The Oaxaca coast, a mesmerizing stretch of the Pacific shoreline in Mexico, is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and incredible diversity. Unlike other homogenized beach destinations, the magic of Oaxaca lies in its varied coastal towns and hidden coves, each boasting a unique personality and atmosphere. This Oaxaca coast guide is designed to navigate you through the best beaches Oaxaca has to offer, ensuring you find the perfect slice of paradise tailored to your travel style. Whether you’re seeking thrilling surf breaks, tranquil bays for swimming, or secluded shores for ultimate relaxation, Oaxaca’s beaches promise an unforgettable Mexican escape.
Puerto Escondido: Your Gateway to Oaxaca Beach Variety
Puerto Escondido stands as a vibrant hub on the Oaxaca coast, a small city that perfectly balances development with authentic Mexican culture. This bustling town offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending the amenities and energy of a city with access to some of the best beaches in Oaxaca. Here, you can immerse yourself in local traditions while still enjoying a quintessential beach vacation. Puerto Escondido is not just a destination; it’s a starting point to explore a collection of distinct beach paradises, each just moments away.
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Playa Bacocho: Serenity and Turtle Releases
For those yearning for tranquility without straying too far from the action, Playa Bacocho emerges as one of the best beaches in Oaxaca. This expansive beach offers a serene escape, ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back vacation. While Playa Bacocho provides a peaceful retreat, it remains conveniently close to the lively heart of Puerto Escondido, just a short taxi ride away.
Playa Bacocho is particularly renowned for its captivating turtle release program, a heartwarming event that occurs nightly during turtle season. While the beach itself is stunning, it’s important to note that swimming can be unsafe here due to strong currents. To fully enjoy your stay, consider booking a hotel with a pool. Hotel Villasol, with its vintage charm and excellent amenities including multiple pools and a beach club, is a fantastic option. For a unique stay, explore the vintage Airstream Puerto Escondido Airbnbs available in the area.
sunset on playa bacocho
Playa Carrizalillo: Oaxaca’s Picture-Perfect Cove
Playa Carrizalillo is undeniably a gem and considered one of the best beaches in Oaxaca. This stunning, small cove is a vision of turquoise, clear waters and gentle, almost perfect waves. Arriving at Playa Carrizalillo is an experience in itself, as you’re greeted with a breathtaking bird’s-eye view from the cliff top. Accessing this beach involves descending a staircase, which might pose a challenge for those with mobility concerns.
Once you reach the shore, Playa Carrizalillo is a haven for relaxation and safe swimming. It’s also a popular spot for beginner surf lessons and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Accommodation options directly on the cliff overlooking Playa Carrizalillo are limited, with only a few hotels available. Most visitors opt to stay in the quiet neighborhood nestled just inland, which offers several amenities while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, especially at night. This Oaxaca beach is perfect for those who prioritize daytime beach bliss and quiet evenings, with easy access to the more vibrant parts of Puerto Escondido via taxi.
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Playa Puerto Angelito & Playa Manzanillo: Local Charm
Playa Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo, effectively two beaches in one cove separated by a small jetty, offer a taste of local Oaxaca beach culture. These pretty beaches are known for their calm waters, making them safe for swimming and particularly popular among local families and Mexican tourists. If you’re looking to experience the beaches frequented by those who call Oaxaca home, these are excellent choices.
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Zicatela: The Surfing Legend
Zicatela beach is globally recognized as one of the best beaches in Oaxaca and even the world for surfing. It’s famed for the ‘Mexican Pipeline,’ a colossal and powerful wave that can reach epic proportions during the rainy season. This legendary wave attracts international surfing competitions and seasoned surfers from across the globe.
However, Zicatela’s strong rip tides make it unsafe for swimming. Despite this, the beach is a stunning stretch of sand, buzzing with energy from its numerous restaurants and bars. Zicatela is loved for its vibrant atmosphere, offering a plethora of dining and nightlife options. Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays, catering to all preferences. Even though swimming isn’t an option at Zicatela, its proximity to other swimmable beaches in Puerto Escondido, easily accessible by taxi or local transport, makes it a compelling location to experience the Oaxaca coast’s dynamic beach scene.
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La Punta/Brisas de Zicatela: The Trendsetter’s Beach
La Punta, also known as Brisas de Zicatela, marks the southeastern end of Zicatela beach but exudes its own distinct and trendy vibe. It has risen in popularity to become the chicest place to stay in Puerto Escondido, attracting a stylish crowd and fostering a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. La Punta is characterized by its organic shops, trendy boutiques, and a thriving café and restaurant culture. The area buzzes with good food and a lively nightlife scene, which, while energetic, respectfully winds down around 11 pm to maintain neighborhood tranquility.
