Sayulita is a dream location on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Nayarit. It’s known for its prime surfing conditions and has become a coveted place to visit.
Whether you’re visiting for a surfing excursion or you’re just looking to enjoy the coast you are going to need to know what to put on your packing list for Sayulita.
The Nayarit region of Mexico has everything to offer, so there is plenty to do or not to do while you are there. Vacationing in a warm, coastal place like Sayulita is rejuvenating, and relaxing.
After booking your vacation it’s easy to go from excited to overwhelmed quickly once you start thinking about all the planning and packing you need to do.
Deciding what to bring and wear is fun for some people but for others, it’s quite daunting. Whatever type of packer you are this list will help you not forget the important things.
It will also attempt to help you from packing either too little or too much. It will also help you prepare more accurately for the weather that can be expected.
The things you need to pack will vary depending on what type of excursions you plan on doing. If it’ll be a week of relaxing on the beach then your packing list is pretty simple. Planning on surfing, hiking, or partaking in other activities then your packing list will get a little bit longer but luckily we’re here to help.
You’re on your way to the vacation of a lifetime once you finish packing for Sayulita.
What kind of weather to expect in Sayulita
Sayulita is warm year-round which makes it an enticing place to visit. The weather doesn’t vary too much throughout the year in terms of temperature. June, July, and August are the hottest months and it’s almost always in the 80s Fahrenheit. August is the warmest month when it can be 90 with a low of 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The warm summer months are also during the rainy and hurricane season in Sayulita and though a hurricane is rare on this part of the coast, it’s still a possibility. The rainy months aren’t necessarily a bad time to visit because oftentimes it rains in the morning or at night leaving the afternoons clear.
The winter and spring months of November to April have a very comfortable temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and it’s much drier.
Any time of year is a good time to visit but December to April is best if you want to avoid the rain and temperatures that can be too hot that it’s uncomfortable to be outside. You’ll also want to pack a sweater and pants for at night during the winter months.
Essentials to Pack
For a vacation on the beach you don’t need much more than a few bathing suits, some covers up, and an outfit for each day. If you’ll be surfing then your essentials will also include surf gear, if you’re not planning to rent.
Activities to Pack for
There are tons of activities you could do in Sayulita that you’ll want to consider packing for. If you plan to surf you’ll either need to bring or rent gear.
For snorkeling, you can bring your own stuff or rent as well. If you plan on hiking or doing a lot of walking you’ll definitely want a pair of sneakers. If you stay at a hotel there might be gear for you to rent. otherwise, you’ll have to find a rental place or purchase what you need.
Ultimate Sayulita Packing List
Finally, it’s time for the packing list. Read on to find everything you’ll need for a trip to Sayulita, Mexico.
Clothing and Accessories
If you’re planning on spending most of your days on the beach you won’t need much more than a few bathing suits and coverups.
Either way, you can mix and match shorts and shirts to save space in your luggage and make your outfit look brand new each day even if a piece has already been worn.
Sayulita is a very laid-back beach town, Most females walk around in bikinis and jeans shorts and men just wear boardies.
If you plan on going to any nice restaurants or doing things at night consider packing a fancier outfit and a light sweater and pair of pants in case it cools down at night.
Don’t forget the accessories! It’s the best way to amp up a basic outfit and accessories don’t take up very much space.
1. Bathing Suits
These are probably the most important things you are going to want to bring on your vacation. Since most likely you will be spending a lot of time at the beach in them, probably even wearing them around town with shorts or a good cover-up.
2. Cover-ups
You will want to pack a good cover-up or two with you on your trip to Sayulita. They are easy to throw on over your bathing suit and head to town for a margarita or two when you get tired of sitting on the beach.
3. Good Sun Hat
Sayulita is hot, and you are going to be spending a lot of time on the beach. You want to make sure you are keeping the sun off of your face. This not only helps to prevent wrinkles but will also help to keep you cool. You want a good packable sun hat.
