I was in Sayulita earlier this week. So busy, bustling and noisy. "Overwhelming," as you said. I enjoyed it for lunch, but happy to head out soon after.
Hola Laura! Really appreciate your mixed perspective here re: Sayulita. I'm currently here visiting for the 4th time. The sewage issue and the rampant norovirus situation is definitely dampening things here. I'm paying more for produce than I do back home in Canada. I'm glad the Mexican peso is stronger, but it definitely increases the costs of dining out. I feel way more gringo-pricing than I have in other years, and yes, WAY too many cars on the tiny cobblestone roads. I think next time I'd be more inclined to stay at one of the neighbouring beach towns. Also, if you decide to travel North of Washington to Van Isle--pls reach out! Cheers
Thx for sharing your Sayu impressions for real, Laura. I can totally see how it'd be like over the Holidays, and understand your mixed feelings... I was there for the 2nd time, just for 2 days, early Jan this year - like 2 weeks after you. The crazy Holiday wave had calmed down, I'd say 20-30%. Although, yes, much more popular and changed since my 1st visit in early-mid Dec 2018, but still and again: magical for sure. It was great to have an Airbnb away from the centre, find local stores, enjoy the colours and walk along the beautiful long beach.
My family is just finsihg up 5 days in Sayulita and we've found it a scary place to walk around due to all the motos, golf carts and cars that tear through the streets and walking paths. We stayed in Centro PV before, and it felt much better walking around there. Also, 4/7 of us got sick by day 4 here in Sayulita. Definitely a beautiful spot, but not on our return-to list.
Hi Laura. It’s nice to see you back in MX. During the 1980s when I studied medicine in GDL, I spent two weeks on rotation at a clinic in Lo de Marcos. Back then, it was a non-touristy village. We worked half days and had the remainder of time to enjoy an entire pristine beach to ourselves. I understand that it has since been developed but not so much as other destinations such as Sayulita. I’d love to see you do a video there . Saludos !
I’ve lived in PV since 2007. Even though there are millions of tourists it is a real Mexican city. Many different neighborhoods- many different people- many price points. Sayulita is just a small tourist trap- living on a very old reputation
I have gone the past 2 winters (Jan-Feb) and love the place and am booked again in 2025. Yes, busy and chaotic but a 5 minute walk and you're out of that hustle and bustle. Whether you wander north on the beach and sit and watch the waves with a cool Pacifico at Las Sirenas...or wander north 30 minutes through the jungle and you're at Playa Carricitos. I eat street food every day and swim every few days and never have I gotten sick. Well, other than tequila but then that's my own fault.
On our second day here and enjoying our trip so far. Just came from quieter San Pancho and having a great time. The beach is crazy busy with umbrellas and loungers,but due to sewage issue not many people in the water. If you are wondering,like we were, yes,there is a sewage issue and you should NOT be going in the ocean. Don't chance it as people are getting sick. Still enjoying the fun vibe here. Would come back when the ocean is safe to swim in.
Thanks for the video. I went in Fall 2021 too and have been thinking about going again for a short vacation (since I can get a direct flight to PV and I thought it would be more relaxing to revisit a place than go somewhere new). It definitely looks busier now and I don't remember there being that many vendors in the streets by the beach. It's surprising that so many people drive there. The reason I liked Sayulita so much more than Puerto Escondido is because it's so much more compact and walkable.
Yea it seems like most people are either there on a day trip so they drive from PV or Bucerias or they are staying in sayulita for their entire trip so they rent golf carts to get around (which as you say, seems strange considering how small and walkable it is?).
We just returned from the most horrible family vacation in Sayulita. Whole family deathly ill for the whole trip. Needed a dr to give us anti nausea shots to get on the plane and almost every tourist we spoke to in town had been horrifically sick too. Don’t go. The sewage there is making everyone sick and it’s an ongoing issue that won’t be rectified until they build a whole new treatment plant but enough people have to complain.
