In this article we uncover one of the best places to SUP in Mexico — Sayulita. Find out why SUP in Sayulita tops our list in Mexico in this article!
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With the world (hopefully) beginning to open back up and opportunities for travel coming alive, the team at Atoll wants to set our sights on places across the world where you will be able to pack in, pump up, and paddle out.
There are undeniably, thousands of places in the world that could be called a paddler’s paradise. And we are, of course, beyond lucky to be able to search for places on the map, plan a trip, and land there within hours to explore a new place and meet interesting people.
And one such place happens to rest within the borders of our neighbor’s down south in Mexico.
Mexico is full of wonderful tropical areas where paddling a SUP is the best way to spend any day. Some areas you may already be familiar with- Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel, etc.
Today, however, we wish to discuss one that is sometimes overlooked but shouldn’t be: Sayulita.
Where is it Located?
Sayulita is located north of the vacation town of Puerto Vallarta, which is a subsidiary of Jalisco, a region of Mexico located on the west coast. The location of Sayulita is close enough to the tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta but far away enough to leave the big-city vibe full of crowds and instead spend time in a small village where the community is close and the beach is convenient.
Is it Safe?
This is a question most traveler’s at least ponder when planning a trip south of the border. And truth be told, it’s a fair question to ask. Certain areas of Mexico are of course more dangerous than others. Luckily, Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita are both safe regions of the country to spend time in with friends and family.
But don’t just take our word for it, worldnomads.com, a site dedicated to travel, had this to say about Sayulita, “It’s one of the safest places to travel in Mexico thanks to the efforts of local authorities to maintain law and order.”
Of course, there are always inherent risks when it comes to traveling to other countries, so always take the necessary precautions before and during your stay!
Why is it a Paddler’s Paradise?
Location, location, location!
Most hotels, Airbnb, and rentals in town are within an easy walking distance to its pristine beach. And lining the streets on your way are plentiful options to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Along with these fantastic restaurants lay a few outfitters who rent paddle boards and surfboards to anyone looking to get into the water. That’s if you don’t want to travel with your Atoll iSUP– though we can’t understand why you wouldn’t want to!
What makes Sayulita a contender for a paddler’s paradise is in the variety of activities you can experience on a SUP!
Most months of the year will provide a clean and relatively calm bay and ocean to paddle, explore, and see the coastline from. Take advantage of this time by inflating your iSUP and heading straight out from the main beach to see the cliffs overlooking the sea. It’s a beautiful sight.
If, however, flatwater paddling doesn’t excite you, then Sayulita is also the perfect spot to learn how to SUP surf while there! During the months of January through December (with the north swells hitting from December to April) the waves in Sayulita are big enough to ride but gentle enough for beginners. It’s a perfect balance. And a perfect opportunity to expand your SUP skills in the ocean.
Along with a beautiful beach, plenty of areas to explore on a SUP, and gentle waves to learn how to surf on, Sayulita is a quiet town to relax in while using it as a home base to explore the surrounding areas.
Puerto Vallarta
Want to inject some energy into your stay? Head over to the bustling city of Puerto Vallarta where you can wander its shopping venues, markets, and restaurants.
Or take a stroll down El Malecón. Travel.usnews.com describes the area, “Stretching for more than a mile along Bahía de Banderas (Banderas Bay), El Malecón is a great place to stroll any time of day, but especially in the evenings. Along the way, visitors will see everything from sand sculptures and bronze sculptures to the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.”
For this reason alone we highly recommend renting a car during your stay in Sayulita. Get the entire experience by being able to travel throughout the country unencumbered and make sure Puerto Vallarta and especially El Malecón is on your list.
Marietas Islands
An additional reason why Sayulita might be a paddler’s paradise is the opportunity to discover the fascinating Marietas Islands.
This small chain is located about a 45-minute boat ride west into the Pacific Ocean. These islands have never been inhabited by human life and remain in pristine condition with only their natural wildlife living on their shores. To get there you will have to charter a boat or find a tour, like Vallarta Adventures.
But once there, enjoy in the splendor of discovery as you set foot on islands that were created by volcanic activity in the middle of the ocean.
And the best part? You can paddle there too! Take your Atoll iSUP with you and explore the outer regions of the island by water. And if you’re lucky (or have a good enough tour guide) you’ll be able to locate the hidden beach. See picture:
Definitely worth a stop!
Conclusion
There are many reasons why Sayulita can be your paddling paradise. And we’ve only scratched the surface. At Atoll we’re always looking for that next adventure. We highly recommend Sayulita, and its surrounding areas, be your next one! And as always, if you have any questions or don’t know what your next move should be, reach out! Our inbox is always open.
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