4. Polarized Sunglasses
Your eyes are important and you only get one pair, so you want to take good care of them. Invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses if you haven’t already. They can last you a lifetime.
Yes, in Sayulita you will see tons of fack name brand sunglasses being sold on the beach for a fraction of the price, but these do not protect your eyes. Invest in good pair, your eyes will thank you.
5. Bug Bracelets
Bug bracelets are great for keeping the mosquitos away, and you don’t have to worry about nasty smelling bug spray. They don’t take up much room and last for 3 days.
They are easy to just throw on without having to worry about applying bug spray. Great item for anyone who tends to get attacked by mosquitos.
6. Beach Bag
You are going to want to bring a nice beach bag that you can take with you down to the beach, so you can carry all your items with ease. I love to bring a nice mesh beach bag with me on vacation that is easy to pack. This way it doesn’t take up too much room in my suitcase.
7. Sunscreen
The Mexican sun is hot. You want to make sure you are protecting your skin while you are there. Always remember to reapply, nothing is worse than coming back from vacation looking like a lobster. Protect your skin with some good-quality sunscreen.
8. Travel Towel
Travel towels are super handy, easy to carry around, and always come in handy. If you plan on hiking to any of the nearby beaches and don’t want to drag around one of the heavy beach towels provided by your hotel or Airbnb, you will want to bring a travel towel down with you.
9. Active Shoes
Be sure to remember to bring a good pair of sneakers with you. You will need a good pair if you plan on doing any zip-lining, hiking or any other active activities.
I always wear mine on the plane, and even though it might be more of a hassle taking them off at the airport, it saves a lot of room in my luggage.
10. Dressy Sandals
It is important to always travel with a good pair of flat sandals that I can use to dress up any outfit. You never know when a restaurant you want to eat at is going to have a dress code, so it is always smart to bring a pair that doesn’t take up too much space in your suitcase.
11. Flip Flops
Flip-flops are the key essential to tropical vacations. As you normally live in them. Just remember to bring a pair with you that you are comfortable walking in long distances. The only thing worse than a sunburn on vacation is blisters.
12. Portable Charger
You never think you need a portable charger until you need one. They have saved me multiple times, on long travel days when my phone is about to die.
They also just make your life easier without having to stay connected to the wall. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret that you bought one.
13. Water Filtering Water Bottle
Mexico is full of unsafe drinking water and unless you want to buy bottled water the whole time, which is not only expensive but bad for the environment you should invest in a filtering water bottle. They are great not only for travel but also for hiking in the outdoors.
Plus why wouldn’t you want to double filter your drinking water even if it is safe to drink?
14. Mini First Aid Kit
This is another great item that you won’t want to be without. A mini first aid kit will always come in handy, whether it is just a bandaid or tweezers. It is better to have one and never need it than to not have one when you do.
It is small enough as well, that you won’t even notice it taking up extra space in your luggage.
15. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
These are a lifesaver when you are traveling. Not only do they save space in your luggage, but they also help to allow you to travel with carry-on only. Extra bonus they are great for the environment and help reduce plastic waste. A great addition to add not only when you are traveling, but to your normal day-to-day life.
16. Waterproof Camera
GoPro’s are my new favorite travel cameras. They take amazing footage, are lightweight, durable, waterproof, and fit easily into a small bag. If you plan on doing any outdoor activities in or around the water, you will want to bring one down with you.
17. Waterproof Bag
This is another great item that you are going to want to have, especially if you plan on doing any whale watching or boat tours. You can keep all your belonging in it so they stay safe and dry.
This comes in handy when you are getting on and off the boats. They also allow you to have more hands for bordering the boats, which is much safer.
18. Day Bag
You are going to want an easy-to-carry day bag with you while you are in Sayulita, especially if you plan on doing any day hikes. This is a lightweight bag that rolls up easily and won’t take up much space in your suitcase.
It is perfect for going on a hike, hitting the town or just when you are out for the day.