The beach at La Punta can be swimmable, though caution is advised due to currents. It’s crucial to heed flag warnings and be mindful of the ocean conditions, as the current here is stronger than in calmer bays like Playa Carrizalillo. La Punta is renowned as one of the best beaches in Oaxaca for surfing, particularly for intermediate surfers, thanks to its consistent wave break at ‘la punta’ (the point). Surf schools and board rentals are readily available along this Oaxaca coast beach, making it a surfer’s haven.
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Venturing Beyond Puerto Escondido: Discovering More Oaxaca Beaches
Punta Pajaros: Untamed Beauty and Artistic Retreat
Punta Pajaros is an emerging gem on the Oaxaca coast, known for its raw, untouched beauty and a burgeoning artistic spirit. This area offers a unique blend of remoteness and design-forward aesthetics, perfect for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature and art. While retaining a secluded and tranquil ambiance, Punta Pajaros has gradually developed, now featuring a few select restaurants and a small local store.
Located about 30 minutes south of Puerto Escondido, reaching Punta Pajaros involves a journey off the main highway onto a dirt road, enhancing its sense of escape. This beach is characterized by its long stretch of sand and an atmosphere of peaceful isolation. Punta Pajaros is distinguished by its architecturally significant accommodations, including Casitas by the Sea and Casas Maria Matilda, alongside the nearby Casa Wabi art foundation, designed by renowned architects. This Oaxaca beach is ideal for relaxation, contemplation, and enjoying the natural surroundings, though ocean swimming is not recommended due to currents.
casitas by the sea in punta pajaros
Tierra Blanca: Seclusion Near the Super Highway
Tierra Blanca is a hidden treasure among Oaxaca beaches, offering tranquility and seclusion, surprisingly accessible via the new Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido super highway. Situated between Puerto Escondido and Mazunte, it’s a short drive down a dirt road to this largely untouched beach. Tierra Blanca remains pristine and uncrowded, with limited development – a handful of rental houses, a single restaurant, and the boutique Casa Mariposa hotel.
The beach itself is open ocean, making it unsuitable for swimming, but perfect for wading, splashing, and long, contemplative beach walks. Casa Mariposa provides a serene base, featuring a beautiful pool overlooking the ocean and well-appointed rooms amidst lush greenery. With a fully-equipped shared kitchen, it’s ideal for those who appreciate self-catering in a natural setting. Tierra Blanca is a haven for disconnecting and embracing nature’s calm.
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Agua Blanca: Family Fun with Natural Pools
Agua Blanca, nestled midway between Puerto Escondido and Mazunte, is a small, evolving beach community. It strikes a balance between natural serenity and growing amenities, making it increasingly comfortable for visitors. Agua Blanca beach is distinctive for its extensive rock formations that create natural tide pools, making it one of the best beaches in Oaxaca for families with young children. These calm, shallow pools are perfect for kids to play safely.
The open ocean part of Agua Blanca beach, however, has strong currents and is generally not safe for swimming, though parts are suitable for surfing. Accommodation options are expanding, with a range of hotels and Airbnbs emerging. Casa Palma y Coco is a highly recommended Airbnb, offering stunning beach views and warm hospitality. The beachfront is lined with palapa restaurants serving fresh seafood, with oysters being a local specialty when in season. Agua Blanca offers a blend of family-friendly features and natural beauty.
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Discovering the Charms Further South: Mazunte, San Agustinillo, and Zipolite
Mazunte: Sea Turtle Haven with Bohemian Spirit
Mazunte, a quaint Mexican village on the Oaxaca coast, is world-renowned for its significant sea turtle population and rich biodiversity. This charming village is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, offering opportunities to spot turtles, dolphins, and even whales during migration season. Mazunte is one of the best beaches in Oaxaca for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience without sacrificing comfort and convenience.
The main beach in Mazunte is picturesque and generally calm for swimming, though it’s always wise to heed flag warnings as currents can vary. Within walking distance are Playa Cometa and Playa Mermejita, beautiful beaches ideal for exploration but not recommended for swimming. Mazunte attracts a young, bohemian crowd, creating a relaxed and artistic atmosphere. A highlight of Mazunte is Punta Cometa, the southernmost point in Oaxaca, offering cliffside trails and breathtaking sunset views.
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San Agustinillo: Tranquility for Families and Couples
San Agustinillo, nestled adjacent to Mazunte, shares the same access to wildlife and Punta Cometa, yet offers an even more tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. This smaller village is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, attracting a slightly older demographic, including couples and families. San Agustinillo is characterized by its series of cove beaches, each framed by rock formations, creating diverse swimming and wave conditions, from calm bays to more active waters.
San Agustinillo stands out as one of the best beaches in Oaxaca for providing a balanced experience – quiet relaxation with easy access to amenities. It’s a place where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the Oaxaca coast at a slower pace.
