Hola! I am a volunteer at WildMex Surf & Adventure from Florida. This is an awesome surf & bike adventure company based out of La Lancha, Nayarit, Mexico. We have the opportunity to join surf and bike excursions with the rest of the team and customers after our work.
On Saturday October 3rd, another volunteer and I joined company owner, Javier, in the car to ride to the La Lancha shop from Sayulita shop after working some hours there. We joined the surf lesson group riding out to Punta Burros, Punta De Mita. We were assigned to clean the beach of trash there, and then our plan was to surf with the rest of the group after the beach cleanup was finished!
The 7 of us (2 instructors, 3 customers, the other volunteer and I) parked and walked the road down to the break at Burros. We spent about one hour cleaning washed up plastic and left behind rubbish off the beach; and the last hour surfing fun clean waves, about 3-4 feet in size.
Overall it was a very inviting and exciting experience. I am so happy that the company offers these opportunities during our off time to explore and adventure more places here in Nayarit, Mexico.
After an extended period of closed public spaces and stay-at-home orders, things are gradually coming back to life here in Puerto Vallarta and the beaches are officially reopened and slowly repopulating – more pristine than before. In the streets of Sayulita, you can feel vibrant energy returning as visitors and residents are out and about, enjoying live music and local restaurants. Some of us may feel we are emerging from a hibernation of sorts. There is a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the jungle and beaches, and the buzzing of street life in the town.
On warm days in June and July, it has hard to find a better place to spend an afternoon than out on the water surfing or paddleboarding. The colors from this vantage point at La Lancha beach in Punta Mita are especially beautiful this time of year. From your board, you see vast blue up to the horizon as you scan for incoming waves. Turning your head, a bright green jungle spreads across rolling hills. These hills are becoming greener and greener each day because during the summer months, the rains begin and new life cycles start. The jungle is teeming with lush new growth. In the evening, clouds speckle what is often a completely clear sky in other seasons, making for incredible multicolored sunsets with deep oranges, light pinks and purples.
Nayarit boasts a mild tropical climate, similar to that of the islands of Hawaii, which is located on the same latitude as this area. While the summer months in Nayarit are the warmest (with average highs in the high 80s Fahrenheit) and most humid of the year, the rains cool down the air. The heaviest rains begin in mid-July, and in June there are occasional evening showers.
The rainy season is a very important period for all of Bahia de Banderas. Surrounding mountain ranges and local agriculture are hugely benefitted by the rainfall. With the first few rains of the year, an immediate change is visible – the Sierra Madre mountain range goes from a light brown color to a vivid green in a matter of days. The rivers in the area also come to life, carrying with them vital nutrients from the mountains that empty into the ocean and nourish life there.
For those of us here, the rainy season can be an opportunity for cleansing and revitalization. After several months of quarantine and with all the changes caused by the pandemic, it is important to pause and reset, doing what is healthy for our bodies and minds. Surrounded by the ocean and lush green vegetation here in Bahia de Banderas, this reset comes naturally.
I arrived in Sayulita a small surfer town on the Pacific coast of Mexico two month ago .
As it was my first stay here in Mexico I have to admit that i was a little bit worried before. Since there are many prejudices about the safety in Mexico, I was not sure if it is a good idea to travel through this country alone as a woman.
However, from the first day Sayulita and its inhabitants showed me that my concerns were unfounded. All people here are really friendly, open minded and helpful. It is super easy to get in contact with people. If I just walk through the streets I often get involved in a conversation.
A really good example for the people’s mentality is my first hitchhike experience. As I wanted to surf on a different Spot I decided to try hitchhiking. I have to say that I was a little bit worried before but everyone told me that it’s really easy and save so I wanted to give it a try. After a few minutes of waiting next to the road a very nice mexican guy stopped and asked for my destination. So I told him the name of the beach. But as he did not know where it was, he switched to the passenger seat and let me take the wheel. So he let me drive all the way to the beach, even though he didn’t even have to go that direction.
But not only during the day but also at night this city is a safe place. A typical evening in Sayulita starts with meeting at the main square, what is a wonderful place to hang out with your friends and watch other people. Later we go for a drink or to dance in one of the bars, where also live music is often played. In Sayulita is almost every day like weekend so there are always a lot of people outside. For that reason it is not scary to walk home alone. I have to admit that I feel here more safe walking in the night than sometimes in my home Germany.
