Sayulita

Hey all, staying in higuera blanca but thought I’d reach out to see if anyone knows of somewhere to buy yoga mat from? My body’s due for a good stretch. Much love

Is there anywhere closer than Walmart to buy baby swim diapers? We have run out.

Hi all, my friend and I (both F,22) are traveling to Sayulita in a week and staying at Playa Escondida. Does anyone have any recommendations on what to do or where to eat in Sayulita? Or just any general information worth sharing? Trying to avoid tourists traps. I can also speak Spanish well if that changes anything. Thanks :-)

Looking for a calmer beach to take our toddler to. We have a rental car and able to drive. We would much prefer to drive north than back down towards puerto Vallarta (where we stayed the first half of our trip). We are currently staying in San Pancho. Any recommendations would be highly appreciated!

And any with shaded areas or rentable umbrella sitting stations. We are a little anxious about the sickness that is all over Reddit with me being pregnant and with a toddler.

*I know I spelled sayulita incorrectly but can’t change it :)

I see there's one called Queens Mens Club. Any Intel on if it's any good?

Was away for a few weeks (back in Canada) and just got back into town. It is noticeably quieter, cleaner and less hectic than full on high season. Reminds me Sayulita 15 years ago...still lots of music, art and beach fun just not absolutely swarming with people. I've actually enjoyed the main beach area lately (I usually avoid it due to the crowds). It was a pretty brutal season with the sewage problem and noro outbreak but I would have to say Sayulita is quite lovely this time of year. Anyone else want to chime in on the current vibe?

We have reservations in early June and just found out about the sickness issues. We just missed our cancellation deadline so are stuck unless we transfer to a sister property in Bucerias or San Pancho. It’s a group of 12 so I’m wanting to hear from anyone that has JUST been to Sayulita as of April or this month. We’ve heard that “the pipe is fixed” but are skeptical and stressing about what to do.

Heading to Sayulita on Saturday for a week? Where are the best Karaoke spots? Bonus points for places with a good crowd!

Hi everyone! I made arrangements for transportation from/to PVR and the company quoted a round trip price in cash. Is the expectation I pay in full after the first leg of my trip from PVR to Sayulita? It is from a company on sayulitalife so hopefully that’s a good sign.

I feel like we go out to eat too early (6 or 7pm). We are staying in downtown and can hear the music and noise but are back in our hotel by then. Also, any recommendations for a fun place to go tonight?

I visited Sayulita from 4/21 - 4/25 and unfortunately had to work around the clock while there. I grabbed some photos when I got to town to share for people who would enjoy a recent on-the-ground view of things. Because I didn’t have any free time, I was limited to tacos al pastor, elotes, a couple on-the-go wakikas and some agua frescas. I stayed at Casa Redonda in Calle Libertad and it was really nice, big open kitchen and sitting area, high terraza with a big hammock. Because it was up high, more noise from centro made it to my room but that’s not much of a bother to me personally.

Town and beach both were fine. I’d put the crowd level at 5 - 6 out of 10. No obvious signs of mass illness.

On my last night, I got to enjoy a fabulous meal at Tiburon in the alley between Atico and Oxxo. Fish ceviche, shrimp with pasta, chicken fajitas, and tuna sashimi. Excellent and decent pricing, very happy to have finally tried this spot.

Hope you enjoy the photos!

Headed there from pv for a 4 hour hike end of May, then kicking around town. Any advice?

We are travelling to Puerto Vallarta towards the end of July, and then looking to spend a few days in either Sayulita, San Pancho or Lo De Marcos before heading to Guadalajara.

We were initially thinking we'd go for SP or LDM because we might enjoy the quieter vibes and hopefully lesser chance of sickness. We've come to realise it's off season, so I'm guessing these two towns will be relatively ghost like? Not looking for major night life but it's nice to have some people around and a handful of bars and restaurants.

Can anyone share their experiences or local knowledge? Much appreciated!

Update: We’re Aware it will be humid, specifically interested if the quieter towns will be a bust or not out of season

Asking for a friend...is this a swingers bar?

Hi All

I prepared a guide if you guys decide to go to San Pancho

SAN PANCHO NOT A TRAVEL GUIDE… (AN EXPERIENCE GUIDE)

Where is San Pancho?

First things first… Where is San Pancho? Our lovely town is enclaved between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre. Located 7 minutes from Sayulita in the state of Nayarit in Mexico, it is surrounded by a dense jungle and the beautiful blue water sea a combination that will steal your heart.

