Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide (2023)
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Puerto Escondido is blessed with eight unique beaches. Knowing the best beaches to visit in Puerto Escondido is important! In this post, I explain the differences between the beaches, what they’re best for, and how to find them.
Puerto Escondido is one of the most beautiful parts of Mexico. Why? The beaches!
We spent over two months living in Puerto Escondido and loved every second of it. And of course, the beaches played a big part in this!
How many towns do you know that are blessed with EIGHT incredible, unique beaches?! Each beach differs from the next, and you can have a different day out on each one.
Some of the beaches in Puerto Escondido are best suited for surfing, and some are known for calm waves for swimming. Some are full of locals, whilst others are full of backpackers and tourists.
Each beach attracts a different type of crowd, aims at a different budget, and is suited to a different type of person.
So, let’s discuss the best beaches in Puerto Escondido to make sure your trip is the best it can be!
This post is part of a beaches in Puerto Escondido series:
- Best Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Complete Guide
- Playa Carrizalillo: Ultimate First Timer Guide
- Playa Manzanillo, Puerto Escondido: Ultimate Guide
- Playa Bacocho: Everything You Need To Know
Did you know?
‘Playa’ is Spanish for beach, and is used in the name of most beaches across Mexico.
Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido: A Summary
Puerto Escondido is located in the state of Oaxaca, and is on the south Pacific coast of Mexico. That means the water is warm, clear, and blue and the weather is hot all year round.
Regardless of the beach you end up visiting in Puerto Escondido, it will be beautiful. Some offer great views of the sunset, whilst some have some of the clearest, bluest water I’ve ever seen. And some are home to giant iguanas!
It’s good to know that:
- All beaches in Puerto Escondido are sand.
- There are no sharks in Puerto Escondido.
- There are no jellyfish in Puerto Escondido (well, a 99% chance there aren’t).
- Swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing and surfing are popular activities in Puerto Escondido.
- Dolphins and whales both live in the surrounding waters of Puerto Escondido.
- Oaxaca is home to 4 species of sea turtles, one of which you can release on the beach yourself!
- Some beaches have water that is not suitable to swim in, due to the waves. Puerto Escondido is home to world-class surfing beaches, and they’re not the kind of waves you want to get swept up in!
Need help getting to Puerto Escondido? Check out my post: Getting Around Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide
Disclaimer: Global warming, erosion, and change; happens. The information in this post at the time of writing is accurate. But the weather, the height of the waves and the placement of rocks – can change.
The 8 Main Beaches in Puerto Escondido
Before we go into detail about each of the beaches, here is a quick overview of each one.
- Bacocho – long, sandy beach where the turtles are released.
- Coral – small, hidden beach with clear blue swimming water.
- Carrizalillo – is known as the ‘prettiest’ beach in Puerto, with incredible sunset views.
- Angelito – a popular spot with locals, with many restaurants and boats docked here.
- Manzanillo – sandy beach with restaurants and a beach club.
- Principal – another popular, busy beach with locals.
- Zicatela – is the biggest beach, best known for its surfing and giant waves.
- La Punta – most popular with backpackers and young tourists.
Not sure of which area to stay in Puerto Escondido? Check out my complete area guide here!
1. Playa Bacocho
🏖️ Best for: Releasing baby turtles, a long stretch of sandy beach that never gets too busy. Perfect for quietly reading a book and shutting off from the world.
📍 Location: North of Puerto Escondido centre
🌅 Sunset view: Yes
🤑 Budget: High
🚽 Facilities: Toilets are located near the main car park (next to the turtle release centre). No sunloungers and very little shade. A lifeguard (sometimes).
🏊♂ Swimming?: Sometimes. There is a lifeguard on duty most days at Playa Bacocho, but sometimes the waves are too big to swim here. Make sure to always check the signs before getting in the water (‘no nadar’ means no swimming).
🏄 Surfing?: Yes, although no surf clubs or classes run here.
🍔 Best restaurant: Villa Sol Beach Club ($$$)
🏨 Where to stay: Posada Real Puerto Escondido
Playa Bacocho is one of the biggest beaches in Puerto Escondido and stretches a giant 25km. Most people visit Playa Bacocho for the turtle release, or for a quiet day of sunbathing and relaxing.
The waves here are usually too big to swim in, but you might find some calmer times for you to take a quick dip! There is very little shade on Playa Bacocho, so make sure you bring a parasol to shield you from the sun if you’re planning on making a day of it.
We visited Playa Bacocho a few times and always found it to be the quietest beach. I think this is a combination of not being able to swim, there being very little shade and few restaurants or bars around.
Playa Bacoho is also the furthest beach from Centro. If you’re coming from La Punta, Zicatela, Rinconada or Centro, it’s best to get a taxi or colectivo. Walking from Centro would take 30-40 minutes up and down hills, and we didn’t want to do that in the midday sun!
