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, the Surfing Beach
Also known as the Mexican Pipeline, Zicatela Beach is a world-famous surfing destination, attracting professional surfers from across the globe who come to challenge its powerful waves.
If you’re a beginner, this is not the place to test your skills—the waves here are for experts only.
Beyond surfing, Zicatela’s 4 km of golden sand make it an incredible place to relax, take long walks, or simply soak in the lively beach atmosphere.
As the sun sets, the beach transforms into a social hub, with beachfront bars and restaurants offering the perfect setting to enjoy breathtaking ocean views.
2. LA PUNTA, the Bohemian Beach
If you want to ride the waves without being a pro, La Punta is the perfect spot. This beach offers gentler waves, making it an ideal place for beginners and intermediate surfers.
You’ll also find plenty of surf schools ready to help you improve your skills.
Beyond surfing, La Punta is all about the laid-back vibe. During the day, you can relax on the sandy shore, join a volleyball game, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of this Bohemian beach.
As the sun begins to set, the energy shifts, and La Punta becomes the ultimate gathering spot. With live music, fire shows, and beachfront bars, it’s the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail and watch one of Puerto Escondido’s most magical sunsets.
3. Puerto Angelito, The Charming Beach
I absolutely love this charming little beach, where the gentle waves and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for a relaxing swim or even watching colorful fish right from the shore.
If you’re traveling with kids or aren’t a strong swimmer, this is one of the safest beaches in Puerto Escondido. The calm waters and peaceful atmosphere create an ideal setting to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific without worrying about strong currents.
4. Manzanillo, The Best Option for Families
If you’re traveling with kids, this is the perfect beach for a stress-free day by the sea. The gentle waves and calm atmosphere make it an ideal spot for swimming with complete peace of mind.
Another great perk? You’ll find plenty of beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood while soaking up the ocean views.
Just a tip: try to visit on weekdays, as the beach gets quite crowded on weekends.
5. Coral, The Hidden Gem
This hidden gem is one of the quietest beaches in Puerto Escondido, and for good reason: getting there isn’t the easiest!
You have two options:
- Pay an entry fee at the Mexicana Villa Hotel, which provides direct and safe access.
- Take the path from Bacocho Beach, but only attempt this during low tide, as it can be risky.
Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a secluded paradise, perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, and escaping the crowds.
6. Carrizalillo, The Pretty One
To reach this stunning horseshoe-shaped cove, you’ll need to descend around 150 steps—but trust me, it’s worth every step!
Not only is Playa Carrizalillo one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Escondido, but it’s also the best spot for beginner surfers.
The gentle, rolling waves make it an ideal place to take surf lessons, with several schools offering rentals and classes right on the beach.
Just keep in mind: what goes down must come up! Carrying your surfboard back up the stairs at the end of the day might be the toughest part of your session!
7. Bacocho, The Wild Beach
This is my favorite beach, even though it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Vast, and wild, Playa Bacocho is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful sunset, take a long solitary walk, or even practice meditation, surrounded by nothing but the sound of the waves.
It’s also one of the best spots for baby turtle release activities, a magical experience that allows you to help these little creatures make their way to the ocean.
However, swimming here is not recommended—the currents are extremely strong, making the waters dangerous even for experienced swimmers.
8. Principal, Central Puerto Escondido Beach
This is the locals’ favorite beach, as it’s the closest to the city center and easily accessible.
While it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, it’s a great spot to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, watch families enjoying the sea, and experience the lively atmosphere.
You’ll also find many restaurants and food stalls serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes, making it a perfect place to taste local flavors right by the water.
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!
ALSO READ: Puerto Escondido Tours You Can’t Miss
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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