Buses normally arrive every 20 minutes. So, you can expect to encounter the greatest number of tourists from December to mid-April. As you may have guessed, when comparing Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita in terms of restaurants after you do all your shopping, Puerto Vallarta offers far more options. If you are doing shorter trips or a longer backpacking trip then WorldNomads or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. But Ill follow Googles recommendation on this one and tell you that Sayulita is 42 kilometers from Puerto Vallarta. P.S. Los Arcos National Park Boat Tour. Renting a car is also an option, but to be honest I dont think it makes much sense. If your idea of partying is going to massive clubs with dance floors, head to Puerto Vallarta. As for Playa Yelapa, the best way to get there is by boat. This place also has an amazing golden sand beach to relax and enjoy. Your email address will not be published. Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach Tour From Puerto Vallarta, How to Visit Yelapa From Puerto Vallarta Mexico, Top 5 Highly Rated Ziplines in Puerto Vallarta. You can get there via bus, taxi, Uber, or scooter. What Airport Do You Fly Into For Sayulita Mexico? Youve got a few options for getting up to Sayulita. Puerto Vallarta sits in a large, curved bay, and there usually isnt a large enough surf to make it worth it. So, when comparing Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita in terms of where you can save the most money, theres little difference. Claires Itchy Feet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Our Captain & Crew have a Passion for what they do & would LOVE to share it with you. And now the digital nomads. The high season in Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta is during the winter when temperatures are cooler and rain and clouds are nearly non-existent. One of the teenagers in our group had a birthday and Chica Locca made it a super special birthday for him, with balloons and cake. URLs (links) to outside websites are prohibited. and has since lived in China, Indonesia, Mexico, and Colombia. In contrast, you can expect most restaurants and shops in Puerto Vallarta to accept credit card payments. The host at her AirBnB made all the arrangements. As a top-rated day trip destinations, it gets quite busy here especially on weekends and holidays. On top of that, you can head north to Nuevo Vallarta for more beaches and upscale shopping or behind the Malecn for cute cafes and bars. It's one of the prettiest, quietest and most relaxing places along the coast - you can easily while away a full day there. For more details on safety, particularly if youre interested in having a solo females perspective, check out my articles on safety in Puerto Vallarta and safety in Sayulita. Puerto Vallarta is packed with high-end shops at malls like La Isla and Galerias. However, taxis are available if you stay in the hills above the towns center. Once you arrive at Bucerias then you will need to hop on the Compostela to Sayulita. Zona Romntica, Emiliano Zapata For starters, theres a lot you can explore in Puerto Vallarta by foot, with the Malecn and Zona Romntica being the most popular activities. If you dont want to get the bus or drive yourself, this is the best option. If youre not familiar with the latter, its an app where you make an offer that drivers can accept or counter. While the bus stops several times and various vendors and performers may hop on and off, thats all part of the adventure. I wrote this comparison of Sayulita vs. Puerto Vallarta to help you choose your home base. Yelapa Beach is famous for it's white sand beach and sapphire water, ideal for snorkeling and playing. Never booked with them so can't comment, but they do have universally good reviews. There are several transportation options, from hotel shuttles, private drivers, rental cars, and local buses. The Solo Girls Guide To Traveling Without Fear, The Solo Girls Guide To Becoming A Digital Nomad. Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip! You cant miss it! Traveling from Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita is pretty straightforward and much easier than youd imagine. Animals may not be the first thing you think of when comparing Sayulita vs. Puerto Vallarta, but if you visit Sayulita, youll know what I meanit has a big dog culture. So, youll need a car or scooter to get to Playa Conchas Chinas and Las Gemelas. That was, of course, until the surfers showed up. The drive averages about an hour but could be more with traffic. Juan will be in contact with you a day or so before your flight to confirm everything and put you in touch with your driver via WhatsApp. Sayulita is a small surf town with a laid back young fun vibe. Carlos, the salesman, made us feel taken care of and the crew on the ship were extremely nice, encouraging dancing at the party and FUN, but never pushing us past our limits. If you dont have the luxury of time to read through a post on Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta (Im looking at you, reader whos waiting in line at customs), the chart below gives an overview of what this article is all about. With plenty of surf schools and boards for rent along with smaller