Based on this experiences I made here so far I only can say that Sayulita is an amazing place to visit. During my stay I never had a bad or unsafe feeling at all. I am glad I got the opportunity to come here and be a part of Sayulita’s life for a few months.
5 Great Reasons to choose to surf and go on an adventure with Wildmex when visiting Sayulita, San Pancho & Punta Mita, Mexico
1.Your vacation will help the community
All the WildMex staff takes great pride in what we do, as we all know we do it for all the right reasons. Our continued dedication to sharing the lifestyle we love while improving our community and environment is something we are very proud of and something you can count on.
Leading the fight for free, accessible public local beaches, for surfers and non-surfers alike, since 2013.
2.You will enjoy a Carbon Offset Adventure
We believe that eco-friendly travel, community support and improvement go hand in hand with the lifestyle we love! Social and environmental philanthropy is a fundamental part of our culture and that of our Accommodation Partners.When booking an Adult or Kids Surf Camp with us you can rest assured we are doing all we can to minimize the impact of traveling.
Our Accommodation Partners in Sayulita, San Pancho & Punta Mita , Mexico, offer eco-friendly lodging ,organic breakfasts, water refills,dry toilets, no plastic cups and straws & more.
3.Your holiday will help others Stick to the Path
WildMex Provides continuous support to Sayulita, San Pancho and Punta Mita’s community . 100 % of proceeds from our Hiking and Mountain Bike Tours go towards building and maintaining these paths.When hiking, always stay on marked trails and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter. Going off the beaten path could mean you trample on protected or endangered plants.
100% of Proceeds from our MTB and Jungle Hikes go toward building and maintaining these trails.
4.Your adventure will help local kids learn how to surf
WildMex Provides free surfing lessons for kids of all ages from our community. Mostly from low income families, but everyone is welcome!
Sharing the lifestyle we love with the young genrations provides a great platform from which they can connect with nature and we can teach them to respect and take care of our environment.
Providing free Surf Lessons for kids in our community, inspiring connections and love for nature.
5.Your vacation will help our rescue programs and other Non Profit Organizations in the area
WildMex supports many other non profit organizations in the area dedicated to wildlife conservation, education and environmental awareness.
Helping rescue pets find loving homes
OUR VISION : Wildmex has the vision of making a difference to local communities and environment through our work and foundation. The Trails to the Ocean Foundation has a commitment to improving the quality of all our lives, provide clean and accessible beaches and mountain trails for generations to come.
WE DESIRE TO BENEFIT : Local communities, including wildlife conservation programs, schools and local charities through support and outreach programs; major special projects and organizations sharing our focus on oceans and the environment, children and education.
Rest assured knowing that when booking one of our Surf Adventures & Experiences you are supporting our wonderful communities in Sayulita, San Pancho & Punta Mita
Contact us and make a friend for life.Thank you for wanting to adopt a rescue!
5 great reasons to adopt a pet !
You save a life.
You help break the cycle of pet overpopulation.
You help stop cruelty in mass breeding facilities.
You encourage others to adopt animals from shelters.
You will change a homeless animal’s whole world
The story :This month, one of our staff found 5 abandoned puppies by the River Ameca, around 7-9 weeks old, and brought them to us, knowing the at Wildmex we will take care of them and do our best to find homes for them.We have already helped dozens of pets to find loving homes. They were severely malnourished, infested with fleas and tics and very scared.After taking them to the vet, all the loving staff here at Wildmex has been taking care of them, As they are recovering slowly, they are ready for their human companion!
What can you do?
If you wish to adopt one of this loving pets, please Contact us and we’ll help!
The Trails to the Ocean Foundation is a Non Profit Organization founded by WildMex, dedicated to maintaining public beach access open, but it has started to add many different philanthropic projects under its umbrella.Animal rescue, wildlife and environmental conservation as well as education and community outreach projects. All the costs for treating, feeding and putting the rescue pets up for adoption are covered by our company and Foundation.
Success Story
Amazing what a loving home can do for a pup.Our first cutie just got adopted by Armando,one of our colleagues, a generous and kind animal lover.The adorable puppy has made an excellent recovery and now has a BFF , Armando’s other loving companion,the Pug Kendra.
Alerta Bahía News - Before yesterday morning in Nuevo Vallarta Nayarit, state and federal authorities announced the start-up of the wastewater treatment plant in Sayulita, this means contamination of the area is finished, the next step is that the Oromapas (potable water operator) operate all the service because they are the only ones authorized for such action.
