BEST BEACHES IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO, MEXICO

Vamos a la playa! Puerto Escondido is located in southern Oaxaca on the Pacific Ocean. If you’re reading this, you’re likely a beachgoer, right? Whether you’re looking to surf the waves, snorkel, or just soak up some rays you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Warm weather, tepid water, and all the tropical feels can be found here. This list of beautiful beaches is in order from north to south and hopefully, it gives you a better understanding of what each has to offer…

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PLAYA BACOCHO

This is a long, beautiful stretch of sand and it’s mostly empty. It isn’t known for being the best place to swim as the waves can be pretty big and there is a strong undertow. Luckily, there’s a great beach club on Playa Bacocho called Club de Playa Villasol where you can hang that has an amazing view of the ocean.

The cost to relax at the pool all day is 300 pesos per person, which includes a voucher that goes towards food and drinks. The prices are reasonable and the food is pretty tasty. We recommend the fruit and veggie platter with tajín! They also have a happy hour that occurs twice a day. The music is vibey, the chairs are loungy, the palm trees are swinging, and the water is refreshing.

Besides the beach club, the main reason people come to Playa Bacocho is for the baby sea turtle release with the Vive Mar program. Arrive an hour before sunset and sign up. The cost of releasing a turtle at the time of writing this is 100 pesos and helps support their conservation efforts. The only thing is it can be hard to find a taxi back after sunset. Alternatively, baby sea turtle tours are also available.

On Wednesday nights Club de Playa Villasol plays movies on the beach in front of Pez Gallo Restaurant at 7 pm. Stay for sunset and enjoy a movie under the stars!

Can You Swim at Playa Bacocho?

It’s a gamble. Some people do, but the waves tend to be pretty rough with a strong undertow. It’s more of a surfing beach or a place to walk and enjoy the sunset.

PLAYA CORAL

Playa Coral is a great place to hang out for a day or watch the sunset. You can reach Playa Coral a couple of ways. The free and easiest way is to walk about 10 minutes south of Playa Bacocho through a beautiful rocky area. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay. You can also access the beach by paying 80 pesos at the Hotel Villa Mexicana. The fee includes a beer and water or water and a burger.

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The great thing about Playa Coral is that because it’s more difficult to reach, it’s much quieter and less developed. There are no loungers for rent here. It’s technically a nude beach, but we didn’t see any naked people. For ladies wanting to sunbathe topless, this is the beach to do it at.

Because there isn’t much development we also recommend bringing some snacks (or mezcal?) and some water along. The undertow here isn’t quite as strong as Playa Bacocho so it’s great for swimming, although you should still pay attention to the tides. The water is much calmer once you get out past the break.

PLAYA CARRIZALILLO

You’ll find Playa Carrizalillo tucked away in a picturesque cove along La Rinconada. You’ll have to earn your day on the beach by hiking down 157 steps! It’s definitely becoming popular and a bit more crowded, but it still maintains its beauty and tropical charm.

Can You Swim at Playa Carrizalillo?

Yes! Playa Carrizalillo is definitely one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido for swimming. The tide isn’t too strong and the waves aren’t as big. It’s also the best beginner surfing spot with less intimidating waves. Take a lesson or rent a surfboard. Just beware of the rocks, we’re speaking from personal experience haha.

Snorkeling at Playa Carrizalillo

Because the water is less tumultuous Playa Carrizalillo is a great spot for snorkeling. There are often sea turtles in the area. We snorkeled there and were swimming with a sea turtle within the first few minutes. Just be mindful of sea urchins lurking under the azure waters near the rocks. If you don’t have your own snorkel mask, rentals will cost you 100 pesos/hour.

If you’re in the mood for relaxation you can lounge in an umbrella chair for 250-300 pesos for the day. Whatever you do, don’t miss Espadín afterward! You’ll see it on top of the cliff overlooking Carrizalillo. Arrive before sunset and watch the tangerine sun melt into the Pacific. Seriously, the sunsets in Puerto are unreal from up there!

PLAYA MANZANILLO & PUERTO ANGELITO

These two beaches are within the same bay separated by a rocky outcropping. You can reach them by a short taxi ride or walk from the Rinconada. Once you reach the parking area, Puerto Angelito is to your right, and on your left is Playa Manzanillo. It’s a local area with a very laid-back atmosphere.