San Pancho, is within the so called Riviera Nayarit, It has evolved from a small fishing town into a place where people all around the world go to escape from the routine or to reconnect with nature and to immerse themselves into an authentic Mexican experience.

How to get to San Pancho?

By Air: San Pancho is conveniently located approximately an hour away from Puerto Vallarta. Visitors can fly into Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) and opt for a taxi or Uber service to San Pancho, costing around 900 MXN. For the adventurous spirits, buses are also available just outside the airport, departing every 20 minutes, offering a journey of about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach San Pancho with a cost of 80 MXN.

From Guadalajara: For travelers coming from Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and Mexico's second-largest city, a well-maintained four-lane highway connects directly to San Pancho. This route, equipped with toll booths, entails an approximate total cost of 1,000 MXN, with a travel time averaging around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

What to do?

Even thou is a small town with a total population of around 1,000 habitants, San Pancho offers a great variety of options for all kinds of travelers.

Visit EntreAmigos

EntreAmigos represents the strong sense of community and cooperation that is very characteristic of the inhabitants of San Pancho. Entreamigos has been working since 2006 to create opportunities for children and families that are defined by the foundational pillars of our work; education for everyone, stewardship of our environment and the importance of working in community. @entreamigos_sanpancho

Check out the Artisanal Markert

On Tuesdays located in Plaza del Sol where you can find a great variety of local products and you can chat with the artisans and farmers.

Take a Hike

Hike “El Camino del Buddha” an easy walk form the town to a Buddha statue that is located in top of a small hill just outside San Pancho. (Don’t forget to bring an offer)

Volunteer at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center

Giving something back to nature in San Pancho sounds like a fulfilling and impactful activity. By helping at the center, volunteers can assist in the conservation of sea turtles, which are ancient creatures that choose the beaches of San Pancho to lay their eggs. Activities might include monitoring the beaches at night for nesting turtles, helping to protect eggs from predators, and assisting in the release of hatchlings back into the ocean. This type of volunteer work not only contributes to the preservation of a vulnerable species but also offers a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility and the importance of each individual’s role in minimizing our impact on the planet. It’s a chance to ensure that the life cycle of these remarkable turtles continues unbroken, providing an invaluable experience that connects you closely with nature and the local ecosystem.

Another Hike!

Hiking from San Pancho to Sayulita through the jungle sounds like an adventurous and rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views along the way. While the hike might be more suitable for experienced hikers due to its duration and potentially challenging terrain, it promises an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the area.

Hit the Waves :)

San Pancho's vibrant surf culture and its appealing waves make it an excellent destination for both seasoned surfers and newcomers to the sport. The town offers numerous rental shops where you can pick up a board, and plenty of surf schools that cater to all skill levels. These schools often provide both private and group lessons, making it easy for anyone to start riding the waves. The growing popularity of San Pancho as a destination for surf retreats adds to its charm. These retreats typically offer an immersive experience, combining surfing with other activities like yoga, and wellness workshops, all set against the backdrop of San Pancho's stunning natural environment.

Take a Yoga Class

San Pancho is a fantastic way to enhance your relaxation and well-being while enjoying the serene backdrop of this beautiful town. With multiple yoga centers available, you can easily find a style and class that suits your preferences, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner. The PALAPA Yoga and Surf Retreat SUNYATA it is an incredible opportunity to delve deeper into both yoga and surfing, integrating these practices in a setting that’s naturally conducive to mindfulness and physical challenges. Such retreats are designed to be transformational experiences, offering more than just physical activity. They aim to foster personal growth, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to nature. Participants in such a retreat can expect a holistic experience that may include daily yoga sessions, surf lessons. These programs are crafted to help individuals reset both mentally and physically, creating a perfect balance between action and relaxation. You can check the dates and details on PALAPA’s website is a great first step. Signing up for a retreat like this in San Pancho could not only refine your yoga and surfing skills but also provide a profound and rejuvenating experience in one of Mexico’s most enchanting locations.

Attend El Circo de los Ninos

Have you heard about the Cirque du Soleil? Well in San Pancho there is a circus school sponsored by the founder of Cirque du Soleil. This initiative exemplifies how the arts can be leveraged to enrich community life and provide valuable opportunities for young people.The school offers a unique platform for the children of San Pancho to explore and develop their talents in various circus arts, such as acrobatics, juggling, aerial skills, and more. These skills not only foster creativity and physical fitness but also help build confidence and teamwork among the youth. There are yearly events attending to these performances it is a great way to support the youth of the town.