Director of the State Council of Potable Water of Nayarit Martha Patricia Urenda Delgado reported that the modernization of the wastewater treatment plant in Sayulita is ready, as well as the construction of a submarine emitter which is about to conclude and come to benefit the entire bay.
The plant has already begun to operate with a capacity of 20 liters per second, but it will have a growth of 80 liters per second and is ready to receive all that is generated when it is high holiday season.
Sewage treatment plant said the interviewee, had an investment of 41 million pesos and said that with good maintenance, this plant will have a useful life of 25 years and after this time, then it would require a good investment. They will be working three persons permanently and those determined by Oromapas.
Reading online about the water quality problems in Sayulita really put me off coming here, but my backpacking budget and the opportunity to volunteer at Wildmex lured me to Sayulita like a child to dorilocos. And you know what? I’m so glad I made it here. Here’s my take on Sayulita, as an experienced traveller from Australia, who has done a decent amount of vagabonding, sun-soaking and margarita drinking in Mexico – provecho!
Sayulita, if you don’t know, is about a 45-minute drive North of Puerto Vallarta. Although a relatively new town, made popular by international surf competitions in the 60’s, it still has a cool old-meets-new, chic-meets-rustic hippy vibe, and the great surfing conditions are still one of the main draws.
The town centre is a few cobblestone steps back from the beach, and the main plaza is surrounded by restaurants, such as the environmentally conscious Chocobanana, and a few lively clubs – Yambak and Don Pato being the main multi-level ones. If you hit the clubs a bit earlier in the night you can catch local musicians playing reggae or jazz. Atico is another vibing venue just off the main plaza where you can sip cervezas to live music each night.
The melting pot community here consists of: local surfers from the town or the nearby states of Nayarit or Jalisco; many Mexican, Canadian, American, Argentinian, European, and – of course – Australian tourists; and locals, who live in the area or travel to work here from other towns like Punta de Mita. The eclectic mix of people from all over gives this Pueblo Magico an international feel, as well as some inflated international prices. But it’s still possible to find tasty tacos for 13 pesos. If you want local prices stay away from fancy furnishings and go for roadside huts, and of course make an effort to order in Spanish, or you just may get gringo price.
Paradise Lost
Now there is a big, obvious problem in Sayulita that literally does stink: the sewage treatment plant is right by the local beach. Treated, but still smelly, water runs out into the sea near the point break, and many people here have experienced “Sayulita sickness” after swimming or surfing in the sea nearby. I was not going to swim here initially, as there are plenty of gorgeous beaches nearby (like La Lancha and Playa de los Muertos), however I gave in and have been fine. I would just say: swim when the plant is not operating after 4:00pm, or just go to the left or the right of the sewage facility. Many many people surf and swim here daily and are fine.
But Sayulita shouldn’t be defined by this one potential problem. The people that end up in Sayulita are special, and when you take time to chill in a cafe you will find many people who choose to live here with their families, or at least spend half the year here. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with a local at a cafe, or hitch a ride in one of the golf buggies cruising around – Sayulita has a positive energy. And if you want to be fit and healthy there are mountains to climb, beaches to surf, paddle board and explore, and, if you want to undo all your good efforts afterwards, there are great food and drinks to be had.
Paradise Found
On my first night here the sun was setting near the point break, there was a rainbow to my right, and turtles were being released on the beach. The surreal visuals were reminiscent of a Baz Luhrmann film. Yeah, Sayulita has a water quality problem, due to poor planning, rapid expansion and the infrastructural deficits of a developing country, but if you choose to come here, which I’m glad I did, you can’t help but have a good time! My verdict: Sayulita is the best, most colourful, exciting montage of memories I have made Mexico. Enjoy the food, the beaches and the unfolding story that your footsteps will create.
To get to WildMex Punta de Mita by Bus when coming from the airport, once you are in the arrivals area, go outside, go across the street on the pedestrian bride and it should drop you right on the bus stop. The line serving Read more “WildMex La Lancha Punta de Mita by Bus”
Sayulita is one of the most important destinations in Mexico. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this Magical Town (known affectionately as Pueblo Mágico) as there are many activities to do for families, friends, loved ones or by yourself. Sayulita has something to offer for everyone! One of the FAQS about Sayulita transportation is: How do you get to Sayulita by bus? Keep reading to find the answer!
