Sayulita and around the bay

Sports & adventure

Surf the main beach, dive the Marietas, ride jungle trails, watch humpbacks breach in winter, and catch the contests and races that fill the year. What to do outdoors, when it’s good, and who to go with.

**Sayulita's main beach, every year.** Three days of the town's longboard contest: long rides, the crowd on the sand and the heats after dark.

**Puerto Vallarta's old town, every May.** Riders drop off rooftops and down the stairs from the Cerro de la Cruz to the Malecón (this film is the 2018 race; it ran again in May 2026).

Coming up

Contests, races and tournaments in the next couple of months, from our calendar.

The calendar

Oct29–Nov 1VidantaWorld Mexico OpenVidantaWorld Vallarta golf course, Nuevo VallartaA PGA Tour event with 120 players and a 6 million dollar purse, held at VidantaWorld for the fifth year running.
Oct29–Nov 1Day of the Dead international surf tournamentMain beach, SayulitaThe third edition of this contest has shortboard, longboard, SUP, bodyboard and adaptive divisions, plus a dog-surfing exhibition, with 478,000 pesos in prizes. Athletes meet at Hotel Sayulinda on October 28 at 6pm; finals and awards are on November 1.
Nov2Sayulita named Mexico's first official Surf CitySayulitaTourism officials will formally give Sayulita the Surf City title during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Venue and times haven't been announced.
Nov6–7Los Muertos beach fishing tournamentLos Muertos Pier, Puerto VallartaA two-day sport-fishing tournament with boats leaving from the Los Muertos pier. Registration usually opens the day before at the Deportes Gutiérrez Rizo store.
Nov8Riviera Nayarit half marathon and 10KFIBBA, Paseo de los Cocoteros, Nuevo VallartaRoad races of 21 km and 10 km that start and finish at FIBBA and run along Paseo de los Cocoteros in Nuevo Vallarta.
Nov11–14International marlin and tuna fishing tournamentPuerto VallartaPuerto Vallarta's long-running sport-fishing tournament for marlin, tuna and other big game fish, one of the largest on the Pacific coast.
Nov14Cruce Vallarta open-water swimHoli Beach and Malecón, Puerto VallartaAn ocean swim along the Puerto Vallarta shoreline with 4.5K, 3.1K, 1.5K and a 1K youth race, starting at 7:30am for the longer distances.
Nov15Puerto Vallarta half marathonUnidad Deportiva Agustín Flores Contreras, Puerto VallartaThe 22nd edition of the city's half marathon, which starts and finishes at the main sports complex known as El Estadio.
Dec19Vrban Vallarta obstacle 10KMalecón and Romantic Zone, Puerto VallartaAn urban 10K obstacle race from the Malecón through downtown and the Romantic Zone, crossing sand, cobbles and steep stairs.

Every week: Pickleball drop-in play (daily, 8am) · Social run club (Fridays, 7:30am) · Pickleball nights for a good cause (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 5pm) · Sunday polo brunch (Sundays, 11am)

Good in October

In season now, and not all year.

BirdwatchingOct–Mar
Turtle releasesSep–Dec

The year outdoors

When each thing is at its best, and the annual contests and races around the bay. This month is marked.

Activity	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Oct	Nov	Dec
Stand-up paddle
Snorkelling the Marietas
Whale watching
Open-water swimming
Monkey Mountain
Malpaso and the San Pancho trail
Mountain biking
ATV and UTV tours
Birdwatching
Turtle releases
Contests and races	Y C	C Y	Y P R Y	R R B	B	S S G	S G F F R G	S

surf paddle bikes fishing running sailing golf charrería Things that are good all year aren’t charted.

In the water

Waves, reefs, whales and the fish everyone's after.

A surfer on a clean green wave below the Marietas

Surfing

The sandy middle of the main beach is one of the easiest places in Mexico to stand up for the first time, and better waves wait 15 to 30 minutes along the coast either way.

