9 Best Puerto Escondido Beaches for Swimming, Surf, + More

Would you believe me if I told you there is a Puerto Escondido beach for every day of the week? It’s true and you’re about to discover them all!

The beauty of visiting this long stretch of coastline is that there’s a variety of beaches for every person and every mood.

I’ve loosely organized this list in order of my favorite beaches in Puerto Escondido. But I also organized it by area so that you can get an idea of the lay of the land.

The diversity in both the neighborhoods and Puerto Escondido beaches is one of my favorite things about visiting this surfer town. Let’s jump in.

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Tip: Keep in mind that swimming conditions by season but also day to day and hour by hour. Pay attention to flag warnings. I also recommend you observe the ocean and how the waves approach the shoreline before jumping in. For even more insight, notice where other people are swimming and follow their lead if it makes sense.

1. Playa Carrizalillo: Most Beautiful Beach

Various hues of turquoise water edged by tall cliffs and palm trees form a gorgeous bay at Playa Carrizalillo, my favorite beach in Puerto Escondido. But there’s a huge caveat. It’s also one of the smallest and thus most crowded in the afternoons.

Playa Carrizalillo is one of the best beaches for swimming. Typically the waves are gentle with just enough crest to still have fun. But I have also seen strong waves come into this bay, sometimes out of nowhere. Plus the waves crash close to shore with a slight drop-off which can make it harder to get out.

Carrizalillo is also the best beach for beginner surfers. On the left, is a surf break with a handful of surfers from the early morning until sunset. You can book a surf lesson to learn how to ride the waves with an instructor (gear provided).

Another reason why this has become my favorite beach in Puerto Escondido is that it’s easy to walk to from my favorite area to stay.

Playa Carrizalillo (don’t forget to roll the double R and turn the double L into a Y sound!) is in Rinconada, a conveniently located neighborhood with a strip of restaurants.

But, other than the beachside restaurants and a tree on the far right, there’s no shade at this beach. Every time I visit Puerto Escondido, Playa Carrizalillo is my spot for an early morning swim.

To get there: You’ll need to descend the steps (over 150 of them!) to the golden sand below. But trust me when I say the climb back up at the end of your beach day will be totally worth it.

2. Playa Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito: Best Beaches for Families

Located in the same bay, these are the best beaches in Puerto Escondido for families because have some of the calmest waves. But they also become the most crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.

As you descend towards the beach, Playa Manzanillo is on your left and Puerto Angelito on your right. There is a walkway between the two so you can easily choose which beach to visit after you arrive.

I prefer Playa Manzanillo for swimming because there are fewer boats anchored near the shore. And on the left, near the rocks is a small area to snorkel. Just be aware of potential currents as well as the boats.

Both beaches are lined with seafood restaurants which will provide the shade of an umbrella with the purchase of food or drinks. In the late afternoon there are some nice pockets of shade from the rocks and the trees along this beach.

3. Playa Bacocho: Long Walks, Turtle Release, and Sunset

It seems as though this long beach stretches to infinity without much shade in sight. And with a strong undercurrent, Playa Bacocho is a Puerto Escondido beach that’s best for a long walk before sunset. 

There are a couple of beach clubs with swimming pools and towering palm trees. But unless you’re looking for a day pass with pool access, I think there are better options with more swimmable beaches.

Another highlight of Playa Bacocho is the turtle release at Vive Mar which happens every evening before sunset. I think the perfect combination is a beach afternoon at Playa Coral (see next) followed by the turtle release and sunset at Playa Bacocho.

4. Playa Coral: A Hidden Beach in Puerto Escondido

This small, nearly hidden beach in Puerto Escondido is better for swimming than its neighbor, Bacocho. However, you should still use caution as there is a steep drop-off and possible undercurrents.

Its relatively remote location means there are also fewer people. The soft white sand and clear water that flows into the bay will make you feel like you’ve discovered a special cove. The beach lacks afternoon shade and there are no beach bars, so you will need to bring everything you need for the day.

