Lessons, boards and the people who shape them.
22 places, our 10 picks first · Read our guide to surf
From our own research (October 2026) and from owners who keep their page here. Deals change, so check before you go. Run one? Tell us.
1 Start here
A family surf school on Calle Marlín since 2002: a 90-minute lesson plus an hour's free practice (MX$1,790 alone, less in a group), and if you don't stand up, the second is free. Rentals, multi-day courses and lessons at La Lancha too.
Stand up or the second lesson is free
Surf · Centro
Local shaper building custom surfboards and fins, with ding repairs and quality board rentals.
Surf · North side
A surf school by the river, started in 2015 with an umbrella and four boards: local instructors, never more than four students each, 90-minute lessons on the main beach from MX$1,200, or the open-top truck to La Lancha's jungle beach at 2pm.
Surf · Centro
Diego Cadena's surf shop in the Sayulinda hotel, a block from the break: 90-minute coaching plus an hour of free surf from MX$1,400 each, boards from MX$150 an hour or MX$600 a day, with lockers and showers, and fishing trips on the boat.
Surf · North side
Locally owned school for surf and stand-up paddle lessons and rentals, with guided sessions for more experienced surfers.
Surf · Centro
A surf school on Calle Gaviota teaching since 2005 with ISA-certified instructors: a beach briefing, then 90 minutes in the water, board and rash guard included, from MX$1,200 each for three or more. Day trips to a jungle beach end with fish tacos.
Surf · North side
A big outfitter on Calle Pelícanos, open 7:30am to 8:30pm: two-hour lessons on Sayulita's sandbar (from US$65), 300-plus rental boards with free swaps, a surf shuttle to La Lancha, Malpaso mountain-bike rides and Marietas trips. Shops in San Pancho and Punta de Mita too.
Surf · Centro
Sayulita's first surf school, run by the Southworth family since the 1990s right on the beach in front of the main break, beside a beach restaurant and fishing tours.
Surf · North side
Private, bilingual lessons with Joel Barraza, a local competitive longboarder: first waves for beginners and style coaching for longboarders.
Surf · Centro
Small adventure outfit planning surf lessons at quieter spots away from the main beach, waterfall hikes, surf trips and beach fires, with transport included.
The whole town, paintedEvery place on this page, on the living 3D map. Fly around, then tap what looks good.Not sure where to start?Tell us what you’re into and who’s coming; we’ll put a few days together from these places.Plan my trip Places come from our own research and open map data (OpenStreetMap, Overture Maps). Hours change; check before you go. Own a place here? Claim it. Been somewhere? Open it and leave a review; it takes ten seconds.
