From Sayulita: La Lancha Surf Trip w/ Transportation

If you’re dreaming of catching waves at a less crowded, scenic beach, this La Lancha surf trip might just be what you’re after. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but based on the details and reviews, it’s a solid option for those seeking a flexible, guided-influenced surf experience with plenty of time to practice and enjoy.

What we love about this trip? First, the beautiful setting—La Lancha offers waves without the chaos of more popular surf spots, making it perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed vibe. Second, the scenic jungle drive adds a touch of adventure that sets it apart from more straightforward surf tours. On the flip side, a potential downside is that it’s unguided once you hit the water, which might not suit complete beginners or those looking for more guidance.

This tour is especially suited for intermediate to experienced surfers who want the freedom to carve out their own rhythm on the waves while enjoying a stunning environment. If you’re comfortable navigating the surf on your own and plan to spend most of your time catching waves, this could be a great pick. Those wanting a structured lesson or beginner instruction might want to look elsewhere.

Key Points

• Uncrowded, scenic beach perfect for relaxing surf sessions
• Includes board rental with over 50 options to match your skill level
• Self-guided experience offering freedom but less instruction
• Scenic jungle drive adds a memorable touch
• Flexibility to surf at your own pace for over 2 hours
• Duration of about 4 hours, with transportation and beach time included

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Surf Trip Stand Out

The La Lancha Surf Trip from Sayulita is all about giving you the space to enjoy surfing in a beautiful, less crowded location. Starting at Marea Surf School, you’ll have the chance to pick from more than 50 boards, ensuring you find a good fit whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out. The process is straightforward: after a quick safety briefing, you’re driven in an open-air surf car through lush jungle for about 30 minutes—an experience that already gets you into the vacation mindset.

Once you arrive at La Lancha, it’s time to hit the waves. The fact that you’re left to surf independently for around 2.5 hours means you can really settle into your rhythm. No guided lessons, no set schedules—just you, your board, and the ocean. This kind of freedom can be a real gift, especially if you’re confident and looking to practice your skills or simply soak up the scenery.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour’s itinerary is simple but well thought out. It begins at Marea Surf School, where you’ll meet your guides and select your board. The ride through the jungle is a highlight—think wind in your hair, tropical greenery all around, and the anticipation of waves ahead. In just 30 minutes, you’ll reach La Lancha, a beach known for its relatively uncrowded surf and stunning surroundings.

The quick 8-minute hike through mangroves to the surf break is part of what makes this trip feel like an adventure. Once there, a short safety overview sets the tone, although it’s important to remember that the surfing itself is unguided, so you’ll need to be comfortable managing your time in the water.

The 2-2.5 hours of unguided surfing allows plenty of opportunity to practice, catch waves, and enjoy the environment without feeling rushed. Afterward, the group hops back into the open-air vehicles for the scenic return trip, wrapping up the experience back at Marea Surf School.

The Surfing Experience

This tour is explicitly not a lesson, so if you’re a complete beginner or need guided instruction, it might not be the best fit. However, if you’ve got some familiarity with surfing and want to enjoy the waves at your own pace, you’ll love the uncrowded conditions and the freedom to try new maneuvers or simply relax.

The reviews reinforce this perspective. One traveler raved, “Miguel and Omar were great! It was a nice surf spot,” and another called their guide “fantastic,” noting that these knowledgeable guides help make the experience more enjoyable. The guides don’t seem to be leading the surfing, but their local insights and assistance with board selection add a layer of convenience.

The Value of the Price

At $46 per person, including transportation and board rental, this experience offers pretty good value for those who want a flexible, scenic surf outing. Compared to guided lessons, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a significant amount of surf time without the pressure of instruction. Remember, though, that meals, drinks, and any additional services aren’t included, so plan accordingly.

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Practical Considerations

Timing is flexible—check availability and confirm your trip 24 hours in advance to ensure good conditions. The trip lasts about 4 hours overall, which makes it a manageable half-day adventure. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point on Calle Pelicanos, right in front of Bichos Restaurant, so your day can start smoothly.

You’ll want to bring essentials like swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Since the tour involves some walking and a jungle drive, wearing comfortable beachwear and bringing a change of clothes is a smart move. Also, valuables should be left at your accommodation, as they aren’t part of the experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those comfortable managing their own surfing, who value uncrowded beaches and stunning scenery, and who want to spend several hours in the water without a guided lesson. It’s perfect for casual surfers, adventure seekers, or anyone who appreciates the vibe of a scenic drive through lush jungle.

People with basic swimming skills and no back problems will find this experience more enjoyable. It’s not suited for children under 5, non-swimmers, or those needing guided instruction.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
It’s best for surfers who already have some experience. Since it’s unguided, complete beginners might find it challenging without proper instruction.

How long is the surfing time?
You’ll get approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of free surfing once you reach La Lancha.

Are boards included?
Yes, there are over 50 boards to choose from, so you can find one that suits your skill level and preference.

What’s the transportation like?
The trip includes a scenic 30-minute drive in open-air surf cars through lush jungle, which is part of the adventure.

Is the trip guided or self-guided?
Once you arrive at the beach, it’s entirely self-guided. The guides provide a safety brief and help with board selection but do not lead the surf session.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, snacks, and comfortable clothes for the walk and drive.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there an age restriction?
Children under 5 years old are not suitable for this experience.

Final Thoughts

The La Lancha Surf Trip from Sayulita offers a great mix of beautiful scenery, flexible surf time, and a laid-back vibe that many surfers will appreciate. It’s especially good for those who already feel comfortable on their boards and want to enjoy a less crowded, picturesque surf spot without a guide dictating their every move.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic adventure that combines a jungle drive with solid surf time, this experience hits the right notes. Its value lies in the freedom it offers, the stunning environment, and the chance to spend quality time in the ocean at your own pace.

That said, if you’re a total beginner craving guided instruction, or you’re looking for a more structured lesson, you might want to explore other options. But for confident surfers who love a little independence and scenery, La Lancha is a choice worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Remember: Always check your comfort level with unguided surfing and be honest about your skills, so you can truly enjoy the waves and the experience. Happy surfing!