waves, this is a good place for beginners to surf near Puerto Vallarta. To get cheap flights you can also check on WayAWay to get 5% cashback on flights. Puerto Vallarta very rarely records temperatures at 10C (50F) or below and the lowest one ever recorded is 7C (45F). Took us to the hotel then dropped us off at one of the Vallarta Adventures office in Nuevo Vallarta so we could board boat on time and make it to Las Caletas. However, I met lots of expats who call Sayulita home for a portion or all of the yearespecially those who love surfing. If he is unavailable he has several other trusted drivers who he can rely on. And if you need somewhere to stay, read this and remember if youre entering Mexico, you will need to provide proof of onward travel. We invite you to connect with Timothy Real Estate Group today and begin viewing exciting listings of the finest residences in the area, from exclusive estate properties in Riviera Nayarit to the latest in new condominium developments in Puerto Vallarta. How is the internet / wifi stability in airbnbs or hotels? 3 Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure. It was perfect. Needless to say, I recommend keeping some emergency pesos set aside in case you get into a bind with having issues withdrawing money from an ATM. She's an early bird and backpacker at heart and can often be spotted with a dog or ten that she's befriended along the way. Despite Puerto Vallarta having more beaches, you can feel the crowds almost everywhere. Thanks to Sayulitas small size, it will take you less than ten minutes to walk from the tourist center to the bus terminal located on the road out of town. Experts on the route from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita; US +1 628 201 9501 UK +44 20 3318 1119 daytrip@mydaytrip.com. This helps us know the best meeting location. To the north of Puerto Vallarta, along the North coast of Banderas Bay, and beyond, lies the state of Nayarit, home to the best beaches in the Puerto Vallarta area, and some of the most charming communities. Renting a car is a great option if there is a group of you. One of the first questions on your mind when comparing Sayulita vs. Puerto Vallarta is likely their sizes. The staff and captain were just amazing! Flexible cancellation policy. If you wish to pay via card or other method, please do so the day before your tour. I belive the Tourism Office has a Facebook page. Required fields are marked *. Nevertheless, that doesnt mean that the parties end early. We even stayed in a tree house last time. When looking for Sayulita Mexico flights you need to check first to see if you can fly to Puerto Vallarta from wherever you are. If you want to take the bus from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta airport its very easy. I can't recommend this enough. You will pay a $25 USD deposit and then the rest will be in cash directly to the driver. Enjoy our premium open barthat includes an enormous selection of drinks: water, soda, coffee, juice, smoothies, beer, wine, tequila, cocktails, pina colada, and margaritas; whatever you can think of, whatever you choose to drink. And now the digital nomads Then the day trippers. If you have a less-than-ideal history of having troubles with your debit card when abroad, Sayulitas banking situation will make you squirm. We can accomodate any group size from 2 to 185 people and everything in between. If you arent sure, ask the driver when you get on. A taxi from Sayulita can cost anywhere between $40 to 70 USD. They look a little sketchy, but I never had an issue with them. I will definitely recommend this tour as well as take the tour again. Their infinity pool overlooking the main beach is the perfect spot to enjoy some good ole fashioned R&R. Option 1 is cheaper as the driver doesnt have an airport permit, so he cant pick you up directly at arrivals in the airport. South Shore Boat Tour: Yelapa & Majahuitas. Instead, you will need to exit the airport and wait for the driver there. If you decide to rent a car and drive from Sayulita to Guadalajara, the drive is actually really easy and Id highly recommend stopping in Jala (one of Nayarits 3 pueblo Magicos) and Tequila on the way. Stay safe guys! Carretera a Punta de Mita, Puntilla KM 1.5-Local 3 In contrast, Sayulita has zero high-rise buildings. If you travel like us with too much luggage, odds are your luggage wont fit in the average taxis trunk. The boat also has a bathroom!! Private Boat Tours Looking for a private tour option? For all you digital nomads in Mexico, there are a few coworking spaces if you need to work a bit. Then the day trippers. I know its the tail end (no pun intended) of whale watching season, but Id love to check out some quiet beaches and see some wildlife in the area. Ive already established that Sayulita is small. Copyright 2023 A Piece of Travel | All Rights Reserved |, wheelchair accessibility in Puerto Vallarta, traveling to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta, Visit Islas Marietas (limited number of tickets per day), Take a whale-watching tour (December March), Drive south along Highway 200 for stunning ocean views. Either way, make sure you have the address written down so you can pass it to the driver if you dont speak Spanish. Buses are a