of your real estate investment in Mexico. I first visited Sayulita in early 2017 and most recently, a few months ago. But I REALLY would not rely on this option. Get to Sayulita immediately upon arrival at Puerto Vallarta Airport. MONDAY through SATURDAY: 10:00 11:00 11:45 3:00 5:00. Get picked up from your hotel in Puerto Vallarta and set off in the direction of Sayulita, whose consistent waves and balmy waters are a EDIT: The last time I tried to book an Uber from PV airport it was a total NIGHTMARE. If your idea of partying is going to massive clubs with dance floors, head to Puerto Vallarta. If you don't have a car, the bus from Sayulita costs $14 MXN ($0.60 USD) and will take you directly to the entrance of San Pancho town. But what if we told you there is even somewhere cooler to swim. If you take a shared transport or bus, it will be longer due to dropping off passengers at other hotels along the way. As for surfing in Puerto Vallarta, forget it. With no plans to stop anytime soon Im always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano Ill try (almost) anything once! Required fields are marked *. However, I recommend staying overnight to make the most of your experience. Sasha and his wife Rachel run Grateful Gnomads, where they write about teaching ESL, digital nomad life, long-term travel, live music, and more. They also support dog and cat rescues, matching these animals with a foster family in Sayulita, the U.S., or Canada. The two bus companies operating the route from Bucerias to Guadalajara are Vallarta Plus and PaciFico. Granted, this timing is for getting off in the northern part of Puerto Vallarta, near Nuevo Vallarta. Options are Mega, La Comer, Walmart, and Chedraui. Use of SayulitaLife.com content to contact advertisers with unsolicited marketing or offers is expressly prohibited. South Shore Boat Tour: Yelapa & Majahuitas. 131. Just bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Top Attractions in Puerto Vallarta 1 The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe 2 ChocoMuseo, Puerto Vallarta 3 Nogalito Ecopark, Puerto Vallarta 4 Jorullo Bridge 5 Las Caletas 6 Licenciado Gustavo Daz Ordaz International Airport 7 El Malecn, Puerto Vallarta 8 Los Arcos National Marine Park 9 El Salto Falls 10 Mismaloya Sayulita was peaceful, charming, and right on the beach. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Remaining balance can be paid in cash the day of the tour. From Boca de Tomatlan to Yelapa, $90 Pesos one way. If youre already staying in the city, you can also catch a bus from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Jose Ramos started his Transportation service in 2002 with one used Chevy Suburban. The bus to Sayulita runs every 20 minutes from 6 am until 10 pm. Thanks to Sayulitas small size, it will take you less than ten minutes to walk from the tourist center to the bus terminal located on the road out of town. To drive from the airport to Sayulita takes around 50 minutes. Nevertheless, when comparing Puerto Vallarta vs. Sayulita in terms of banks, Puerto Vallarta takes the cake. The last time we were at the Puerto Vallarta airport, the taxi rates were comparable to the private driver rates. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's on the hour, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. As with any tourist area getting there early will allow you to beat the worst of the crowds and will make for a much more pleasant experience. It was perfect. P.S. Selina offers day passes, or you can try to just work from the cafe. EDIT: the rainy season has hit the roads here pretty hard and the stretch of road from La Cruz pretty much all the way into Sayulita is full of massive potholes! Learn more 7 to 8 hours (approx.) If you want to take the bus from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta airport its very easy. If you still have questions about these destinations, leave a comment, and Ill do my best to help. Beautiful hills frame both Sayulita and Puerto Vallartas beaches. Buses are a convenient way to travel between Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita, with a number of companies offering routes. Check out my guide on how to take the bus from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta for more details. In contrast, I saw fewer dogs in Puerto Vallarta, both with and without homes. Thank you chica slices for an unforgettable experience! As soon as you pass through the immigration doors, youll see a sea of private drivers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. Ill help you understand the differences between Sayulita vs. Puerto Vallarta so that you can (coconut) milk the most out of your vacation. 