Our WildMex Office is easily accessible by bus, so if you’re coming from Puerto Vallarta, here is the information you need to have for a safe arrival:
Sayulita by bus coming from PUERTO VALLARTA AIRPORT
When coming from the Puerto Vallarta Airport, exit the airport at the Arrivals area and cross the street on the pedestrian bridge, which ends directly at the bus stop. The line that goes to Sayulita is COMPOSTELA and their buses are green and white. Look for the name “Sayulita” written on the windshield of the bus.Important note: Not all COMPOSTELA buses go to Sayulita. The COMPOSTELA-SAYULITA buses should pass every 20 minutes. There is always someone working in the bus stop, so you can tell them that you are heading to Sayulita and he will tell you when the right bus comes along.
Sayulita by bus coming from Downtown Puerto Vallarta
If you’re staying downtown, to get to Sayulita you’ll have to take two buses. The best option is to go from the Malecon and head east, walking a couple blocks up until you see a series of public buses zooming by. Once there, look for a blue sign indicating a bus stop. Take any bus heading north that has “Walmart” written on the windshield. Get off at Walmart. You’ll notice two bus waiting areas. Facing Walmart and Sam’s Club, walk to the larger bus waiting area on the left. There is usually someone with a clipboard stationed there to direct passengers to the correct bus for their desired destination. Board a green and white Compostela bus with the word Sayulita written on the windshield. Not all COMPOSTELA buses go to Sayulita.
Sayulita by bus coming from NUEVO VALLARTA
To take the bus to Sayulita, go to Mega on the main highway (or the closest big convenient store going north) and jump on the green and white Compostela bus with the word “Sayulita” written on the windshield. Not all COMPOSTELA buses go to Sayulita.
WildMex from the Bus Stop
Once you get to the bus station in Sayulita, walk straight on the main street (Revolución), then turn right on the first street after you walk across the bridge (Pelícanos). Keep going straight towards the beach and you’ll find our office on your left hand, half a block from the sand. There is no missing it!
Just imagine…..your morning starts with sneaking away for a serene walk on the golden Sayulita beach as the sun rises behind the hills, sipping on local pressed coffee and inhaling the fresh morning ocean air. Once your kids awake from their slumber, the excitement cannot be contained because it is family surf day! Come see us in Sayulita for your family surf vacation and this will be your reality.
At Sayulita Bay, your kids can enjoy and catch beginner waves on soft top surfboards at the beach break while you watch, relax and drink from a freshly cut coconut on the beach; or you can join them if you want to surf some waves as well. In the afternoon, your entire family escapes to one of the incredible neighboring surf breaks only a short drive away in the Punta de Mita area where advanced and intermediate surfers can surf longer and bigger waves. It is not uncommon to have sea turtles swim up beside you while you’re catching waves, so be prepared for an amazing experience. Beautiful sandy coastline, palm trees, Marietas Islands in the distance…..the perfect place to enjoy the setting sun and make lasting memories with your family.
The town of Sayulita, located on Mexico’s Western Pacific Coast, is probably North America’s best and most loved Family Surf Destination. With greatwaves for all ability levels, warm waters, friendly towns with lots of restaurants, activities for the whole family, it is a really hard place to beat and has become one of the favorite destinations for people of every age. Sayulita was recently declared a “Magical Town” or in spanish “Pueblos Magicos” by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism. This means that the Ministry of Tourism will invest in Sayulita to maintain the towns traditions, characteristics, values and so much more thus Sayulita will always remain a quaint and cultural town. Sayulita offers many activities such as surfing, stand up paddleboarding, yoga retreats, hiking, whale watching, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, horseback riding and mountain biking.
Accommodations
Sayulita and it’s neighboring areas offer a variety of hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation homes and hostels for every number of people, budget, location and style.
Restaurants
Sayulita has many options whether you are looking for fine dining, local street vendors or plenty of Mexican seafood.
Airport
Located 45 minutes away from Sayulita in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
International airport hosting direct flights from US and Canada.
Services
Various restaurants
Hospital
ATMs
Drinking water
Grocery
A/C
Perks
Everybody is happy and on holidays, thus the mood in Sayulita is very uplifting and good vibes are all around.
On Saturday October 3rd, another volunteer and I joined company owner, Javier, in the car to ride to the La Lancha shop from Sayulita shop after working some hours there. We joined the surf lesson group riding out to Punta Burros, Punta De Mita. We were assigned to clean the beach of trash there, and then our plan was to surf with the rest of the group after the beach cleanup was finished!
Paradise Lost
Paradise Found
