Puerto Escondido Beaches are by far some of the best beaches in Mexico!
Puerto Escondido has made its mark on the map for its world-renowned surf beaches at Playa Zicatela but also plays home to some more calm and secluded beaches such as Playa Bacocho.
To avoid any confusion, Playa is the Mexican word for Beach.
We’ve put together this ultimate guide to the 10 Best Puerto Escondido Beaches including where to find them and what to expect at each one.
Also in this guide, we’ve included some useful information on how to get to Puerto Escondido, where to stay, how to get around, and the best time to visit!
QUICK ANSWERS: PUERTO ESCONDIDO BEACHES
Let’s start this guide with the essentials you should know about visiting the beaches in Puerto Escondido.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO?
The best beaches in town are:
- Carizalillo Beach
- La Punta Beach
- Zicatela Beach
One of the best beaches for those who want to learn how to surf is Carizalillo. This lovely beach is also perfect for a dip, making it one of the best swimming beaches Puerto Escondido offers.
For experienced surfers, the best choice is La Punta, where you can catch some amazing waves. This beach is also the most popular spot for watching the magical sunset that graces Puerto Escondido.
Zicatela is another famous beach in this part of Mexico. At 3.5 km / 2.1 mi long, it’s perfect for beach walks and catching the fantastic sunset that forms a beautiful backdrop against the waves.
ARE THE BEACHES IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO WORTH IT?
Puerto Escondido is undoubtedly one of Mexico’s most spectacular beach destinations and one that should definitely be on the bucket list of beach lovers out there.
The beaches in Puerto Escondido are known for their stunning beauty, turquoise waters, and golden powdery sand that you’ll instantly fall in love with.
ARE PUERTO ESCONDIDO BEACHES SAFE?
Absolutely, Puerto Escondido beaches are among the safest in the world. With 72 miles of coastline, the beaches are patrolled by experienced lifeguards.
You can bask in the sunshine, swim, surf, and enjoy all sorts of water sports with peace of mind, which is another reason why tourists and expats love this beach town so much.
WHAT ARE THE BEACHES IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO FAMOUS FOR?
The beaches in Puerto Escondido are famous for a variety of reasons: surfing, swimming, safety, and overall enjoyment.
Whether you’re a solo backpacker looking to catch some waves, or a family seeking a tranquil and safe spot to play in the sun, Puerto Escondido offers something for everyone.
Also, if that’s your cup of tea, you’ll want to pass by Playa Coral, a nudist beach Puerto Escondido offers.
10 BEST BEACHES IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO
So without further ado, here is the ultimate guide to the 10 Best Beaches In Puerto Escondido that are not to be missed during your visit.
1. PLAYA ZICATELA
Zicatela Beach is the most famous Puerto Escondido beach and the perfect place to start your adventures in this laid-back surf town on Mexico’s southwest coast.
Playa Zicatela boasts a whopping 3km stretch of white sand beach lined with coconut palms, beach bars, hotels, restaurants, and markets!
The best time to visit Zicatela Beach is in the late afternoon when the beach bars come alive, the water temperature is perfect for swimming and witnessing an unforgettable sunset over the horizon!
Mirador Romance de Verano can be found at the northern end of Zicatela Beach and is easily accessed by a set of concrete steps leading up to the top of the hill.
This epic panoramic viewpoint overlooks the entire bay at Zicatela Beach and you can also get beautiful views of the nearby Playa Principal (more about this below).
Playa Zicatela is sometimes referred to as the Mexican Pipeline, boasting large barrelling waves that wrap into the bay on a left-hand point break.
On a decent-sized swell, Playa Zicatela can see up to 10ft waves breaking into the bay and is recommended for experienced surfers only.
On a small swell, Playa Zicatela is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers when the waves are more mellow. If you don’t have your own surfboard, it’s possible to rent one from the surf shacks located down on the beach for around 150 MXN per hour.
RELATED ARTICLE: 25 THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO
The BEST Hotel in Puerto Escondido
Need a place to stay? Posada Real is conveniently located in Puerto Escondido.
Whether you’re here to explore around or relax in comfort, Posada Real is an excellent option!
2. PLAYA PRINCIPAL BEACH
Arguably the most popular beach in Puerto Escondido, Playa Principal is a great spot to swim, relax, and enjoy life with local Mexicans.
The beach is small and curved, just before Zicatela, with lots of shops and convenience stores all a short distance away.
Here, you can expect to find great seafood served up in the many restaurants, as well as boat and fishing trips that depart from the beach.
It’s also near the biggest market in town (Benito Juarez Market, one of the best places to eat in Puerto Escondido), so you can combine a day at the beach with a market visit.
However, finding a spot on the beach may be tough as the area is typically taken up by plastic tables and chairs.