Where: The main beach; then San Pancho, Litibú, La Lancha, Burros and the Punta de Mita breaks · Main beach a few minutes' walk; La Lancha about 25 minutes; Punta de Mita about 30
When: All year. November to May brings small, clean swells for learning; June to October the bigger south swells for experienced surfers. Mornings, before the onshore wind.
Level: First lesson to expert
Cost: Group lessons about US$50–85 or 500–900 pesos; boards about 300–500 pesos a day

There are no lifeguards. Rips pull hardest by the river mouth and on big days, and urchins live on the rocks under the points.

Go with Lunazul Surf School & Shop, Surf'n Sayulita, Marea Surf School, Sayulita Surf Center, WildMex Surf School & Adventure Center

Stand-up paddle

Paddle the flat water of the cove at Los Muertos on a still morning, or catch small waves on the main beach once you've found your feet.

Where: Playa los Muertos; the south end of the main beach on small days · Los Muertos a 12–15 minute walk
When: November to April is calmest; go early, before the wind.
Level: Beginner in the cove
Cost: About 300–500 pesos an hour

No lifeguard at Los Muertos, and bigger sets still reach the cove. Keep out of the surfers' lineup on the main beach.

Go with Sayulita Surf Center, WildMex Surf School & Adventure Center

A sailboat anchored by a rock arch at the Marietas

Snorkelling the Marietas

Protected islands off Punta de Mita with blue-footed boobies, reef fish and the hidden beach you swim into through a rock tunnel, if your tour has one of the hundred or so daily places.

Where: Islas Marietas National Park, by boat from Punta de Mita (some tours pick up in Sayulita) · About 30 minutes' drive, then 15–20 minutes by boat
When: All year; November to April has the calmest seas. Summer trips are cancelled more often.
Level: Snorkelling is for beginners; the hidden beach for confident swimmers only
Cost: Shared tours about US$90–140, plus the park wristband

Book a CONANP-licensed operator. The hidden beach takes about 116 people a day, in groups with helmets and life jackets, and turns away children under 10, adults over 65 and pregnant women; it's closed some days each week and at high tide.

Go with Oceano Adventure, Sayulita Entourage, Rancho Manuel

Scuba diving

Sayulita has its own PADI dive shops, which drive you to Punta de Mita for two-tank dives at the Marietas or, for experienced divers, the deep pinnacles of El Morro.

Where: The Marietas; El Morro and Los Anegados further out · About 30 minutes' drive to the boat
When: All year; the shop picks the sites on the day.
Level: Open Water for the Marietas (10+); 20+ logged dives for El Morro
Cost: Ask the shop

El Morro gets technical in rough seas; operators only take experienced divers.

Go with Sayulita Entourage, Oceano Adventure

Whale watching

Humpbacks come to the bay to calve and court every winter, and small boats leave straight from Sayulita's beach to find them breaching.

Where: Banderas Bay and the coast, from Sayulita's beach, Punta de Mita or La Cruz · From the beach in town
When: Early December to late March, best in January and February (the official 2025–26 season ran December 1 to March 31).
Level: All ages
Cost: About US$50–90 for a shared trip with a biologist

Boats must keep 60 metres from whales and stay about half an hour. Take something for seasickness; mornings are calmest.

Go with La Orca de Sayulita, Rancho Manuel

A fisherman holding a roosterfish on a panga

Sport fishing

Pangas launch off the beach for roosterfish and dorado; in autumn the offshore banks hold marlin, sailfish and tuna.

Where: Inshore along the coast and around the Marietas; offshore at El Banco and Corbeteña · From the beach in town, or Punta de Mita
When: All year, by fish: sailfish in spring, marlin and wahoo in summer, tuna and dorado from October to December; roosterfish most of the year.
Level: No experience needed
Cost: Private half days from about US$325–600 a boat

Check the boat carries life jackets and a radio, and ask about catch-and-release for billfish.

Go with Fishing Sayulita, Rancho Manuel, Sayulita Tours

Open-water swimming

For laps in the sea, go to the sheltered cove at Los Muertos early on a small-swell day; the water stays warm all year.

