Sayulita Beaches: Los Muertos, Carricitos, Patzcuaro & Beach Tips

The following descriptions and directions to Sayulita's beaches are based on the SayulitaLife team's own research and firsthand experience. We've been on these beaches since 2004 — swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and hiking to the quieter ones. Please let us know of any updates or changes.

The best sunset spot in Sayulita changes with the season — this is one of those local tips that makes a real difference.

Dry season (late fall to early spring): The sun sets behind the Punta Sayulita hills on the south end of the beach. Best spots are Playa Patzcuarito (dramatic colors, almost nobody there) and Playa Carricitos (quieter, beautiful views).

Rainy season (summer to early fall): The sun sets further north and is visible from the main beach. Good spots include the main Sayulita beach (lively and social), Playa Malpaso (jungle hike, very uncrowded), and the north side of the beach (less crowded, close to town).

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: Wait 10–15 minutes after the sun drops below the horizon. The color show that follows is often the best part.

• Many umbrellas are free with a food or drink order from the adjacent restaurant — don't bring your own food if you plan to use their chairs
• Some vendors charge a fee — always ask before sitting down
• Ask your hotel or vacation rental if they have chairs or umbrellas to borrow — many do

Recommended beach clubs with chairs: The Dock, Beach Club Mi Chula.

Conditions change daily — what's calm in the morning may have stronger surf by afternoon. Always keep kids close to shore and in view.

• Playa Los Muertos — the top choice for families with young children; calm water, roped swimming area, no boat or surf traffic
• Sayulita main beach (south end, near the boats) — generally gentler waves in the morning
• Carricitos and Malpaso have strong waves and undertow — not suitable for children
• There are no lifeguards on Sayulita beaches — supervision is entirely on you

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: Early mornings on the main beach tend to be the calmest. By midday the surf often picks up significantly.

Not all of Sayulita's beaches are safe for swimming — and on the main beach, surfers and swimmers share the water. Know where to go.

• Swimming zones: Sayulita main beach (swim near the south end, away from the river mouth); Playa Los Muertos (best for families)
• Surfing zones: Main break near the river mouth; beginner break in front of the boats — always watch for swimmers in these areas
• Carricitos and Malpaso have strong waves and undertow — extreme caution required even for experienced swimmers
• Always watch for the surf zone and stay out of it if you're swimming

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: Never go swimming or surfing in conditions you're uncomfortable with. If in doubt, watch the water for 10 minutes before getting in.

Vendors walk the beach regularly selling trinkets, jewelry, clothing, and food. A few things to know:

• Most items sold by vendors are good souvenirs, not artisanal crafts — for handmade work, head to the market or local shops in town
• "No, gracias" or "muchas gracias" are polite and effective ways to decline
• You are never obligated to buy — don't feel pressured
• Bargaining is acceptable and expected
• There are fewer vendors on the far north side of the beach if you prefer a quieter experience

Sayulita's beaches are relaxed and casual — there aren't many formal rules. A few things to be aware of:

• Dogs are common and often off leash — this is normal in Mexico
• Drinking and smoking are allowed on the beach
• You can bring your own food and drinks
• Many groups bring portable speakers — it gets lively, especially on weekends
• There are very few trash cans on the beach — always pack your trash out
• Early mornings are calm, quiet, and beautiful — worth setting an alarm for

Rip currents exist in Sayulita and can be strong — calm-looking water doesn't mean it's safe. Sayulita does not have year-round lifeguards.

• Look for dark, choppy water where waves appear to cross each other — this often indicates a rip
• A red flag on the beach means strong rip currents are present — do not swim
• If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the beach (not against the current) until you're out of it, then swim back to shore at an angle
• Stay aware at all times, especially after rain or when swell increases

Theft on Sayulita's beach is rare, but it does happen — and phones are the most common target.

• Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach
• If you're swimming alone, bring only what you're comfortable leaving on the sand briefly
• Take turns swimming if you're with a group
• Bring only cash to the beach — leave your ID and cards at your rental

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: Waterproof phone pouches you can wear in the water are a great investment for Sayulita. They cost a few dollars and solve the problem entirely.

