First, The Nomad Essentials: Planning Your Stay
Before diving into the sand, let's cover the basics that will make your time in Puerto Escondido smooth and enjoyable.
When to Visit
High Season (November to April): This is the dream. Expect dry, warm weather perfect for beach hopping, surfing, and networking with other nomads. Bonus: The whale watching season runs from December to April.
Surf Season (April to September): If you're here to conquer the waves, this is your time. The swells are consistently strong, the town buzzes with energy, and international surf competitions often take place.
Rainy Season (May to October): Don't be deterred. The landscape becomes incredibly lush and green, crowds thin out, and you can snag great deals on accommodation. Rains are usually short, powerful bursts in the afternoon, leaving plenty of time for sun.
Getting Around Like a Local
Walking: Great for exploring a specific area like La Punta or the strip around Carrizalillo. However, beaches like Zicatela are very long, and getting from one end to the other requires wheels.
Taxis: The most convenient way to hop between beaches. They are plentiful and affordable.
Colectivos: For a true local experience, hop on one of the truck-like vehicles with blue or green tops. They run up and down the main coastal highway connecting areas like Zicatela and Bacocho. There's no schedule; just flag one down. It's incredibly cheap.
What to Pack for the Beach
Eco-Friendly Sunscreen: Protect your skin and the local reefs.
Bug Repellent: Essential for sunset, when the no-see-ums come out to play.
Dry Bag: Keep your laptop, phone, and other electronics safe from sand and water.
Rash Guard: A must-have if you plan on surfing to protect against the sun and board wax.
Snorkel Set: The clear waters of Carrizalillo and Angelito are calling.
Beach Blanket or Sarong: For impromptu relaxation sessions anywhere on the sand.
The 8 Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido: A Breakdown
Each beach offers a different world. Here’s what you need to know to find your perfect match.
1. Playa Zicatela: The Surfing Mecca
This is the legendary 3.5 km stretch of sand that put Puerto Escondido on the map. Home to the "Mexican Pipeline," it boasts the third-largest waves in the world, regularly reaching 6-15 feet. This beach is for relaxing on the sand and watching the pros—it is absolutely not for beginner surfers or casual swimming due to its powerful currents and rough waves. The northern end is where the main action is. The long expanse of sand is lined with beach bars and restaurants, perfect for a work session with a view. Check out Mirador El Morro for stunning vistas.
Vibe: Energetic, awe-inspiring, surf-focused.
Best For: Expert surfers, watching surfing, long beach walks.
Nomad-Friendly Stay: Selina Puerto Escondido offers a popular coworking space right on the beach.
2. La Punta Zicatela: The Bohemian Hangout
Located at the southern tip of Zicatela, La Punta has a completely different, effortlessly cool personality. This is the heart of the town's social scene, with a laid-back, hippie-ish vibe. The waves here are much smaller and safer, making it an ideal spot for beginner to intermediate surfers. The main dirt road is lined with vegan cafes, yoga studios, and trendy boutiques. At sunset, the bars fill with nomads, backpackers, and locals to watch the sun dip below the horizon. It's the place to see and be seen.
Vibe: Mellow, social, bohemian, and very popular.
Best For: Beginner/intermediate surfing, sunsets, meeting people, great food.
Don't Miss: Grabbing a fried fish burger at Fish Shack or a craft beer and tuna burger at Alaburger.
3. Playa Carrizalillo: The Picture-Perfect Cove
Widely considered the most beautiful beach in Puerto Escondido, Carrizalillo is a stunning, small cove accessed by a 160-step staircase. Its relative protection from the open ocean creates perfect, gentle waves ideal for learning to surf. The crystal-clear, shallow water is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling, especially near the rocks on the right side of the bay. The beach is lined with thatched-roof palapas (restaurants) where you can rent a lounger for the day (often free with a food/drink purchase) and relax.
Vibe: Hip, scenic, relaxed but can get crowded.
Best For: Beginner surfing lessons, swimming, snorkeling, families.
4. Playa Bacocho: The Turtle Sanctuary
If you're looking for a vast, postcard-perfect beach with golden sand and swaying palms, Playa Bacocho is it. This long, undeveloped stretch of coastline feels wild and pristine. Its main draw is the turtle release sanctuary, where you can help release baby sea turtles into the ocean every day at 5 PM for a small fee. While beautiful, the waves here are powerful, so swimming requires caution. It's a place for long walks and quiet contemplation.
Vibe: Natural, peaceful, spacious.
Best For: Turtle release, long walks, stunning sunsets without the crowds.
5. Playa Coral: The Secluded Nude Beach
Tucked away between Bacocho and Carrizalillo, Playa Coral is a hidden gem known for its calm waters and rugged charm. Access is a bit tricky—either via a winding path or by paying a small entrance fee through the Villa Mexicana hotel—which keeps the crowds away. This seclusion has also made it the unofficial nude beach of Puerto Escondido, offering a sense of freedom and connection with nature. The water is calm and perfect for a peaceful swim.
Vibe: Secluded, natural, liberating.
Best For: Nude sunbathing, peaceful swimming, escaping the crowds.
6. Playa Manzanillo & 7. Puerto Angelito: The Twin Bays
These two beaches share the same sheltered bay and are separated by a small rocky outcrop you can walk around. Both offer incredibly calm, clear water, making them the top choices for swimming and snorkeling.
Puerto Angelito is bustling with boats offering tours and fishing trips.
Playa Manzanillo has fewer boats, making it slightly better for swimming, and is a popular spot for Mexican families, giving it a fantastic local feel. Both are lined with restaurants serving up fresh seafood right on the sand.
Vibe: Family-friendly, local, relaxed.
Best For: Swimming, snorkeling, fresh seafood lunches, boat tours.
8. Playa Principal: The Town Beach
Located right in the heart of downtown Puerto Escondido, Playa Principal is the town's main beach. It's a bustling hub of activity, with fishing boats lining the shore in the morning and vendors selling snacks along the sand. Its biggest advantage is convenience—it's easily accessible with no stairs. Behind the beach is El Adoquin, a pedestrian-only street that comes alive at night with bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Vibe: Bustling, convenient, central.
Best For: Easy access from downtown, people-watching, convenience.
Quick Guide: Which Beach Is Right for You?
To Learn to Surf: Playa Carrizalillo or La Punta.
For the Best Swimming: Playa Manzanillo, Puerto Angelito, or Playa Coral.
To Meet Other Nomads & Backpackers: La Punta.
For a Unique Nature Experience: Playa Bacocho for the turtle release.
To Escape Everyone: Playa Coral.
To Watch Pro Surfers: Playa Zicatela.