Just went last week with family. The town is nice, but crowded and loud at night. Good food, many good restaurants, very nice locals. The surf was outstanding for me an experienced surfer. But the sewage system exploded while there making the beach water untouchable. The sewer system is overwhelmed with the construction and growth, the smell of sewage is permeating. Family got sick. Would recommend a less overdeveloped place for vacation.
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Same! One night was more than enough there. Many better options are available!
Is the raw sewage still running through the river into the ocean? If so, then no. We both got sick on our 6 day trip. I spent 2-3 weeks a year for 9 years living and working in a rural community in Mexico and never got sick. 4 days in Sayulita and I was sick. I'd rather go to PV than here.
Going to Sayulita Gringo Hill in October as I had to reschedule a January trip due to Alaska Air canceling flights. It’s end of rainy season so prices are lower.
Went for 14 years straight w my young family from 2002 to 2016. Fell in love. But as time went by and the streets and houses got better the bay was worse by the year. Getting sick is just part of the expectation with our weak American stomachs. But the raw sewage from the river made the water unbearable. Went back in 2021 just to see if things had improved and the two of us who surfed were deathly ill. The two that didn’t were fine. Sad. Sayulita is forever in our boys’ memories. Where they learned to surf and swim. But we won’t go back until the sewage system is fixed. 😢
Do you know if there’s another beach town in Mexico? I won’t like beach vibes I stupidly like fell into Tulum thinking that it was like beach vibes and then on my birthday I realized it was not beach fives it was like basically LA vibes which is like my worst nightmare.
The coast of.oaxaca is beautiful but very undeveloped in terms of housing and food options. Mazune, zipolite are very cool.lil.beaxh towns if.youre adventurous enough to get there!
its a hectic tourist trap and the prices have gone up very high, US prices almost, that whole Puerto Vallarta area is expensive and over travelled, beautiful yes and hot and humid, very hot and humid
Glad you spoke the truth. Most DNomads only talk about how great it is. I love Sayulita too but now it is too crowded, too expensive, crowded bus ride to get there and not for me anymore.
We went in Sept. 2022 and although the beach was beautiful, the actual town was way too crowded and full of traffic for us. We preferred San Pancho a lot more and spent the rest of our trip there.
The traffic is wild there. It was the biggest turn off for us there, restaurants right on the road while cars idle in traffic? I’ll go to Mexico City for that 😅
I just visited Sayulita on Thursday. As soon as I arrived, my first impression was not a positive one. I was approached by a group of sketchy people from the tent in front of Xochi restaurant that kept on insisting I played their “free” game. I had read about their “free” scamming practice and declined to participate. It seemed like every corner had a group of young guys and girls trying to convince tourists to play their game. There were a lot of small shops and the beach was pretty. I have checked the box and will never go back.
Laura - interested in your thoughts on Sayulita Sickness and if it is a deserved moniker. We went in January and I agree with your feelings about it. It was wonderful, but was still a little crowded for me (even in mid January). I rarely get sick traveling (and have been to Mexico many times) and was super careful on this trip but all four of us still got a pretty bad case of food poisoning that lingered for about 10-14 days. Loved San Pancho and will try to check out Lo de Marcos next trip.
I haven’t heard this reputation in regards to food. I thought it used to be because the sea water there was pretty dirty and swimming in it made people sick but maybe that’s misinformation! I haven’t been sick there and I’ve tried lots of restaurants, but I can imagine there are lots of corners being cut these days. 2 weeks of being sick sounds pretty awful though! Maybe you went somewhere that used the tap water?
I first went to Sayulita 8 yrs ago. I returned last month. Far too crowded and tourist expensive for me. Honestly...never again. Especially when San Pancho and Lo de Marcos are 30 mins north.
I've been several times, but it has changed so much since Covid. Way too many people, prices much higher. Unfortunately, it has spilled over to San Pancho.
