Questions?
GENERAL
Q: How far away is Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta?
A: Sayulita is approximately 45-60 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta, depending on traffic, and your mode of transportation. Puerto Vallarta is located in the Jalisco province of Mexico, and Sayulita is located in the Riveria Nayarit province, directly North of Jalisco, on the west coast.
Q: What is the easiest way to reach Sayulita from the airport in Puerto Vallarta?
A: Most travellers prefer to take a taxi cab or car service directly from the airport to Sayulita. Prices vary, but expect around $50-$80 USD one-way trip. There are rental car companies located within the airport, and we suggest researching the best options before you arrive in Mexico. There is a public bus that runs daily from 8am-9pm, from PV airport to Sayulita, and costs roughly $40 pesos. Speaking basic Spanish helps to find your way to the bus stop, located across the highway from the Puerto Vallarta Airport exit. A pedestrian overpass connects both sides of the highway, and the bus labeled “Sayulita” heading North will bring you to Sayulita safely, though not as quickly as a taxi would.
Q: Where is the best place to stay while in Sayulita?
A: For accommodations, we recommend either Aurinko Bungalows or Casa Santander.
Q: How do I reach Punta de Mita surf breaks from Sayulita?
A: The best way to reach surf breaks in different towns is to come tag along on our surf trips! This is the safest, and most reliable way to reach other breaks. If you own a car, or have rented one, Lunazul is happy to provide precise directions to those wanting to explore towns and breaks outside of Sayulita. We don’t recommend hitch hiking, though this is a common practice for some surfers. The Nayarit area is relatively safe, but hitching rides is not something we encourage for our friends, and customers.
Q: How is the water quality in Sayulita?
A: The water quality in Sayulita is generally fine. If it rains heavily, we keep a close eye on the conditions, however that is rarely a problem during winter months.
LESSONS
Q: What should I bring if I plan to take lessons with Lunazul?
A: The most important things to bring to lessons with Lunazul are a positive attitude and a smile! Also include a bathing suit and sunscreen. We will provide the board, leash, and rashguard. We have changing rooms and lockers available in the store.
Q: How many lessons should I take if I’m a beginner SUP-er or surfer?
A: We recommend our students take 1-2 SUP lessons before venturing out on their own, and 1-7 surf lessons. Learning to Stand Up Paddle is generally easier, and requires less instruction, unless a student is hoping to learn paddle surfing, which we can also teach! Surfing can be picked up easily, depending on your athletic ability, though the first lesson can be a lot of new information to grasp. If you have time and resources to take more than one lesson, we definitely recommend it! Surfing is like anything else; Practice makes Perfect! (or pretty darn close to it!)
Q: Can I take a surf or SUP lesson if I am not a strong swimmer?
A: Yes, of course! Most people feel more comfortable being in the water when they know how to swim. We do recommend it, but Lunazul has instructors who are strong swimmers, so that those less confident in their swimming ability can happily take a lesson.
Q: Can Lunazul teach surfing to a person who is physically disabled?
A: Absolutely. Lunazul’s entire mission is to make surfing fun and accessible to as many people as we can. We will do what it takes to get you surfing! We recommend that when you book your lessons at Lunazul, let the staff know your disability, so we can prepare ahead of time, and make your lessons and time with us successful.
Q: I’ve had a physical injury recently, can I still learn to surf?
A: Yes. Ultimately, you know yourself, and your body’s abilities more than anyone else. If you feel confident that taking a lesson at Lunazul will not re-injure you, we’d be happy to help you learn to surf! If you are seeing a physiotherapist, or any other specialist, who is helping you rehabilitate your current injury, we suggest that you consult them regarding your desire to learn to surf, and include their advice in your decision.
Q: I’m 72 years old, can I still learn to surf?
A: Yes, please! We’ve taught all ages of people to surf, from young children to retirees embarking on a new work-free, play-time lifestyle! If you have certain concerns, we recommend you shoot us an email with any questions you have.
Q: My 5 year old wants to surf; can Lunazul teach him/her?
A: Yes! Teaching kids to surf is one of our favorite pastimes. Lunazul has produced more than a few “little rippers” who grow into super-hyped “groms”, and have surfing as a life-long hobby.
Q: How do I reserve a lesson?
A: Lessons can be scheduled in advance, or as drop-ins. We try to accomodate all drop-ins as well as possible, but to make sure you have a spot, email us at lunazulsurfschool@gmail.com to reserve now! 50% non-refundable deposit via PayPal required for reservations. Email us with your preferred date(s) and number of people in your group, and we will get you set up!
Q: When do you have lessons?
A: We are open Monday to Sunday 8am–6pm, and we have lessons everyday! However, our staff will choose the best lesson time for you as it is based on the tides that day. Email us for specific days and times.
Q: What about cancellations?
A: We’re sad you can’t make it to surf with us! If you have to cancel, unfortunately we can not refund the 50% deposit paid when reserving the lesson. If Lunazul instructors have to cancel due to wave conditions, we will refund your deposit or try to reschedule your lesson.
Q: What happens during a lesson?
A: Our lessons are 1.5hrs, and include on land instruction regarding equipment, safety and technique as well as one hour of surf instruction in the water. We provide a surfboard, a leash and a rash guard. After your lesson you have an additional one hour surfboard rental free of charge, which you’re welcome to use immediately or at any point during your stay in Sayulita.
Q: Can I take one lesson and then upgrade to a multi-day package after?
A: Absolutely! We know it is fun to sometimes have a plan-free vacation, so you’re more than welcome to take one lesson with us and test it out, and after that upgrade to a multi-day surf package, as long as we have availability.
Q: Do you do surf trips to other spots than Sayulita?
A: Definitely, we love our surf trips! We offer 4 hour trips to spots in Punta de Mita, and you can choose between a trip that includes a lesson, or just a tag-along. The lessons include transportation, a surfboard, a leash and a rash guard and a 1.5 hour surf lesson. Or, if you want to surf somewhere other than Sayulita but don’t need a lesson, you can just tag along for the trip. More info about our surf trips here.
Q: I’m traveling alone, can I join a group?
A: We organize Sayulita group lessons several times a week, which cannot be reserved in advance. Come into the shop when you get to Sayulita and we will see what we have scheduled for the week!
Q: I want to surf Punta de Mita but am traveling alone. Can I join a group lesson there?
A: If you know you want to take a lesson in Punta de Mita, you can reserve before hand, by paying for a private lesson. We will then do our best to find you a group to go with, in order to lower your price to a group lesson. However, we cannot promise that we will have a group organized for that week, in which case you will have to pay the individual trip price.