convenient way to travel between Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita, with a number of companies offering routes. Distance from Sayulita: 10 minutes Driving direction: North Nevertheless, it attracts more backpackers and hippies than Puerto Vallarta, thanks to its bohemian vibe. Heres another reason why a working debit card is so important in Sayulitamany, if not most, restaurants and shops only accept cash. Buses which indicate Centro head towards the malecn through downtown. We offer public tours to the Marietas Islands, Yelapa Falls, Half Day Snorkeling Excursions and Sunset Cruises. The food was delicious. Now that Ive covered the differences between Sayulita vs. Puerto Vallarta, lets look at the similarities these destinations share. There isnt much going on here, so BYO whatever you may want to eat or drink and plop down in the sand. If thats not your thing, theres still a long stretch of beach to enjoy here. Click here to check the rates. Chic Locca Tours is the best All Inclusive Boat Tour in Sayulita! And of the two, based on my personal observation, the LGBTQ+ community has a stronger presence in Sayulita than it does retirees. And if youre just getting started, heading to the south end is your best bet. We have the biggest yacht fleet in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. We are a family run business established in Puerto Vallarta Bay since 1985, The boat has multiple water activities stuff like paddle boards and floaties to use. If in doubt ask. There are coconut, cheese, walnut, chocolate and banana. In contrast, the Malecn alone in Puerto Vallarta is one mile long. Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta both offer outstanding safety. Sayulita Beach Day Trip from Puerto Vallarta 14 By Gray Line Puerto Vallarta Adventure Tours 7-8 hours Get ready for the day trip of your life! Can't help you with tour boat or whale watching excursions, but we've done extended stays in the village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle several times. We are Hannah & Adam, a Wisconsin couple who left behind the American dream to travel the world and chase our own dreams. Depending on demand, an Uber will cost you around 500 pesos (25 USD). Pkease note the above info is just for 1-3 people. In this blog post, Im going to go through all of the different options for getting to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and anywhere else you might be traveling from. Learn more Sayulita can be visited on a day trip. The airport near Sayulita Mexico is Puerto Vallarta. They have the cheapest rates. Thank you chica slices for an unforgettable experience! Water Taxi Schedule Any chance youve been recently and can recommend a company to ride to Marietas Islands with? The bus from Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita costs around $50 pesos ($2.50) and takes around 1-1.5 hours. During the years he has tought in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. 3) Those who should be in Sayulita most of the time but would enjoy a few days in Puerto Vallarta as well. The beautiful Punta de Mita is slightly closer, around 25 miles to the north, with a similar journey time. Theres also water taxi service from Los Muertos Beach to Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta for $20 USD each way. We truly enjoyed and loved the time in the water. If you want a big boat party atmosphere then Vallarta Adventures trip to Marietas is fun, lots of snorkelers but the divers are given a separate set up area and they run a panga out as a chase boat for the diving. We have been visiting Isla Holbox for the last 7 years and just returned from, We think the best way to see Mexico, especially the Yucatan Peninsula, is to drive it yourself. Exit the airport, cross the highway, and flag a taxi down (the price should be around $700 -$1000 pesos but this may depend on your Spanish skills, or lack thereof! We love Isla Holbox Island located just off the northern coastline of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula. Puerto Vallarta is worth a day trip if only to walk along the Malecon in the morning as the shops and restaurants are opening up for the day. Your email address will not be published. Other water taxis to Yelapa depart from Boca de Tomatln, about 30 minutes south of town by public bus. Required fields are marked *. You could sit wherever you wanted, even lay down and sleep. We usually dont make it past Club de Playa Camaron. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. . As most people will want to fly to Sayulita either from somewhere else in Mexico or from another country, the first thing you are going to need to know is what airport do you fly into for Sayulita Mexico. Would definitely book them again. Whether you are staying in Sayulita, Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta or surrounding areas. A particular favorite of ours was Playa Chacala about an hour north. In contrast, Sayulita has one main beach, aptly named Playa Sayulita, which they framed the touristy part of town around. Join us for an unforgettable day on the water and enjoy one of our signature All-Inclusive Boat Tours. At its core, its a small fishing town with a population of under 5,000. Years? The plaza always seems