The 15 Best Puerto Escondido Beaches (Top Spots & Hidden Gems)
Looking for a Guide to the Best BEACHES in Puerto Escondido?
You’re in the right place because this is the most comprehensive article about both the best Puerto Escondido beaches, and the best beaches near Puerto Escondido.
Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, there are beaches in Puerto Escondido to satisfy every travel style and mood.
Meaning “hidden port,” Puerto Escondido is one of the best beach towns in Mexico because it has so many styles of beaches.
Whether you want to surf, swim, snorkel, take Instagram photos, or just laze around — there’s a perfect Puerto Escondido beach for you.
Ready to discover the best Puerto Escondido beaches in Oaxaca, Mexico? Let’s get to this ultimate guide already!
The 15 Best Puerto Escondido Beaches
1. Playa Carrizalillo Beach
🏝 Most Beautiful beach in Puerto Escondido
Need a Puerto Escondido hotel? An amazing resort, Villas Carrazillio overlooks Playa Carrizalillo with million dollar views, at a reasonable price tag.
This beach offers a bit of everything — gorgeous turquoise waters for swimming, manageable waves for surfing (perfect for beginners), and healthy reefs just off-shore for snorkeling.
There’s even a few local restaurants on Playa Carrizalillo Beach.
For most travelers, no Puerto Escondido trip is complete without a visit to Playa Carrizalillo. It is a favorite place for local families and visitors alike.
Exploring the beaches is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, and you’ll likely never see a list of Best Puerto Escondido Beaches that doesn’t list Carrizalillo as #1.
2. Playa Zicatela Beach
🏄♀️ Best Beach for surfing in PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Puerto Escondido is known as the surf capital of Mexico, and that’s largely thanks to this beach.
Playa Zicatela is especially popular for surfing, but the beach itself is very nice, and there are a lot of restaurants, bars with live music and shops all along the sand.
🏄♀️ Curious about other surf towns in Mexico?
You’ll find some of the best surf spots in Mexico in Sayulita, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos, Mazatlan and Troncones.
🏄♀️ Mexican Pipeline Wave in PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Playa Zicatela Puerto Escondido is best known for the Mexican Pipeline, a wave that regularly reaches 10-feet in height (3 m).
The wave is most active in summer, when you can see international surfing competitions in Puerto Escondido.
🏄♀️ PUERTO ESCONDIDO Surf Lessons
Pipeline isn’t a wave for beginner surfers, but you’ll find surf schools and smaller waves at La Punta, Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Marinero.
In fact, aside from simply enjoying the beaches, surfing is one of the best Puerto Escondido things to do.
3. Playa La Punta Beach
✌️ Best Beach for Bohemian vibes
Technically a part of Playa Zicatela, the eastern edge of this beach is known as La Punta.
While Zicatela can be crowded and touristy, La Punta has a more laid back, bohemian feel to it.
There are plenty of beach clubs and palm trees here, which add to La Punta’s tropical vibes.
La Punta is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Puerto Escondido, followed by a nice dinner and stroll through this lively part of town.
Just off the beach, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Puerto Escondido, cafes with vegan options, boutique shops and beach bars.
🪨 Hike to Chingabal’e (La Punta Arch)
Chingabal’e is a rock formation at the southern end of La Punta beach. It is one of the true Puerto Escondidos hidden gems, which most tourists never visit.
📍 You’ll find Chingabal’e Puerto Escondido on the map here.
You’ll want water shoes to get to Chingabal’e (it’s not a hard hike, though much easier in shoes), but when you arrive you’re rewarded with the best place to watch the sunset in Puerto Escondido.
There’s also El Arco, the La Punta Arch, which is a great spot for photos.
4. Playa Principal Beach
🏝 main Puerto Escondido Beach
Playa Principal means “main beach,” as this is the most central beach in town. It is popular with locals and visitors alike, with plenty of restaurants and amenities.
As one of the best swimming beaches in Puerto Escondido, Playa Principal is family-friendly.
More of a small bay cove than a long beach, this popular spot can feel a bit cramped when it gets crowded.
If you want a relaxing experience head to Playa Principal early in the day. After about 11am, it gets quite crowded, both on the beach and in the restaurants.
5. Playa Marinero Beach
🏝 Best Beach for Body surfing
Playa Marinero and Playa Principal are actually one beach.
