Puerto Vallarta: Private Surf Lesson & Sayulita Town Day Trip

4.94

(124 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The van rattled a bit as we left Puerto Vallarta behind, but our surf instructor—Miguel—just grinned and said it was “part of the adventure.” I could smell the ocean before I saw it. The beach by Punta Mita was quiet except for a few local kids already out in the water. We stretched on the sand, Miguel showing us how to pop up (I fell right over the board at least twice before even touching the waves). He kept saying “más despacio” every time I rushed it. The sun wasn’t too harsh yet, just warm enough that you could feel it on your shoulders.

Paddling out was harder than I thought—my arms felt like noodles after five minutes. But when that first small wave pushed me forward and I managed to stand (wobbly, but upright!), Miguel cheered louder than anyone. Salt stung my nose and I swallowed half the Pacific, but honestly? It was worth every second. We took breaks on the sand, watching pelicans dive while Miguel pointed out which waves were best for beginners. He told us stories about growing up here—how he learned to surf with his cousins at this same spot.

After we’d had our fill (and my legs started shaking), we headed to Sayulita. It’s not far—a quick drive—but suddenly everything’s brighter: painted walls, music from open windows, people laughing over tacos. We wandered through little shops selling woven bracelets and weirdly-shaped hats. Tried something called “tuba”—a coconut drink that’s sweet and fizzy (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish; probably butchered it). There was no rush; we just drifted along until our driver rounded us up again. I still think about that view from the beach, salt drying on my skin, feeling tired in a good way.