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Sign In Create free accountThe following descriptions of and directions to Sayulita, Mexico beaches are based on our own research and experience. Please feel free to let us know of any new updates or changes.
Walk to the south (left when facing the sea) around the curve of Sayulita bay past Villa Amor and follow the dirt road left up the hill, under the arch and through the cemetery. At the bottom of the hill, on the far side of the cemetery, turn right to Playa de Los Muertos. This beach is very popular with local Mexican families and is a safe swimming beach for kids. Huge rocks protect it on both sides so the waves are usually smaller, and there isn’t much of a current or wind. Playa Los Muertos has a roped-off area for swimming and you don't have to worry about surfing or fishing boat traffic. Las Cargadas is the tiny beach past the rocks to the south of Playa Los Muertos. There are other little beaches here that are best accessed by kayak or Stand up Paddle board from Sayulita.
Directions:- From the Sayulita plaza there is an inland route to Playa Los Muertos as well. Take Av. Revolucion past El Espresso, take your first right onto Ninos Heroes and follow straight for about ½ a mile until the end of the road. The road turns sharply to the right and up a short hill where it turns left and splits. Go straight (take the right fork and follow the road for outstanding views of Sayulita and the bay 5 minutes detour) and the track will start downhill and soon enter the jungle. Two paths go off to the left for Playa Carricitos (SEE BELOW); you continue straight on.
Here, you'll find huge waves and it's very possible that you'll be alone on this wild, windswept beach. There are homes here, but most are well hidden in the wooded hills above the water. There are almost always waves to bodysurf at this beach. Use extreme caution swimming here as there can be large, powerful waves at times and a strong undertow or current.
Directions: Starting at the Playa de Los Muertos side of the cemetery, follow the dirt road into the jungle and take the second right turn. This is a 20 minute up and downhill walk. From the Sayulita plaza, take Av. Revolucion past El Espresso, then the first right onto Niños Heroes and follow straight for about ½ a mile. The road turns sharply to the right and up a short hill where it turns left and splits. Go straight and the track will start downhill and you will be walking on a paved path in the jungle. Where the road splits, take the left path. Walk about 100 meters and then take a right, then another left before the entrance to Punta Tokipa. This will take you up a hill and at the top you will turn left and start a slight descent. On your righthand side you will see a small entryway that leads to a path.Take this path directly down to Playa Carricitos. From the plaza it is a 40 minute up and downhill walk.
Local favorites, these beaches are accessed via a 40–60 minute hike or a short drive followed by a walk, as vehicles can’t reach all the way. Their more remote location means fewer crowds, rewarding visitors with beautiful scenery and a peaceful, secluded atmosphere. Swim with caution on days when the waves are bigger as swell can create heavy waves.
Directions: From the plaza in Sayulita, these beaches are an hour walk or 10-minute drive from town. Take Av. Revolucion out of town and onto the road to Punta de Mita; go to the right. At the 5 km marker take a right towards Playa Patzcuaro. However, there are no signs. About 1km. down this road you will come to a ranch. Just beyond, there is a creek leading to Playa Patzcuaro. The adventurous can also reach Playa Patzcuarito by climbing the rocks from Carricitos.
These beaches are to the north of Sayulita and offer privacy, jungle hikes, white sand, and beautiful clear water. Two miles north (to the right when facing the sea) of Sayulita, surrounded by rocky cliffs, this tiny horseshoe-shaped bay is perfect for lovers. Playa Las Cuevas is the first small cove. If the tide is low enough, you can pass through a small natural archway on the right side of the beach that will shoot you out onto Playa Malpaso. Pay close attention to the changing tide so that you don’t get washed away or stuck. Access to these beaches is by a path through the jungle. Current construction has affected these paths slightly, but follow the posted signs for beach access.
Directions: Inland route: From town walk along Av. del Palmar (which parallels the beach) across the river, past the campsites and school until the road ends and you see a few small boulders with a dirt path behind them. Start on the dirt path that follows above the shore line. You will cross a small river (dry in the winter) where the main path appears to go up the river to the right, but look straight ahead and you will see several large boulders. Clamber over or go around the rocks and follow the path across a cobblestone road (which is a private road from the beach-house to the main highway) and continue straight. You will continue up a small hill and a dirt road will join from the right. Stay to the left. As you continue down that path you will see a gate which is the beginning of the construction zone. On your left hand side, just before the gate, you will see a big yellow sign that says “Camino a la Playa”. Take this path. Approximately 50 meters further the path splits; left goes to Las Cuevas Cove, which is a small beach before Malpaso. For Malpaso, when the path splits, go up to the right. You will arrive at the top of a hill and see stairs leading you down to the beach. Take the stairs down and you have arrived at Malpaso!
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