Is Sayulita safe? An honest answer from a family that's come every year since 2011
Yes, Sayulita is a safe, friendly town, and our family has come back every year since 2011. Like most beach towns it has some petty theft, so be aware, not afraid. Lock up, use the safe, carry only what you need, and don't walk alone on the jungle roads and trails at night. As of October 2026, the US government rates Nayarit, the state Sayulita is in, at Level 2, "exercise increased caution".
Guests ask us this a lot. Our family first came to Sayulita in 2011, our local team lives here, and we feel safe here, as do our guests. Things do happen now and then, as they do anywhere, and a few simple habits avoid most of them.
What the travel advisories say
Official advice changes, so always check it before you travel. As of October 2026:
- United States: Nayarit, the state Sayulita is in, is at Level 2, "exercise increased caution". See the US travel advisory for Mexico.
- Canada: Mexico overall is "exercise a high degree of caution". Canada's regional warnings for Nayarit only cover the area near the borders with Sinaloa and Durango, far to the north of Sayulita. See Canada's travel advice for Mexico.
What happened in February 2026
You may have seen the news. On 22 February 2026, after the Mexican army killed the cartel leader known as "El Mencho" in Jalisco, there were roadblocks and burned vehicles in many states, including around Puerto Vallarta, and some flights were cancelled. The roads were cleared within a day or two.
In Sayulita it was quiet. People were cautious, but nothing happened in town: no fires and no burned cars. Things went back to normal very quickly.
Petty theft, and how to avoid it
Like most beach towns, Sayulita has some petty theft: a bag left alone on the beach, a door left open, and now and then a robbery on the jungle roads and trails after dark. A little care avoids almost all of it.
- Lock up when you go out and at night, and drop the security bar into sliding doors.
- Use the safe for passports, cash and anything you'd hate to lose. Most of our homes have one. Otherwise, keep prized things out of sight.
- Bring only what you need to the beach, and take turns swimming so someone is always with your things.
- Walking home from town at night is usually fine. Where we say take care is the jungle: don't walk alone at night on the jungle roads and trails, like the paths to Carricitos and Patzcuarito. Go in daylight or in a group. Taxis can't get you to or from these beaches, so after dark take a golf cart.
- Keep some cash separate in your pocket. If you're ever robbed, hand that over and the rest stays safe.
- Use licensed taxis or a driver you've booked. At the Puerto Vallarta airport, people may tell you that you must go with them. Walk past them to your driver.
Safety in the sea
The main beach has surf and can have rip currents, especially on bigger swell days. Swim near the lifeguards and watch for the warning flags. If you're caught in a current, swim sideways, parallel to the beach, rather than against it. For calmer swimming, Playa de los Muertos is a short walk south. Read more in our guide to Sayulita's beaches.
For water quality, check ProSayulita, a local non-profit that tests the water every month and posts the results on its Facebook page.
Staying healthy
Drink purified water rather than tap water. Our homes have purified drinking water. Wear sunscreen, drink plenty, and take it easy in the midday sun, especially on your first days.
If you need help
- Emergencies: call 911, which works across Mexico.
- A doctor: St. Luke's, by the entrance to town.
- Anything more serious: the hospital in San Pancho, the next town north.
- Our team: we're a WhatsApp message away before and during your stay.
Last checked by our team on 30 October 2026. Things change in a small town, so if something here is out of date, tell us on WhatsApp.
