Sayulita Solo Travel Safety Guide For Females

Are you considering a trip to Mexico and looking for the best place to visit alone? I made this Sayulita solo travel guide based on my experience visiting in January!

Because traveling solo can be a safety risk, I wanted to create a detailed guide of what you can expect alone in Sayulita.

I will assure you right off the bat that visiting Sayulita is a totally safe and fun place for solo females!

But, that doesn’t mean you can show up and leave all common sense behind.

What is it REALLY like to Visit Sayulita ALONE?

Sayulita is a vibe, for sure. It is a beachy, hippie, digital nomad paradise (sometimes).

You should know that if you are traveling alone to Sayulita as a nomad, the Wi-Fi can be very spotty, which is almost unacceptable for me. But since I made it more of a vacation than work, it was fine.

Sayulita is a social place, which is why I think it is so good for solo travelers.

There are lots of community-based co-working spaces and activities like yoga, surfing, etc.

What is Sayulita Known For?

Sayulita is known mainly for its beaches, hiking trails, surf, delicious authentic cuisine, and the many colorful flags, decorations, and art that line the central streets.

But it’s so much more than that. Sayulita has a vibe of relaxation and reset. The fellow solo travelers I met all were on the same mission: to take a break.

Those who love everything to do in Tulum share the same love for the vibes in Sayulita. It is a great place to come solo and escape!

Where is Sayulita Located?

Sayulita is located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, nestled between the ocean and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains.

It’s just one stop on a long stretch of beach named Riviera Nayarit.

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How to Get To Sayulita From Puerto Vallarta Ordaz Airport

Rent a Car

If you’re going straight to Sayulita, you’ll most likely fly into the Puerto Vallarta Ordaz (PVR) airport.

Then, the drive to Sayulita is about one hour long. I recommend renting a car if you are able.

I found it an easy drive that is pretty much a straight shot from the airport.

Private Transfer

If you prefer to just get a transfer, I recommend arranging it ahead of time, as the airport is quite busy, and you could end up waiting a while.

There is nothing worse than a long flight and having to wait a long time to get to your hotel. I used this Private transfer service the very first time I visited, and it was excellent!  

Bus

You can also take the local bus for around $46 pesos. The bus is the cheapest option, but depending on how long your travel day is, you might be better off with the other options.

When is the Best Time to Visit Sayulita?

Considering the warm tropical climate, there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Sayulita. The high season is from January to April.

The streets will be extra vibrant during this time, with colorful flags and decor. The peak season for surfing also falls within these months.

But if you’d like to enjoy the sunshine with less humidity, I recommend visiting between December and April. 

Highlights & What You Can Expect in Sayulita

Sayulita is an artistic town where something is always going on. Markets, vendors, and outdoor activities galore.

Popular nearby attractions include Monkey Mountain, where you will find the best view of Sayulita, and the Marieta’s Islands, just a short boat ferry away.

Hidden in the Marieta Islands, you will find Playa del Amor, Mexico’s premier secret beach accessed only by the cave. This hidden beach is an absolute must-see.

If it’s not on your itinerary already, be sure to add it now. Just trust me. 

Other than eating delicious food or relaxing on any of the five main beaches in Sayulita, you can experience live music, horseback riding, whale watching, diving, hiking, zip-lining, and more.

The best part is that you can do all of these things within close proximity to the town center.

Many attractions will be within easy walking or biking distance. But, if you want to move at a quicker pace, you may want to rent a golf cart.

There are so many things to see and do in Sayulita, so I am so excited to share this Sayulita Travel Guide with you all. Let’s make the most of your stay in Sayulita. 

How Safe Is Sayulita for Solo Female Travelers?

Unlike some other parts of Mexico, Sayulita is one of the safest travel destinations on Mexico’s Pacific coast. 

As most of you know, safety is one of my top priorities when choosing my next destination.

But let’s be clear, you still need to practice common sense and not put yourself in situations where you are asking for trouble.

Don’t leave your personal belongings unattended, be sure to keep your wits about yourself, and don’t drink too much.

I would be sure to stay fairly sober and get home at a reasonable hour.

Sayulita Safety Chart

Sayulita is part of Rivera Nayarit, one of the safest parts of Mexico.

According to reports published in 2019, Nayarit was listed as the 4th safest place to visit in Mexico.

Below is the data from nearby Puerto Vallarta, where you can apply the information to Sayulita.

Level of Crime	Low
Problems of Violent Crimes	Low
Worries about being attacked	Very Low
Problem with people using or dealing drugs	Low
Problem Corruption and Bribery	High

Honestly, anyone anywhere can find themself in trouble if they set themselves up to attract the wrong attention.

