Best Beaches Near Sayulita
OUR FAVORITE BEACHES AROUND SAYULITA
A local guide to the beaches we love most — from easy walks near town to quieter escapes just outside Sayulita.
PLAYA SAYULITA | MAIN BEACH
Just steps away from Hotel Sayulita Central, Playa Sayulita is the heart of the town’s surf and beach culture. Whether you’re here to surf, swim, relax, people-watch, or enjoy sunset drinks, this is where much of Sayulita’s energy comes to life.
The main beach offers several surf breaks for different levels:
• Left Side Break — Best for beginners and surf lessons. Softer waves and a more forgiving area to learn.
• Right Side Breaks — Two separate breaks more suited for intermediate to advanced surfers depending on swell conditions.
• North Side Beach — Located toward the far left/north end of the beach. This area features a popular left-hand break often enjoyed by more experienced surfers.
Along the beach you’ll also find:
• Surfboard rentals & lessons
• Beachfront restaurants and bars
• Sunset bonfires and live music
• Vendors, local snacks, and fresh coconuts
• A lively atmosphere from morning surf sessions to late afternoon sunsets
Playa Sayulita is one of the most vibrant and social beaches in the area, making it the perfect place to experience the true spirit of Sayulita.
Fun Fact:
Long before Sayulita became known as a surf destination, it was originally a small fishing village. Many local families still have deep roots connected to the ocean and fishing traditions today.
PLAYA LOS MUERTOS
Located about a 10-minute walk from Hotel Sayulita Central, Playa Los Muertos is one of Sayulita’s most beautiful and peaceful beaches. The walk there is part of the experience — you’ll pass colorful streets, ocean views, and the town’s famous cemetery, which is where the beach gets its name.
Compared to Sayulita’s main beach, Playa Los Muertos tends to feel calmer and more relaxed. The water is often clearer and gentler, making it a favorite spot for swimming, floating, and enjoying a quieter beach day away from the crowds.
What makes Playa Los Muertos special:
• Calm swimming conditions most of the year
• Softer waves and a more relaxing atmosphere
• Great spot for paddleboarding and floating
• Beautiful sunsets and fewer vendors
• Palm trees and jungle surroundings that give it a hidden beach feel
This beach is especially popular with families, couples, and visitors looking to unwind while still staying close to town. Bringing a towel, cold drink, and spending a slow afternoon here is one of the best ways to experience Sayulita.
Fun Fact:
The beach is named after the cemetery (“cementerio”) you walk through to reach it. While the name translates to “Beach of the Dead,” locals see the cemetery as a colorful and cultural part of Sayulita’s history rather than something spooky.
PLAYA CARRICITOS
Located on the north side of Sayulita, Playa Carricitos is one of the area’s most peaceful and untouched beaches. Surrounded by jungle and hidden behind a walking trail, this beach feels much more secluded compared to Sayulita’s main beach.
Playa Carricitos is about a 26-minute walk from Hotel Sayulita Central and offers a completely different atmosphere from downtown. The walk itself becomes part of the adventure as you leave behind the busy streets of Sayulita and head toward a quieter, more natural side of town.
Unlike the lively energy of the main beach, Carricitos is known for its wide open shoreline, dramatic sunsets, and laid-back local vibe. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect, enjoy nature, listen to music, watch the sunset, or spend a slow afternoon with friends.
What makes Playa Carricitos special:
• Wide sandy beach with fewer crowds
• Incredible sunset views
• Jungle surroundings and untouched scenery
• Popular spot for sunset hangs and beach bonfires
• Great for relaxing, walking, and photos
• A more local and off-the-beaten-path experience
The ocean here can be stronger than Sayulita’s main beach, especially during larger swells, so swimming should be approached with caution depending on conditions.
Carricitos is one of those beaches that still feels wild, peaceful, and connected to the natural beauty Sayulita was once known for before becoming a popular surf destination.
Fun Fact:
Many locals consider Carricitos one of the best sunset beaches around Sayulita because it feels completely removed from town while still being within walking distance from downtown.
PLAYA MALPASO
Located north of Sayulita, Playa Malpaso is one of the area’s most hidden and untouched beaches. Reaching it requires a scenic jungle walk along the coastline, making the experience feel more like a small adventure than a typical beach visit.
From Hotel Sayulita Central, guests can first walk toward the north side of Sayulita Beach and then continue along the coastal trail toward Malpaso. The hike takes approximately 35–45 minutes depending on pace and conditions.
What makes Playa Malpaso special is how remote and peaceful it feels compared to the busier beaches near town. There are no restaurants, beach clubs, or vendors — just jungle, ocean, rocks, and long stretches of sand.
What to expect at Playa Malpaso:
• A beautiful coastal jungle walk to reach the beach
• Very few crowds and a peaceful atmosphere
• Untouched natural scenery and ocean views
• A great spot for relaxing, photos, and disconnecting
• Stronger waves and currents depending on conditions
• No services, restaurants, or bathrooms nearby
Because of its more isolated location, it’s a good idea to bring:
water
sunscreen
snacks
comfortable walking shoes
If you’d like directions, feel free to ask our team or almost any local in town — many people are familiar with the trail and can help point you in the right direction.
Playa Malpaso is perfect for travelers looking to explore beyond the main tourist areas and experience a quieter, more natural side of Sayulita.
Fun Fact:
Before Sayulita became a well-known surf destination, trails like the one leading to Playa Malpaso were mainly used by locals, fishermen, and adventurous surfers searching for quieter waves and empty beaches along the coast.
