Playa Carricitos: Sayulita's Wild Walk-In Beach

Playa Carricitos is a free, undeveloped surf beach about 25 to 30 minutes on foot from Sayulita's plaza, and the only entry fee is the hike itself. There are no vendors, no bathrooms and no shade structures on the sand — zero services, zero cost. It is one of the quietest stretches of coastline within walking distance of town, and the reason most people never see it is that the trail is genuinely easy to get wrong.

Getting to Playa Carricitos

The route starts on the south side of town, which surprises people who assume the beach sits to the north. Walk past the cemetery toward Punta Sayulita, then follow the dirt road as it bends right through forest until you reach a small trail marked "playa." That signed path drops you onto the sand.

The junction where most visitors go wrong

Google Maps is the biggest source of wasted mornings here. Pinning "Carricitos Beach" often routes you toward the highway for a walk that takes more than two hours, or sends you up a driveway belonging to a private villa. Use the cemetery as your landmark instead and ask a local for "el camino a Carricitos" if the turn is unclear. Locals give directions in seconds; the app can cost you an hour.

Walking, cart or taxi

The walk takes 20 to 30 minutes one way depending on pace and how often you stop for photos. Golf carts rented in town start around $55 per day and cut the trip to roughly 10 minutes, but the final stretch is a footpath either way. Taxis will drop you at the road, not the sand. Bring real shoes — the last section is steep, uneven and slick after rain.

What the Beach Is Actually Like

A 0.65 km crescent of coarse golden sand, boulders at both ends, and clean surf lines breaking on a west-facing cove. That's the whole inventory. Nothing is built on it, and on a weekday morning you may be the only person there.

Surf and swimming conditions

The waves here are stronger than at Sayulita's main beach, and the undertow is serious. Several local guides flatly say not to swim at Carricitos, and that matches what the water looks like when a swell is running. Strong surfers get a clean, uncrowded break; casual swimmers and children should stay on the sand. This is a beach for looking at, not wading into.

The clothing-optional end

The far right-hand side of the cove has a reputation as clothing-optional. Families tend to settle on the left. Nobody polices it, so read the beach before you unpack.

Wildlife and shade

Expect crabs on the rocks, iguanos in the trees behind the sand, and stray dogs that roam freely — keep your distance and don't leave food out. A handful of palms at the back of the beach give real shade, and they're the first spots taken. Everything else is full sun from mid-morning.

When to Go and What to Carry

The dry season from November to April brings settled weather, clearer water and the sharpest sunsets — this is the window most people should aim for. February and March are the busiest months in the wider Bahía de Banderas area, though Carricitos itself rarely feels crowded because the hike filters people out.

Timing your walk

Go early. The trail has almost no shade, and the humidity between noon and 4 PM is what turns a pleasant hike into a bad afternoon. One visitor who walked back at 2 PM reported borderline heat exhaustion. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person, plus sun protection and cash for a taxi if you bail out.

What to bring

Water, snacks, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and shoes with grip. There is nowhere to buy anything once you leave town, and no toilet. Pack out every piece of trash — the beach stays clean because visitors carry their rubbish back over the hill.

How long to stay

Half a day covers it comfortably: 30 minutes in, two to three hours on the sand, 30 minutes back. Sunset visits work if you start the return walk before full dark, since the trail is unlit and uneven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Playa Carricitos free to enter?

Yes. There is no gate, no fee and no reservation system — access is entirely on foot via public paths. The only costs are whatever you spend on a golf cart or taxi if you skip the walk.

Can you swim at Playa Carricitos?

Not safely, for most people. The surf and undertow are significantly stronger than at Sayulita's main beach, and local guides advise against swimming even for confident swimmers when a swell is up.

How long is the hike from Sayulita?

Roughly 20 to 30 minutes each way from the plaza, starting near the cemetery and climbing over the hill on a dirt road before dropping to the sand. Bring shoes with grip and avoid the midday heat.

Are there any facilities or vendors?

None. No bathrooms, no shops, no food stands, no rentals. Carry in your own water and supplies, and carry everything back out with you.