If you’re an experienced surfer, Playa Bacocho is a peaceful spot to catch some waves. But if you’re a beginner, I’d stick to beaches with calmer water.
Check out my full Playa Bacocho guide here!
2. Playa Coral
🏖️ Best for: blue, clear waters, calm waves to swim in, white sand and giant palm trees. It is one of the best-hidden gems in Puerto Escondido.
📍 Location: North of Puerto Escondido centre, right next to Playa Bacocho. Access is via either the Villa Mexicana Hotel (80 pesos) or scrambling across rocks from Playa Bacocho.
🌅 Sunset view: Yes
🤑 Budget: Low
🚽 Facilities: Toilets are located in the hotel, as well as a burger and refreshment bar. No sun loungers are available, so take your own parasol and towel to lay on.
🏊♂ Swimming?: Yes
🏄 Surfing?: No
🍔 Best restaurant: Villa Mexicana Hotel (a beer and a burger costs 80 pesos)
🏨 Where to stay: Las Turquezas, Rinconada
Playa Coral is still one of the most ‘hidden’ beaches in Puerto Escondido, as it’s a bit of a task to get there. Access is only via the rocks between Coral and Playa Bacocho, or the Villa Mexicana Hotel, where you have to pay 80 pesos to enter. This fee does cover the cost of a beer and a water, or a water and a burger, as well as beach access all day.
Playa Coral has turquoise blue water, with waves that are big enough to swim in but not get swept away by! Snorkelling is a popular activity here, as there are colourful fish and the water is clear.
We really enjoyed our time at Playa Coral, as it was peaceful and quiet, but still had a good atmosphere. Many people had their own speakers and brought their own beers, and set up camp to stay for the day. Even on a busy Sunday afternoon, there were no more than 30 people on the entire beach.
Note that there is barely any shade on Playa Coral, and no sun loungers are available, so make sure to bring a parasol.
If you’re crossing the rocks from Bacocho over to Playa Coral, keep your eye out for giant iguanas. Many live and sunbathe in between the rocks here!
3. Playa Carrizalillo
🏖️ Best for: sunset views, big waves that are still suitable for swimming, glistening blue water, live music and a fun atmosphere
📍 Location: North of Centro, in the middle of the Rinconada restaurant strip. Access is via 200 steps which lead directly onto the beach.
🌅 Sunset view: Yes – one of the best in Puerto Escondido
🤑 Budget: Medium
🚽 Facilities: Sunloungers, a lifeguard, bars and toilets.
🏊♂ Swimming?: Yes. Make sure to always check the signs before getting in the water (‘no nadar’ means no swimming).
🏄 Surfing?: Yes
🍔 Best restaurant/bar closeby: Espadin Restaurant, or El Cafecito in Rinconada. The beach bars only serve drinks or bar snacks, and close at 5pm.
🏨 Where to stay: Las Turquezas, Rinconada
Playa Carrizalillo is known as the ‘prettiest’ beach in Puerto Escondido, and it was by far our favourite. Access is via around 200 steps, and as you descend, you’ll have some of the best views of the sunset in Puerto Escondido.
Carrizalillo has white, soft sand, and clear, turquoise waters full of colourful fish and sea life. It’s surrounded by palm trees, cliffs and postcard-esque scenery. It really is one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido.
With medium-sized waves, it’s perfect for beginner surfers, and many lessons take place here. You will often see lessons happening on the sand, whilst someone else is playing the guitar for the sunbathers.
The atmosphere is best at sunset, as both backpackers and locals congregate here to watch the sky turn from blue to blood-orange and deep pink.
If you do visit during the day, sun loungers cost around 300 pesos, which is way out of a backpacker’s budget! If I’m honest, I refuse to pay over £12 for a sunlounger (and you get kicked off at 5pm), so we always took our own towel and parasol.
Check out my full Playa Carrizalillo guide here!
4. Playa Angelito
🏖️ Best for: locals and Mexican tourists wanting to swim and snorkel.
📍 Location: Around a 10 minute walk from Centro, just before the Rinconada restaurant strip. Angelito uses the same entrance as Manzanillo.
🌅 Sunset view: No.
🤑 Budget: Medium.
🚽 Facilities: Sun loungers available, restaurants and toilets.
🏊♂ Swimming?: Yes. Make sure to always check the signs before getting in the water (‘no nadar’ means no swimming).
🏄 Surfing?: No.
🍔 Best restaurant: Los Buzos, or El Cafecito in Rinconada
🏨 Where to stay: Las Turquezas, Rinconada
Angelito is a small fishing bay with many docked boats which leave regularly for fishing, dolphin and banana boat trips. The beach is often full of locals and Mexican tourists, and it can get quite busy.
