I don't know how this is an FAQ, but please bring a passport. Also, please check the expiration date right now. A valid passport is required for entry into Mexico. If it expires before April 2024, we highly recommend starting the application process ASAP! You may have read the news, but passports take at least 7-9 weeks (expedited), but likely longer.
While most restaurants and vendors accept credit and debit cards, some do not, or prefer you pay in cash. Those who only accept cash will gladly take U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos. Credit and debit cards may be used for most purchases, but you may wish to bring cash for local vendors and tips. Both U.S. dollars and Mexican pesos are widely accepted. You can get pesos from your bank before the trip, or there is a bank in town (Intercam Banco) where we recommend withdrawing Mexican pesos. Visa or Master Card is more widely accepted than American Express.
Only go to the ATMs near the square if you are cool flushing an extra $10+ in fees down the toilet or don't have a golf cart. If you are still up for that, follow these instructions very closely. Take your golf cart down the main road about 8mins to the Intercam Banco Sayulita —two-speed bumps max. There are two ATMs behind the glass. When you put your card in, it will ask you a fundamental question. "Do you accept the conversion?" Do not accept that and press NO!!! They are trying to get you to click that. Just click NO and DO NOT ACCEPT CONVERSION, and you will get the best rate out of there of USD to MXN. If this sounds hectic, look at my tip above. It's probably too late if you are reading this, though lol.
We chose our wedding in April because the weather is perfect in Sayulita then! Expect balmy, sunny days in the 80s and evenings in the low 70s to high 60s.
If you need transportation from the airport, there are plenty of options on https://www.sayulitalife.com/taxi_transportation for car services with luxury suburbans that will even stop on the way to Sayulita so that you may pick up groceries. Most communicate through whatsapp and can message linked through the Sayulita Life site. There are also taxis and Ubers from the airport. Ubers do require you to walk across a short bridge next to the airport for pickup.
There are local health clinics and doctors that can help with minor injuries or if you are feeling sick with norovirus, Montezuma's revenge, or something else the street tacos threw at you, there are also some IV clinics in town that will also come to your house and get you hydrated again. There is also a hospital in Punta Mita about 20 mins from town that can handle any serious medical emergencies. See below for the list of resources. Hospital Emergencies: Punta Mita Hospital +52 329 688 0059 Sayulita Local Medical Resources: Sayulita Health Clinic (24 hour clinic located at the gas station, entrance of town) https://www.sayulitahealth.com/en/home/ +52 329 688 0068 88 Degrees Wellness Center (IV therapies in-clinic or in-home) https://88degrees.me/ +52 322 213 2513 Dr. Armando Peña +52 322 172 0714 Dr. Chavez +52 322 109 4179
Sayulita is a beach town with a very laid-back vibe. It will be in the 70s-80s during the day and the 60s at night. Beach attire, flip-flops, or casual walking shoes are perfect for the daytime and cobblestone streets. It cools in the evenings as it's on the coast, so lightweight pants and a jacket are good options. As for dress code for specific events, check the event page for more details!
Our wedding ceremony and reception will both be outdoors.
I know this seems like a silly point to make, but trust us, it's not. Sayulita is a very small town between the edge of a rainforest and the beach. Most streets are paved with cobblestone, and even though most of the events are within walking distance from hotels, there are different elevations and surfaces. You will want comfortable shoes if you are walking to these events. Although, getting around by golf cart will be most enjoyable! Since space is limited in this small town, many hotels have to build vertically and may require you to climb several steps to make it to your room or villa. Just keep this in mind when you are packing! Note: Our wedding will be at a private venue with grass and flat concrete floors. Heels will be totally fine!
Please don't drink the tap water!!! Have I? Yes, and life moves on after 12-24 hours of a minor stomach ache and some you know what. The restaurants and bars in Sayulita use purified water for washing produce, and the ice is made from purified water, so there is no need to be nervous about the ice in your margarita! If you're concerned, you can always ask the restaurant to be sure. When in doubt, go to what looks like a reputable business and restaurant. We have some recommendations in our
I actually trust the ice more than anything. Kara and I didn't stick to any 'rules' in town because every reputable establishment here uses purified ice, prioritizes your safety, and aims for a thriving business. When you're at the good spots (not the roadside taco stands, which are good too), rest assured they're serving top-quality ice and have no interest in earning a one-star Yelp review from Jody from Tampa Bay wearing a MAGA hat – or anyone else, for that matter!
At some point, you’ll hear a saga about “the water.” So apparently, back in the day, the whole pueblo used to empty their literal shit into the little river that runs through town, flowing directly down into, you guessed it, the ocean. Naturally, this led to some problemos with the water getting people sick. Mix a little capitalism incentive with the Mexican gov, and you get a water treatment plant that diverts water a few miles up north. Is it perfect? No. I don't surf in SD within 48 hours of rain because of runoff (well, sometimes I do). The point is, the water is fine, even better than a few years ago without the treatment plant, and it's even more of a reason not to eat a mouthful of ocean water when you crash. FWIW, I have crashed multiple times, drank the water unforcefully, filled an ear up of water, and didn't even notice.
