If you’re In Puerto Vallarta :
Sayulita
SURFER: lUnazUl SURF School; BEach: GiGi GRiFFiS/FlickR
By Kellie Davenport
Not that loNg ago, Sayulita drifted
along as a sleepy fishing village—a
hidden gem known only to locals. But
the epic Pacific swells eventually gave
away the town’s best-kept secret, as
surfers began descending on the area
in the 1970s. Since then it’s become a
haven for hippies, hipsters and beach
bums, as well as adventurous foodies
and families.
Sayulita is located about 40 kilometres northwest of Puerto Vallarta
(along Federal Highway 200). Your
best bet to get here is by taxi, which
will set you back about $60 USD from
most resorts near P.V. First things first
when you arrive in town: Head to the
beach for the main attraction, the legendary surf breaks of Banderas Bay.
The breaks are often described by
in-the-know surfers as consistent
yet challenging. For decades, these
righteous waves were known only
to locals in the off-the-beaten-path
village. But the completion of the
highway in the late 1960s literally
paved the way for wave chasers from
around the globe.
For a truly authentic Sayulita experience, try to conquer the cresting
swells. Surf schools dot the beach—just
look for the racks of long boards. Most
accept walk-ups or you can pre-arrange
a lesson. For less-than-gnarly newbies,
Lunazul instructors seem to have the
magic touch—and they welcome kids,
teens and seniors. There’s a designated
Fine fare at Don Pedro’s
The “swell” life on Sayulita’s famed stretch of beach
beginner’s area of the beach for added
security while trying that first hang-ten.
If you suffer from galeophobia
(fear of sharks), rest assured—shark
sightings here are extremely few and
far between. Stingrays, however, love
this particular stretch of water. Surf
instructors suggest doing the “Sayulita
shuffle” when entering the ocean: Drag
your feet close to the ground to avoid
stepping on or startling a ray.
Surfers and aspiring boarders may
come for the waves, but most stay
for the laid-back vibe, sand-in-your- »