Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido’s best beaches give travelers an amazing mix of coastal experiences in one of Mexico’s trendiest, growing destinations. Visitors can explore a different beach each day for a week and still have extra shorelines to find. This Oaxacan paradise boasts nine beautiful sandy beaches, each with its own character and charm.

Playa Zicatela, the “Mexican Pipeline”, stands out with waves that reach an impressive 40+ feet high. The calm waters of Playa Carrizalillo make it Puerto Escondido’s best spot for swimming, lounging, and surfing. Professional surfers flock here between April and October for international competitions to tackle some of the world’s largest waves. The local lifeguards rescue about 800 people yearly from these waters. That’s why picking the right beach based on your swimming skills matters so much. This piece reveals Puerto Escondido’s beach secrets, from hidden spots and local favorites to practical advice that will enhance your Oaxacan coastal adventure.

Playa Carrizalillo: The Hidden Gem with a Steep Price

Playa Carrizalillo sits in a gorgeous cove with green cliffs all around. This beach fascinates everyone who visits with its stunning beauty and cozy feel. The small crescent-shaped bay is different from other Puerto Escondido beaches and gives visitors a special experience with its pros and cons.

Why it’s the best beach in Puerto Escondido

Playa Carrizalillo shines as the true gem among Puerto Escondido’s beaches. The blue-green waters sparkle against golden sand and create a picture-perfect scene that amazes you right away. The waves here are much calmer than Zicatela’s powerful surf, which makes swimming safe for everyone.

The protected cove is a chance for new surfers to catch their first waves. These gentle swells give just enough excitement without overwhelming beginners. The rich marine life makes this spot great for snorkeling too. You might even see sea turtles gliding through the crystal-clear water.

Tall cliffs and palm trees frame the beach. This creates a private paradise feel even though downtown Puerto Escondido is just minutes away. Beach cafés serve fresh seafood and cool drinks right to your chair. You won’t need to leave the sand all day. The beach becomes one of Oaxacan coast’s most magical spots as the sun sets.

The 160-step descent no one warns you about

Tourist guides show off Carrizalillo’s beauty but rarely mention the work it takes to reach this hidden spot. You can only get to the beach by walking down about 160 steep steps. Some say there are 167 steps. Whatever the exact number, you should be ready for quite a climb.

The cliff-side staircase gives amazing views during your trip down. In spite of that, these challenging stairs naturally keep some people away. This helps the beach stay peaceful. Most healthy adults can handle the walk down with a few stops to catch their breath. The climb back up can be tough after spending time in the sun.

People with mobility issues or young kids might find this beach hard to access. Families should bring only what they need to avoid carrying too much back up. The stairs might seem like a problem at first, but regular visitors see them as part of what makes Carrizalillo special. They help keep this place a hidden treasure.

Best time to visit to avoid crowds

The beach gets busy despite the stairs, especially in peak season. The small bay fills up fast. The most peaceful time here is early morning when fewer people are around and the sun isn’t too hot.

Morning visits give you the calmest waters. This is the best time to snorkel and paddleboard. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends. If you plan to come later, remember that most beach businesses, including bars and chair rentals, close at 5:00 PM.

Sunset is another magical time to visit, though you’ll share the view with others. The colors reflecting on the water create a scene worth sharing. The best months to visit Puerto Escondido are November through March. These months have nice temperatures and less rain.

Playa Manzanillo & Puerto Angelito: Calm Waters, Busy Shores

A scenic coastal walkway connects Playa Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito. These two beaches give visitors completely different experiences in one spot. You’ll find a quieter side of Puerto Escondido here compared to the surfing beaches. The sheltered bays create peaceful waters that feel just like natural swimming pools.

Ideal for families and snorkeling

These beaches are different from Puerto Escondido’s other spots. Both Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito have calm waters that make them perfect destinations for families who want safe places to swim. The waves here are the calmest in the area – great for swimmers of all skill levels. The water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom and watch the marine life below.

Snorkeling here is amazing, especially when you have coral reefs near the rocky cliffs that border these peaceful bays. You’ll spot colorful fish and sea creatures in their natural home at both beaches. Need gear? You can easily rent equipment right on the beach.

These bays aren’t just for swimming and snorkeling. Puerto Angelito serves as a launch point for boat tours where you might see whales (December to March), dolphins, and sea turtles that love these waters. The beaches give you a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure all in one spot.

What to expect from the beach vendors

The beaches buzz with activity as vendors walk the sand selling their goods. You’ll see people offering souvenirs, including coral and seashells. Local fishermen might ask if you want to head out for fishing lessons, wildlife spotting, or sunset cruises.

Several restaurants and bars line the beach, and they all compete to offer the best umbrellas and lounge chairs. Most places just ask you to buy food or drinks to use their seating – much better than the minimum spending rules at other beaches. Fresh seafood and local dishes come at fair prices since the competition keeps costs reasonable.

Tourism agents walk these beaches too, ready to tell you about adventures around Puerto Escondido. The vendors can be persistent, but they’re part of what makes these beaches authentic.

