Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
800 m
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream
Water
Headwear
Towel
Swimsuit
Cash
First aid kit
Comfortable hiking shoes
Best Time to Swim
The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid the heat during the hike. During the bioluminescence season (summer), you can see glowing plankton at night.
Local Rules
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. Respect turtle nesting sites.
Frequently asked questions
Playa Malpaso: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — blue, clarity moderate, average temperature +26.0°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Malpaso: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — strong. Average wave height — 1.5 m. Strong waves will please surfers but require caution when swimming with children.
Playa Malpaso: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Playa Malpaso: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — medium. Beach length — 800 metres.
Playa Malpaso: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December, January. It ends in April, May. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Malpaso: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Malpaso: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sharks, stingrays, jellyfish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa Malpaso: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa Malpaso: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Restaurants in Sayulita. Cuisines available: Mexican. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Malpaso: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Headwear, Towel, Swimsuit, Cash, First aid kit, Comfortable hiking shoes.
Playa Malpaso: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid the heat during the hike. During the bioluminescence season (summer), you can see glowing plankton at night.
Playa Malpaso: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. Respect turtle nesting sites.
Playa Malpaso: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for hiking and nature enthusiasts seeking a secluded beach away from civilisation. Not suitable for families with small children and comfort lovers.
Playa Malpaso: what makes this beach unique?
Playa Malpaso is one of the few places in the region where you can observe bioluminescence. In season, glowing plankton creates the effect of luminous water, and the beach itself is accessible only via a scenic jungle trail.
Playa Malpaso: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Secluded location, Golden sand, Lush tropical vegetation, Scenic jungle hike, Bioluminescence in season, Few tourists. Cons: Access only by hiking trail, Strong currents and waves, Risk of theft, No infrastructure, Swimming not recommended.
Playa Malpaso: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: San Pancho, Sayulita, Las Cuevas Beach. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Malpaso: how do I get to the city of Sayulita?
The beach is located near the city of Sayulita. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Sayulita.