Overview
Punta Sayulita is the reef setup wrapping around the headland at the north end of Sayulita, where a broad sandy beach faces slightly north of west and the point itself swings to true north. The main attraction is the righthander in the middle of town, a shifty wave that runs as a mellow longboard ride most days and picks up a higher-performance edge on a solid swell. A cleaner lefthander breaks off the beach on the north end of town, peeling in sectiony lines that longboarders will enjoy and shortboarders can find worthwhile when the swell lines up. The waves break over an uneven reef of sand and rock, and the whole setup stays forgiving enough to suit beginners and longboarders.
When It Works
The break draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with west (W) swell the best match. The lefthander in particular comes alive on a north-west or west swell. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, roughly waist high to just overhead. You can score waves across spring, summer, autumn, and winter, though the headland absorbs much of the spring and summer south swell that lights up points elsewhere on the coast. It is moderately consistent, but takes a precise swell to really turn on.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind, with a workable wind window that also stretches to southeast and south. The reef can work through most of the tide across low, mid, and high, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a friendly spot for beginners, and it handles everything from shortboards and fish to funboards and longboards. The rights off the point are slow and predictable, which makes them a natural fit for the surf-school crowd, while the lefts at the rivermouth run steeper and faster. Expect a busy lineup at the main spots when it is on, though the crew tends to be mellow. Keep an eye out for rocks on the inside and sea urchins.
Access
There is plenty of parking, both free and roadside. You will find camping, a surf school, and a surf shop nearby, and it is a good base for hiring a boat out to the Punta Mita breaks.
