8 Beautiful Puerto Escondido beaches
Puerto Escondido is my favorite beach destination in Mexico, and for good reason—it has beaches for everyone!
From massive waves perfect for surfers from around the globe to wide stretches of golden sand ideal for families, and even wild beaches where swimming is forbidden but the beauty is undeniable, every beach offers something truly unique.
Join me as we explore the best Puerto Escondido beaches together!
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The Best Puerto Escondido Beaches:
Puerto Escondido, the sunny destination in the state of Oaxaca
The state of Oaxaca offers countless destinations for beach lovers, yet somehow, we all seem to end up in the same city!
If Puerto Escondido is so popular, it’s because it’s only 270 km from the city of Oaxaca, another must-visit spot for travelers.
It’s also a surfer’s paradise, thanks to the impressive waves served up by the Pacific Ocean.
But Puerto Escondido isn’t just about surfing. It’s the perfect place to treat your taste buds to tlayudas, mezcal, and obviously, fresh seafood, and grilled fish.
The tourist offerings are as diverse as they come: luxury beachfront hotels, budget hostels in the town center, taco stands, and vegan restaurants with stunning decor.
You’ll also find spas, scooter rentals, and designer boutiques. Boredom simply isn’t an option here—and I haven’t even started telling you about all the excursions you can take!
ALSO READ: What to Do in Puerto Escondido?
The best Puerto Escondido beaches
As I mentioned before, this coastal city has a beach for every taste. Let’s dive into the 8 best Puerto Escondido beaches!
1. Zicatela
Also known as the Mexican Pipeline, Zicatela Beach is where surfers from around the world come to take on the powerful waves of the Pacific.
If you’re a beginner, don’t venture into the water alone. Instead, join one of the many surf schools available. The waves at Zicatela are strictly for the pros.
With its 4 km of shoreline, it’s also a fantastic spot to enjoy the sunset at one of the beachfront bars.
2. LA PUNTA
If you want to take on the waves without being a pro, this beach is a better option, and you’ll also find plenty of surf schools here.
On top of that, you can enjoy a laid-back vibe with live music and volleyball games. La Punta is the daily gathering spot for sunset lovers.
3. Puerto Angelito
I love this charming little beach, where the gentle waves make it the perfect spot for swimming or watching the fish.
If you have kids or aren’t a strong swimmer, I highly recommend it!
4. Manzanillo
If you’re traveling with kids, this is the beach I recommend.
The atmosphere is calm, and the waves are gentle, making it perfect for swimming with complete peace of mind.
Plus, the beach is surrounded by plenty of restaurants. A tip: avoid weekends, as it tends to get quite crowded.
5. Coral
This beach is much quieter than the others, and for good reason: you have two ways to access it—either pay the entry fee at the Mexicana Villa Hotel, which is located on the beach, or take the path from Bacocho Beach at your own risk, but only during low tide!
Once there, you’ll be rewarded with a small, peaceful beach that’s perfect for snorkeling and unwinding.
6. Carrizalillo
To reach this horseshoe-shaped cove, you’ll need to go down 150 steps. The effort is well worth it, as it’s not only beautiful but also incredibly enjoyable.
If you’re a beginner surfer, this is definitely the perfect beach to practice—though carrying your board back up the stairs might not be the most fun part of the day!
7. Bacocho
This is my favorite beach, even though many people don’t like it at all.
Wild and vast, it’s perfect for enjoying a peaceful sunset or practicing meditation.
It’s also the spot where you can take part in baby turtle release activities. However, I’d recommend avoiding swimming here, as the currents are very strong.
8. Principal
This is the locals’ favorite beach, as it’s the closest to the city center.
While it can get quite crowded, it’s an excellent spot to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and enjoy its many restaurants.
Enjoy the beach responsibly
As you know, I’m a responsible traveler.
For me, this is a priority if we want to continue enjoying the planet and its treasures for many years to come. Above all, it’s essential to respect the local environment and its people.
