Provided is a method for manufacturing a surface acoustic wave apparatus that can reduce degradation of electric characteristics and also reduce the number of manufacturing processes. The method for manufacturing a surface acoustic wave apparatus includes the steps of: forming an IDT electrode on an upper surface of a piezoelectric substrate, forming a frame member surrounding a formation area in which the IDT electrode is formed on the piezoelectric substrate, and mounting a film-shaped lid member on the upper surface of the frame member so as to be joined to the frame member so that a protective cover, used for covering the formation area and for providing a tightly-closed space between it and the formation area, is formed.