3 Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure. To get cheap flights you can also check on WayAWay to get 5% cashback on flights. It can be pretty expensive if you travel by yourself, but if you have a few friends with you, you can all split the cost of the trip. We invite you to connect with Timothy Real Estate Group today and begin viewing exciting listings of the finest residences in the area, from exclusive estate properties in Riviera Nayarit to the latest in new condominium developments in Puerto Vallarta. The bus company running the Sayulita to Guadalajara route is Vallarta Plus they generally run twice a day departing Guadalajara at around 7 am and 9 am and arriving in Sayulita at around 11 am and 1 pm. Yelapa is a charming little fishing village located in a quiet bay about 45 minutes by water taxi south of Puerto Vallarta, where you can admire a beautiful waterfall, rivers and beach for an unforgettable vacation. Anything in particular thats fun there (i know theres a lot). Climbing Monkey Mountain seems to be a popular hiking trail, but we havent gotten around to it yet. By Chica Locca Tours Puerto Vallarta Adventure Tours 6-7 hours Chica Limousine Of The Sea The most impressive boat in the bay! However, taxis are available if you stay in the hills above the towns center. Not all of the Compostela busses at that stop-go to Sayulita, so be sure to look out for the sign saying Sayulita in the front window. If you dont want to get the bus or drive yourself, this is the best option. Make your way to Puerto Vallarta airport and fly. Plus, it gets you up there for just a few bucks (around 50 pesos). This will help you know about the driving laws in Mexico, scams to watch out for, and where to find the best prices. Other activities you can do in and around Puerto Vallarta include: Furthermore, if you want an off-the-beaten-path Puerto Vallarta experience, rent a scooter and head up into the hills to gawk at the fancy condos and get breathtaking views. Before you think we are crazy, you must know that we have rented cars in Mexico 10+ times. Of course, if youre itching to get out of such a small town, you can take a day trip to Puerto Vallarta or head to a nearby beach town like San Pancho. If you need to book short-notice contact me here first before paying a deposit. There is no Sayulita Airport. PRO TIP: Speaking Spanish will be a huge bonus if you want to take a taxi or Uber from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita. Why you want to come to Sayulita Nayarit Mexico, Local tips, updates and secrets once a week. The food was delicious. . In the morning we got a plate of fruit with pastries, then fajitas, then chips and guac on the way home. Hotel pickup offered Zona Romntica, Emiliano Zapata Round trip $450 pesos per person. If youre traveling on a budget to Mexico, this might be your only option. Although the hills in both of these destinations are beautiful, my absolute favorite spot is admiring this landscape looking south from the beach in Zona Romntica, Puerto Vallarta. They never let you have an empty drink (alcohol, water, etc), they come by to take your trash, and they serve you food. Its also a Pueblo Magico (one of four Pueblo Magicos in Nayarit) so its super cute and popular with Instagrammers! Kinda like a more organized way of hitchhiking. Find out the rest of our story here $145 Luxury Service (suburban) up to 6 passengers, Just show up and wait for the next bus about every 15 minutes, White & Green buses with a Sayulita sign in the window. But you can also just follow the signs for Sayulita. Whether you visit Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta, you can expect parties every day, sometimes even until sunrise. If you travel like us with too much luggage, odds are your luggage wont fit in the average taxis trunk. This bus tour will take you to the relatively untouristed towns of Bucerias, Punta Mita, and Sayulita. Sayulita is a very popular beach destination loved by national and international tourists alike. Ride in a safe and incredibly fun Polaris 4x4 RZR and take in the exciting terrain and beautiful scenery that Sayulita has to offer. Therefore, if youre arriving or departing Sayulita by bus, theres little need to hail a cab if youll be staying in town and can carry your luggage without assistance. Sayulita Beach Day Trip from Puerto Vallarta 14 By Gray Line Puerto Vallarta Adventure Tours 7-8 hours Get ready for the day trip of your life! Just exit the airport, and drive under the bridge to get onto the other side of the highway. You have two options for this and I know both drivers well and can personally vouch for them. I spent one month in Sayulita, during which I visited Puerto Vallarta three times. It really depends on traffic and how much the bus stops (it often stops a lot as it's a local bus). This local Sayulita-family-owned Private Transportation Service looks forward to welcoming you at the airport as well as providing all of your transportation needs during your stay in Sayulita or to any other town. A particular favorite of