to have something going on, especially at night. Of course, given Puerto Vallartas size and its popularity as a retirement destination, youll find a greater number of expats living in Puerto Vallarta. Please get this back to me ASAP. Alternatively, you can rent a golf cart for the day for kicks and giggles (and so that you can more comfortably explore the steep streets behind the main town). Rental cars are often only $10 a day or less. Yes, Sayulita has no airport, so you will need to fly into the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) to get there. Sasha and his wife Rachel run Grateful Gnomads, where they write about teaching ESL, digital nomad life, long-term travel, live music, and more. All text, pictures, and layout copyright SayulitaLife.com. Whether you are staying in Sayulita, Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta or surrounding areas, Both Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta are expensive destinations. Sasha is a teacher, writer, and video producer from Detroit, Michigan. Although you can count on Sayulita having waves year-round, theyre ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. If you take a shared transport or bus, it will be longer due to dropping off passengers at other hotels along the way. Then take the highway up past Buscarias (about 20 minutes). Therefore, if youre arriving or departing Sayulita by bus, theres little need to hail a cab if youll be staying in town and can carry your luggage without assistance. The buses list where they are going on the front of the window, so just look for Sayulita. Not everyone traveling to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta is going to be arriving through the airport. The bus from Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita costs around $50 pesos ($2.50) and takes around 1-1.5 hours. All Water Activities and Water Toys are Included Too! Our newest Catamaran, The FAT CAT.. 60' powered yacht was launched in 2018, specifically designed to accommodate larger parties, such as Weddings, Birthdays and Special Occasions. The bus company running the Sayulita to Guadalajara route is Vallarta Plus they generally run twice a day departing Guadalajara at around 7 am and 9 am and arriving in Sayulita at around 11 am and 1 pm. 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 . Carretera a Punta de Mita, Puntilla KM 1.5-Local 3. *All Water Taxis have passenger insurance and life jackets for each passenger. There, youll have access to an array of globally-recognized clothing stores. The cost of this service is $50 USD or $1000 pesos. We are based in the Marina Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta but We also offer Pick Up in Los Muertos Pier, Nuevo Vallarta, La Cruz, and Punta de Mita. Sunny Sayulita is approximately 28 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, and the journey takes 40 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. Personally, I always look for my Sayulita Mexico flights on Skyscanner, it never lets me down! We always rent with Discovercars.com. Chica Locca only serves premium brands: Don Julio, Compadre, Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Malibu, Baileys, Absolt, Tito's, Smirnoff, ack Daniel's, Champagne and every mix you could want. from 14.00 US dollars per person. You can get to Sayulita by local bus, taxi, InDriver, Uber, or driving along Highway 200. The pays de "Chelly" became famous for 28 years. What does that mean? If you need to book short notice contact me here first before paying a deposit. Weve had a great time at Atico with their swing seats and gypsy jazz band. So you will need to stop if you dont want to have to come back. The most economical is catching the public bus. Should buses be up your travel-style alley (raising my hand here! wide variety of accommodations available. Fishing Charters. Some bring their dogs with them, some foster through SayulitAnimals, and others simply love-on the street dogs there. Find out the rest of our story here $145 Luxury Service (suburban) up to 6 passengers, Just show up and wait for the next bus about every 15 minutes, White & Green buses with a Sayulita sign in the window. The distance between two cities is 34 miles. If you choose this option just take the Compostela bus from Sayulita to Bucerias bus station and then hop on the next bus passing through to Guadalajara. You can then be picked up by your Uber driver close to the bus stop. Born in 1970 in France, Stephane learnt to dive in Lake Annecy. We love the freedom of driving ourselves and exploring new areas. However, choosing where to stay can have a huge impact on the quality of your trip. You will easily be able to book an Uber from Puerto Vallarta Airport to take you to Sayulita. From there, youll need to hop on a bus or in a cab for another 10 20 minute drive to get to the famous Malecn boardwalk. In fact, theres even a famed Mandala Club there. P.S.If youre still on the fence about where to travel, check out my article on Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun and Cabo vs Puerto Vallarta. Tabachines is where we posted up when we had to punch in for a few hours. ROUTE: From Marina Vallarta to downtown Puerto Vallarta (Centro/Malecon) Bus fare is $10 pesos Take Bus Route