However, during the Puerto Escondido rainy season from about May to October, the heavy rains will create a lagoon that separates this one contiguous beach into two beaches.
Marinero Beach is popular for body surfing in Puerto Escondido, and you’ll find locals renting bodyboards on the beach.
To get to Playa Marinero use the walkway across from Hotel Santa Fe, located just off the main road.
You can also walk between the rocks near the famous Puerto Escondido hands sculpture.
6. Playa Puerto Angelito Beach
🤿 Best Beach for snorkeling in Puerto Escondido
This lively beach is frequented more by locals and Mexican families than visitors.
If you’re looking for a more authentic Puerto Escondido experience, head to Puerto Angelito.
Located right next door, there’s also Playa Manzanillo Beach, which is up next on this list.
Puerto Angelito is located in a beautiful beach cove with a small reef right off shore for some great snorkeling — so don’t forget this full-face snorkel mask.
There are also a few restaurants right on the beach serving tacos, ceviche, mezcal and cold beer.
🐬 You can also take one of the dolphin boat tours, the water taxi and other boat trips from the beach.
7. Playa Manzanillo Beach
🏊♀️ Best Beach for swimming in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo are located in the same cove, which is split down the middle by a rock jetty.
The best way to get to Manzanillo Beach is to go across the walkway at Playa Angelito Beach.
Playa Manzanillo is one of the best Puerto Escondido beaches for swimming.
You might want to get some snorkeling time in at Playa Angelito, then head to Playa Manzanillo for a meal and relaxing swim in the calm waters. The best restaurant here is at La Palapa de Carrasco.
8. Playa Bacocho Beach
🐢 Puerto Escondido baby turtle release beach
Playa Bacocho is on the west end of town not far from Playa Carrizalillo, and a rather quiet beach.
It is perfect if you just want to walk on the beach, but what people head here for is the Puerto Escondido turtle release at sunset.
It’s not safe to swim here, but you can visit Club de Playa Villasol (AKA Sol Beach Club) or Club de Playa Villasol, one of the best beach clubs in Puerto Escondido.
It has a large pool, swim up bar, restaurant, showers, etc. — and you can buy a day pass for $200 MXN pesos ($10 USD).
🐢 Puerto Escondido turtle release
The Sea Turtle Release is one of the top things to do in Puerto Escondido.
As the name says, you’ll help newly-hatched baby sea turtles make their way into the Pacific Ocean for the first time.
For many visitors, this is a Puerto Escondido must do, and a true Mexico bucket list experience.
9. Playa Coral Beach
🏝 best Hidden beach in PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Playa Coral is a secluded beach in Puerto Escondido. It is a popular beach destination with locals and travelers in-the-know.
It’s located next to Playa Bacocho Beach, and makes for the perfect place to escape the crowds in town.
Here, you’ll enjoy white sands, crystal clear waters and lush greenery.
🗺️ How to get to Playa Coral Puerto Escondido: 3 Ways
As a “hidden beach,” you might imagine Playa Coral isn’t super easy to access. You do, however, have options on how to access Playa Coral Puerto Escondido:
1. The easiest option isn’t free, but isn’t too expensive either.
Head to Hotel Villa Mexicana and pay the $100 MXN pesos ($5 USD) to access their beach club.
You’ll have direct beach access to Playa Coral from here, and your $100 pesos is credited towards food and drinks.
2. Walk southeast along Playa Bacocho, past all the beach clubs. You’ll need to cross some rocks at the end of Playa Bacocho, and Playa Coral is just beyond those.
It’s a short walk and takes only about 10 minutes to get from the southeastern end of Playa Bacocho to Playa Coral.
It’s a safe walk in the late afternoon, but you might want to be off the beach after dark.
3. Head to Coco’s Beach Club at Posada Real, one of the best all inclusive hotels in Puerto Escondido.
Walk out to the beach, and then you’ll need to get across some large rocks to get to Playa Coral, but it’s easy if you visit during low tide.
10. Playa Punta Pajaros Beach
💎 Best beach for luxury travelers
This quiet, pristine beach is about 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido Town Center (Downtown Puerto Escondido), but still located within city limits.
You’ll want a rental car if you’re headed to this area, where so few tourists go.