ours was Playa Chacala about an hour north. A taxi from Sayulita can cost anywhere between $40 to 70 USD. You can also walk in the other direction past the cemetery to arrive at Playa de Los Muertos, not to be confused with the similarly named beach in PV. Now a National wildlife and marine reserve, this amazing place is teaming with wildlife both above and below the water. The closest airport to Sayulita is the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Our guides will take you from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita in one of our comfortable air-conditioned vehicles in about 45 minutes, and then from one town to the next up Highway 200 in just five minutes. All-Inclusive Full-Day Marietas Islands Boat Tour 91 By Chica Locca Life does not get any better than this The view out to Playa Punta Negra, literally steps away with the full Bay of Banderas behind it. Sayulita is about 22 miles (36 km) north . The winter months are the most crowded in both Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita (December to mid-April). What Airport Do You Fly Into For Sayulita Mexico? All drivers (private/taxis/shuttles) are going to be more expensive at the airport, and youll more than likely have to haggle back and forth on a fair price. The bus line that travels to Sayulita is Compostela, it will have the name written in big letters on the front in green. Sayulita Street. The staff made everyone on the boat feel united as a family. Personally, I always look for my Sayulita Mexico flights on Skyscanner, it never lets me down! Alternatively, you can rent a golf cart for the day for kicks and giggles (and so that you can more comfortably explore the steep streets behind the main town). A private water taxi costs about $45 USD per hour with a 4-hour minimum, allowing you to come and go on your own time. But I wholeheartedly believe that if you have the time, you should visit whatever destination you end up not staying in. Click here to check Car rental prices in Puerto Vallarta. Ever wish your vacation lasted a few more weeks? Would definitely book them again. Sayulita, Nayarit: beach, surf and peace Sayulita is a small very active town N of Puerto Vallarta, mostly known for its relaxed, surfer-hippie lifestyle, is also a very picturesque place. Click here to learn more and pay the deposit. You will easily be able to book an Uber from Puerto Vallarta Airport to take you to Sayulita. However, if you stay in the hills in both Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta, you can expect a mostly quiet experience (with the exception of some roosters crowing) compared to staying in the tourist center. That way, you'll have plenty of time to drink in all the sights, sounds, and flavors these two pueblos have to offer. The beautiful Punta de Mita is slightly closer, around 25 miles to the north, with a similar journey time. Chica Locca Tours is a stupendous opportunity to enjoy the beach vacation of your . Fishing - Whale Watching - Special Event - Wedding Party, Customize your own private tour option for groups of 2 to 185 people. If you are planning to just stay in Sayulita, then this probably isnt the best option for you as you really dont need a car in Sayulita, its a very walkable town. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. Yelapa Beach is famous for its white sand beach and sapphire water, ideal for snorkeling and playing. To make them, she gets up every day at five in the morning and has a wood oven and a stove where she cooks them. Tabachines is where we posted up when we had to punch in for a few hours. While its true that the narrow, cobblestone streets of Sayulita are often clogged with golf carts and it can be a bit chaotic, its still a fun place to visit. Ive got your back. In fact, theres even a famed Mandala Club there. The bus from Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita costs around $50 pesos ($2.50) and takes around 1-1.5 hours. Staying in one of their dorms allows you to meet other travelers and have more money for tacos and beer. Any luck with whale watching tours the first week of April? Enjoy our premium open barthat includes an enormous selection of drinks: water, soda, coffee, juice, smoothies, beer, wine, tequila, cocktails, pina colada, and margaritas; whatever you can think of, whatever you choose to drink. Walk around town to peruse the market and bohemian shops, stopping to check out the street art. The bus from Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita costs around $50 pesos ($2.50) and takes around 1-1.5 hours. You need cash for this but its usually cheaper and drivers get to keep more of their earnings, so its a win-win. Personally, I would exit the airport, turn left and walk across the pedestrian bridger, so you are on the correct side of the highway. Several drivers still do, but most are afraid of the