We enjoyed our time at Angelito, but as British backpackers, we did feel a bit outnumbered! Of course, we still felt welcome (we’ve never felt unwelcome anywhere in Mexico) but it was clear it was more of a Mexican family-friendly beach than for tourists.
They often set up volleyball courts and inflatable goals in the water for big games (although my Spanish was too poor to ever join in!)
Angelito has calm, clear water, with very few waves. However, because many boats are docked here, it can get a bit dirtier than other beaches. But don’t let this put you off – many people still swim here and it’s still clear and blue on a sunny day!
5. Playa Manzanillo
🏖️ Best for: calm, shallow waters with lots of restaurants.
📍 Location: Right next to Angelito, and can be accessed either via steps or Playa Angelito. Take a left at the ‘crossroads’ instead of right.
🌅 Sunset view: Partial
🤑 Budget: Medium-high
🚽 Facilities: Toilets in restaurants, sun loungers available
🏊♂ Swimming?: Yes. Make sure to always check the signs before getting in the water (‘no nadar’ means no swimming).
🏄 Surfing?: No
🍔 Best restaurant: Colores Restaurant and Beach Lounge, or El Cafecito in Rinconada
🏨 Where to stay: Las Turquezas, Rinconada
Manzanillo is another beach full of locals, with a few backpackers and tourists.
The main entrance is via Av. Hidalgo, and is around a 5-minute walk from the Rinconada restaurant strip. Getting down to the beach itself is easier than Carrizallilo, and you will need to take a left at the Angelito and Manzanillo ‘crossroads’.
Access to the beach is via around 15 descending steps, which do not have a handlebar but are quite well maintained. There is also a steep hill for easier accessibility (but on a hot day, can be a killer!)
Playa Manzanillo is full of restaurants, colourful parasols and old-school plastic chairs lining the beachfront. There’s also a small, funky beach club with a DJ, and a few locals selling coconuts.
You can’t see the sunset entirely from here, but you can see it peeping through the palm trees on a clear day. The water isn’t the cleanest as the docked boats are closeby, but it’s still clear and blue on a sunny day.
Check out my full Playa Manzanillo guide here!
6. Playa Principal
🏖️ Best for: popular with local and Mexican families. Expect fresh fish served in restaurants, and major boat and fishing trips to start from here.
📍 Location: 10 minute walk from Centro Puerto Escondido, just before the start of Zicatela beach.
🌅 Sunset view: No
🤑 Budget: Medium
🚽 Facilities: Toilets, restaurants and plastic chairs with parasols for rent. Lots of surrounding shops and convenience stores. Lifeguard (sometimes).
🏊♂ Swimming?: Yes. Make sure to always check the signs before getting in the water (‘no nadar’ means no swimming).
🏄 Surfing?: No
🏨 Where to stay: Bungalows Zicatela
Playa Principal is another popular beach full of locals and Mexican tourists. It’s a small curved bay, just before Zicatela begins, where many boats are docked and fishing tours start from.
There’s no lack in amenities here – Playa Principal is full of restaurants, shops, and is well-located to Centro and the biggest market in Puerto Escondido, Benito Juárez Municipal Market.
When we visited, it was hard to find a spot to sit down, as most of the area is taken over by plastic tables and chairs where large groups congregate. However, it had a fun atmosphere, and was perfect for an evening stroll along the ocean!
7. Playa Zicatela
🏖️ Best for: surfing, good restaurants and bars, relaxing on the beach with a book.
📍 Location: Zicatela is 3.5km long, in the middle of Puerto Escondido. The most popular part of the beach is the northern area.
🌅 Sunset view: Yes
🤑 Budget: Medium-high.
🚽 Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, and some bars have sun loungers to hire.
🏊♂ Swimming?: No.
🏄 Surfing?: Yes, but only for advanced surfers
🍔 Best restaurant: Amarisa Cafe or El Cafecito
🏨 Where to stay: Bungalows Zicatela
Zicatela is the most well-known beach in Puerto Escondido, and is famous for hosting world-class surfing competitions due to the giant sized waves.
As the water isn’t suitable for swimming, make sure you bring a parasol for when you’re sunbathing on the beach. Like many other beaches in Puerto Escondido, there is little shade on Zicatela, and the shade that there is can get overcrowded.
If there are any large events or activities happening in Puerto Escondido, they will more than likely be held on Zicatela Beach. There is usually something going on somewhere on the beach, from ball games to music events and food competitions.
If I’m honest, we preferred smaller beaches like Carrizalillo and La Punta to Zicatela. Not being able to swim in the water is unbearable when it’s so hot, so we didn’t visit Zicatela often.