If you want to splurge at one of the best Puerto Escondido resorts, book a room at Hotel Escondido (seen in the photo above).
This exclusive property features just 16 beachfront bungalows, on a near-empty beach where you can disconnect from the world in style.
👩🎨 Casa Wabi Puerto Escondido
The top attraction at Playa Punta Pajaros is Casa Wabi, a nonprofit art space and artist residence.
The house was by architect Tadao Ando, and there are pieces on display from famed Mexican artist, Bosco Sodi. Note: Reservations are required for tours of Casa Wabi.
11. Playa Agua Blanca Beach
🏝 Best off-grid beach to disconnect
If you love hidden gems, head to Playa Agua Blanca. It is a long beach with golden sand that’s completely off the tourist radar.
Aside from a few surfers, a few locals, and a few no-frills restaurants in the sand, there’s nothing here.
There’s also no WiFi and you most likely won’t have cell service.
If you’re going to visit, you’ll need a rental car because there’s no Puerto Escondido public transportation that goes here.
However, if you’re looking for a virgin beach where you can completely disconnect, this is it.
12. Playa Zipolite Beach
🏝 the Only nude beach in mexico
Zipolite Mexico is one of four beaches making up the Riviera Oaxaqueña (Oaxacan Riviera).
The others are Mazunte, San Agustinillo and Puerto Angel. Despite increasing tourism, these small fishing villages have retained their old school vibes and laid back charm.
Of the four, Zipolite Oaxaca Mexico is the most famous (or, infamous) as it has the only legal, public nude beach in Mexico.
Note: Nudity is tolerated in other places, like Playa La Punta in Puerto Escondido, and Playa Mermejita in Mazunte.
🏝 Playa Zipolite (Main beach)
Here, you’ll find large rock formations ideal for exploring tide pools at low tide or photographing the crashing waves at high tide.
At sunset, find a hammock, lay back and enjoy the views.
🏝 Playa desnudo (Nude BEACH)
All Zipolite beaches are nude beaches, though most visitors do remain clothed.
If you want to go nude without stares, head to the portion of the beach outside of the appropriately-named, Naked Hotel Zipolite.
🏝 Playa del Amor (NUDE BEACH)
There’s also Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), a small beach cove popular with LGBTQ+ travelers.
This is a lively place, both day and night, and if you’re looking for the best things to do in Zipolite at night, head here.
🏳️🌈 Zipolite is one of the most gay friendly cities in Mexico, along with Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Merida, Acapulco, Guadalajara and Mexico City.
13. Playa Mermejita Beach
🏝 Best beach in Mazunte Pueblo Magico
Mazunte has relatively untouched beaches, so they are all beautiful and peaceful.
However, the best one of them all is Playa Mermejita, a must see Mazunte beach.
There isn’t anything to do here but enjoy the beauty all around you, and take in the sounds of the Pacific Ocean.
Note: The Puerto Escondido to Mazunte drive takes about one hour via rental car. If you’re going by colectivo (shared van), it can be closer to two hours.
🌅 Watch the sunset at punta cometa
Punta Cometa is just a short and easy hike up from Playa Mazunte.
You can walk up there all day, but it’s an especially popular area at sunset because you’ll get some amazing views from the clifftop.
Just below Punta Cometa, you have an ocean view of Playa Mermejita.
🏝 More beaches in Mazunte Mexico
To check out the rest of the best beaches in Mazunte Oaxaca, head to Playa Mazunte Beach and Playa Rinconcito Beach.
Located just one town over, don’t miss beautiful Playa San Agustinillo Beach in the small town of San Agustinillo, Oaxaca Mexico.
14. Playa San Agustinillo Beach
🏝 Best uncrowded beach in oaxaca
San Agustinillo is located just next to Mazunte, but the two towns are quite different.
While Mazunte attracts a younger, bohemian crowd, San Agustinillo’s vibe skews a bit older and also much more posh than the hippie mecca of Mazunte Mexico.
Need a San Agustinillo hotel? You’ll find lux accommodations with reasonable prices at Casa La Ola, Casa Bagus and Casa Cometa.
There’s just one long stretch of beach in San Agustinillo Beach, called Playa San Agustinillo Beach.
Personally, I think this is the most beautiful beach in Oaxaca.
