If you visit the Oaxaca coast, you’ll be spoilt for choice of beaches to visit. So much so, you might not even know which towns or Oaxaca beaches to visit first. Each has something different. Some are great for surfing, some are great for swimming, and some are great for sunset. And knowing which is which can be a nightmare.
So, I’ve taken the legwork out of your research! This guide to the 25 best Oaxaca playas will help you find the perfect beach for you!
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How many beaches are in Oaxaca, Mexico?
A lot! Oaxaca has a staggering 533 km of coastline, most of which is a beach of some sort.
The beaches in Oaxaca are generally separated by bays, rocky areas or cliffs. Some areas have miles of straight beach and others have a more jagged coastline with lots of coves and cliffs.
Does Oaxaca have good beaches?
Absolutely! The Oaxaca beaches are world-famous for a reason. As well as being some of the best beaches in Mexico, there are great surfing spots for beginners all the way to pro athletes. There are places to swim, places to snorkel and places to lounge on the golden-white sand of the Pacific coast.
Of course, across the 300-plus miles of coastline, there are average beaches, good beaches and bloody fantastic beaches. But don’t worry, you won’t have to go far to find the nearest beachy paradise.
Can you swim in Oaxaca, Mexico?
Yes, but some beaches are not suitable for swimming. There’s a reason the Oaxaca coast is one of the best surf spots in the world. It’s because the waves are fierce.
Not only that, but the Pacific Coast in general all the way from the USA to Chile is known for being rough – both the sea and the coastal landscape.
The best beaches for swimming in Oaxaca are those in coves or bays. Always check the lifeguard situation at the beach, if there are any warning flags or any general warnings – such as hidden rocks just off the shore.
Oaxaca Beaches Map
Use the above Oaxaca beaches map to get your bearings. Blue is for beaches in Puerto Escondido, purple for Chacahua, yellow for Mazunte and Zipolite, green for Huatulco, pink for Salina Cruz and black for those more remote.
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca Beaches
One of the most visited places in Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido offers miles of beaches with something for everyone. No matter where you’re staying in Puerto Escondido, all the beaches are easily accessed via colectivo, walking or taxi. Here are the best Oaxaca playas in Puerto Escondido…
Playa Bacocho
Good for: Watching the sunset, sunbathing, releasing baby turtles, visiting a beach club
Puerto Escondido’s westernmost beach, Playa Bacocho, has a sandy coastline for as far as the eye can see. Its location on the outskirts of town means it doesn’t attract the crowds seen on other Puerto Escondido beaches.
The rough waves don’t make it great for swimming but there are plenty of other activities on offer. Every day at 5pm you can release baby turtles into the wild at Vivemar Turtle Sanctuary. After which, you can enjoy a spectacular Pacific sunset over the water.
The beach doesn’t have much shade or any bars or restaurants. Instead, treat yourself to a day at one of the two beach clubs. Both operate with a minimum spend policy rather than charging for entrance. Which, allows the use of the swimming pool, bar, restaurants, sun loungers, parasols and more.
RELATED POST: Travelling from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido? This complete guide has all the transport options to suit all budgets, from colectivos to 8-seater planes!
Playa Coral
Good for: Swimming, sunbathing, escaping the crowds
Perhaps the least visited beach in Puerto Escondido, Playa Coral can only be accessed two ways. Either by walking across the rocks from Playa Bacocho. Or, through the only two hotels on the beach.
Tucked away, the water is calmer at Playa Coral making it more suitable for swimming compared with its neighbour, Playa Bacocho. The beach is the perfect place to enjoy a beer in the sun. Though you will need to bring your own.
The beach is busiest at sunset. But, busy is relative and very few people visit Playa Coral when you consider how well-visited the other beaches in Puerto Escondido are. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the town.
Playa Carrizalillo
Good for: Swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing
This is Oaxaca’s postcard-perfect beach! Its bay location – surrounded by palm-tree-lined cliffs on either side – makes Playa Carrizalillo as picture-perfect as they come. And, it’s just a stone’s throw from the Rinconada neighbourhood in Puerto Escondido.