C27 - La Marina or a bus that has Centro written on the windshield. My boyfriend and I did the trip from Sayulita to Yelapa. The 22-mile bus ride from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita takes approximately 1 hour. San Pancho is located on the Mexican Pacific coast, in the state of Nayarit, along Highway 200, just 1 hour North of Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita are such charming destinations that its common for visitors to become residents in both places. Even better, the vegetation becomes lush and tropical once rainfall starts during the summer. This town of about 3,000 inhabitants has become a must-see destination for surfers from all over the world, as well as being widely chosen by those seeking tranquility and calm. *Reservations for the Water Taxi must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Option 2 is the VIP option, its more than triple the cost, BUT you can get picked up right outside the airport arrivals area as this van has the airport permit and he can transport up to 8 people plus bags as its a minivan. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's on the hour, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. A typical trip from downtown to the Zona Hotelera and Marina Vallarta runs about M$100 to M$120, while a ride to the airport or long-distance bus terminal costs about M$200. Nuevo Vallarta is closer to Sayulita than Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48380. Chica Locca Tours is a stupendous opportunity to enjoy the beach vacation of your . The major suburb is Bahia de Banderas in Nayarit across state lines, in which Nuevo Vallarta and Sayulita are localities. These condos are shiny, modern, and with a price to match the outstanding views they offer. The Marietas Islands is a small group of Islands often called the Galapagos of Mexico. The staff made everyone on the boat feel united as a family. If youre a surfer comparing Sayulita vs. Puerto Vallarta for the best waves, Sayulita is hands-down the better option. And isnt that what its really all about? Climbing Monkey Mountain seems to be a popular hiking trail, but we havent gotten around to it yet. All-Inclusive Private Catamaran Charter. Sayulita has one bankIntercam Bancowhich sits on the outskirts of town on the road leading to the bus station. Need a driver to pick you up from the airport and take you to Sayulita? We enjoyed a very comfortable and safe transport with other tourists via a Van from Sayulita over to the Puerto Vallarta Marina. Now a National wildlife and marine reserve, this amazing place is teaming with wildlife both above and below the water. 10/10 recommend booking through chicaslocas tours. Youll be on the Nuevo Vallarta side of Puerto Vallarta. To avoid this headache, click here to check rates and book online. There have been times when weve rented cars in Mexico for $1 a day. However, theyre different enough that most people have an affinity for one destination over the other. Come experience the most luxurious way to see the beautiful Free cancellation Recommended by 96% of travelers from $125.00 per adult Reserve 2. Travel Tip: Watch out for additional charges when using a credit card in Mexico. This post may contain affiliate links. Walk around town to peruse the market and bohemian shops, stopping to check out the street art. Currently we have boats from 40 ft to more than 120 ft long, in other words, there is plenty of room to organize your private events, we can accommodate up to 500 people on a boat. Explore the sea and see marine life on a snorkeling, kayak, paddle board, or fishing excursion. To avoid this, youd only spend a few extra dollars if you hire a private driver in advance. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. MONDAY through SATURDAY: 10:00 11:00 11:45 3:00 5:00. On the other hand, getting to Puerto Vallartas bus terminal will require either a taxi or bus if you want to arrive at the Malecn and Zona Romntica. This was the perfect way to spend 4 hours seeing whales, sailing and enjoying the beautiful area! What is your preferred method of transport from Puerto Vallarta airport to Sayulita? Book a private driver. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy . Kinda like a more organized way of hitchhiking. It really depends on traffic and how much the bus stops (it often stops a lot as its a local bus). Chica Locca Tours Puerto Vallarta: Sayulita Boat Ride to Remember!! UTV Tour Puerto Vallarta. They also support dog and cat rescues, matching these animals with a foster family in Sayulita, the U.S., or Canada. The people working on the boat were amazing. But each has its own style. According to Data Mexico, in 2020, the populations of these destinations were as follows. Its nice to walk out and see your name on a clipboard and be on your way. Were staying in San Pancho, and will have a car. Married couple, him 41, me 37. If you're heading south, expect to pay about M$150 to M$200 to Mismaloya or Boca de Tomatln and around M$450 to the Vallarta Botanical Garden. 131. The staff was so nice and friendly. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. If youre a retiree or member of the LGBTQ+ community and want to meet others with these identities, Puerto Vallarta is the place to go.