Playa Manzanillo is the better beach. Located in a cute sandy bay it’s a great spot to spend a lazy afternoon sipping on cold coconuts. Snorkel rentals can be found at Josimar’s, a tour company behind the rocks near the beach costing 50 pesos for 1.5 hours. We saw three turtles within 30 minutes! Go along the rocks to the south (on your left) for the best snorkel spot. Just be aware of the currents and fishing boats.

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There are many fishermen in Puerto Angelito. So you can find a nice lunch. Local families come here to spend the day, swim, and eat seafood together. We didn’t get a chance to eat there, but were told Los Buzos is where it’s at! Puerto Angelito is also where you’ll catch your boat if you decide to go on a whale watching or dolphin tour (which you should absolutely do).

PLAYA ZICATELA

Zicatela Beach is where pro surfers come to rip the waves and where international surf competitions are held each year. This is the home of the famous Mexican Pipeline, one of the heaviest beach breaks in the world. It became popular with foreigners in the 1950’s, but it wasn’t until the 1970s and the advent of shortboard surfing that it was officially on the surf circuit.

Playa Zicatela has a stretch of bars and nightclubs that stay open pretty late. This is the main party area, and because of that, it’s more touristy. Still, it’s a marvelous place to watch the sunset, sip a cocktail, and listen to the perilous waves.

Can You Swim at Zicatela Beach?

It’s not a beach for swimming. It’s a beach for surfing. The waves tend to be very big and the red flags are usually flying here.

LA PUNTA

This is a chill area with a younger vibe, trendy restaurants, hip hangouts, and a few shops. There’s even a health food store called Moringa that has cheap tasty vegan empanadas.

However, the area is mostly associated with surfing. There’s a left-hander pointbreak that’s good for intermediate surfers. The Puerto Surf School is in the area for those who want proper lessons.

If you’re not a surfer you can still just hang out and watch. We rented day beds under an umbrella on the beach for a 400 peso minimum on food and drinks. It’s a relaxing way to spend a day.

Can You Swim at La Punta Puerto Escondido?

Yes, you can swim at La Punta Beach. It’s best to swim during low tide when the waves are smaller! Be careful otherwise, the undertow is much stronger at high tide.

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The real magic begins near the rocks on the southern end of the beach. Go over there. You can sit in the shade and watch the surfers or walk up and over to La Barra Beach.

PLAYA LA BARRA

This is a secluded beach that’s more difficult to reach, but the rewards are worth the extra energy. At the very end of La Punta, you’ll find a trail that goes up and onto a viewpoint called Punta Zicatela. From there you can visit quiet coves or hike a little further up to the lighthouse.

Most people don’t come over here which makes it all the more special, it’s soo beautiful. This is by far the best sunset spot if you’re feeling adventurous!

PLAYA TIERRA BLANCA

Playa Tierra Blanca is a rural beach outside of Puerto Escondido. To get there we took a 30-minute SUR bus ride from the ADO bus station. We just told the driver where we wanted to go and he dropped us off on the side of the road. From there it’s a fifteen-minute walk on a dirt road to the beach. Otherwise, you can take a taxi if you find one or try to hitchhike with passing cars.

When you arrive you’ll be rewarded with a long stretch of empty coastline. It’s breathtaking! You might see 5-10 people the entire day. There are a few palapas around too if you’re looking for shade.

There is one sleepy restaurant that serves food and has cabañas for rent. Not sure how the food is, we had a picnic with sandwiches and drinks we bought at Chedraui. The water here is calm and it’s a good spot for swimming too. Enjoy the seclusion.

PLAYA AGUA BLANCA

This beach is 28 km from Puerto Escondido. The easiest way to get there is to catch a SUR bus to Huatulco from the ADO bus station and ask to be dropped off at Santa Elena. Then take a taxi from there to the beach. Agua Blanca is known for its tide pools and fat oysters when they’re in season typically from September to April. 

Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido?

• Puerto Dreams Hostel 8.6/10
• Tower Bridge Hostel 8.6/10
• Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel 9/10
• Punta Kai Hotel 9.2/10
• Villas Carizalillo 9.3/10

Are the Beaches in Puerto Escondido Safe?

Most of Puerto Escondido is safe, but be careful at night and use common sense. Robberies are not unheard of and in general, it’s smart not to walk along the beaches at night. Don’t swim where there are red flags or where you don’t see anyone else swimming.

When is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Escondido?

The best time to visit Puerto Escondido is during the dry season from November to April. That’s when the weather is most pleasant. Puerto Escondido is warm and humid year-round, but it’s the hottest and most humid during the rainy season in June, July, August, and September.

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Have you been to Puerto Escondido? If so, which beach is your favorite?