Where: Playa los Muertos; the south end of the main beach · About 15 minutes' walk
When: November to May, when the surf is smaller.
Level: Confident swimmers

No lifeguards. Don't swim at Carricitos, Malpaso or Las Cuevas on bigger days. Sayulita's beach has passed every Cofepris water test since April 2025.

On land

Jungle trails, ridgelines, horses on the sand and a court or two.

The coast and a cove from high on a jungle hill

Monkey Mountain

The steep climb from Higuera Blanca ends in a short scramble onto the highest point above the bay, with Sayulita, Punta de Mita and the Marietas below.

Where: Cerro del Mono, from the plaza in Higuera Blanca · About 20 minutes' drive; arrange a ride back, there's no taxi stand
When: Dry season, November to May; clearest January to May. In summer, start before sunrise.
Level: Moderate to hard; about 6–7 km return and 320 m of climbing
Cost: Free on your own; guided hikes about US$80–95

No water or shade: carry two or three litres. The longer route from Sayulita crosses fenced ranch land and is hard to follow, so take a guide. The mountain is sacred to the Wixárika.

Go with EcoHike Sayulita - Hiking & Biking Tours, WildMex Surf School & Adventure Center

The painted gate of the cemetery path to Los Muertos

The walk to Los Muertos and Carricitos

Out of town through the painted cemetery to the calm cove of Los Muertos, then over the hill to the wild, nearly empty sweep of Carricitos.

Where: South of town, on foot · Los Muertos 12–15 minutes; Carricitos 20–30 more
When: All year; early in summer.
Level: Easy to moderate
Cost: Free

Carricitos faces the open Pacific with heavy shore break and rips: walk and picnic, don't swim. No services; be back before dark.

An empty beach and headland north of town

Malpaso, Las Cuevas and the trail to San Pancho

At low tide, walk the rocks north to the empty sand of Malpaso and the caves of Las Cuevas; a jungle ridge trail carries on to San Pancho.

Where: North of North Beach · Malpaso about 50 minutes on foot; San Pancho about 5.6 km
When: November to April; overgrown in the rains.
Level: Moderate
Cost: Free; guided hikes available

The inland path was closed for a development in 2025 and promised back as a public trail; ask locally whether it's open. The rocks are only passable at low tide, and both beaches have strong rips.

Go with EcoHike Sayulita - Hiking & Biking Tours

Mountain biking

Flowing jungle singletrack north of town runs out to Malpaso and over a short climb to San Pancho; the dirt roads to Punta Sayulita suit beginners.

Where: The Sayulita–San Pancho trail (5.6 km, mostly singletrack); Punta Sayulita's dirt roads; Monkey Mountain for experts · Trails start about a kilometre north of town
When: November to June; muddy and hard going in the rains.
Level: Beginner to expert
Cost: Rental about 150–250 pesos a day; guided rides with bike and helmet

Some trails cross private land: close gates and expect changes.

Go with WildMex Surf School & Adventure Center, Sayulita bike adventure, EcoHike Sayulita - Hiking & Biking Tours

Horseback riding

Ride out of the jungle, across the river and onto the sand; some of the family ranches have run this ride for generations.

Where: Ranches just outside town; beach rides toward Carricitos · About 5 minutes out
When: All year; ride in the morning.
Level: All levels
Cost: About US$40–75 an hour

Good ranches rest their horses from about 10am to 3pm; avoid midday rides. Not advised with back problems or in pregnancy.

Go with Rancho Manuel, Sayulita Adventures, Rancho Mi Chaparrita

ATV and UTV tours

Loud and dusty: an off-road loop through the hills above Litibú that ends at a lookout over the whole Punta Mita peninsula.

Where: Dirt tracks in the hills toward Higuera Blanca and Litibú · About 5 minutes from town
When: Best in the dry season; summer brings mud and river crossings.
Level: Beginners welcome; drivers 16+ (ATV) or 18+ with a licence (UTV)
Cost: About US$50–150 a person for two hours; a five-hour UTV trip about US$400 a vehicle

Wear the helmet and goggles, and ask what the damage cover includes.

