Bucerias vs. Sayulita: Which Riviera Nayarit Town is Right for You?
Puerto Vallarta is world-renowned for being a fantastic vacation destination, and there are many reasons why millions of people flock to visit this wonderful city each year. But just across the state line is the incredibly beautiful Riviera Nayarit, where you’ll find numerous beachfront towns, with the two most popular being Bucerias and Sayulita. Both are fantastic, but offer very different experiences, and it can be difficult choosing between the two. In this travel guide, we will do a comparison of Bucerias vs Sayulita and help you decide which town to visit on your next Mexico vacation.
The Riviera Nayarit Dilemma
When asking the question, “Should I stay in Bucerias or Sayulita?”, consider whether you are looking for a lively party atmosphere or a quiet coastal retreat. Although the two towns are separated by only 45 minutes, they offer two entirely different worlds.
Sayulita is a Pueblo Magico town that boasts cool bohemian beach vibes, and the streets basically turn into a party nearly every night. It is well known for its excellent surfing and typically attracts a younger demographic of backpackers. It is also one of the best beach towns for digital nomads.
Bucerias, on the other hand, offers much more in terms of conveniences with its grocery stores and plenty of amenities. The town is much bigger than Sayulita, but it still offers a quiet alternative to Puerto Vallarta. The beach is also much bigger than in Sayulita, with tons of space, making it one of the best family-friendly beaches in Nayarit.
A church in downtown Bucerias
Bucerias: Authentic & Easygoing
Bucerias is a rapidly growing town, but still maintains much of its traditional Mexican charm with its iconic cobblestone streets and colorful flags. It offers much more in terms of conveniences with grocery stores and plenty of amenities. Bucerias offers a quiet alternative to Puerto Vallarta, and many people come here after becoming exhausted with the hustle and bustle of the larger city. That being said, it can get slightly busy at times and does have some tall condos with more luxurious amenities in the Golden Zone.
Bucerias Hotels
Playa Bucerias is a 5-mile-long stretch of sand, and though the water isn’t exactly crystal clear, it is excellent for swimming. Being so large means that there is plenty of space to get your own secluded piece of paradise, and with the surrounding restaurants and hotels, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best family-friendly beaches in Nayarit.
Bucerias has a thriving art scene, and as such, one of the favourite things to do in town is check out the Bucerias Art Walk on Thursday nights from 6 pm - 9 pm. This takes place on Calle Lázaro Cárdenas in the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) and is completely free to enter.
Due to its location and conveniences, as well as having an excellent hospital and dental clinics, Bucerias has become very popular among retiree expats particularily from Canada. To top it off, Bucerias has reasonably affordable accommodations and plenty of great restaurants, including beachfront bars.
From January to June, Bucerias can be quite windy due to its location. It is this natural windiness that makes it the best kitesurfing in Banderas Bay.
The streets of Sayulita
Sayulita: Iconic Pueblo Mágico
The vibes in Sayulita are much different from those in Bucerias, usually bringing in a younger crowd of travelers. It is exactly this new age atmosphere that makes it one of the top digital nomad hubs in Riviera Nayarit.
Sayulita is also one of the most trendy surf towns near PV, and somewhat of a hippy stronghold with bohemian vibes galore. Neon flags and artwork adorn each street, thus increasing the colorful aesthetic. Literally everything in Sayulita looks cool, from its artsy shops, rooftop bars, and yoga retreats, to its private hostels, hotels, and even some more luxurious beachfront resorts.
Sayulita Hotels
When it comes to surfing in Sayulita, there are some more beginner-friendly waves on Playa Sayulita, like the famous “Sayulita Main Break,” where you can take surf lessons.
Aside from Playa Sayulita, visitors should also make time to visit beautiful Playa de los Muertos, where you can rent loungers and buy food and cocktails while relaxing by the sea.
Sayulita nightlife is on another level, and this little village comes to life in the evenings. The streets start to bustle, and food vendors line up all over the place selling things like tacos al pastor or churros. Music plays in every direction, and the buzz remains high in the bars right up until the wee hours of the morning.
The beach in Sayulita
One thing that Sayulita has that Bucerias doesn’t is hiking. There are several excellent hiking trails where you can visit some of the more remote beaches. I recommend the hike to Playa Malpaso between Sayulita and San Pancho, where you will get breathtaking views of two different beaches. Another hike of note is Playa Carricitos, where you can hike through the jungle to a beautiful and rugged stretch of beach. Yet another hike through the jungle takes you to a totally unique-looking black sand beach called Playa Patzcuarito, where you can take horseback riding tours. Last but not least is the uber-popular Monkey Mountain hike, where you can take in what are probably the best views in the area.
One of the best ways to see more of the town is to rent a golf cart. Aside from walking, golf carts are the main mode of transportation, and there are rental shops all over town. When renting a golf cart in Sayulita, be sure to barter for the best deals and check the reviews online to make sure you are choosing a reputable company.
Getting There
Both towns are quite easy to get to by bus, taxi, or Uber, with the bus option being the most budget-friendly. Bucerias is around 35 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, and then Sayulita is around 45 minutes further north than Bucerias, so that is something to consider if you are coming from PV.
Street art in Sayulita
Conclusion
When it comes to Buceris vs Sayulita, there really is no clear winner, and there wasn’t meant to be. They are both great vacation destinations, and choosing between them comes down to what you’re looking for on your Mexican holiday. Again, Bucerias is the more convenient and family-friendly of the two, while Sayulita has a younger, party atmosphere. I recommend checking out both, if not just for a day trip.