19. Kindle
Nothing screams vacation more than reading a book on the beach. Time to completely unwind and finally finish that book you have been wanting to read for months.
Kindles are great not only for the beach but also for the plane on your way to your destination. They are lightweight and don’t take up much space. Leaving you room for more important things.
20. Travel Pillow
Travel Pillows make life more enjoyable, especially on the plane. They work wonders if you want to use your travel time for sleeping.
No more heading bobbing all over the place or kinks in your neck after the flight. Last thing you want to do is go on a vacation with a bad neck.
21. Eye Mask
If you are sensitive to light, these bad boys work wonders. Not only are they great for the plane, but they are also great for your Airbnb or hotel.
You never know if there is going to be a street light beaming into your room or if you are not wanting to wake up with the sun. It’s vacation, sleep in.
Things to Put in Your Personal Bag While Traveling
Your personal bag should either be a backpack that you’ll use during your stay in Sayulita or a large tote that could double as a beach bag. This will help you maximize space and not waste room in your luggage. Below are some things to consider putting in your travel bag so that they’re handy when needed.
Here are some helpful items that you will want to keep in your personal carry-on luggage.
- Passport
- Wallet with cash, credit cards, and debit card
- Hand sanitizer
- Water bottle
- Printouts of important hotel addresses, copies of passports/ID’s, itineraries
- A good travel book
- Downloaded movies/TV Series
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Chargers for your phone, camera laptop, etc
- Snacks
- Gum
- Lip balm
Things to Pack for Surfing in Sayulita
If you’ll be surfing while in Sayulita then you’ll need to come prepared. There are plenty of places you can rent gear during your stay but you also have the option of bringing your own things though this can get pricey if you’re flying and need to check it in.
Below you’ll find a list of some of the things to consider packing if you’ll be surfing in Sayulita.
- Bathing suit
- Sunscreen
- Zink sunscreen for your face
- Rashguard
- Travel Towel
- Go Pro
What Not to Bring to Sayulita
Knowing what to pack can be just as important as knowing what not to pack. If you overpack then you run the risk of trying to strategically stuff all your things back into your luggage on your last day in Sayulita.
You also won’t have room for souvenirs if you pack too many things. People tend to overpack because they’re scared of not having something they may want but actually bringing too many items can be even more stressful than packing just enough.
Some of the things you should consider leaving at home are below:
- Full-size products – if you’re checking a suitcase then you can choose to bring full-size liquids but if you can avoid it you should. It causes your luggage to be heavy and it takes up more space. The standard checked luggage can weigh 50 pounds and you don’t want to be throwing things out at the end of your trip because you bought souvenirs and now your luggage weighs too much. It might be more expensive per ounce but travel-size products are convenient and much easier to travel with.
- Expensive and luxurious possessions – you don’t want to constantly worry about your expensive handbag or heirloom jewelry when traveling. If you can leave it home you should. It will give you peace of mind that if any of your things were to get stolen or lost you wouldn’t lose the most precious or valuable items.
- Too much bulky clothing – big sweaters and sweatshirts take up a lot of space and really aren’t necessary for Mexico where it’s normally warm. You will want at least one light sweater and pair of pants in case it cools down at night but you don’t really need more than one of each. They weigh more and take up a ton of space.
5 Useful Tips for Traveling to Sayulita
- Mexico is a foreign country that speaks a foreign language so it’s important to be respectful. Learn a word or two if you don’t speak Spanish and take the time to prepare by learning a bit about the culture.
- Always save a little space for souvenirs.
- Bring copies of all important documents and keep them in a separate place from the originals.
- Pack slowly and take your time.
- Always remember to have fun and not let any mishaps get to you.
Enjoy Sayulita! It’s the perfect place to get away and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding this coastal town. It has a very authentic environment that feels refreshing and you’ll never want to leave. Good luck and happy packing!
We hope you enjoyed this article on the Sayulita packing list. Have you been to Sayulita, is there something that you always bring down with you that is not on this list? Say so in the comments below.
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