SAYULITA is hands down the WORST vacation spot I have EVER been too!! Take my advice, DO NOT WAIST YOUR MONEY!! It’s…. Polluted, SO expensive, half the jungle is dead, dirty, loud, and did I mention expensive? I easily spent $200 dollars a day on food. The beaches are loud and not relaxing. The vendors in the beach won’t leave you alone, the water where you surf is rocky so you will cut your feet up when you fall. The typical crowd is 20 something. The streets are dirty, the food is NOT very good. If you do eat out you are likely to get really sick. 3 out of the 4 of my group got sick for 3 days or more. No one seems to care that there’s not enough water resources for the size of the town. All the rivers are dry and half the jungle is dead from drought. What a joke!! Save your money and go somewhere else, I promise this is the worst place I have ever been too!
Ive been and some hostels and airbnbs are half hour walks up down huge hills and stairs.. after walking the town for a day youll understand the need for a golf cart. If i go back ill be renting one if my airbnb or hostel isnt close to the town center and beach
I was in Sayulita earlier this week. So busy, bustling and noisy. "Overwhelming," as you said. I enjoyed it for lunch, but happy to head out soon after.
Thanks for sharing. It’s appreciated as always.
Hola Laura! Really appreciate your mixed perspective here re: Sayulita. I'm currently here visiting for the 4th time. The sewage issue and the rampant norovirus situation is definitely dampening things here. I'm paying more for produce than I do back home in Canada. I'm glad the Mexican peso is stronger, but it definitely increases the costs of dining out. I feel way more gringo-pricing than I have in other years, and yes, WAY too many cars on the tiny cobblestone roads. I think next time I'd be more inclined to stay at one of the neighbouring beach towns. Also, if you decide to travel North of Washington to Van Isle--pls reach out! Cheers
Thx for sharing your Sayu impressions for real, Laura.
I can totally see how it'd be like over the Holidays, and understand your mixed feelings...
I was there for the 2nd time, just for 2 days, early Jan this year - like 2 weeks after you.
The crazy Holiday wave had calmed down, I'd say 20-30%. Although, yes, much more popular and changed since my 1st visit in early-mid Dec 2018, but still and again: magical for sure. It was great to have an Airbnb away from the centre, find local stores, enjoy the colours and walk along the beautiful long beach.
My family is just finsihg up 5 days in Sayulita and we've found it a scary place to walk around due to all the motos, golf carts and cars that tear through the streets and walking paths. We stayed in Centro PV before, and it felt much better walking around there. Also, 4/7 of us got sick by day 4 here in Sayulita. Definitely a beautiful spot, but not on our return-to list.
Hi Laura. It’s nice to see you back in MX. During the 1980s when I studied medicine in GDL, I spent two weeks on rotation at a clinic in Lo de Marcos. Back then, it was a non-touristy village. We worked half days and had the remainder of time to enjoy an entire pristine beach to ourselves. I understand that it has since been developed but not so much as other destinations such as Sayulita. I’d love to see you do a video there . Saludos !
I’ve lived in PV since 2007. Even though there are millions of tourists it is a real Mexican city. Many different neighborhoods- many different people- many price points. Sayulita is just a small tourist trap- living on a very old reputation
I have gone the past 2 winters (Jan-Feb) and love the place and am booked again in 2025. Yes, busy and chaotic but a 5 minute walk and you're out of that hustle and bustle. Whether you wander north on the beach and sit and watch the waves with a cool Pacifico at Las Sirenas...or wander north 30 minutes through the jungle and you're at Playa Carricitos. I eat street food every day and swim every few days and never have I gotten sick. Well, other than tequila but then that's my own fault.
On our second day here and enjoying our trip so far. Just came from quieter San Pancho and having a great time. The beach is crazy busy with umbrellas and loungers,but due to sewage issue not many people in the water. If you are wondering,like we were, yes,there is a sewage issue and you should NOT be going in the ocean. Don't chance it as people are getting sick. Still enjoying the fun vibe here. Would come back when the ocean is safe to swim in.
