Published on May 12, 2025
I spent three months living and working remotely in Sayulita, Mexico, it had a great balance of surf, sun, and simple living.
The Setup
I flew into Puerto Vallarta, crossed the pedestrian bridge outside the airport to catch an Uber (they’re not allowed to pick up directly at arrivals), and about an hour later I was in Sayulita — a small beach town with colorful streets, a mellow vibe, and everything within walking distance. I found an airbnb a few blocks from the beach, with decent Wi-Fi, a fan (not A/C), and a roof I could check the surf from.
I brought a board with me, but if you’re looking to rent, there are tons of spots in town. I’d fully recommend Patricia’s, right on the beach — great vibes, fair prices, and super friendly. They even fixed a ding in my board while I was there.
Surf Every Day, No Stress
Sayulita’s main break is right in town, so I’d usually surf first thing in the morning before it got too crowded. The wave is super mellow — perfect for learning or just cruising on a longboard. You won’t be pulling into barrels, but if you’re trying to get consistent time in the water and actually get better, this is the place.
There’s also a second break that worked about half the time, up the beach toward North Sayulita. When it was breaking, I’d always paddle out there — less crowded and a nice change of pace from the main peak.
I also took a cheap Uber to surf other spots nearby, like Punta de Mita, when the forecast looked promising. That spot had better shape and more push — great for shortboard sessions when you’re looking for something a bit more performance-oriented.
Working Remotely Was No Problem
I was doing my usual freelance/remote work while I was there — nothing crazy. Internet was totally fine most days, and there are a few cafés in town where you can post up if you need a change of scenery.
My days were basically:
- Surf in the morning
- Chill breakfast (usually a smoothie bowl or eggs/tortilla combo)
- Work from 10ish to 4ish
- Surf again
- Watch sunset on the beach
- Grab dinner in the town
It was a super manageable routine. No burnout, no big city chaos.
Vibe Check
Sayulita is one of those places that feels safe, friendly, and super easy to settle into. You meet people quickly — locals, expats, travelers, digital nomads — everyone’s relaxed and welcoming. It’s a great place to travel solo, but you could just as easily bring the whole family and have an amazing vacation. There’s something for everyone.
Would I Go Back? 100%
If you’re thinking about doing a surf/work trip and want somewhere affordable, safe, and easy to get into a flow, Sayulita is perfect. It’s not the best surf in the world, but for daily consistency, low stress, and good people, it’s hard to beat.