How to choose between the two beaches

Though connected and similar, each beach has its own character that helps you pick the right spot:

Playa Manzanillo wins for swimming since fewer boats anchor near the shore. The atmosphere here stays more laid-back than its neighbor. Snorkelers should check out the left side by the rocks. Families looking for calm waters will love this beach, and it’s even better on weekday mornings when crowds are thin.

Puerto Angelito ranks as the second busiest spot for fishing boats after Bahía Principal. The beach has more action – you’ll see fishermen pulling up their boats and fixing nets. This is your best bet if you want to book a boat tour.

Both beaches get packed, particularly on weekends and during tourist season. Early birds get the best experience. Since these small bays have limited space, showing up early means better chances at good seats in the beachfront restaurants.

Many visitors spend a whole day exploring both beaches. Each spot has its own charm, and together they rank among the best swimming beaches in Puerto Escondido.

Playa Bacocho: Where Solitude Meets Turtle Magic

Playa Bacocho stretches almost 25 kilometers along the shoreline and stands out as one of Puerto Escondido’s best beaches. The beach’s tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty create an ideal setting for visitors who want solitude and amazing sunsets on this expansive strip of golden sand.

Why it’s not for swimming

The beach’s powerful oceanic conditions make swimming extremely dangerous at Playa Bacocho. You’ll find towering waves and strong undercurrents that make this beach unsafe for casual swimmers. Local lifeguards warn visitors to stay out of the water, and “no nadar” (no swimming) signs are posted at beach entrances. The water’s edge can be treacherous since unexpected waves often catch people off guard. Some experienced beachgoers might find calmer moments to take brief dips, but they should ask on-duty lifeguards about the safest spots first.

The turtle release experience

The sort of thing I love about Playa Bacocho is its daily turtle release program run by Vivemar Sanctuary. Visitors gather at 5:00 PM to help release baby turtles into the Pacific Ocean. The program costs 150 pesos per person (about 8.50 USD) at the time of high season (October-April). Participants should arrive at 4:30 PM to hear a bilingual presentation about the sanctuary’s conservation work before each person gets a baby turtle in a coconut shell to carry to the shoreline. This ethical release process helps save endangered Olive Ridley and Green sea turtles. The sanctuary has released more than 500,000 turtles into the Pacific Ocean in the last four years.

How to access Playa Coral from here

Swimming enthusiasts can reach Playa Coral’s calmer waters right from Bacocho. The path to get there starts at Bacocho Beach’s eastern end and goes around the headland. The walk takes just 5-10 minutes but includes climbing over some large boulders. Another option lets visitors enter through two hotels on the cliff above Coral Beach—Villa Mexicana or La Coral Beach House—usually for a small fee. The trek is worth it because Playa Coral has substantially calmer waters with crystal-clear visibility. The excellent snorkeling opportunities make it a perfect complement to Bacocho’s vast shoreline.

Playa Zicatela & La Punta: Surf, Sunsets, and Surprises

Puerto Escondido’s southern stretch features two distinct yet connected beaches. Playa Zicatela and La Punta draw different crowds to their golden shores. These beaches represent opposite ends of the surf spectrum and attract both professional wave-riders and casual beachgoers.

Zicatela: Not for the faint-hearted swimmer

Playa Zicatela, nicknamed the “Mexican Pipeline,” showcases some of Mexico’s most challenging waves. Giant, powerful swells reach heights of 15 feet. The Southern Swell creates the strongest waves between May and August, drawing international surfing competitions.

These magnificent waves hide dangerous undertows beneath their surface. The beach has claimed at least three lives since 2007. Even experienced swimmers face serious risks here. Most visitors stay safe by watching the spectacular surfing action from the shore instead of venturing into the water.

La Punta: The boho vibe and what’s changing fast

La Punta sits at Playa Zicatela’s southernmost tip. The waves here are gentler, making them perfect for intermediate surfers and beginners. This hook-shaped beach’s relaxed, bohemian atmosphere attracts more international travelers each year.

La Punta has evolved from its unpaved roads and barefoot-friendly hippie roots. Juice bars, vegan restaurants, and yoga retreats now fill the area. The beach comes alive each evening as crowds gather for stunning sunsets. Fire performers, guitar players, and drum circles create magical moments under the darkening sky.

Where to eat and drink like a local

Local food spots serve up amazing flavors:

Fish Shack hides down an ocean-view alleyway. People rave about their fish sandwich, calling it “the best fried fish sandwich of your entire life”. The shrimp and octopus tacos also deserve special mention.

Chicama blends Peruvian and Mexican flavors beautifully. Their Peruvian ceviche paired with passion fruit mezcalita creates magic on your taste buds. Pinches Tacos offers great value, with their arrachera (flank steak) tacos stealing the show.

Bar La Punta serves refreshing cocktails with beachfront views. Visitors can sip drinks while watching the sun sink into the Pacific. Many call this daily spectacle a life-changing experience.

Playa Coral & Playa Marinero: Secluded or Social?

The best beaches in Puerto Escondido feature Playa Coral and Playa Marinero. These beaches stand at opposite ends of the spectrum – one secluded, one social – yet both give beach enthusiasts an exceptional experience.