Thanks for the video. I went in Fall 2021 too and have been thinking about going again for a short vacation (since I can get a direct flight to PV and I thought it would be more relaxing to revisit a place than go somewhere new). It definitely looks busier now and I don't remember there being that many vendors in the streets by the beach. It's surprising that so many people drive there. The reason I liked Sayulita so much more than Puerto Escondido is because it's so much more compact and walkable.
Yea it seems like most people are either there on a day trip so they drive from PV or Bucerias or they are staying in sayulita for their entire trip so they rent golf carts to get around (which as you say, seems strange considering how small and walkable it is?).
We just returned from the most horrible family vacation in Sayulita. Whole family deathly ill for the whole trip. Needed a dr to give us anti nausea shots to get on the plane and almost every tourist we spoke to in town had been horrifically sick too. Don’t go. The sewage there is making everyone sick and it’s an ongoing issue that won’t be rectified until they build a whole new treatment plant but enough people have to complain.
that was already fixed now, right?
Just went last week with family. The town is nice, but crowded and loud at night. Good food, many good restaurants, very nice locals. The surf was outstanding for me an experienced surfer. But the sewage system exploded while there making the beach water untouchable. The sewer system is overwhelmed with the construction and growth, the smell of sewage is permeating. Family got sick. Would recommend a less overdeveloped place for vacation.
Same! One night was more than enough there. Many better options are available!
Looks inviting, thank you. Where do you fly into, or the nearest airport?
PVR- Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Only 45 km from Sayulita.
Is the raw sewage still running through the river into the ocean? If so, then no. We both got sick on our 6 day trip. I spent 2-3 weeks a year for 9 years living and working in a rural community in Mexico and never got sick. 4 days in Sayulita and I was sick. I'd rather go to PV than here.
Laura,I love you, your charming personality.And I love your vlogs,this one included! Nice one!
I second that. She is so awesome. I have watched every single one of her videos.
Thanks so much! So glad you enjoy the vlogs!
I third that! one of my favourite travel bloggers@@sirgalahad1470
Going to Sayulita Gringo Hill in October as I had to reschedule a January trip due to Alaska Air canceling flights. It’s end of rainy season so prices are lower.
Tempat wisata yang sangat keren dan menyenangkan untuk dilihat.. 👍🤝
Went for 14 years straight w my young family from 2002 to 2016. Fell in love. But as time went by and the streets and houses got better the bay was worse by the year. Getting sick is just part of the expectation with our weak American stomachs. But the raw sewage from the river made the water unbearable. Went back in 2021 just to see if things had improved and the two of us who surfed were deathly ill. The two that didn’t were fine. Sad. Sayulita is forever in our boys’ memories. Where they learned to surf and swim. But we won’t go back until the sewage system is fixed. 😢
Do you know if there’s another beach town in Mexico? I won’t like beach vibes I stupidly like fell into Tulum thinking that it was like beach vibes and then on my birthday I realized it was not beach fives it was like basically LA vibes which is like my worst nightmare.
The coast of.oaxaca is beautiful but very undeveloped in terms of housing and food options. Mazune, zipolite are very cool.lil.beaxh towns if.youre adventurous enough to get there!
its a hectic tourist trap and the prices have gone up very high, US prices almost, that whole Puerto Vallarta area is expensive and over travelled, beautiful yes and hot and humid, very hot and humid
Been there twice, got sick twice. Even being very very careful. We will never go back again. Such a shame too. Its a cool place.
Any issues with sickness?
Laura, how was the food? As good as remembered?
We had some amazing seafood tacos from a spot I hadn’t tried before, so still some great options to be found at a good price!
Glad you spoke the truth. Most DNomads only talk about how great it is. I love Sayulita too but now it is too crowded, too expensive, crowded bus ride to get there and not for me anymore.
It has its perks for sure, but I’m not even sure why you would come here to work remotely, the wifi is atrocious haha
We went in Sept. 2022 and although the beach was beautiful, the actual town was way too crowded and full of traffic for us. We preferred San Pancho a lot more and spent the rest of our trip there.