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Zipolite: Embrace Freedom on the Nudist Beach
Zipolite is unequivocally the best beach in Oaxaca for those seeking a clothing-optional experience, famously known as a nudist beach. However, Zipolite’s allure extends beyond its liberating sands. It’s a strikingly beautiful beach with a laid-back, welcoming town. The long stretch of beach is framed by dramatic cliffs, creating a picturesque setting, especially during sunset.
Swimming in Zipolite can be challenging due to strong currents, but the beach is perfect for wading, splashing, and simply enjoying the expansive shoreline. The town has a relaxed, bohemian vibe with a good selection of restaurants. Zipolite attracts a diverse crowd, including a noticeable European presence, all drawn to its unique and free-spirited atmosphere.
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Exploring Further Coastal Gems: Puerto Angel and Playa Estacahuite
Puerto Angel: Authentic Fishing Village Experience
Puerto Angel offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican coastal life, functioning as a working fishing village. While less focused on tourism than its neighbors, Puerto Angel presents an authentic experience of Oaxaca’s coastal culture. The town beach serves as a harbor, filled with fishing boats, adding to its unique charm, set against a backdrop of steep, picturesque cliffs. Puerto Angel is ideal for travelers interested in experiencing the daily rhythms of a traditional Mexican fishing community on the Oaxaca coast.
Playa Estacahuite: Secluded Cove Near Puerto Angel
Playa Estacahuite, a tiny, secluded cove adjacent to Puerto Angel, is a hidden gem of tranquility and beauty. This off-the-beaten-path Oaxaca beach offers an escape from the more crowded spots, providing a quiet retreat with just a few palapa restaurants dotting the sand. Its proximity to Puerto Angel ensures easy access to amenities while maintaining a sense of peaceful isolation.
For an exceptional stay near Playa Estacahuite, consider Bianni Beuú, a luxurious Airbnb perfect for groups. This stunning property offers breathtaking aerial views of the cove, a rooftop jacuzzi, and an infinity pool, making it an idyllic base for a secluded Oaxaca beach vacation. Playa Estacahuite is perfect for those seeking to disconnect and immerse themselves in a remote, beautiful setting.
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Huatulco: Bays and Resorts on the Oaxaca Coast
Huatulco is a region on the Oaxaca coast famed for its stunning bays and resort-centric experience. Unlike the smaller, more rustic towns, Huatulco is characterized by larger-scale resorts, many offering all-inclusive packages. The area is known for its meticulously planned development and, most notably, for its ‘7 Bays,’ a designated National Park encompassing a series of breathtaking cove beaches. These bays range from developed and accessible to remote and untouched, offering a spectrum of beach experiences within Huatulco.
Playa San Agustin & Playa Riscalillo: Remote Bay Escapes in Huatulco
Playa San Agustin and Playa Riscalillo represent the more secluded side of Huatulco’s 7 Bays. Playa San Agustin, often quiet and empty, requires a journey down a bumpy dirt road, rewarding visitors with a dramatic and pristine beach experience. Playa Riscalillo, further along the same road, is a haven for swimmers, boasting clear, turquoise waters in a sheltered cove. While offering a couple of local restaurants, Playa Riscalillo remains largely tranquil, perfect for escaping crowds and enjoying the unspoiled beauty of Oaxaca’s coastline. These beaches offer a taste of secluded paradise within the Huatulco region.
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Playa La Entrega: Popular Swimming Cove in Huatulco
Playa La Entrega is among the most frequented beaches in Huatulco, known for its exceptionally calm and clear cove waters, ideal for swimming. Its popularity means it can get crowded, especially during peak times, but its safe swimming conditions make it a favorite, particularly for families. Arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot and enjoy the beach before it becomes bustling. Playa La Entrega is a testament to Huatulco’s appeal as a destination for accessible and enjoyable beach experiences.
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Playa Maguey: Huatulco’s Resort Beach with Calm Waters
Playa Maguey embodies the resort beach experience within Huatulco, offering calm waters perfect for swimming and relaxation. This beach caters to those seeking comfort and convenience, often associated with resort amenities. While Huatulco is known for its resort offerings, Playa Maguey and its surrounding area can also be enjoyed as a day trip, especially for those with a car, or for visitors who prefer smaller, boutique hotels over large resorts. Playa Maguey represents Huatulco’s capacity to cater to both resort-style preferences and more independent travel styles.
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Conclusion: Oaxaca Beaches for Every Traveler
The Oaxaca coast is a treasure trove of diverse beach experiences, each location offering its unique charm and appeal. From the surf mecca of Zicatela to the tranquil coves of Huatulco, and the secluded beauty of Punta Pajaros to the family-friendly shores of Agua Blanca, Oaxaca Mexico Beaches cater to every travel style and preference. As I continue to explore and revisit the Oaxaca coast, my appreciation for its variety only deepens, reaffirming that there truly is a perfect Oaxaca beach waiting for everyone. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or natural beauty, the beaches of Oaxaca promise an unforgettable Mexican getaway.