Additionally, it’s important to always check for signs indicating whether it’s safe to swim as the water may not always be safe.
Last but not least, you can’t surf here, but you’ll find lots of facilities, such as toilets, chairs, and umbrellas to rent, and many convenience stores around, which makes it one of the Puerto Escondido best beaches.
3. PLAYA CARRIZALILLO
Playa Carrizalillo is the second-most popular Puerto Escondido Beach after Playa Zicatela, and the best swimming beach Puerto Escondido offers.
Featuring a secluded cove filled with lively beach bars, vibrant umbrellas, soft golden sands, medium-sized waves for surfers, and swaying coconut palms along the shoreline!
Sheltered by lush greenery in a secluded cove that is no more than 300 meters in length, this makes Carrazlillo one of the most idyllic Puerto Escondido Beaches.
The wide beach and shallow blue waters are the perfect combination for beach bumming and swimming in the ocean to cool off.
Once you’re done, you can seek shade under one of the many straw-thatched beach huts dotted along Playa Carrizalillo to grab a bite to eat and wash it all down with a cold Cerveza or a fresh coconut!
Playa Carrizalillo is not just for everyday beachgoers, it’s also a very popular spot for surfing, especially for beginners and intermediate surfers!
You can rent surfboards from one of the many surf shacks located down on this Puerto Escondido beach which costs 150 MXN per hour. There are shortboards, longboards, foamies, and bodyboards available to rent upon arriving at Playa Carrizalillo.
For beginner surfers, you can book surf lessons at Playa Carrizalillo with an experienced surf coach.
Playa Carrizalillo really is a hard-to-beat destination and it’s one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido to add to your list.
Full Blog Post: Playa Carrizalillo
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4. PLAYA BACOCHO
Playa Bacocho is hands-down our favorite beach in Puerto Escondido! Featuring an almost endless strip of glistening white sands and bluish-green waters, this makes Bacocho the longest and one of the most idyllic beaches in the region!
This long stretch of white sand beach in Puerto Escondido is the perfect spot for sunbaking and beach bumming, long walks along the sloping sandbank, and swimming in the ocean to cool off.
The waves and currents at Playa Bacocho can be quite strong at times so just be mindful of this before going for a dip. It’s best to ask the lifeguard on duty when you arrive to advise you where the safest spot is for swimming.
Apart from soaking up some sun on the shoreline, there are some awesome beach clubs down on Playa Bacocho that welcome guests outside.
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Villa Sol and Club de Cocos are the most popular beach clubs at Bacocho, both of which feature a palm tree fringed beach area, outdoor swimming pools, straw beach umbrellas, a restaurant, and a bar that overlooks the ocean. All they ask is that you spend a minimum of 200 MXN when visiting.
Another one of the best things to do at this beach in Puerto Escondido is to book the turtle releasing tour which is a daily activity between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm on the main beach.
The cost of the Playa Bacocho turtle releasing is around $30 USD per person which can be booked online in advance.
You can pick your own baby turtle hatchling to set free as you watch them scramble down the sandbank and take their first strokes in the ocean.
Just when you thought Playa Bacocho couldn’t get any better, every Wednesday night Villa Sol plays host to an open-air movie night down on the sands of Playa Bacocho.
The best thing about these beachfront movies on Playa Bacocho is that it’s completely FREE!
The movie typically kicks off at 7:00 pm so you can do the turtle releasing in the afternoon, watch the sunset from down on the beachfront, and then end the night with a movie under the stars.
Full Blog Post: Playa Bacocho
BEST PUERTO ESCONDIDO TOUR
The best tour you can join is the Baby Sea Turtle Release in Puerto Escondido!
It includes hotel transfers, National Park fees, and a fun guide.
5. PLAYA CORAL
Playa Coral is one of the most untouched beaches along this stretch of coastline and it’s not to be missed.
Featuring a secluded bay with calm waters, sugary soft sands and lush green surrounds. I think it’s safe to say that Playa Coral Puerto Escondido is a slice of paradise!
Playa Coral features a tucked-away little cove surrounded by lush greenery and what seems to be an abandoned hotel.
There are fewer waves breaking in the cove at Playa Coral which makes it an ideal spot to go swimming, snorkeling, and beach bumming on the edge of the shoreline.
Playa Coral is known as the nude beach in Puerto Escondido, so bear this in mind when taking photos. If you feel like getting your kit out, this nude beach Puerto Escondido is the perfect spot to do it!
Do note that there are currently no beach bars or restaurants at Playa Coral, so it’s best to pre-pack lunch and some drinks if you plan to spend some time on this Puerto Escondido nude beach.
Full Blog Post: Playa Coral
6. PLAYA ANGELITO
Puerto Angelito is another top favorite of ours and definitely not to be missed on your list of Puerto Escondido beaches to see!