Overall, Sayulita is also a great place to meet like-minded travelers. With so much going on and so much good energy around, you are bound to make a few new friends along the way. 

What makes Sayulita different from other Mexican cities?

In my opinion, it’s that this quaint yet lively beach town is ideal for solo female travelers. And for more than a few reasons. 

So now the question is, where do you stay? Let’s start by going over the top places to stay in Sayulita. 

Top Places To Stay In Sayulita For Women

Don Bonito Hotel

Get Directions 

The Don Bonito Hotel boasts a minimalist modern paradise, and I couldn’t agree more. With only nine rooms, this hotel is the perfect safe tropical escape for any solo female traveler.

Located on the northern shore of Sayulita, it’s the ideal place to watch the sunset or enjoy a nice swim. 

Amenities include a beautiful saltwater pool accompanied by sleek yet comfortable lounge furniture for maximum relaxation. Need a little pick-me-up?

Grab a coffee, tea, or smoothie at Bonito Cafe, located right on-site. Their off-site restaurant, La Rustica, offers pizza, pasta, and other Mexican favorites, all of which can be delivered to your room. 

❤︎ Check Rates & Availability Here

Best Restaurants and Cafes in Sayulita

Something you read about is people getting sick in Mexico because they ate something that wasn’t fully cleaned.

I love experiencing new restaurants, but you want to make sure you vet them for food safety. This list includes a mix of my favorite restaurants and cafes that I visited on my trip.

That way, you’ll have some breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Charman Creative Kitchen $$-$$$

Chaman Creative Kitchen is a great choice for outdoor evening dining. Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in the lively atmosphere under the soft glow of hanging Edison bulbs.

Grab a table on the patio or mingle at the bar. Just don’t forget to ask about their drink specials!

Miscelanea Sayulita $$-$$$

Because my work is remote, finding restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops with nice coworking areas is high on my priority list. No one wants to be cooped up in their hotel room working.

Instead, I prefer to work in local areas and take in the hustle and bustle around me. 

Miscelanea Sayulita has chic indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for sending that last email or simply enjoying the day. They serve brunch and coffee all day long.

And the best part is that they use mainly local and organic ingredients.

I particularly appreciated their incorporation of outdoor umbrellas and fans. These added amenities can make working outside much more comfortable and enjoyable. 

Restaurant Yeikame $

While some restaurants on this list are only open for dinner, Restaurant Yeikame is open all day. They serve a variety of traditional Mexican foods at a great price.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Restaurant Yeikame is a delicious and budget-friendly option that is sure to please.

They offer a full menu and a full bar, so feel free to stop in for lunch or dinner. 

El Itcate $$

Looking for the best tacos in town? Look no further than El Itcate. As you can probably already guess, El Itcate is where I found the most delicious and fresh tacos of my whole Sayulita trip.

They were *chefs’ kiss* to-die-for. Don’t let the size of this restaurant fool you. While the restaurant might look small, its food packs a large flavor.

They specialize in meat tacos, but there are several vegetarian options. 

Achara $

Enjoying local cuisine is one of the best parts of traveling. But, sometimes, I like to mix it up. In this case, I decided to try Thai food in Mexico, which did not disappoint.

It was the best Thai food I’ve ever had. Achara is a very popular restaurant and is only open for dinner, so be sure to plan ahead. 

Anchor Cafe $

Like Micelanea Sayutila, Anchor Cafe is a great coworking space. They offer a unique and healthy menu full of fresh and organic ingredients.

I particularly liked that they offered vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, all at super-affordable prices.

Best Things To Do Solo In Sayulita

Relax on the beach. 

One of the best things about Sayulita is its proximity to so many different beaches. With that in mind, I recommend trying to visit at least a few.

Sayulita Beach is the main beach, where you’ll find tons of tourist attractions, restaurants, and activities.

You can expect a lively atmosphere here. Just south of this main beach, I found Playa de Los Muertos, the best swimming beach in Sayulita. 

Other nearby beaches include Carricticos, Patzcuarito, Playa Escondida, and North Sayulita.

If you’re looking for privacy and seclusion, I recommend Carricticos, Patzcuaro, and Patzcuaro.

Playa Escondida is also a bit more private and was recently a filming location for Bachelor in Paradise. How cool!

North Sayulita Beach is mostly known for the turtles that come ashore to lay eggs. While this area is nice for surfing, it can be a bit windy for us beach-goers. 

Each beach is unique and beautiful in its own way. So no matter which you choose, you’re bound to have a great beach day. 

