Sayulita is a short distance, approximately 25 miles (40 km), north of Puerto Vallarta, and it should take no longer than one hour to make the drive. This is a popular route and can be done mostly on highways.
Is Sayulita family-friendly?
Absolutely, Sayulita is a family-friendly destination with its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a range of activities suitable for all ages. It is a safe and ideal vacation spot for families looking to relax and have fun together.
Is Sayulita worth it?
Yes, Sayulita is worth a visit if you like surfing, beachcombing, snorkeling, and other sunny activities. Sayulita is a charming coastal town located on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico with something to do for all budgets and ages.
What is the best way to get from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita?
The most convenient and popular way to get from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita is by taxi or private transportation. Many taxi services and shuttle companies operate from the airport, offering direct transfers to Sayulita. Alternatively, you can also rent a car at the airport and drive to Sayulita.
How much is a cab from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita?
On average, a one-way taxi fare can range from $50 to $80. Uber is also an option, but they can't pick you up at the airport terminal, and you need an active internet connection to order the car. Always confirm the fare with the taxi driver before starting your journey. Daytrip's private car service lets you book and pay in advance so you don't need to worry about anything once you land.
Overview: car trip from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita
The drive from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) and takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Depending on the time of your flightтАЩs arrival and if itтАЩs the dry season, you may experience some delays due to the crowds and traffic, but it is a straightforward route.
Sayulita was part of MexicoтАЩs infrastructure plan in the 1960s-70s to make traveling to and from the Puerto Vallarta airport easy, so you will mainly follow Highway 200 north along the scenic coastline of the Riviera Nayarit. After cruising the coast, you'll reach Sayulita, the small beach town known for its laid-back vibe and surfing culture. Let the vacation begin!
With Daytrip, you can customize your trip and add either a detour we hand-selected or your own! For this route, we recommend the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary and the enigmatic Reindeer of La Cruz.
About Sayulita
Sayulita is located on Mexico's Pacific Coast in the state of Nayarit. For most of history, it has been a quiet, rural area whose inhabitants relied on fishing and farming to survive. Native foods include beans, pumpkin, corn, coconut, tilapia, and shrimp. YouтАЩll find a lot of these flavors in traditional meals like tamales de camar├│n (shrimp tamales) and fish ceviche.
During Spanish colonization, Sayulita became more involved with international trade, coconut oil production, and fishing. Catholicism and Spanish took over the native religion and language of the Huichol people.
Like many small towns on the coasts of Mexico, Sayulita became part of a national economic redevelopment plan in the 1960s to encourage tourism. It went from a small coconut oil producer to an international holiday hotspot. Modern highways and the arrival of international hotel chains brought more foreign visitors, and now Sayulita sees millions of tourists a year. The biggest draw for Sayulita is the amazing conditions for surfing, which account for much of its tourism.
In 2015, Sayulita was added to MexicoтАЩs Pueblos Magicos (Magical Villages) list, which aims to promote tourism to culturally significant towns across Mexico.
From Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita: travel tips
Follow these tips to make sure your drive from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita goes off without a hitch!
Double-check your hotelтАЩs check-in time
No matter which transport service you use, the trip to Sayulita from the airport should not take longer than an hour. If you're arriving at the airport early in the morning, it is worth checking with your accommodation about an earlier check-in time. The last thing you want after a long travel day is to have to drag all your bags to a cafe to wait for the hotel room to be ready.
Have some cash on you
Having a small amount of cash on you never hurts, and can get you out of a pickle if you run across a store or restaurant that does not take credit and debit cards. Only take cash out of trusted ATMs or exchange cash at official exchanges. 17 MXD is about 1 USD or 1 EUR.
How to get from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita
Daytrip offers two ways to get from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita. Travel in style with our private cars, or opt for the shuttle bus for cost-effective transportation. All Daytrip drivers for this route speak English as well as Spanish. They are also locals, so they know the roads very well.
Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita by private transfer
Getting from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita is a breeze with Daytrip's private car service. Your English-speaking driver will not only transport you and your family in luxury and privacy, but you can also book stops along the route to extra places, like the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary or to stretch your legs while looking for the Reindeer of La Cruz.
Experience door-to-door service and the flexibility to travel on your own schedule without the hassle of a traditional rental car. And unlike taxis, Daytrip has upfront pricing and allows you to pay online in advance.
Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita by shuttle bus
Shuttle transfers are a popular way to get around MexicoтАЩs oceanfront resorts. They're more than the public bus, but less than a taxi, offering a balance of price and service if you want to make the trip to Sayulita in a comfortable, insured vehicle with your fellow vacationers.
Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita by public bus
The public bus costs about 26 MXD (1.5 USD) and can do the trip in about 1.5 hours. Buses leave from across the highway by the airport about every 20 minutes. Don't expect much in the way of service or comfort, but they get the job done.
Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita by taxi
Expect to pay between $50 to $80 for a taxi or Uber to Sayulita. Taxis in Mexico have been known to charge exorbitant fees once you get in the car, so make sure you pick a trusted transportation company and have an agreed-upon price before departing. Uber isn't technically allowed in the airport, or to operate from Sayulita, so there's some added hassle.
Things to do when you get to Sayulita
Getting from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita wonтАЩt take long, so you can enjoy your vacation right away! Make sure these things are on your to-do list!
Get on the water in Sayulita
Sayulita is known globally for its excellent surfing conditions, catering to surfers of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner taking your first lesson or an experienced ripper, Sayulita's consistent breaks offer an unforgettable surfing experience. Surfing schools can help walk you through the basics if this is your first time.
If surfing isnтАЩt your style, getting on the water can take many other forms. For those who would rather not go underwater, try paddle boarding or kayaking. If youтАЩd like a closer look at SayulitaтАЩs marine life and coastal scenery, go snorkeling or diving. Rental shops and tour operators provide all the equipment youтАЩll need for a fun-filled day on the water.
Go hiking in nature
A hiking adventure through the jungle is the best way to learn about the flora and fauna of the surrounding areas. You can go with a local guide, or brave it on your own- but make sure someone knows your route and when to expect you back.
The jungle paths to San Pancho and Monkey Mountain are especially popular for their stunning views and relative ease. Sturdy hiking shoes and a big water bottle are necessities for these routes.
Explore the Town
After a big day of surfing and hiking, go to town for some local cuisine. Sayulita's small streets have a bohemian vibe that is unlike many resorts in Mexico. They are lined with little colorful buildings, boutique shops, and restaurants serving local food. The lush trees lining the streets and behind buildings provide shade during the hot days.
Sayulita is compact, so everything is within a short walking distance and pedestrian-friendly. Discover unique handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Mexican dishes while in between surfing sessions!
When is the best time to visit Sayulita
The best time to visit Sayulita is during the dry season, from November to April. During these months, you can expect sunny days, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities, beach relaxation, and water sports like surfing and snorkeling.
However, it's worth noting that the dry season is also the peak tourist season, so you may find heavier traffic on the road from Puerto Vallarta Airport to Sayulita, as well as higher accommodation compared to the quieter months of May to October. If you plan to visit in the dry season, definitely book everything well in advance.