The best way to get to Playa Coral is to walk from Playa Bacocho. Just past the two resorts near the tall palms is a sandy pathway with large rocks. The beginning involves some maneuvering around the rocks, but it’s not difficult.

There is also a path at the top of the road, though I’ve heard it has become more precarious lately. You can also opt to get to Playa Coral through Villa Mexicana if you pay a fee. Even though it includes a free beer and a hamburger, I personally would rather not promote privatizing access to the beaches. 

So my solution was to taxi to Playa Bacocho in the afternoon heat. Then I enjoyed both beaches and the turtle release before walking back to town after the sunset. It was a lovely afternoon.

5. Playa Zicatela: Surfing Beach

Playa Zicatela, Puerto Escondido’s most famous surfing beach, stretches 3.5 km south of the city. This is not a swimming beach. And surfing at Playa Zicatela should be left to the professionals.

Playa Zicatela has some of the largest waves in the world. The surf break is affectionately called the Mexican Pipeline. There are international surf competitions at Zicatela in the fall. 

Other than surfing, Playa Zicatela has many beach bars and restaurants. It’s also know for nightlife.

6. La Punta: Surfer, Backpacker, and Hippie Vibes

At the south end of Zicatela is La Punta, an area known for fabulous sunsets and an intermediate surf break. You can get in the water here as well, but there is often a strong current, so I recommend using caution.

In the afternoons, people head to the beach to relax, play volleyball, or surf. And after sunset, everyone floods the restaurants before going out for the night.

The unpaved, sandy streets have a laidback surfer/hippie/backpacker vibe. And it’s where you’ll find the most international restaurants (Peruvian, Thai, etc). You can read about them and other places to eat in my guide to Puerto Escondido restaurants.

This area has seen a lot of development as of late. While the bohemian style is sometimes refreshing, I hope La Punta will retain more of its Mexican roots as it continues to grow.

7. A Bonus Beach in Puerto Escondido

Perhaps you’re watching the sunset in La Punta, and wondering what is behind the large cliff that gives the area its name?

Well, the answer is, another beach! But this isn’t just a secluded beach. There are also impressive rock formations and an arch that beautifully frames the sun. 

I became so wrapped up in the stunning rocks that I didn’t have much time to check out the beach. However, its exposed location and sea turtle nesting lead me to believe it’s not a swimming beach. But, it is a fabulous place to walk in the morning or before sunset.

To get there, walk La Punta beach past the surfers and look for a path on the cliff to your left. It’s a short climb up and then down onto the beach. While I typically prefer sturdy shoes you can easily climb in flip flops if you find yourself there with nothing else as I did.

8. Bahia Principal: Central Puerto Escondido Beach

Like many Mexican beach towns, the main bay often has the most motorboats, which is why Bahía Principal is not my favorite. But it’s the beach to visit if you want to watch the fishermen come in with their catch of the day. You’ll also likely find a few families playing in the gentle waves. 

If you need to take refuge in the shade, there are a few beach bars here. In addition, this area is close to Artesanías El Adoquin if you want to buy some souvenirs. Though, you’re likely to find better prices at Mercado Benito Juarez (map), which you should plan to visit anyhow.

9. Playa Marinera

This beach could be considered an extension of the principal beach mentioned above. During the rainy season, a lagoon often forms between the two. If that’s the case, you can get to this beach via access north of Playa Zicatela, near the large hand sculpture.

The waves are smaller than nearby Playa Zicatela and known for body surfing, though I would still use caution. And if you prefer, the few restaurants have lounge chairs and umbrellas along the beach. 

I only explored this beach around sunset when I stopped by the restaurant, La Mariinera (map), for a margarita and plate of fresh sashimi. It’s located directly on the beach with a beautiful sunset view.

Questions About Puerto Escondido Beaches