Horseback Riding Through the Jungle

Looking for a unique experience in Sayulita? If you are traveling solo in Sayulita this day trip is perfect for you!

Join a small group and go on an exciting adventure on horseback through the rainforest! Like tequila? This 2-hour tour ends with a tequila tasting! The tour has limited availability, so book it now!

Go to the hotel pool. 

There’s nothing quite like having a relaxing day by the pool after a few long days of exploring. One of the best things to do in Sayulita is relax at this rooftop pool!

Especially when you can order food and drinks right from your hotel. If your chosen hostel doesn’t have a pool, no worries.

You can purchase a day pass for the rooftop pool at the Sayulinda Hotel. Grab your cutest swimsuit, book, and sunglasses, and let all your stress melt away.

Plus, most of the hotels on this list offer luxury outdoor shower amenities, which is always a big plus. Just don’t forget your sunscreen! 

Get a massage on the beach. 

A massage on the beach almost sounds too good to be true. Just imagine a hot stone massage as you relax to the sound of crashing waves.

In Sayulita, not only is this totally possible, but totally affordable as well. While options are all along the Sayulita Beach Boardwalk, I recommend booking a massage through your hotel.

The Avela Boutique Hotel has many different massage packages, including the hands, feet, neck, back, and full body. 

Take a day trip to Punta Mita.

If you’re looking for a more high-end vibe, a day trip to Punta Mita might be in order. Punta Mita is a secluded Peninsula with some seriously high-end resorts and housing.

Punta Mita is known for its luxurious energy and offerings. Think high-end hotels, golf courses, and of course, spas. You can stop by the Four Seasons or St Regis for Lunch, enjoy a day on the greens, or hit the spa!

From Sayulita I took a taxi, it was around $20 USD each way.

Enjoy a day of shopping.

I loved shopping in Sayulita! Buying some cool gifts on vacation is pretty much a requirement.

You don’t have to buy anything or spend a lot of money, but experiencing the local businesses and their offerings is a great way to immerse yourself in the location you’re visiting.

The Sayulita Hippie Market is a great place to dig for buried treasures! It has handmade goods and crafts, all perfect for souvenirs! 

The opening times for the market are from 9 am to 7 pm. Located along the Sayulita River in the center of town.

Puerto Vallarta Day Trip. 

If you’re feeling ready to explore more of Mexico, there is a lot to do in Puerto Vallarta. It was such a fun day trip from Sayulita!

There is tons of shopping, restaurants, beaches, and of course a bit more of a party atmosphere. I personally recommend shopping at the little markets.

There are some great Instagramable spots in Puerto Vallarta, so bring your camera!

You can find unique, authentic items. If you want to head in for the nightlife, just make sure you organize reliable transportation back to Sayulita for the end of the night.

PRO TIP: Take the bus from the main bus station in Sayulita. The cost is around $1.50, and most buses are air-conditioned!

Take Surf lessons for beginners. 

Looking to do some surfing? You’ve come to the right place. After all, Sayulita is known for being one of the best surf spots in the Pacific.

It is the home of La Lancha, a popular wave break among surfers worldwide.

Get help from a pro if you’re a beginner and learn to surf on some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. While I’m not a big surfer, I enjoy watching from the shore. 

Try zip-lining. 

If you’re not afraid of heights, this activity is definitely worth adding to your Sayulita bucket list! ZIP LINING.

Highly recommend it if you want to see some epic views of the beautiful beaches and rainforests in the area.

You’ll start off at the longest zip line in the whole of Banderas Bay and slide along TEN zip lines. I love this for anyone seeking a little bit of a thrill plus gorgeous above-ground views. 

Street Tacos and Tequila Tour

Authentic tacos and tequila in Sayulita, yes, please! Tours are always a great place to make friends when you solo travel to Mexico!

I joined this incredible tacos and tequila tour! Not only did I get to try some incredible food, and taste some authentic tequila, I made friends!

This tour is between 2 and 3 hours and takes you to seven of the best places to eat in Sayulita!

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See you in Sayulita. 

Time to visit Sayulita! If Mexico is on your travel bucket list, Sayulita is a great place to start. You don’t want to skip this beautiful travel destination with a lively atmosphere, breathtaking views, good vibes, and all the best cuisine. 

And if I haven’t assured you enough already, YES! You can totally visit Sayulita as a single female traveler.

You guys know my standards are high regarding safety, proximity, and cuisine. So you can have confidence in all of these aspects when you take advantage of this guide to Sayulita.

Looking for some travel inspiration? Check out some of my other destination guides.

And within my guides, you will always find the best travel tips for solo female travelers, all the best recommendations for hotels and food, and so much more! 

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