How to access Playa Coral without paying

Playa Bacocho’s turtle release center marks the starting point of the free route to Playa Coral. A 500-meter walk to the left leads to an area with large boulders. The path demands climbing over jagged rocks while dodging giant iguanas and incoming waves. Visitors who want easier access can pay 80 pesos through Villa Mexicana Hotel, which gets them water and either a beer or burger. Local residents choose the free route to avoid supporting beach privatization.

Why Playa Marinero is underrated

Playa Marinero sits between Playa Principal and Zicatela, creating a perfect middle ground with smaller waves that suit body surfing. The beach’s restaurants provide lounge chairs and umbrellas at 300 pesos, which visitors can use toward their food and drinks. Professional lifeguards watch over Playa Marinero’s waters, making it one of the town’s safest swimming spots. The beach’s spectacular sunset views pair perfectly with fresh sashimi and margaritas at beachfront establishments.

Safety tips for both beaches

Safety remains crucial at both locations. Playa Coral’s steep drop-off creates possible undercurrents, so swimmers must stay alert. Water shoes are a great way to get comfortable exploration at Coral because of the many rocks beneath the surface. Marinero’s swimmers need to watch for incoming fishing boats that frequently dock along the shore.

Summing all up

Puerto Escondido showcases an array of coastal experiences, and each beach tells its own story. The calm, crystal-clear waters of Playa Carrizalillo challenge visitors with a 160-step descent. Professional surfers worldwide flock to Zicatela’s thrilling monster waves, giving beach-goers plenty of options.

Families with children will love Playa Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito’s gentle waters. These spots let you snorkel and explore vibrant marine ecosystems. Nature lovers might prefer Playa Bacocho’s expansive shores, especially when you have a chance to join the evening turtle release program that creates lasting memories.

La Punta’s bohemian atmosphere grows faster each year, making it perfect for travelers who want authentic experiences. The underrated Playa Marinero offers perfect body-surfing waves. Each beach has its own restaurants and vendors while keeping its unique character and appeal.

Your safety should guide beach selection. Some shores welcome beginners, while others command respect from a distance due to their powerful currents and massive waves. Lifeguards rescue about 800 people each year from Puerto Escondido’s waters – a stark reminder of the ocean’s power.

This Oaxacan paradise lets you chase thrilling surf adventures, find peaceful swimming coves, or watch baby turtles begin their path to the sea. Puerto Escondido’s nine beaches give you experiences that match every taste. Follow local guidance about swimming conditions and see why this place continues to fascinate visitors year after year.

Here are some FAQs about the best beaches in Puerto Escondido:

Is the water clear in Puerto Escondido?

The water clarity in Puerto Escondido varies by beach and season. Many of the swimmable beaches in puerto escondido, particularly those in sheltered bays, often have clear and inviting water, especially during the calmer summer months.

Where is the best beach for snorkeling in Puerto Escondido?

Playa Carrizalillo is often considered the best beach for snorkeling due to its protected cove and rocky outcrops that attract marine life. It is one of the best swimming beaches in puerto escondido where the water is typically calmer and clearer, making it ideal for observing fish.

Is Sayulita or Puerto Escondido better?

Whether Sayulita or Puerto Escondido is better depends on a traveler’s preference for a relaxed surf town versus a more rugged coastal experience. Puerto Escondido is renowned for its powerful waves and stunning beaches in puerto escondido, while Sayulita offers a more bohemian, village atmosphere.

Which beach is best for beginner surfers in Puerto Escondido?

Playa La Punta (Zicatela) and Playa Carrizalillo are often recommended for beginner surfers due to their generally smaller and more manageable waves. These are among the best swimming beaches in puerto escondido for those looking to learn surfing in a forgiving environment.

What’s better, Tulum or Puerto Escondido?

Tulum is known for its boutique hotels and Mayan ruins, while Puerto Escondido is famous for its world-class surfing and natural beauty. The choice depends on whether you prefer a more developed tourist scene or the raw, authentic charm of the beaches in puerto escondido.

What’s the prettiest beach in Mexico?

While opinions vary, beaches like Playa del Amor in Marietas Islands and Tulum’s beaches are often cited among the prettiest. However, the rugged beauty of the best beaches to visit in puerto escondido, such as Playa Zicatela and Playa Carrizalillo, certainly places them high on many lists.

Is there a playa coral in Puerto Escondido?

There is no well-known beach named Playa Coral within the main tourist areas of Puerto Escondido. The most popular swimmable beaches in puerto escondido include Playa Principal, Playa Manzanillo, and the famous Playa Zicatela.

Is Puerto Escondido a nice beach?

Puerto Escondido is home to several very nice beaches, each offering a different experience from swimming to surfing. It is a destination known for its variety of swimmable beaches in puerto escondido that cater to different types of travelers and water activities.

Which is better, Huatulco or Puerto Escondido?

Huatulco is known for its developed resort bays and cruise ship port, offering a more tranquil experience. Puerto Escondido provides a more rustic, surf-oriented vibe with a famous stretch of beaches in puerto escondido, making it better for travelers seeking adventure and a lively atmosphere.

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