Baja Road Trip Vs. Sayulita

[Slomoracing]

Hey folks, trying to decide where to head this winter. Starting early because where I decide to go determines how much money I have to save. I have a van and dig driving all over the place, but being on the east coast a drive to Baja is a haul but I’d have about two months off.

The other option is just to fly to Sayulita and stay there for a month, way less hassle, way more money.

I’m not shortboarder. I dig midlength trimcraft and fairly mellow waves. I’ve traveled internationally a ton but ultimately want this to be a surf trip, not a driving trip...

Any advice?

[surferbee]

Sounds fun either way, but based on the way you wrote your post it sounds like you already know the answer; i.e., driving is a "haul" and a "hassle", plus this is "not a driving trip". Also, will the trip still be cheaper driving when you break down in Oklahoma or Texas and get gouged by the auto mechanic for having out-of-state plates? Will you have to get a motel for a couple of nights because he can't fix it until the part comes in on Tuesday? If so, the extra money on a plane ticket will seem like pennies well spent.

[tomthetreeman]

You could also fly into San Diego or TJ and stay in Baja, which is dirt cheap. You’d need transportation to move around to different breaks, but you could stay at each spot longer, requiring less movement. K38, Salsipuedes, San Miguel and Ensenada are all pretty close to each other.

Tom

[mg100]

Hey Slomo.
I got back from Sayulita a couple of weeks ago.
The waves were certainly mellow when I was there but I am sure it would be better when a bit of swell comes through.
Although DO NOT STAY IN SAYULITA and do not surf in the town, do a quick search on the forum of trip advisor and all you will hear are people getting sick, I only saw this after I booked my trip so I went anyway, and sure enough I was bed ridden for 3 days. It is not the food, apparently it is something in the air, they also pump raw sewage into the main beach although they are trying to improve this.
I was so careful, washed my hands all the time, I did not surf the main beach and actually didn't even sit on it, all the local surf shops say they wouldn't go in the water there either..
Every person I met there had been sick so its not a maybe you will get sick... you will get sick.
Having said all this I see the main surf shop there has just posted an update https://wildmex.com/water-quality-in-sa ... unta-mita/ so it might be ok by the time you go although I really wouldn't rush back there until you know it has been sorted out.
Its a shame as Sayulita is a fun little surf town.
Still visit the surrounding areas, I surfed Punta Mita most of the time and its nice and clean there, I just wouldn't recommend actually staying in Sayulita untill you hear some more positive reports (by people who don't live there and are trying to get tourist in)

[Slomoracing]

Thanks folks!

It’s true that driving would be a hassle, if I’m also a mechanic who is in love with his 85’ Westy, kinda bought it and built it out to be my surf vehicle. I’m also planning on my wife joining me for two weeks so Sayulita will likely be the itinerary unless the price of tickets climbs wicked high again. Anyone recommend a hostel not in Sayulita but close to a nearby not gross break?

[billie_morini]

You could also fly into San Diego or TJ and stay in Baja, which is dirt cheap. You’d need transportation to move around to different breaks, but you could stay at each spot longer, requiring less movement. K38, Salsipuedes, San Miguel and Ensenada are all pretty close to each other.

Tom

Tom knows!