Go with Sayulita Adventures, Sayulita Experience

In season

Birdwatching

A local guide who has led tours since 2008 often finds 50 to 75 species in a morning without leaving the Sayulita area; in winter the San Blas mangroves fill with migrants.

Where: Monkey Mountain, the lagoons and Natikari reserve near town; San Blas for a day · Local tours within 30 minutes; San Blas about 2 hours
When: October to March, when most birds are migrants.
Level: All levels
Cost: Local tours from about 1,300 pesos a person

Tours start before dawn; bring repellent for the mangroves.

Go with Sayulita Bird Watching, Natikari - Rancho Verde

In season

Turtle releases

Through the autumn, volunteers release olive ridley hatchlings at sunset on Sayulita's beach, and visitors can join the nest patrols.

Where: The turtle camp on the main beach; another group in San Pancho · In town
When: Nesting July to November; most releases September to December, around sunset.
Level: All ages
Cost: Free, or by donation; adopting a nest about 1,000 pesos

Don't touch the hatchlings or use a flash; follow the volunteers.

Go with Campamento Tortuguero Sayulita

Golf

A public Greg Norman course is 20 minutes away at Higuera Blanca; at Punta Mita, guests can play the famous natural island green at low tide.

Where: Higuera Golf Club; Punta Mita's two Nicklaus courses · 15–30 minutes' drive
When: All year; tee off early.
Level: All
Cost: Higuera from about US$145; Punta Mita guest rates from about US$250

Pickleball

Pickleball has arrived: a two-court club on the north side runs open play, leagues and lessons, and a bar on Revolución has a lit court.

Where: Nawalli club on Calle Miramar; Sayulita Sandbar on Revolución · In town
When: All year; early or under lights.
Level: All

Go with Nawalli (Sayulita) Pickleball Club, Sayulita Sandbar

In the air

Zip lines over the canopy.

Zip lines

Thirteen cables and four hanging bridges strung through a patch of jungle just outside town make the closest canopy tour to Sayulita.

Where: A ranch on the road to Higuera Blanca · About 5 minutes, with pick-up in town
When: All year; departures morning, midday and afternoon.
Level: Beginners; check the age limit when you book
Cost: About US$105–110 for adults

Weight limit about 136 kg; not in pregnancy.

Contests and races, every year

The annual ones around the bay, from Sayulita’s own beach to Puerto Vallarta’s streets.