Where to Stay? PALAPA of course! We offer you a place to relax and to connect with yourself. PALAPA seamlessly combines traditional Mexican architecture with contemporary comfort to create an organic, intimate, and personalized experience. Our goal is to make our guests feel like home by providing all the necessary amenities.

Our casitas are inspired by the culture and nature of the region you can find some local hand made pieces, infused with a minimalistic and Wabi-Sabi aesthetic concept, creating a unique and harmonious atmosphere.

Bonus

If you are still reading it means you are really interested in our beautiful town so here you have some facts about San Pancho

The streets of the town are named after third world countries (Pakistan, Egypt, Cuba etc) this is because during the 70s the plan was to start the Third world University in San Pancho.

San Pancho is home to more than 400 species of birds so it has became a popular destination for birdwatching.

Where do you go within reasonable driving distance of Sayulita, to get away for a few days?

Literally days before a month long trip in Sayulita my wife had a tooth break.

We know there is a dentist in Sayu on Calle Mirimar and another in Bucieras, but I'm hoping I can get any reviews from someone who used either one or if there any other suggestions (PV is OK too).

We're just looking for a good recommendation from someone who used the services.

Thanks all!

Looking at doing a boat trip but nothing too party centric, I’d like to focus mostly on being out on the water? Any suggestions?

Any extra precautions you’d recommend taking?

Hi all, heading to Sayulita in a few weeks. Any recommendations for a party boat/ day cruise? Thanks in advance,

Just got back from a week-long vacay in the beautiful town of Sayulita. We were there for a wedding, out of 110 people, 4 people got sick, food poisoning symptoms (to spare the details), with all the illnesses lasting less than one day.

Overall, it was an incredible weekend full of perfect weather, delicious food, and the best vibes you could imagine. There were a few couples that canceled their trip due solely to this Reddit page and all I have to say is those people missed out what would have been one of the best weekends of their lives. Seriously this town is incredible.

Major shoutouts to Allycat Tours for their memorable boat rides, Organi-k for the BEST açaí and poke bowls in town (imo in the world), Funky Peru for fresh seafood, LeSuave bar & Swing bar for immaculate vibes and drinks, and alllll the taco street vendors for the dankest tacos. Love this town and all the people in it so much, we will be back again next year.

For a group of nine people, we are trying to figure out logistics to and from the Puerto Vallarta airport. The shuttles seem to be more expensive than just getting a few Ubers, so we may just use Uber. However, I’m just wondering how easy it is to get Ubers from Sayulita to the airport? Last time I was there we just used shuttles, so I have no frame of reference. Thank you!

My fiancee and I are considering Sayulita as a destination for our wedding but are concerned about the possibly contaminated water. I have been doing some reading of blogs, news, and forum posts about the water contamination in Sayulita and have found it hard to determine whether the water is safe or not. I keep finding contradicting reports. I'd like to have a discussion and ask everyone here for any information they can provide, keeping in mind to try to keep it as unbiased as possible. Here's my understanding so far.

- OROMAPAS, a paramunicipal agency, has been taking over control of the drinking and sewage handling in Sayulita and the Bahia de Banderas region overall over the last few years.

- The water studies in 2021 revealed very high levels of bacteria/contaminants per part.

- OROMAPAS invested a good amount of money obtained from several sources (primarily government I think, can't remember) into a nearby water treatment plant which was finished in maybe 2022.

- There were reports between October 2023-February 2024 that the plant was not maintained well and is functioning at 50% capacity or not treating the water well.

- There was a news article about some fishermen who spotted and recorded one of OROMAPAS' sewage pipes in the ocean that had a large hole and was spilling untreated sewage water into the ocean in the bay sometime in late 2023/ early 2024. Looks like the president of OROMAPAS publicly addressed this issue and stated that they were already addressing the issue. Not sure if it was fixed.

- I have found a number of news articles from online blogs as well as online newspapers where both good and bad things are being said about the water quality in Sayulita. The most recent one is from Global Press Journal and can be found here: https://globalpressjournal.com/americas/mexico/whats-stench-something-stinks-one-mexicos-tourist-paradises/

I am not convinced one way or the other. I am also not asking for anecdotal evidence from people's recent trips to Sayulita as this is not a good sample (usually people who don't have issues don't come to reddit to talk about their amazing experience). This post is just asking for sources of hopefully somewhat objective information from credible sources. If you have any info, I would appreciate it here.

Thanks!