Travel Tips & Safety in Sayulita

Planning a trip to Sayulita? Here’s your one-stop guide for safety, documents, money, health, packing, transport, and local etiquette so you can relax and enjoy the beach, color, and community.

Yes when you use normal travel common sense. Sayulita is a small, family-oriented beach town with a strong community and active tourist police. As with any popular destination, petty theft can occur when valuables are left unattended or homes are left unlocked. Violent crime is rare.

Street-smart habits that go a long way

• Keep doors and windows locked and use your rental’s safe.
• Avoid flashing cash, jewelry, and electronics; be mindful with phones at night.
• Walk in pairs or groups after dark and stick to lit streets.
• At the beach, do not leave bags unattended; bring a small lockable pouch.
• If confronted, cooperate. Valuables are replaceable. File a police report.
• For emergencies in Mexico, dial 911 (policía, ambulance, bomberos).

• Passports: Valid for 6+ months beyond return date is best practice.
• Tourist Card (FMM): You will receive or complete it when entering Mexico; keep it for departure.
• Backups: Carry a second ID and digital or printed copies of passport, FMM, and insurance.

Travel & Health Insurance

• Medical costs can add up and evacuation is costly. Consider trip and medical coverage.
• Partner resource: West Coast Global Insurance Services offers plans with emergency medical, evacuation, and trip interruption built for Mexico travelers.

• Currency is MXN (pesos). Many small businesses are cash-preferred.
• Cash can be difficult to come by during busy travel times. Get pesos from your home bank before traveling so you have pesos on hand when you arrive.
• Use bank-attached ATMs (for example, inside or at Kapital Bank). Avoid free-standing ATMs due to higher fraud risk.
• Keep small bills for taxis, tips, and markets. Cards are accepted at some hotels and restaurants.

• Drink purified or bottled water. Most restaurants use purified ice.
• Pack any personal medications; include a small GI and first-aid kit and electrolytes.
• Mosquitoes are seasonal in rainy months; bring repellent.
• Sun is strong: reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and light layers.

• Sayulita is walkable.
• Golf carts and taxis are common.
• For day trips, consider a car rental or hiring a suburban.

• Sandals and comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
• Swimwear, cover-up, light clothing, and a light jacket for winter evenings.
• Reusable water bottle and a daypack.
• Phone charger and power bank. Mexico uses 110–120V; US and Canada plugs work.

• Hola, ¿cómo estás? (Hi, how are you?)
• ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?)
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much is it?)
• No hablo mucho español. ¿Habla inglés? (I do not speak much Spanish. Do you speak English?)
• Gracias / Por favor (Thank you / Please)

• Dry season (Nov–May): Warm days and cooler nights.
• Rainy season (Jun–Oct): Tropical showers and higher humidity; lush and beautiful.
• Sunshine most of the year, so pack sun protection year-round.

Is beach theft common? Only when items are left unattended. Bring what you need and keep valuables on you or leave them secured.

Are the roads safe at night? Use taxis or golf carts and avoid poorly lit shortcuts. Wear a seatbelt in cars and drive cautiously.

What if I lose my FMM? Report at the airport. Expect a replacement fee and extra time before departure.

What number do I call in an emergency? 911 works for police, medical, and fire in Nayarit.

Is Sayulita safe for families? Yes. Many families visit and live here. Use normal precautions, agree on meet-up points, and keep an eye on little ones near surf and streets.

• Respect neighbors. Keep volumes down late and observe posted quiet hours.
• Do not buy or carry illegal substances. Tourist police enforce the law.
• Big events happen seasonally. If you are noise-sensitive, ask your host about sound profiles and bring earplugs or a white-noise option.

• Small, community-focused town with many local business owners.
• Tourist police presence and active neighborhood groups.
• Most incidents are opportunity-based petty theft and avoidable with basic precautions.

With common-sense safety, a bit of prep, and the right insurance, your Sayulita trip should be easy and unforgettable. Surf, sunsets, street tacos, and a warm community are waiting. Plan smart. Travel light. Enjoy Sayulita.