To access the golden sand beach, you’ll need to climb down a long path of stairs. Unfortunately, down is the easier part. And, you’ll be faced with the hard slog up after hours of enjoyment on the beach!
The calmer waters of Playa Carrizalillo make it suitable for swimming near the shore. Though, there are often surfers here too. Snorkel near the rocks on either side to get up close and personal with sea life. Or, lay on the beach basking in Oaxaca’s year-round sunshine. The choice is yours!
> > > Ready to leave the beaches for the mountains? Check out this transport guide for getting to San Cristóbal from Puerto Escondido.
Playa Puerto Angelito
Good for: Swimming, sunbathing, eating and drinking on the beach
One of the smaller Oaxaca beaches, Playa Puerto Angelito still has a lot to offer. Located between the Rinconada and Centro neighbourhoods, this is also the place to come and find a boat for a sunset tour.
The beach is lined with small bars and restaurants serving a variety of food. Although seafood is the main cuisine on offer. Tucked away in a bay, the calm, blue sea of Puerto Angelito is perfect for swimming. And, you’ll also find paddleboards available for hire.
All of this makes the beach popular with locals, families and tourists. So, this is one of the busier beaches in Puerto Escondido. Nevertheless, I always say that places are popular for a reason and Playa Puerto Angelito certainly has a lot of reasons to visit.
Playa Manzanillo
Good for: Snorkelling, swimming, beach-front restaurants
Just across the bay from Playa Puerto Angelito, and connected by a short walkway, is Playa Manzanillo. Equally as small and equally as popular.
Unlike Puerto Angelito, there are a lot fewer boats moored in front of Playa Manzanillo. Meaning, you can swim out further from the shore. Plus, there are plenty of places to snorkel in the calm water to see all types of sea life.
Many of the beach-front restaurants on Playa Manzanillo also have sun loungers available for use in exchange for buying from there. Perfect for enjoying the paradise-like views over the ocean.
Still looking for accommodation in Puerto Escondido?
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Playa Zicatela
Good for: Surfing (all levels), sunbathing, watching the sunset
Perhaps considered the main beach in Puerto Escondido, Playa Zicatela stretches 3.5 km all the way from the Centro district to Punta Zicatela. And yet, despite being one long beach, different parts have a totally different look and feel.
At the northern tip, nearest Playa Principal – a beach that is pretty much Playa Zicatela – the water is calmest. Then, in the middle of the beach is where the professional surfing tournaments take place and the waves are huge! While around La Punta, the southern end of the beach, is more suitable for beginner surfers.
Surfing may be the top water activity here, but watching the sunset is definitely the most popular beach activity. Playa Zicatela is the place to see the sunset in Puerto Escondido every day, it’s very much a community activity. Grab a beer and a towel and get yourself to the beach to watch the sky change colour! One of the best Puerto Escondido beaches to visit.
Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
To the west of Puerto Escondido is a place few tourists and backpackers have heard of and even fewer have visited: Lagunas de Chacahua National Park (or Chacahua for short). The national park has some of the most rustic, untouched beaches in Oaxaca, making it a unique place to visit and stay.
Playa Chacahua
Good for: Surfing (especially beginners), sunbathing, escaping the crowds
With miles of pristine, golden sand, Playa Chacahua is a Oaxaca beach experience like no other. Off-grid and off the beaten path, don’t expect phone signal, WiFi or much in the way of amenities.
At the southernmost part of the Playa Chacahua, you’ll find most of the lodgings and restaurants, generally in cabanas. Here, you can enjoy a beachfront drink of your choice. Though be sure to bring plenty of cash as nowhere takes card payments.
Along the Playa Chacahua, you’ll also find surfboards and kayaks to hire. The waves here are perfect for beginners. And there’s always someone in the small town of just a few hundred people giving a lesson.
Beaches in Mazunte & Zipolite
Mazunte and Zipolite are the spiritual towns of the Oaxaca coast. Just 5 km apart, the two towns are less developed and receive fewer tourists than Puerto Escondido. The towns are a place people come to escape the crowds and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
Playa Mermejita
Good for: Watching the sunset, finding peace and quiet, wildlife watching
Just west of Mazunte is Playa Mermejita, one of the lesser-known beaches in Oaxaca. However, the area is growing in popularity and more hotels are being built along the beach.
