Watching the sunset in Sayulita takes a little local knowledge, because the main bay doesn’t face west. For much of the year the sun drops behind the point south of town rather than into open water — which is why locals walk to a different beach depending on the season. Here is where to go, month by month, and what to bring.
First, Know Which Way the Bay Faces
Sayulita’s main beach faces roughly north-northwest. In the dry season (late fall to early spring) the best sunsets are from the west-facing beaches south of town, Carricitos and Patzcuarito. In late spring and summer the sun swings north and sets into the ocean from the main beach and the north end, and there is even a stretch in late April when you can watch it drop behind the point and then again over the water a hundred yards up the sand. Timing: expect the sun to set in the 6 p.m. range in December and closer to 8 p.m. in June, with the best color arriving 10–15 minutes after it goes down.
The Beaches
- Playa Carricitos — the west-facing Pacific beach most people call the best sunset in Sayulita. From the plaza, follow Niños Héroes west up the steep dirt road and go left at the fork (right leads to Los Muertos); about 25–30 minutes on foot. Strong currents make swimming a bad idea, there is only a drink stand, and the walk back is long and dark — a headlamp is essential.
- Playa de los Muertos — the calm, southwest-facing cove reached by walking through the cemetery arch, 15–20 minutes from the plaza. Loungers and a bar, protected swimming, no lifeguard. Lovely light in the evening; leave before full dark, as the path back is isolated.
- The north end of the main beach (Playa Norte) — the quiet stretch past the river mouth, and the best in-town option when the sun sets over water in the warmer months. Bring a light if you walk far north.
- Playa Malpaso — north-facing and secluded, about 20 minutes on an inland trail from the end of Avenida del Palmar. Moderate sunsets, a rock archway at low tide, and no swimming (undertows).
- Playa Patzcuarito — west-facing and farther out (about an hour on foot or a short drive); the dry-season pick for locals, but unsafe for swimming and a headlamp-mandatory walk back.
Our beach guide has directions and swimming notes for each.
Rooftops and Beach Bars
If you would rather have a drink in hand: Bar Miramar on the north beach is the reviewers’ favorite sunset bar (cash only); Coco’s Beach Club on Calle Gaviota has a rooftop over the bay, usually with a day pass or minimum spend; Bar del Patrón on the fifth floor of the Sayulinda Hotel is a 360-degree rooftop with an infinity pool and a day pass; and Don Pedro’s and Las Sirenas do sunset dinners at either end of the main beach. See our nightlife guide for what comes after.
Monkey Mountain at Dusk
Cerro del Mono is the big one: about two miles each way with roughly 1,000 feet of climbing and a short boulder scramble at the top with sheer drops. The easier, better-marked trailhead is in Higuera Blanca; the Patzcuarito side is steeper and easy to lose. Allow two to three hours round trip from Higuera Blanca. The mountain is sacred to the Wixárika (Huichol) people, and both local guides and long-time residents recommend going with one — sunset tours exist but aren’t always available. Carry three liters of water, wear closed shoes, bring a headlamp, and arrange your ride back in advance.
From the Water
Sunset sails on catamarans such as the Ysuri and Chica Locca run in season, though most depart from the marina at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle with transport from Sayulita rather than from the beach itself. Our honeymoon guide covers the private charter options.
Practical Notes on Sunset in Sayulita
- Headlamp. Every beach south of town means a dark walk back on a dirt road. Phone flashlights die; bring a real light.
- Don’t swim at the west-facing beaches. Carricitos, Patzcuarito and Malpaso all have currents and undertows. Los Muertos is the swimming beach.
- Tides and rocks. Watch the tide at Malpaso and mind the sea urchins on the rocks at Los Muertos.
- Rainy-season bonus. Summer storms build spectacular skies; the main beach becomes the front-row seat.
Then Come Home to Your Own Sunset
The garden terrace at Villa Vargas catches the last light too, and the heated pool is a very good place to compare notes on which beach won. We’re a seven-minute walk from the sand, on a quiet street where the only thing you’ll hear afterward is the birds. See the villa or check dates — booking direct saves 15% or more.