Sayulita is a small town, so you could get around by foot, but most people prefer to get around via golf cart! See the FAQ below. If you need transportation from the airport, there are plenty of options on Sayulitalife.com for car services with luxury suburbans that will even stop on the way to Sayulita so that you may pick up groceries. There are also taxis and ubers from the airport.
We do not recommend renting a car unless you plan to explore multiple areas like Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita, or San Pancho. Even in those cases, having a car isn't a necessity in Sayulita. Most people prefer getting around via golf carts; sometimes, they're even included with your stay at Airbnbs or hotels. We'll add more information and transportation recommendations on the wedding website.
It's a tough question. Is renting a golf cart convenient, fun, and does it make you feel like a baller? Absolutely! Is it a must-have like guacamole? Probably not. You're looking at roughly $50 to $75 a day, but check the "things to do" on our site for recommendations with discount codes to book directly. While it's not a 'must,' it's a 'nice-to-have.' If you can get a golf cart for your group, which usually fits 4-6, it makes cruising the town a mini adventure, especially when coasting to Casa Corazon de Luz (the Bride and Groom's hangout). It's a "fancy" way to hit the dirt roads and cobblestone streets. If you didn't go to the "things to do" page like I mentioned, you win, here they are. Kaliva: Message @kalivasayulita to reserve early by putting down a deposit for the 1st-day rental. Only $50 a day but will go quick Ocean Golf Carts: We have a group discount to book online for 20% off directly. Daily rates come out to about $50 for a 4-person cruiser cart, $65 a day for the lithium supped-up cart, and $95 for the 6-person premium cart. They will also deliver to you for free. Use discount code: UNOMASBOOZ
I'm not just saying this, but it's safer than anywhere I have been in Mexico and any downtown you can name in America (SF, LA, SD, Denver, etc.). It's a hippie, surf, laid-back vibe. Lots of ex-pats, 20-somethings postponing careers, surfers, hippies that surf, and tourists. You need to get through the jungle to get there, which deters organized groups. If you don't believe me, check out https://travel.state.gov, which has the region of Nayarit marked as level 2 travel - "exercise caution," which is the same as France, UK, Sweden, and Italy.
Per ChatGPT, "Sayulita is a vibrant coastal gem where the surf meets bohemian charm, inviting you to soak up the sun, ride the waves, and embrace the laid-back spirit of paradise." I can vouch for ChatGPT and say from experience it's also growing in popularity thanks to Instagram and TikTok. Sayulita still maintains its Mexican charm and traditions. It's also a proper Mexican town. Think cobblestone/dirt streets, street vendors selling things you never knew you needed, and endless tacos (28 per capita, the local economist says). Surf is fun, consistent, easy, and great for first-timers.
Most wireless plans include Mexico for free and count it as domestic. Think Verizon, AT&T, etc. When you get to Mexico, the wireless companies like to leave the default off, so update the settings to get your "domestic" plan for free and included. Tap Settings (the gear icon). Tap Cellular, then tap Cellular Data Options, then Roaming. Slide the Voice Roaming and the Data Roaming selectors to Green (on). Slide the International CDMA selector to off. Don't worry. You won't be charged unless your plan doesn't include Mexico. If that's the case, throw your phone in the Ocean and start drinking the tap water.
WhatsApp. Like anywhere else in the world besides America, they use WhatsApp.. for some odd reason. Either way, it's best for coordinating airport rides/drivers, reservations, golfcarts, or basically anything else in town.
No Gracias!! That is on the main beach of Sayulita if you want to avoid dealing with beach vendors. Check out the recommendations for some secret beaches.
Please RSVP by February 13th, so we can have an accurate headcount. That's the day before Valentine's day for all you romantics out there.
As much as we love your little ones, we will only include children of the family in the ceremony & reception. We understand some guests may be traveling with children, and we can have our wedding planner recommend private childcare during the festivities.
Please check your invite for your +1!
Peak season in Mexico is the Winter months into Spring, so booking your flight at least 2 to 6 months in advance during busy periods is advisable to secure the best prices and availability. 3ish months is the sweet spot. Use the Hopper app because prices fluctuate quite frequently and it's good to book based on the low point that can be random.
Hit the travel tab for more info, but you fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR), then it's about 45mins - 1hr by car. Part of the drive is dirt and potholes, so enjoy!
Flying out of Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) can sometimes lead to more affordable flight options, particularly Puerto Vallarta. We are talking one way for $75 or less. There are also some hidden junk fees. You will need a CBX ticket to cross (in or out of SD), which is ~$25. Volaris, Aeromexico, and VivaAerobus also have fees for carry-ons or checking a bag. It's worth doing the math to compare the cost-to-convenience ratio of flying out of SD. It's been about 50/50 for us, and we often find it cheaper to book SD -> Puerto Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta -> Tijuana back.