The tropical shores of Playa Bacocho in Puerto Escondido are where the Pacific Ocean meets the Mexican state of Oaxaca.
But unlike many beaches in the world today, this one isn’t lined with resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants. Instead, you’ll find palm tree after palm tree at this edge-of-town rustic beach.
The white sand beach stretches as far as the eye can see, making Bacocho Beach a popular place to relax. But also has a turtle release sanctuary and a couple of small beach clubs.
Are you looking for tropical island vibes? Then this is the place for you! I spent almost every day here when I was in Puerto Escondido and absolutely loved it!
This complete travel guide has all the information you need to plan and have a great day out.
Where is Playa Bacocho Puerto Escondido?
Playa Bacocho Oaxaca is a beautiful golden sand beach well worth visiting on the west side of Puerto Escondido. It’s near the neighbourhoods of Bacocho and Rinconada.
Other nearby landmarks include Puerto Escondido International Airport and Playa Coral. You can find it on Google Maps here.
Puerto Escondido is a town popular with surfers, backpackers and digital nomads on the southern coast of Oaxaca in Mexico.
How to get to Bacocho Beach
Where you’re staying in Puerto Escondido will determine how easy it is and what mode of transport you’ll need to get to the beach.
From the neighbourhoods of Bacocho and Rinconada, the beach is an easy 15- to 25-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for around 30 pesos.
And for those staying in the Centro district, a taxi will be a good option to cover the 3 km distance. Unless you fancy a 45-minute walk in the Mexican heat – sand on sweat isn’t a good look!
However, from the eastern side of Puerto Escondido (Zicatela, Los Tamarindos or La Punta), you’ll definitely need to take a taxi or a colectivo to Bacocho.
Taxis are easy to flag down all around the town. But make sure you agree on a fare before getting in.
And the colectivos run up and down the main road all day ferrying people to and from different parts of the town. This costs just a few pesos and you sit or stand in the back of a pick-up truck.
Alternatively, there’s parking available at the beach for those with their own scooter or car.
> > > RELATED POST: Getting from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (All Transport Options)
What to do at Playa Bacocho Puerto Escondido
There isn’t a whole load of things to do at Playa Bacocho Oaxaca. But that’s what makes it great – sunbathe, build sandcastles, watch the sunset, get overly emotional and attached to a baby turtle… Ok, maybe that last one is just me!
But with year-round pleasant temperatures between 68 and 86 Fahrenheit, it’s the perfect place to relax.
However, I did find that the lack of shops, bars and shops does limit how long you can stay for. Unless you come really prepared with a parasol, food and drinks.
And afternoon downpours in the rainy season months of June to October can put a damper on things. Although these are often over within an hour.
Strong waves and currents mean this isn’t the best beach for swimming. And if that’s what you’re after, I’d recommend picking another beach in Puerto Escondido.
Even standing on the water line you can get wiped out by a big wave (trust me, I speak from experience)! But at calmer times you might be able to find a good spot by walking along the beach or speaking to the lifeguards who work there during the day.
It isn’t particularly popular even with advanced surfers – Playa Zicatela is the more preferred spot. This is because the fierce waves crash too close to the shore. Beginners should also choose another beach with more suitable waves.
Many people visit the beach just to enjoy the beach itself. But, if you’re looking for some fun activities or different ways to just do nothing, check out the best of what Bacocho Beach has to offer…
Looking for the best beaches in Oaxaca? This guide to the best Oaxaca beaches you have to visit on your next trip is perfect for you!
Playa Bacocho Beach Clubs
With just two, relatively small beach clubs at Bacocho, you certainly don’t need to worry about this being a very touristy place. In fact, the beach is still very rustic and is lined with trees for as far as the eye can see.
And beach clubs in Puerto Escondido aren’t really a thing, especially compared with Tulum and Cancun. But these are quite small although they do have good facilities and the price reflects that.
Beach Club Cocos and Beach Club Villasol are both located at the eastern end of Bacocho Beach in Puerto Escondido.
Minimum Spend
Both require a minimum spend to visit, this varies by weekday or weekend and by high and low season. And prices tend to range from 300 to 850 pesos per person.