Sayulita's ocean water is safe for swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding. A wastewater-treatment plant and deep-water emissor pipe completed in 2019 eliminated untreated discharge into the bay. Official testing by the Nayarit State Health Department consistently shows levels of 10–20 PPM per 100 ml — well below Mexico's 200 PPM safety limit.

• Avoid swimming immediately after heavy rainfall — runoff temporarily affects water quality
• Wait at least 48–72 hours after a significant storm before swimming (the PDF guide says 12 days for major storms — when in doubt, ask a local)
• Dry days are always best for swimming
• ProSayulita monitors the bay independently and publishes water quality reports

🔬 See Current Sayulita Water Quality Results →

A short walk makes a significant difference in how many people you'll share the beach with. The four least crowded options near Sayulita:

• Patzcuarito — farther walk, dramatic scenery, almost no one there
• Patzcuaro — local favorite, accessible by short drive or long walk
• Playa Carricitos — wild and beautiful, but strong surf (not for casual swimming)
• Playa Malpaso (Las Cuevas) — jungle hike required, very uncrowded

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: Bring water, snacks, and comfortable shoes for any of these — there are no vendors or facilities once you leave the main beach.

• If you're sitting at beach chairs associated with a restaurant, you can use their restroom
• Public restrooms are available on the street next to the river — bring 10 pesos
• Some surf schools have a hose for rinsing off, but only for paying clients

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: Ordering food or a drink from a restaurant is the easiest way to always have bathroom access. Most beachfront spots are happy to accommodate.

Be aware, but don't be afraid. Encounters with marine life are uncommon and usually minor.

• Sharks: There are no sharks in the Sayulita bay — the water is too shallow and the bay too protected
• Jellyfish: Appear as the water warms up in spring. Most stings are minor — if it really stings, locals swear by spraying Windex on it
• Stingrays: Present in warmer months but generally scared away by people in the water. Shuffle your feet along the sand rather than stepping down firmly — this gives rays time to move
• Sea urchins (erizos): The most common wildlife injury in Sayulita. They attach to rocks at the main surf break. Never jump off your surfboard feet-first, and be careful kicking near rocks. If you get urchin spines in your foot, the Sayulita Health Clinic can remove them

Insider tip from Sayulita Life: Wear reef shoes or water shoes if you're walking over rocks near the surf break — especially helpful for beginner surfers renting boards.

Is Sayulita's ocean water safe to swim in? Yes. Official Nayarit State testing consistently shows 10–20 PPM per 100 ml — well below Mexico's 200 PPM safety limit. The wastewater-treatment plant completed in 2019 eliminated untreated discharge into the bay. The SayulitaLife team swims and surfs here regularly. Avoid swimming right after heavy rain.

Are there lifeguards on Sayulita beaches? No — Sayulita does not have year-round lifeguards. Stay aware of rip currents and wave conditions at all times, especially with children.

Which beach is best for families with young children? Playa Los Muertos is the top recommendation — calm water, a roped swimming area, and no surfing or boat traffic. On the main beach, the south end near the boats is generally calmer, especially in the morning.

What is the best sunset beach in Sayulita? It depends on the season. In dry season (fall–spring), Playa Patzcuarito has dramatic, uncrowded sunsets as the sun dips behind the southern hills. In rainy season (summer–fall), the sun sets further north and is visible from the main beach.

Are there sharks in Sayulita? No. The Sayulita bay is too shallow and protected for sharks. The most common marine hazard is sea urchins (erizos) near rocky areas at the surf break — shuffle your feet and don't jump off surfboards feet-first near rocks.

Where can I rent beach chairs or umbrellas? Many beachfront restaurants provide chairs and umbrellas with a food or drink order. The Dock and Beach Club Mi Chula are popular options. Ask your vacation rental — many have chairs to borrow.

Which beaches near Sayulita are the least crowded? Patzcuarito, Patzcuaro, Playa Carricitos, and Malpaso are all significantly less crowded than the main beach. All require a walk of 20–60 minutes. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

850+ vetted vacation rentals — verified by our local team, many beachfront or a short walk to the beach. No platform fees, ever. Local support from people who actually live in Sayulita, since 2004.

Browse Sayulita vacation rentals →

Also see: Sayulita Health & Safety — ocean water quality, dengue, scorpions, and clinics | Sayulita Safety Tips — documents, money, and travel safety.