The traffic is wild there. It was the biggest turn off for us there, restaurants right on the road while cars idle in traffic? I’ll go to Mexico City for that 😅
I just visited Sayulita on Thursday. As soon as I arrived, my first impression was not a positive one. I was approached by a group of sketchy people from the tent in front of Xochi restaurant that kept on insisting I played their “free” game. I had read about their “free” scamming practice and declined to participate. It seemed like every corner had a group of young guys and girls trying to convince tourists to play their game. There were a lot of small shops and the beach was pretty. I have checked the box and will never go back.
Lol that's still there. Every damn day
Laura - interested in your thoughts on Sayulita Sickness and if it is a deserved moniker. We went in January and I agree with your feelings about it. It was wonderful, but was still a little crowded for me (even in mid January). I rarely get sick traveling (and have been to Mexico many times) and was super careful on this trip but all four of us still got a pretty bad case of food poisoning that lingered for about 10-14 days. Loved San Pancho and will try to check out Lo de Marcos next trip.
I haven’t heard this reputation in regards to food. I thought it used to be because the sea water there was pretty dirty and swimming in it made people sick but maybe that’s misinformation! I haven’t been sick there and I’ve tried lots of restaurants, but I can imagine there are lots of corners being cut these days. 2 weeks of being sick sounds pretty awful though! Maybe you went somewhere that used the tap water?
Reminds me of Yogi Berra's famous quote: No one goes there anymore... it's too crowded.
😂 i like that one!
Very nice 😉👍
Wanna travel all over the world with you ❤❤
I first went to Sayulita 8 yrs ago. I returned last month. Far too crowded and tourist expensive for me. Honestly...never again. Especially when San Pancho and Lo de Marcos are 30 mins north.
Yea I am definitely more partial to the other beaches, even bucerias isn’t as chaotic as this since it’s a bit more spread out.
I went there last year. So expensive.
I've been several times, but it has changed so much since Covid. Way too many people, prices much higher. Unfortunately, it has spilled over to San Pancho.
I didn’t feel it as much in San Pancho on this trip but the whole area is definitely changing.
Sayulita has jumped the shark for me. Too many people from the Pacific Northwest love it and go most years. Give me San Pancho or Bucerias anyway.
Haha every single American person we met on our trip, from PV up to Lo de Marcos, was from Seattle 😂😂
Thank you Laura, You and your partner are my heroes. Always rich content, I can feel The Mexico! Past time to get back there... safe travels.
Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m so glad you enjoy the videos! Hope you can get back soon!
SAYULITA is hands down the WORST vacation spot I have EVER been too!! Take my advice, DO NOT WAIST YOUR MONEY!!
It’s…. Polluted, SO expensive, half the jungle is dead, dirty, loud, and did I mention expensive? I easily spent $200 dollars a day on food. The beaches are loud and not relaxing. The vendors in the beach won’t leave you alone, the water where you surf is rocky so you will cut your feet up when you fall. The typical crowd is 20 something. The streets are dirty, the food is NOT very good. If you do eat out you are likely to get really sick. 3 out of the 4 of my group got sick for 3 days or more. No one seems to care that there’s not enough water resources for the size of the town. All the rivers are dry and half the jungle is dead from drought. What a joke!! Save your money and go somewhere else, I promise this is the worst place I have ever been too!
Meh, so many places that are so much more beautiful. The place is crowded.
I agree, and nearby spots that are just as beautiful without the crowds.
Laura enunciation is extreme
Golfcarts, i'm out
It’s usually a sign that it’s not a place for me as well tbh!
Ive been and some hostels and airbnbs are half hour walks up down huge hills and stairs.. after walking the town for a day youll understand the need for a golf cart. If i go back ill be renting one if my airbnb or hostel isnt close to the town center and beach
In May 2024...too many tourists
The dirtiest city in Mexico I've ever visited. I got sick first day of my visit and was miserable. Bad advice ...
Loud,overcrowded, overpriced and polluted.
You will get sick