Terrific Surfing in Tranquil Sayulita, Mexico
Surfers - Newbies through Experts - Ride Great Waves near Small Town
Jan 21, 2009
Sayulita is not an undiscovered spot - surfers from all over the world flock to this small town nestled next to a tropical bay - but the waves offer great rides for beginners through experts.
And the charms of Sayulita don't end when the day's surfing is over.
Sayulita is a small, tropical town of about 3,000 people, and there are no big chain hotels, chain restaurants or blaring discos. Sayulita offers quiet pleasures, such as good food in open-air restaurants and stands, small hotels and long walks along sandy beaches.
Sayulita for Beginners
The south end of Sayulita's big bay is the place for beginners to ride their first waves. Many surf schools line the beach, and all of them include board rental in the lesson price. Many schools also loan students a rash guard - a thin shirt - to guard against rashes and sunburn.
Most Sayulita surfers use rash guards, which cost between $20 and $40 in the United States. Lunazul, which is located right on the beach, is a top school and also offers quality surfboard rentals. Boards, depending on quality, rent for $15 to $25 United States dollars a day.
Sayulita is home to many top-notch Mexican surfers, and every school has friendly, English-speaking instructors.
The beginner's break is at the southern end of the beach, near Don Pedro's restaurant.
Sayulita's Surf Breaks
Sayulta's main break is a rocky rivermouth reef that splits northwest or north swells into right and left waves. The right wave, which peels south toward the beginner's area, is a moderate longboard wave that cranks out long rides. This wave is perfect for intermediate surfers, but it's also a fun ride for experienced and expert surfers.
The left wave, which peels north off the reef, is faster and steeper than the right. This wave attracts shortboarders and expert rippers who slash waves with cutback turns and other stunning moves.
Tips on Surfing Sayulita
The waves can get crowded by 11 a.m., when many of Sayulita's local surfers hit the water. Local surfers are some of best in Mexico, and many national champions live in the area.
Surfers should never drop in - catch a wave when someone is already on the wave. Local surfers will whistle when they're caught a wave.
To avoid crowds, surfers hit the waves early and late in the day. Fewer people surf on moderate days - when the waves are 3 feet high or less.
High season is from November through April, which is also the dry season.
Waves near Sayulita
A huge headland at the southern end of Sayulita cuts the beach off from south swells - and sunsets. Punta Mita, a short panga boat or car ride from Sayulita, catches those south swells, and the north and northwest swells that make it into Sayulita.
Punta Mita has several longboard breaks, and it is a very popular trip for surfers staying in one of Sayulita's small hotels.
Boat rides from Sayulita's beach to Punta Mita run from $50 to $200 in U.S. currency, depending on the length of the trip. Surfers can rent cars and drive into Punta Mita and then hike to the beach.
Many surfers say panga boat rides are more fun, give access to more breaks and often feature close-up views of breaching humpback whales.
Other Activities
Sayulita offers world-class shore fishing for a variety of fish, including jack Crevalle, roosterfish and sierra mackerel.
A short hike north of Sayulita puts explorers onto a long, deserted beach that looks like an unspoiled Maui.
Panga skippers also offer great offshore fishing for dorado, sailfish and other big fish. Those trips cost about $200 in U.S. currency.
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