Playa Mermejita is flanked by two notable landmarks. On one end of the beach, there is Punta Ventanilla, a rock formation that has a ‘window’ (ventana in Spanish). And, at the other end is Punta Cometa, the southernmost point of Oaxaca and a great place to spot sea life.
A worthy addition to this list of top-tier Oaxaca playas for being able to escape the busier beaches located nearer Mazunte.
Playa San Agustinillo
Good for: Swimming, snorkelling, eating and drinking on the beachfront
On the other side of Mazunte is Playa San Agustinillo. The area around this golden sand paradise is more developed, with hotels, shops and restaurants along the beachfront. Yet, this Oaxaca playa is still not as busy as Playa Mazunte or Playa Zipolite.
The normally calm seas of Playa San Agustinillo make it the perfect place for swimming or snorkelling. Or, you can just lay in the sun with a drink from a nearby bar. This beach is great for visitors of all ages as it’s easy to access, close to Mazunte and isn’t very busy.
Additionally, Playa San Agustinillo is another Oaxaca beach where you can find a small, private boat to take you out whale watching or to watch the sunset from the ocean.
RELATED POST: Head inland from Mazunte and Zipolite to the Oaxaca highlands to escape the high temperatures for a few days. Visit the cool mountain town of San Jose del Pacifico, a psychedelic haven where magic mushrooms are legal!
Playa Mazunte
Good for: Sunbathing, relaxing, enjoying the Oaxaca beach town vibe
A strong contender as one of the best beaches in Oaxaca! Playa Mazunte has golden sand, clear, blue seas and a laidback vibe.
At times, the beach is perfect for swimming near the shore. Though, the waves and tide can be deceptively strong so make sure to check the current flag warning. Playa Mazunte is, however, the perfect place to lay around and relax on the beach. The view is spectacular and the beach is not as popular as those in Puerto Escondido.
Plenty of guesthouses, restaurants and bars line the beachfront. So, you can spend all day here without having to go into the town for food or snacks. Plus, you can break up your day with a visit to the Turtle Museum just a few metres back from Playa Mazunte. Entry is only 38 pesos and you can see the turtles that are currently in their rehabilitation centre.
Playa Rinconcito
Good for: relaxing, hippie vibes, sunbathing
Playa Rinconcito and Playa Mazunte are two halves of what is really the same beach. Rinconcito to the west and Mazunte to the east.
Expect to find the same golden sand and blue seas to complement the hippy vibes. At sunset, you can also walk along to Punta Cometa to watch the sky change colour as the sun sinks below the horizon. A small donation is required for entry and bags are searched for cans by attendants onsite.
Don’t be surprised to find impromptu music performances on the beach and parties can often end up on the beach in the early hours.
Playa Zipolite
Good for: Nudists, sunbathing, watching the sunset
Across all the beaches of Oaxaca, Playa Zipolite is the most popular nudist beach. As a result, the town and beach are both very tolerant and liberal areas.
Playa Zipolite itself is one of the most beautiful Oaxaca playas and it does not attract the level of visitors seen in other towns along the coast. The waves are a lot stronger in Zipolite compared with Mazunte, so it’s not a great place to swim. But, you’ll be sure to find a place along the long golden strip of beach to relax in the sunshine.
The town of Zipolite is very small and a good proportion of the restaurants and hotels are located along the beach. But don’t worry, there’s not a high-rise hotel in sight just lots of cabanas and bamboo rooftops.
Huatulco Beaches
At the mid-point of the Oaxaca coast is Huatulco, an area more popular with domestic than international visitors. The area caters to travellers of all budgets with everything from local guesthouses to luxury resorts. The sandy shores here are some of the best Oaxaca beaches.
There’s no shortage of beautiful Huatulco beaches. So, whether you want to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, enjoy beach beers or just escape, there’s a beach in Huatulco for you.
Playa Tangolunda
Good for: Escaping the crowds, a cheap day out, sunbathing
Not far from Huatulco is Playa Tangolunda, a beach that attracts few visitors due to the poor access routes. That said, once you reach the beach you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful golden sand, blue seas and scenic surroundings.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and find some peace and quiet, Playa Tangolunda is the perfect candidate. There are no beachfront restaurants (only hotels with no visitor access), no bars and hardly any vendors.
