Welcome to the ultimate guide of Puerto Escondido’s beaches, a picturesque seaside destination situated in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. This dazzling coastal paradise is brimming with diverse beaches offering unique and varied experiences. From crystal-clear waters to powerful waves, and stretches of fine sandy shores lined with palm trees, this guide unveils the hidden treasures of each beach, describing their distinct features, activities, and special atmospheres. Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and diversity that make Puerto Escondido an essential beach destination.
Zicatela beach
Considered one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Escondido, Playa Zicatela is also nicknamed the “Mexican Pipeline” due to its impressive and powerful waves, attracting surfers from around the world. Located on the northern side of Puerto Escondido, this beach stretches across 2.5 miles, offering surf points for all levels. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and admiring spectacular landscapes.
La Punta
La Punta is a favorite spot for surfers due to its powerful waves. Situated south of Playa Zicatela, this beach is renowned for its hollow and consistent waves, drawing experienced surfers seeking thrills and challenges. The La Punta area offers a relaxed atmosphere with small inns and cafes to unwind after an intense day of surfing.
playa-principal Puerto escondido
Playa Principal
Located east of Puerto Escondido’s main bay, Playa Principal is known for its calm waves. It provides the opportunity to observe local marine wildlife aboard boats, with fishermen regularly unloading their fresh catch.
Playa Carrizalillo – Puerto Escondido
Plage Carrizalillo
To the east of Puerto Escondido, Carrizalillo is a charming small beach characterized by relatively calm waves. Accessible only by foot via a stairway descending to the sea, this beach promotes environmental respect by minimizing waste production. It also features a rocky area for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Plage Bacocho
About 4 km east of Puerto Escondido, along the road to Pinotepa Nacional, lies the public beach of Bacocho. This vast stretch of sand is divided into three zones separated by rock formations, creating an ideal environment for beach jogging. Palm trees dot the coastline, offering areas with sand stretching up to 70 meters wide. Its warm, blue-green-tinted waters and fine grayish sand make it a tranquil place to relax.
Playa Coral
Coral, unlike Bacocho, is a small beach with calm and crystalline waters in turquoise shades. It’s ideal if you don’t have a parasol, as shaded areas are available to protect from Puerto Escondido’s intense sun. Featuring coves, it offers fine, clear sand and a gentle water entry. This beach caters to various visitors and provides various amenities, including lounge chairs, umbrellas, a beach restaurant, and changing areas. During the season, a lifeguard watches over the beach. It’s easily accessible, near the road, with on-site parking.
Puerto Angelito
Located about 10 minutes west of El Adoquin, Puerto Angelito is ideal for family swimming. Its clear, warm waters, fine sand, and snorkeling facilities attract visitors. Shaded facilities and a restaurant are available on-site.
Plage Marinero
A small beach located east of Playa Principal, recommended for surf and body surfing enthusiasts. A prime spot to admire the Puerto Escondido sunset, offering a serene atmosphere with turquoise waters and gray sand. Hotel and dining services are also available.
A few kilometers from Puerto Escondido, by car:
Rocablanca
35 km from Puerto Escondido, toward Pinotepa Nacional, is Rocablanca Beach, home to a diverse marine fauna. Thousands of birds, such as seagulls, pelicans, and cormorants, inhabit a large rock 300 meters from the shore, adding their characteristic whiteness to the site. Stretching over 6 km, the beach offers sections with rougher waves, as well as a small cove named Laguna Lagartero, offering calmer waters. Roca Blanca, a unique beach in all of Oaxaca. Enjoy it just 40 minutes from Puerto Escondido and 15 minutes from Rio Grande.
Plataforma
26 km from Puerto Escondido, on the other side toward Mazunte, is Plataforma Beach. It’s famous for its ideal waves for surfers. Its waters provide consistent and powerful surfing conditions, attracting surf enthusiasts looking for steady waves. Plataforma Beach is appreciated for its relaxed and peaceful environment with less crowded surf spots. It’s a preferred place for those who wish to enjoy the waves with a bit more privacy. To get there, using a car is preferable due to its more remote access from urban areas. Right next to it and in the same style, you will find Playa Tierra Blanca.
Zipolite Beach,
Situated 72 km from Puerto Escondido, is a renowned clothing-optional beach on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Embraced for its liberating ambiance, it’s a relaxed haven for free-spirited travelers seeking a carefree, nudist-friendly experience. The picturesque crescent-shaped beach offers a liberating atmosphere, drawing visitors to enjoy the sun, sea, and laid-back lifestyle amidst stunning coastal beauty.
Mazunte Beach,
Just before Zipolite, is a beautiful beach located on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s a peaceful and picturesque place, known for its tranquility and natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters and stretches of golden sand make it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the region’s paradisiacal coastline.
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What are the most popular beaches in Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido boasts several renowned beaches, including Zicatela Beach for surfing, Playa Carrizalillo for swimming and snorkeling, and Playa Bacocho for its scenic beauty.
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Is Zicatela Beach suitable for all levels of surfers?
Zicatela Beach is famous for its powerful waves, making it more suitable for experienced surfers. Beginners may find other beaches like Playa Carrizalillo better suited for learning to surf.
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Are there any secluded or less crowded beaches in Puerto Escondido?
Yes, you can find less crowded and more secluded beaches in Puerto Escondido. Playa Manzanillo and Playa Coral are among the options where you can enjoy a quieter beach experience.
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Are there opportunities for water sports and activities on Puerto Escondido’s beaches?
Absolutely! Puerto Escondido’s beaches offer a range of water activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and boogie boarding. You can also take boat tours to explore nearby coves and go dolphin or whale watching.
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What is the best time of year to visit the beaches in Puerto Escondido?
The beaches in Puerto Escondido are enjoyable year-round, but the best time for swimming and water activities is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calmer.