When we travel, it’s important to remember that we are guests. We are never truly at home, and we don’t have the right to do whatever we want.
This is especially true at the beach, a public space where tourists not only share the area with locals, but also with the local wildlife and plants. Therefore, respecting the environment is crucial.
Here are my tips for enjoying a day at the beach in an eco-friendly way:
- Eco-friendly sunscreen: Choose non-toxic sunscreens without oxybenzone or octinoxate, as these are harmful to corals and marine life. Make sure your product is biodegradable.
- Pick up your waste: Bring a bag to collect your trash, even that of others, if you find it. Make sure to leave no trace of your visit.
- Don’t feed the animals: Feeding wild animals disrupts their natural diet and can create harmful dependencies.
- Don’t collect shells: Shells are part of the coastal ecosystem. By collecting them, you disrupt the habitat of marine species and reduce the diversity of local wildlife.
- Use reusable products: Opt for reusable water bottles, bags, and containers to avoid plastic waste. Bring your own cutlery and cups as well.
- Avoid harmful activities for wildlife: Some activities, like jet skiing, noisy water sports, or coral collecting, can damage local wildlife. Choose more respectful activities, like swimming or snorkeling.
- Respect the tranquility of the environment: Avoid making noise or using speakers that disturb the peace of the place and annoy the local wildlife. Enjoy nature in silence and take the opportunity to be more present.
FAQ
Where to watch the sunset in Puerto Escondido?
Zicatela Beach and La Punta Beach are great locations to watch the sunset. Additionally, you can enjoy the beachfront bars to keep the night going.
Personally, I prefer Bacocho Beach. Wild and expansive, it’s perfect for enjoying the show in peace and full awareness.
Is it dangerous to swim in Puerto Escondido?
In some beaches, strong currents make swimming impossible. This is the case for Bacocho Beach.
If you plan to surf and aren’t an expert, avoid Zicatela, known for its impressive waves that are only suitable for professionals.
Tips for safe swimming:
- Pay attention to the flags indicating sea conditions.
- Ask locals or lifeguards if you’re unsure.
- Don’t swim alone or stray too far from the shore to avoid risks.
- If caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t try to swim directly to shore. Swim parallel to the beach to get out of the current, and then return to land when you’re out of danger.
What is the best time to enjoy the beaches of Puerto Escondido?
The truth is, you can enjoy the Puerto Escondido beaches year-round. However, here are some additional details:
- November to May: The waves tend to be calmer, making it ideal for swimming, but less so for surfing. It’s also high season, so some beaches can be crowded.
- June to October: The waves are at their peak, making it the favorite season for surfers. Plus, it’s surf competition season. Since it coincides with the rainy season, there are fewer tourists.
Where to stay to be close to the beach?
To make the most of the beach, I recommend choosing a hotel nearby. Fortunately, there are plenty of options in Puerto Escondido.
The Zicatela and La Punta areas offer a wide range of accommodations, but you can also consider the Carrizalillo neighborhood.
ALSO READ: Best Hotels Puerto Escondido: Where to Stay?
What activities to do on the beach?
Of course, sunbathing, swimming, and surfing are the first activities that come to mind.
However, Puerto Escondido offers a wide variety of options: snorkeling, baby turtle release, dolphin watching, horseback riding, kayaking… the list goes on!
What is the best beach in Puerto Escondido?
It’s hard to answer this question, as, as you can imagine, the answer is subjective.
Tourists traveling with family will probably choose Puerto Angelito or Manzanillo, while digital nomads and solo travelers will prefer Zicatela or La Punta.
If you ask for my opinion, as a traveler who believes in responsible tourism, Bacocho has been my favorite since my first trip. It’s simply magical!
If you were wondering which are the best Puerto Escondido beaches to spend a few hours, I hope I’ve helped you find the answer.
Enjoy your stay, and don’t forget to make choices that respect the environment and the local communities.
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