Featuring a small idyllic cove filled with a few fishing boats, a dozen beach bars, and calm waters making it the perfect location for a day of beach bumming, swimming, and snorkeling!
There are not one but two epic beaches that lie in the same crescent-shaped bay at this location. One is, of course, Playa Angelito and the other is Playa Manzanillo. Depending on what you feel like doing, each end of the bay offers something different for everyone.
Playa Puerto Angelito is good for grabbing a bite to eat and drink from one of the beachfront restaurants, exploring the rocky headland on the northern end, swimming in the calm waters in the bay, or joining in on a boat tour along the coastline of Puerto Escondido.
There are a number of boat operators offering tours up and down the coastline and to other nearby beaches for around 150 MXN per person and also banana boat rides for 80 MXN per person. So if you’re up for a fun-fuelled adventure, this is the perfect opportunity to get your fix!
Snorkeling and free-diving are also popular activities to do at Puerto Angelito boasting beautiful corals, an abundance of marine life, warm waters, and great visibility underneath the surface.
From Puerto Angelito, walk to the southern end of the bay and around the rocky outcrops to reach Playa Manzanillo. Featuring another secluded cove lined with swaying coconut palms and a few beach shacks serving up ice-cold beers, and local cuisine and boasts the ultimate laid-back beach vibes!
Read below to know more about this other best beach Puerto Escondido offers – Playa Manzanillo.
Full Blog Post: Playa Angelito
7. MANZANILLO BEACH
Another of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido is Manzanillo. With calm and shallow waters, it’s an ideal spot for families and those looking to take a relaxing dip.
The beach boasts an array of restaurants where you can enjoy local delicacies after a refreshing swim. It takes about a five-minute walk from the Rinconada restaurant strip to get to the main entrance of the beach, which is located right next to Angelito.
As mentioned previously, you can get here from Playa Angelito, and there are only about 15 steps between both beaches, which is convenient.
There are fewer boats in the cove at Playa Manzanillo, and it’s ideal to go swimming here as opposed to Playa Angelito.
There are no waves, the water is calm, and it’s one of the best beaches for taking a dip to cool off.
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8. PLAYA LA PUNTA
Next on our list is Playa La Punta, a must-visit beach known for its popular surfing, sunset views, and chilled-back atmosphere – this beach is the perfect spot to have a good time.
Located south of Zicatela Beach, La Punta offers plenty of facilities like shops, bars, restaurants, and sun loungers. If you love to swim, the beach offers a great spot for it, and it’s also great for beginner surfers looking to catch a wave!
But one of the most popular activities is watching the sunset on this beach.
As the sun begins to set, the beach gets more crowded with people who bring their own beers and watch the stunning views.
9. PLAYA PUERTO SUELO
Playa Puerto Suelo is not your average beach – it’s a hidden gem that requires a bit of effort to reach but is absolutely worth it, and it’s one of the best beaches near Puerto Escondido.
Located just past the Manialtepec Lagoon, this beach is only accessible by boat. Luckily, getting there is easy as you can drive to the lagoon or take the minivans to Rio Grande from the city center.
The cost for the Colectivo is minimal and will drop you off right where the boats dock. While the cost for the lagoon tour can vary, the approximate cost is around 1,000 MXN per person.
Once you arrive at Playa Puerto Suelo, you’ll get to witness the sunset over the beach before visiting the lagoon at night, where you’ll be treated to the magical bioluminescent lagoon.
Visiting Playa Puerto Suelo is not only a stunning place to see the sunset, but it’s overall one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido, and it’s a great opportunity to see the bioluminescent lagoon!
10. PLAYA DELFIN
Another secluded beach in Puerto Escondido is Playa Delfin, located about 15 minutes by car from the city center.
The beach can only be accessed by car, scooter, or taxi, making it a bit more challenging to get to, but definitely worth it if you have more time in town.
Keep in mind that there are no vendors, restaurants, or taxis nearby, so make sure to arrange for your transportation to pick you up later in the day.
Sometimes, people call a taxi and ask them to wait for them for a couple of hours or so to ensure they have a way to get back into town later on during the day.
While the beach may not be recommended for swimming, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy some peace and quiet. However, be sure to bring an umbrella for some shade, as there isn’t any to be found on this best beach in Puerto Escondido.
PUERTO ESCONDIDO TRAVEL TIPS
Now that you learned about the best beaches Puerto Escondido offers, here are some useful travel tips to know when visiting PE.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Puerto Escondido has only two seasons, the wet season and the dry season.
The wet season in Puerto Escondido is typically between June and October and the dry season is between November and May.
Puerto Escondido can be visited year-round as the average temperature during the day is 27°C and it rarely goes below 20°C at night.