police. I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. In contrast, Sayulita has one main beach, aptly named Playa Sayulita, which they framed the touristy part of town around. Mortgage options are now available in Mexico for Canadians and US citizens. Both bus companies have large comfortable buses and the prices are about the same. This makes finding an Uber very difficult in Sayulita. Aside from rainstorms that can cause power outages, you can expect stable WiFi at most hotels and Airbnbs. The food and drinks were fabulous! Depending on demand, an Uber will cost you around 500 pesos (25 USD). The easiest and fastest way to get to Sayulita is with a private driver. Sayulita has one bankIntercam Bancowhich sits on the outskirts of town on the road leading to the bus station. Good to know. Whether you are staying in Sayulita, Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta or surrounding areas, Then take the highway up past Buscarias (about 20 minutes). However, choosing where to stay can have a huge impact on the quality of your trip. Just be aware that you might need to pay in cash at such souvenir stands. I rented the 100 boat for a 50th bday sunset cruise with 22 people. Ally Cat Sailing Adventures, the # 1 Tour in the Bay of Banderas & have the time of your life !!! 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 11:45 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM. And you can feel that difference when visiting them. Posted on Last updated: February 22, 2023. Sometimes our clients upload menus, brochures, calendars here. Inspired Living. Parties go on well into the early hours of the morning. ONE WAY: 160 pesos. Their infinity pool overlooking the main beach is the perfect spot to enjoy some good ole fashioned R&R. Pkease note the above info is just for 1-3 people. Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta are both party towns. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. each way) costs 320 pesos, return. Dozens of high-rise condos line Puerto Vallartas shores and hillsides. If you need to book short notice contact me here first before paying a deposit. Once you book and pay the deposit I will get all of your details from you and pass them to him and then he will be in direct contact with you to organize everything. You just need to take a short walk to the pickup point which is at the OXXO inside the airport. Since taking a day trip to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta and vice versa involves a maximum 1.5-hour drive each way, its easy to explore both places. I would recommend this tour for all ages. If youre a surfer comparing Sayulita vs. Puerto Vallarta for the best waves, Sayulita is hands-down the better option. They treated us all so well. Sayulita is located on the west coast of Mexico in the state of Nayarit. Currently we have boats from 40 ft to more than 120 ft long, in other words, there is plenty of room to organize your private events, we can accommodate up to 500 people on a boat. Sasha is a teacher, writer, and video producer from Detroit, Michigan. We only accept cash day of tour. Some companies charge a 5% fee to cover the cost the credit card company charges them. But at night, both destinations become louder as bars and clubs welcome customers. Puerto Vallarta is worth a day trip if only to walk along the Malecon in the morning as the shops and restaurants are opening up for the day. We are a family run business established in Puerto Vallarta Bay since 1985, However, like in Puerto Vallarta, you can find a good amount of local souvenir shops in Sayulita. I know its the tail end (no pun intended) of whale watching season, but Id love to check out some quiet beaches and see some wildlife in the area. Check out some of our other Mexico articles to fuel your wanderlust. I wrote this comparison of Sayulita vs. Puerto Vallarta to help you choose your home base. At its core, its a small fishing town with a population of under 5,000. Renting a car is a great option if there is a group of you. Flexible cancellation policy. Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita are both destinations that deserve a visit. The boat was so fun, and the staff was very friendly. Just choose one of the options above to book through me in most cases it will be the same price unless you are staying super far out of town away from Sayulita. of Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita! The high season in Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta is during the winter when temperatures are cooler and rain and clouds are nearly non-existent. From the Puerto Vallarta international airport. Be sure to speak to him if you want to do any tours during your vacation! Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach Tour From Puerto Vallarta, How to Visit Yelapa From Puerto Vallarta Mexico, Top 5 Highly Rated Ziplines in Puerto Vallarta.