Open Air Cinema on the Beach
Additionally, Beach Club Villasol hosts a free open-air cinema night every Wednesday at 7 pm between December and April.
With snacks and drinks available for purchase. You can check the film in advance on their Instagram page.
Review
I only visited Beach Club Villasol. Once as a day guest and then again during a two-night stay at their hotel just a 5-minute drive away.
As a hotel guest, there’s no minimum spend and you can also use the complimentary transport to and from the hotel and beach. Plus, there’s an additional swimming pool and gym in the hotel.
Villa Sol Beach Club features two pools, tennis courts, a bar (for drinks and snacks), a restaurant, sun loungers, tables on the beach and provides towels. Prices were very reasonable for the location and exclusivity, including a 2-for-1 happy hour. Arrive early in the day for the best choice of sun loungers.
Given how rough the ocean can be, having a beach club swimming pool is a great way to keep cool. Highly recommend!
Playa Bacocho Turtle Release
Releasing baby turtles into the wild is the best thing ever! I don’t think I can recommend visiting a turtle sanctuary enough, you have to visit!
Every day at 5 pm, newly hatched baby turtles are released at Vivemar Sanctuary on Bacocho Beach, Puerto Escondido. The staff and volunteers first explain a little about the turtles, the difficulties they’ll face in the ocean and the important work of the sanctuary.
Next, you get given a baby turtle in a coconut shell and carry them towards the shore. Then, finally, you set your baby turtle off in the direction of the Pacific Ocean passing on encouragement, good wishes and good energy!
You’ll feel like a proud parent as they swim into their first wave.
The price of this incredible activity is 150 pesos per person (around 8.50 USD) when paid directly to the sanctuary.
You’ll see tours offered for around 20 to 30 US Dollars but these will take you to the same place and pay the 150 pesos for you. Effectively, you’re just paying for a very expensive ride to the beach!
Save your money and take your own transport to Bacocho Beach, then stay for sunset…
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean
Watching the sunset from the shores of Puerto Escondido’s beaches is a real day-to-day community event.
Coming from always living in big cities, it’s not something I’d experienced before. But, on beaches across Mexico and the world, people schedule watching sunset into their days.
And, if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that Pacific sunsets are some of the absolute best!
Bring a beer or two, a towel and plenty of bug spray then sit and watch the colours of the sky come alive.
The best part is always after the sun has crossed the horizon too. Even better if there are some clouds around as they really hold the vivid colours.
In Puerto Escondido, sunset is around 8 pm in the summer months of June to August. Slowly changing to around 6 pm during the winter months of November to January.
> > > You might not think you’ll ever get bored of those ocean sunsets, but sometimes the mountains come calling. Find out how to get from Puerto Escondido to beautiful San Cristóbal de las Casas in this complete transport guide.
Walk to Playa Coral
Although not a secret beach, Playa Coral is perhaps Puerto Escondido’s least visited beach. This is partly due to how hidden it is but also that there are only two ways to access the beach.
If you’re wondering how to get to Playa Coral Puerto Escondido, it’s only accessible by either walking over the rocks on the eastern side of Bacocho Beach. Or, by entering through one of two hotels located on the cliff above the Coral Beach – Villa Mexicana and La Coral Beach House.
Entry via Bacocho Beach is free. Or you can pay a small fee for entering through the hotels, in exchange you’ll receive a voucher for a burger and a beer.
The beach is most popular at sunset. But, Playa Coral can also be visited throughout the day as the sea is generally much calmer – great for swimming and snorkelling.
If you have any questions or want any more information, drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Information is correct as of September 2023 but is subject to change in future.
More Mexico Travel Guides…
Coastal Oaxaca: Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca (Ultimate Travel Guide)
Central Oaxaca: San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca (Complete Travel Guide)
Central Oaxaca: Cabañas La Cumbre, San José del Pacifico (Review + Complete Guide)
Quintana Roo: Punta Mosquito, Holbox: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
Chiapas: Incredible Waterfalls at Cascadas El Chiflón, Chiapas (Travel Guide)
Chiapas: Visit El Arcotete Eco Park in San Cristobal, Chiapas [Complete Guide]
And much more, check out all Mexico Travel Guides here!