The rough waves and steep seabed do make it unsuitable for both swimming and visiting with children. However, Playa Tangolunda is one of the best Oaxaca beaches to just sit back and relax in the year-round sunshine.
Fly direct from Mexico City to Huatulco Airport in 70 minutes on one of the 10 flights operating each day.
Three airlines operate this route so check availability and prices online before booking the best deal.
Playa Punta Arena
Good for: Spending time on an isolated beach, surrounding yourself with nature, sunbathing
Travel east along the Oaxaca coast from Huatulco to find the remote Playa Punta Arenas. You’ll need to take a taxi or have your own car to reach here, but when you do, it will surely be worth it.
This long, golden beach is an isolated paradise. There are no bars, restaurants or shops around. No sun loungers, parasols or deck chairs. Instead, you’ll escape the busy Oaxaca beach towns to surround yourself with natural beauty.
Pack what you need for the day and enjoy one of the best beaches in Oaxaca that is still untouched and undeveloped. Sadly, it won’t be like this forever! Make sure you take home everything you bring with you to leave it as stunning for the next person.
Playa Santa Cruz
Good for: Swimming, watching cruise ships, eating at higher-end beachfront restaurants
On the outskirts of Huatulco is Playa Santa Cruz, your typical Oaxaca playa. Golden sand, clear, blue sea and scenic surroundings. Perhaps average by the standard of Mexico beaches, but beautiful nevertheless.
Located right next to the cruise ship dockyard, you can swim in the calm blue sea under the shadow of the mammoth ships of today. Though, because of being a cruise ship port, prices are higher than around other beaches in Oaxaca.
Along the beachfront, you’ll find restaurants, beach clubs and bars. Although, taking a short walk from the shore should mean you avoid the sea-front price premium.
Playa el Violín
Good for: Swimming, snorkelling, reaching by way of adventure
One of the smallest and most difficult to access beaches of Oaxaca, a visit to Playa el Violín feels like a trip to a desert island.
Located in a small cove with calm water perfect for swimming and snorkelling, access to the beach is by a short but steep downhill walk from the nearby road. The path is uneven and challenging making it unsuitable for those with access needs and young children.
Nevertheless, for those seeking a unique beach experience, Playa el Violín is the perfect place to adventure to. Naturally, there are no bars, restaurants or shops on the beach, so be sure to bring what you need. Additionally, as there’s no lifeguard, take care to only swim near the shore and check you are not being pulled out to sea or towards the rocks.
Bahía Maguey
Good for: Swimming, beachfront restaurants, snorkelling
This is a golden sand beach on the edge of Huatulco National Park. Although until recently you had to climb down some pretty sketchy stairs to reach the beach, access has now improved.
As the beach is a short distance out of town, you’ll need to take a taxi. Unless you fancy a long walk, that is. But once you’re there, you can enjoy clear seas and great restaurants.
The bays of Huatulco are great swimming spots as the waves are typically calmer in the coves. The wealth of marine life also makes this a great place for snorkelling.
Playa La Entrega
Good for: Snorkelling, relaxing, families
Southwest of Huatulco and just a short walk from Playa el Violín is where you’ll find Playa la Entrega.
The beach has good accessibility, plenty of restaurants, parasols and chairs to hire and much more. What’s more, the calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. A short swim along the bay edge is a small cave that can be explored too.
As one of the most central Huatulco beaches, Playa La Entrega does get busy even in the low season. Particularly, since this beach is mostly popular with locals rather than international visitors.
Playa La Bocana
Good for:
Northeast of Huatulco and Playa Tangolunda is the sprawling Playa La Bocana. What first appears to be a small beach between two cliffs is actually a beach spreading for miles along the Oaxaca coast.
The beach has a surf shop, restaurants and bars but you’ll need to bring your own parasol as there’s no shade. With miles of beach, it’s rarely crowded here and you can walk up to where the River Copalita flows into the Pacific Ocean and beyond.
