A place in the international network
Sayulita joins an international roster that includes Portugal's Ericeira and Nazaré, Spain's San Sebastián, Peru's Miraflores and Chile's Arica. The Wipeout Weekly puts the number of cities recognized by the World Surf Cities Network at roughly 19 or 20.
The network defines a Surf City as "an urban area where surfing and its culture are an essential part of local life, and where the surf industry forms a significant basis of the city's economy, employment, and cultural identity," according to the definition cited by The Wipeout Weekly.
The municipality that includes Sayulita, Bahía de Banderas, had already taken on a leadership role in the network. According to the Nayarit Tourism Board, as reported by Caribbean Journal on November 5, it joined in November 2025 as the first Mexican destination, secured the vice presidency in June 2026 and took over the presidency in October for the 2026–2027 term.
A tournament with canine competitors
Sayulita's 2026 International Day of the Dead Surf Tournament also featured a Dog Surf Exhibition, Caribbean Journal reported. Dogs shared waves with their human companions, and the top teams received a dedicated prize.
Plans for Sayulita and other Mexican destinations
The recognition comes as Mexico develops a broader Mexico Surf City Network modeled on its Pueblos Mágicos program. In a July 22, 2026, report, Travel Weekly identified Bahía de Banderas as the planned network's epicenter. Ensenada in Baja California, Los Cabos in Baja California Sur and Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca were expected to participate initially, while Rosarito was identified as a possible later addition.
That report also outlined planned improvements tied to Sayulita's Surf City status. Citing Travel and Tour World, Travel Weekly said the plans cover transportation, waste management systems, enhancements to public spaces and programs to conserve beaches.
