Playa de los Muertos - The Quiet Cove

A stop on Sayulita: Surf Town Walk, a free self-guided tour.

Over the hill from town, the path drops onto this small cove tucked between rocky headlands. The rocks on both sides break up the swell, so the water here is usually calmer than on the main beach, which makes it a favorite for families and anyone who wants a slower afternoon.

The name means Beach of the Dead, and most people connect it simply with its neighbor, the cemetery you just walked through. Stories about the name get more dramatic each time they are told, so take any spooky version you hear as local legend.

The cove is small and can fill up by midday in high season, so arrive early if you plan to stay. There is little shade unless you bring it. Conditions change with the swell, so keep an eye on children near the boulders and watch the sea for a few minutes before you swim.

Getting here: Follow the path down the far side of the cemetery and turn toward the water at the bottom of the hill to reach the sand.

Did you know?: Playa de los Muertos is only the first of a string of small beaches along this coast; Playa Carricitos and Playa Escondida lie farther on past the headlands.

Photo op: Climb a few steps up the path above the cove and frame the curve of sand between the two rocky headlands.

Playa de los Muertos - The Quiet Cove

Stops on this tour