Be warned, however, the waves are rough here. If you’re looking to go swimming, this isn’t the beach for you.
Playa Cacaluta
Good for: Taking a long walk to, rustic vibes, a secluded spot
A few kilometres into the national park from Huatulco is Playa Cacaluta. This secluded beach sits in a bay of the same name.
However, its fairly exposed location means that the current is typically too strong to swim in. Instead, this beach is better if you’re looking to spot wildlife, watch wild waves and get away from the hustle and bustle of busier beaches.
The beach is only accessible by foot, around 40 minutes from the nearest point cars can get to. The path is poorly marked in places but once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re the first person to find the beach.
Bahía del Orgáno
Good for: Avoiding crowds, snorkelling, peace and quiet
Located in the bay along from Bahía Maguey, Orgáno Beach is much less well-known and visited.
With beautiful white and golden sand, this is one of the more rustic and charming Huatulco beaches. Especially since it can only be accessed on foot.
Plus, with no restaurants or stalls here, you really can enjoy the peace and quiet on the oceanfront. Take in the sound of the crashing waves, sit back and relax.
Beaches in Salina Cruz
Not your typical tourist destination, Salina Cruz is one of the biggest ports in Mexico. You’re more likely to see oil tankers and cargo ships than backpackers. Though the city’s coastline is completely dominated by dockyards and piers, if you ever find yourself in Salina Cruz there are a couple of beaches on the outskirts worth visiting.
Playa Las Escolleras
Good for: Beach walks, escaping the city, spending time in the Mexican sun
Just west of the city is Playa Las Escolleras, a beach that stretches around a crescent-shaped bay. It’s the perfect place to escape the concrete jungle and disconnect from the world for a while.
The fierce waves and currents mean that swimming is not possible. Rather, Playa Las Escolleras is a place to bring a picnic and spend time in the sun. Or, come here to take a walk along the beach soaking in all the vitamin D from the year-round sunshine.
A handful of small restaurants are located on the road behind the beach but don’t expect much else in terms of amenities. Bring your own camping chair if you have one!
Playa Escondida
Good for: Getting off the beaten path, fishing, seeing sand dunes
Further west of Salina Cruz and near the village of Guelaguechi is Playa Escondida. This small playa is one of the more remote beaches of Oaxaca, though popular with local anglers.
Naturally, Playa Escondida’s remote location means you won’t find any beach bars here, so be sure to pack your own cocktail shaker! And all the refreshments you’ll need for a day at this golden sand beach.
Towards the eastern end of Playa Escondida, you can also find sand dunes to explore. Further along the coast, the beach becomes Playa Azul de Salina Cruz. And here, you will find a few restaurants though it still has a rustic feel.
Remote Beaches in Oaxaca
Playa Escobilla
Good for: Releasing baby turtles
Located between Puerto Escondido and Mazunte, Playa Escobilla is a rustic gem on the Oaxaca coast.
The main attraction that brings tourists to this beach is the turtle sanctuary. For 200 pesos per person, you can release newly hatched turtles into the ocean.
Yet beyond the turtle centre, there are no other facilities. This beach is great if you want a long walk along the sand or to get away from it all.
Playa Roca Blanca
Positioned roughly halfway between Puerto Escondido and the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, Playa Roca Blanca is a quiet spot.
With just a few restaurants and no easy public transport links, the beach is rarely crowded. Expect natural beauty, some swimming spots and affordable prices.
Plus, it’s just a short walk to the wilder beaches of Playa del Amor and Playa del Sur. It’s a great place to stop on the way to Chacahua.
If you have any questions or want any more information on any Oaxaca playas, drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Information is correct as of January 2023 but is subject to change in future.
More Mexico Travel Guides
COASTAL OAXACA: Playa Bacocho, Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca Beach Guide)
CENTRAL OAXACA: San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca (Complete Travel Guide)
COASTAL OAXACA: Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca (Ultimate Travel Guide)
OAXACA: Getting from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (Transport Options)
CHIAPAS: Incredible Waterfalls at Cascadas El Chiflón, Chiapas (Travel Guide)
CHIAPAS: Visit El Arcotete Eco Park in San Cristobal, Chiapas [Complete Guide]
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