Day of the Dead international surf tournament
Surf, SUP and bodyboard · Sayulita's main beach · Sayulita
The surf contest at the heart of the bay's Day of the Dead festival, with shortboard, longboard, SUP, bodyboard and adaptive divisions, and dogs on boards.
On now: October 29 – November 1, 2026
VidantaWorld Mexico Open
Golf (PGA Tour) · Vidanta Vallarta, Nuevo Nayarit · Riviera Nayarit
Mexico's PGA Tour stop, moved in 2026 from February to the autumn.
On now: October 29 – November 1, 2026
Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf
Golf and food · Punta Mita's two Nicklaus courses · Riviera Nayarit
Visiting chefs and a golf cup on the Punta Mita courses, in its 15th year in 2026.
Next: November 5–8, 2026 · Organizer’s site
Los Muertos beach fishing tournament
Sport fishing · Los Muertos pier, Puerto Vallarta · Puerto Vallarta
Two days of panga fishing from the pier in the Romantic Zone, with a prize for the biggest dorado; part of the catch goes to local charities.
Next: November 6–7, 2026
International marlin and tuna fishing tournament
Sport fishing · Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta · Puerto Vallarta
Mexico's long-running billfish tournament, 70 years old in 2026: boats fish the bay and beyond for marlin, tuna, sailfish and dorado.
Next: November 11–14, 2026 · Organizer’s site
Puerto Vallarta half marathon
Road running · The main sports complex (El Estadio), Puerto Vallarta · Puerto Vallarta
The city's long-standing half marathon and 5K, in its 22nd year in 2026.
Next: November 15, 2026
Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB
Trail running · From the Sierra Madre villages down to Puerto Vallarta · Puerto Vallarta
A UTMB World Series trail race from the mountain towns down to the bay, from 5K to about 147K; more than 2,000 runners in 2026. The 2027 dates are provisional.
Next: March 4–6, 2027 · Organizer’s site
Banderas Bay Regatta
Sailing · Banderas Bay, from Nuevo Vallarta · Around the bay
A relaxed regatta for cruising boats, held every March since 1994 and finished off with a beach party.
Next: March 17–20, 2027 · Organizer’s site
Puerto Vallarta marathon
Road running · From Los Arcos on the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta · Puerto Vallarta
A flat, sea-level marathon with half, 10K and 5K races, starting before dawn on the seafront; over 3,000 runners from 24 countries in 2026.
Next: April 11, 2027
Vallarta Cup
Sailing · Banderas Bay · Around the bay
The January race days that open the bay's sailing season.
Last held January 10–17, 2026
International charro championship
Charrería · The charro ring, Puerto Vallarta · Puerto Vallarta
Four days of charreada, Mexico's rodeo, with Mexican and US teams.
Last held January 29 – February 1, 2026
San Diego to Puerto Vallarta yacht race
Offshore sailing · Finishes in Banderas Bay · Around the bay
A roughly 1,000-nautical-mile ocean race from San Diego, held every two years; the next is in 2028.
Last held February 26–28, 2026
Sayulita SUP Open
Stand-up paddle · Sayulita's main beach · Sayulita
A paddleboard weekend: SUP surf heats, technical and long-distance races, and a fun race and team-board race for everyone else.
Last held March 6–8, 2026 · Organizer’s site
GranFondo Riviera Nayarit
Road cycling · The coast roads through Punta de Mita, La Cruz and Sayulita · Riviera Nayarit
A mass road ride from the Whistler GranFondo team, with 90 km and 130 km routes over the Riviera Nayarit's coast and hills.
Last held April 18, 2026
Puerto Vallarta Downhill & Freestyle
Urban downhill mountain biking · From the Cerro de la Cruz lookout down to the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta · Puerto Vallarta
About forty invited riders race a 900-metre course of stairs and alleys through old Vallarta to the seafront, then a best-trick show. Free to watch; more than 20,000 came in 2026.
Last held May 1–2, 2026
Sayulita Longboard Contest
Surf · Sayulita's main beach · Sayulita
Three days of longboarding on the main beach: Open, Junior and Kahuna divisions, an aerial show and a heat under lights after dark.
Last held October 16–18, 2026 · Organizer’s site

Outfitters on the map

Local schools, captains and guides we’ve mapped. Hover one to find it.

Open the painted town

Seasons, prices and rules from operators’ own sites, the Riviera Nayarit tourism board, CONANP and local outlets (2025–26). They change, so check with the outfitter before you go. Films: Sabino (the longboard contest) and the city of Puerto Vallarta (the downhill).

Coming up

Good in October

The year outdoors

In the water

Surfing

Stand-up paddle

Snorkelling the Marietas

Scuba diving

Whale watching

Sport fishing

Open-water swimming

On land

Monkey Mountain

The walk to Los Muertos and Carricitos

Malpaso, Las Cuevas and the trail to San Pancho

Mountain biking

Horseback riding

ATV and UTV tours

Birdwatching

Turtle releases

Golf

Pickleball

In the air

Zip lines

Contests and races, every year

Day of the Dead international surf tournament

VidantaWorld Mexico Open

Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf

Los Muertos beach fishing tournament

International marlin and tuna fishing tournament

Puerto Vallarta half marathon

Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB

Banderas Bay Regatta

Puerto Vallarta marathon

Vallarta Cup

International charro championship

San Diego to Puerto Vallarta yacht race

Sayulita SUP Open

GranFondo Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta Downhill & Freestyle

Sayulita Longboard Contest

Outfitters on the map