Playa de los Muertos
Sayulita, Mexico
Despite that ominous name that translates from Spanish as Beach of the Dead, Playa de los Muertos is one of Sayulita’s most attractive stretches of golden sand—and it’s very much filled with life. Local families and tourists love this crescent-shaped cove and the diverse crowd it attracts.
With rocky outcrops and a mountainous backdrop, Playa de los Muertos tends to be quieter and less crowded than other Sayulita beaches such as the ever-busy Playa Sayulita downtown. Playa de los Muertos also has relatively calm waters, making it a good choice for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. At the beach’s southern end, a stretch of sand called Blue Chairs attracts an LGBTQ+ crowd. Day trips from Puerto Vallarta often visit the beach.
Amenities include restrooms and a few food and drink vendors but there are no lifeguards.
Parking is free at the beach’s small lot but fills up quickly on busy days.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach.
Playa de los Muertos is an easy walk from downtown Sayulita. From Sayulita Beach, follow the curve of the bay south past Villa Amor then take a left on the dirt road leading to the cemetery that gives the beach its name. Playa de Los Muertos is next to the graveyard.
Like the rest of Nayarit’s beaches, Playa de los Muertos is a lovely place to visit year-round. Winter brings large numbers of visitors to Sayulita so, if you’re visiting during this time, aim to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds, especially if you are driving and need to park in the small lot.
Next to the beach, the Cementerio de Sayulita (Sayulita Cemetery) shelters some well-tended graves; many are ornately decorated with photographs of the deceased, fresh flowers, and candles. During funerals, and around the Day of the Dead in early November, the normally serene graveyard transforms into a lively gathering place.
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