It is perfect for long walks on the beach to admire the gorgeous rock formation and wild foliage, but not always safe for swimming.
15. Playa Chacahua Beach (Lagunas de Chacahua National Park)
🏝 Best beach for backpackers in oaxaca
One of the most off the beaten path places to visit in Oaxaca is Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, usually just called Chacahua (pronounced cha-caw-wah).
This Mexico national park in Oaxaca has gained in popularity in recent years, thanks to social media and YouTube.
Chacahua is one of those Oaxaca Mexico beaches to think, admire nature, surf (or take Oaxaca surf lessons), lay in a hammock, read a book, go for a swim, watch the sunset and eat fresh seafood.
The WiFi is basically nonexistent (though some newer places have Starlink now), so this is the perfect place to find peace and quiet.
Need a Chacahua hotel? I stayed in this beach cabana for about two weeks (the one you see in the photo above).
You can’t get any closer to the beach, and it also happens to be the nicest and best Chacahua hotel.
This island sits on the Pacific Ocean, and is popular with surfers and backpackers.
The waves are medium-sized, but there are locals that offer lessons for beginner surfers, as well as board rentals.
When you go, ask for Omar — he’s an award-winning surfer and Chacahua local.
For those who don’t surf, there’s a small crocodile zoo, a lighthouse you can climb up to and watch the sunset from and a boat tour through the mangroves.
When the sun goes down, you can take another boat tour to see the bioluminescence in Chacahua.
🚗💨 How to get to Chacahua Oaxaca Mexico
From Puerto Escondido, you can book this tour to Chacahua, drive your rental car or take a taxi to the town of Zapotalito, where you’ll catch the boat to Chacahua.
If you’re driving your Puerto Escondido rental car, make sure to stop at Playa Roca Blanca (White Rock Beach) on the way.
For more options, check out this Ultimate Guide: Puerto Escondido to Chacahua.
🌌 Laguna de Manialtepec Bioluminescent Lagoon
While not a beach, Laguna Manialtepec (Manialtepec Lagoon in English) is a pretty special body of water you can swim in — so I’m including it on this list of the best Puerto Escondido beaches.
This bioluminescent lake is located about a 30 minute drive from Downtown Puerto Escondido.
You can visit by day to go kayaking or SUP paddle boarding, or by night, go on the famous Puerto Escondido bioluminescence tour.
Best Beaches in Huatulco Mexico
Located about two hours west of Puerto Escondido is Bahías de Huatulco, usually just called Huatulco (pronounced wa-tool-coh).
Huatulco is the perfect spot for those looking for near resort style accommodations, and relatively crowd-free, amazing beaches.
Though located a bit far from Puerto Escondido, I’m including it on this list because there are nine bays and 36 beaches in Huatulco!
If you’re a true Mexico beach lover, you’ll want to visit Huatulco one day, as the town is quite different from Puerto Escondido.
For the best beaches in Huatulco Mexico, there’s Bahia Santa Cruz (bay and beach), Playa Tangolunda Beach, Playa la Entrega, Playa la Bocana Beach, Bahia de Cacaluta (bay and beach), Bahía Organo Bay, and Bahía Maguey (bay and beach).
Puerto Escondido Beaches Map
If you’re a visual person (like me!), you’ll want to know exactly where all the Puerto Escondido beaches are located.
For your convenience, each of the top beaches in Puerto Escondido beaches have been pinned to the map above, so you know where they all are.
Final Thoughts on Puerto Escondido Beaches
While the Oaxaca beaches aren’t as easily accessible as other Mexico beach towns, they’re some of the most beautiful.
If you want more than just all inclusive resorts, the town of Puerto Escondido is your place
There are luxury hotels in Puerto Escondido, like Hotel Escondido, one of the best Oaxaca resorts near Puerto Escondido, but Oaxaca beaches also provide a chance to connect with nature.
Note: For an all-inclusive Mexico trip, opt for Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cabo San Lucas (Los Cabos).
If you want to immerse yourself in local culture, eat authentic Oaxaca food and some of the freshest seafood of your life, Puerto Escondido is it.
As it’s still mostly off the main tourist radar, the golden sand beaches of Puerto Escondido are peaceful and gorgeous.
With so many to choose from, you can even visit a different beach each day of the week.