NOTE: There may be times when Zicatela is safe to swim in, but in general, the waves are too big, and the undercurrent is too dangerous. Always check the beach signposts before entering the water.
8. Playa La Punta
🏖️ Best for: backpackers wanting to meet other backpackers. Known for it’s surfing, sunset views and have a fun, chilled-back atmosphere.
📍 Location: La Punta is south of Zicatela beach. From Centro or Rinconada, you will need to take a taxi or scooter.
🌅 Sunset view: Yes, another one of the best places for sunset views in Puerto Escondido
🤑 Budget: Medium-high
🚽 Facilities: Lots of surrounding shops, bars and restaurants. Sun loungers are available.
🏊♂ Swimming?: Yes. Make sure to always check the signs before getting in the water (‘no nadar’ means no swimming).
🏄 Surfing?: Yes, and it is a great place for beginner surfers.
🍔 Best restaurant: Pepe’s Fish Tacos
🏨 Where to stay: Bonita Escondida – for backpackers | Villa La Marquesa – couples
La Punta (Brisas De Zicaleta) is the best beach in Puerto Escondido for backpackers and tourists. If you’re looking to make friends, have a good night out, try surfing or play volleyball, La Punta is for you.
Playa La Punta is also one of the best spots in Puerto Escondido for the sunset. Around 4pm, the beach begins to fill out with backpackers on the sand, whether in groups or solo. There are a few small surrounding shops to buy beers to keep costs down and have a cheap night watching the sunset on La Punta.
Surfing is popular here because of the consistent wave off the point. You can either book a lesson or hire a board along the beach.
It’s rare you will find locals or Mexican tourists here, as it seems to have been taken over by the backpacking population of Mexico! Backpackers tend to get sucked into the ‘La Punta bubble’, so if you’re visiting, make sure you check out the other beaches too!
But I’ll be honest, we loved La Punta. The energy is chilled and relaxed, and has a ‘hippy’ vibe to it. Swinging in a hammock on the beach with a beer on La Punta will always be one of my favourites.
Which beach is best in Puerto Escondido?
Playa Carrizalillo is the most beautiful and picture-perfect beach in Puerto Escondido. It has clear, turquoise waters suitable for swimming and surfing, and has some of the best sunset views in the area. The sand is white and soft, and the water is warm enough to swim in all year round.
There are also restaurants for you to dine in, and bars for you to buy cold coconuts and beers.
But, it’s important to note that the ‘best beach’ is personal preference. If you’re an advanced surfer, Playa Zicatela may be the best beach for you. Or if you’re a solo backpacker looking to make friends, La Punta may be the best beach. Make sure to read all of this post to find the best beach in Puerto Escondido for you.
Looking for the best sunset spots in Puerto Escondido? Check out my post: Where To Watch The Sunset in Puerto Escondido.
What is the main beach in Puerto Escondido?
Playa Zicatela is the main beach in Puerto Escondido, and stretches 3.5km long. It is best known for its surfing and giant waves, making it unsafe to swim in. Playa Zicatela is surrounded by restaurants, bars, cafes and shops, making it the perfect place to stay in Puerto Escondido.
Other Puerto Escondido posts:
- Turtle Release Puerto Escondido, Playa Bacocho
- How To Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
- Puerto Escondido in November: Weather, Tips + More
- Can You Drink The Water In Puerto Escondido?
- Getting Around Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide
Can I swim in Puerto Escondido?
Yes, although not every beach is suitable for swimming in Puerto Escondido. Some of the waves are too big, and are only suitable for advanced surfers. The best beaches to swim in are Manzanillo, Carrizalillo, Angelito and Coral. Sea water in Puerto Escondido is warm, 365 days a year.
Is Puerto Escondido a party town?
It can be! It depends on what you want to make of your trip to Puerto Escondido. If you want to party, head to areas like La Punta and Zicatela. If you prefer a more low-key trip, stick to Centro, Rinconada and northern Zicatela.
Where to stay in Puerto Escondido
🛏️ Best hostel in Puerto Escondido for backpackers: Book here
If you’re a solo traveller and looking to party in Puerto Escondido, I recommend this hostel in La Punta. It’s known for its wild events and activities, has its own pool and isn’t far from the beach.
Getting around Puerto Escondido is easy, and if you prefer one area to another, taxis are cheap and widely available.
There are also some amazing hotels in Puerto Escondido, and if you have the budget, I highly recommend checking them out!
Getting around Puerto Escondido
Getting around Puerto Esconido is easy, and most commonly either by scooter, colectivo or taxi. It is possible to walk, but journeys like La Punta to Bacocho would take a couple of hours, and it’s HOT!
If you need to know the ins and outs of getting around Puerto Escondido, check out my post: Getting Around Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide.
Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best beaches in Puerto Escondido!
When you’re planning a trip to Puerto Escondido, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