The high season in Puerto Escondido is during the winter (the dry season) between November and May, which sees many tourists, and prices are usually inflated during this time.
I recommend visiting Puerto Escondido during the summer (the wet season) between June and October when there are fewer tourists, prices for food and accommodation are lower, and it’s sunny every day with the occasional downpour in the evening.
HOW TO GET TO PUERTO ESCONDIDO?
The most popular ways of reaching Puerto Escondido are by bus, by plane, and by car.
BY BUS:
The most common route for the majority of people traveling by bus is from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, which takes between 7 and 10 hours, depending on which bus you take.
The roads are windy with many hairpin turns that can be gut-churning, so you may want to take a motion sickness tablet before setting off.
The larger, more comfortable buses between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido cost around 700-900 MXN, which takes up to 10 hours. There are overnight buses available which are common among backpackers to save money on 1-night’s accommodation.
Click here to check all routes, timetables, and ticket prices online, and book ahead of time to secure your seat.
Alternatively, you can ride in a shared minivan from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, which is a little more cramped inside though it’s a shorter journey that takes around 7 hours and costs only 200-250 MXN.
BY PLANE:
Arriving in Puerto Escondido by plane is also an option, and the airport is conveniently located just 10 minutes drive from the center of town.
The most common flight route is from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes and there are daily flights available for as little as $50 one way.
BY CAR:
It’s also possible to rent a car in Oaxaca City and make the drive at your own pace down to Puerto Escondido.
Having your own wheels also gives you the freedom to explore the other towns and beaches to the north and south of Puerto Escondido before returning to Oaxaca.
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GETTING AROUND PUERTO ESCONDIDO
The easiest, cheapest, and best way to get around Puerto Escondido is on foot. Depending on which part of town you end up staying, all of the beaches, bars, restaurants, and shops are within 1-hours walking distance.
Another alternative is to rent a car in Puerto Escondido and travel around to all the tourist spots at your own pace.
Additionally, bicycles and motorized scooters are available for rent. Bicycle rentals are around 50 MXN per hour and scooter rental is around 400 MXN per day, both options can typically be booked through your accommodation.
Taxis are another option for getting around Puerto Escondido which costs as little as 30-40 MXN for a 10-minute drive from one end of town to the other.
Last but not least are the Collectivos (shared taxi vans) which zip around town daily from dawn to dusk for as little as 7 MXN.
WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Puerto Escondido has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so we’ve have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Puerto Escondido to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers.
See the list of accommodations below that we personally recommend:
Luxury: Posada Real Puerto Escondido
One of the best luxury resorts in Puerto Escondido! Located right on the beachfront with a private beach club, 2 restaurants, 3 bars, 2 outdoor pools, a tennis court, mini-golf, a games room, and water sports facilities.
The rooms are air-conditioned with ocean and garden views, large comfortable beds, spacious living, cable tv, a coffee maker, and a private bathroom. Perfect for couples, families, and friends.
Mid Range: Casa Losodeli
We personally stayed at Casa Losodeli and can’t recommend this place enough! From the moment you step in the door, you will feel like family. Centrally located and within walking distance to the beaches, bars, restaurants, and cafes.
Featuring an outdoor pool, co-working space, free wifi, cafe, communal area, shared kitchen, bar, beautiful gardens, and free bicycle rental.
Choose from a dorm room, private room, or fully equipped apartment with a kitchen and flat-screen tv. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, friends, and families!
Budget: Casa Daikiri
Casa Daikiri is rated as one of the best budget accommodations in Puerto Escondido.
Just a stone’s throw from the famous Zicatela Beach, this vibrant hostel features an outdoor swimming pool, free wifi, a shared kitchen, a tour desk, a sun terrace, and well-kept gardens.
Choose from either a dorm room, triple room, or a double suite each with air conditioning, seating area, patio, and pool views. Perfect place to stay for solo travelers, couples, and friends!
FOR MORE OPTIONS, SEE THIS GUIDE ON WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO – THE BEST AREAS
PUERTO ESCONDIDO MAP
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FINAL THOUGHTS – BEACHES IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO MEXICO
I hope you found this article useful and if you have any questions at all about the Best Beaches In Puerto Escondido, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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PIN IT FOR LATER
Hey Jonny!
We are planning a several week beach stay for February 2025 and will be coming from Mexico City. I wonder if Puerto Escondido might fit the bill. The biggest question is: Are the beaches & towns there dog-friendly? We are traveling with our dog and wouldn’t want to leave her behind when we go swimming and exploring.
I appreciate your information and look forward to a reply!
Hi Linda, yes absolutely, the beaches and town are pet friendly! During my stay, I remember seeing people walking their dogs around so it won’t be an issue 🙂 Have a great trip!