Explore the Best Beaches on the Oaxaca Coast

The Oaxaca Coast is a wild beauty, a paradise of near-empty beaches strung along a dramatic 523km (325-mile) shoreline. Off the beaten track for many travelers, it’s long been a hideout for surfers and hippies – a fact reflected in its chilled-out towns and boho enclaves.

The beaches run the gamut, from hidden coves with gentle turquoise waters to crashing surf on long stretches of golden sand. Whatever type of beach you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it on the Oaxaca Coast. Here’s a short list of our favorites.

Playa Zicatela

Best Beach for Surfing

For serious surfers, it doesn’t get better than Playa Zicatela. Located in the town of Puerto Escondido, this wide, undulating stretch of golden sand is home to the legendary Mexican Pipeline – one of the world’s top breaks, with swells reaching up to 30 feet before transforming into perfect, glassy barrels.

April to October bring the biggest surf and a flurry of international surf competitions. Non-surfers and newbies should exercise caution: the undertow here can be dangerous. On weekends, the beachfront bars come alive with techno-fueled parties.

Playa Carrizalillo

Best Beach for Swimming and Surf Lessons

At the bottom of a steep 157-step stone staircase sits lovely Playa Carrizalillo, a sheltered cove with soft sand and turquoise waters. The gentle waves make it popular for swimming, and Carrizalillo is the perfect place for beginner surfers, with affordable lessons and board rentals readily available.

Make a day of it by renting a beach lounger, or simply lay out your beach blanket. When hunger strikes, a line of simple thatch-roofed eateries awaits with delicious Mexican antojitos (finger foods), seafood platters, and cold drinks.

Santuario Playa Escobilla

Best Beach for Turtles

A 14.5km (9-mile) ribbon of golden sand between Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, Santuario Playa Escobilla is home to one of the world’s major nesting grounds for olive ridley turtles. Each year, more than a million olive ridleys emerge from the ocean to nest and lay their eggs, particularly peaking between July and January in a spectacular phenomenon known as an arribada.

To protect the turtles, general access to the beach is restricted; however, tours are offered by the locally run ecotourism center. If you miss the arribada, visitors can help with baby turtle releases, which is a remarkable experience in its own right.

Bahía Maguey

Best Beach for Families

A short drive from Huatulco’s mellow resorts, Bahía Maguey is a picturesque bay between forested headlands, known for its calm, clear waters. Popular with families, the beach bustles with activity, from swimming and snorkeling to banana-boat rides and dolphin- and whale-watching tours.

Palapas serve fresh fish and seafood dishes, with public restrooms and showers making this a no-fuss beach day for families. A taxi stand provides easy access back to hotels.

Playa El Violín

Best Secret Beach

On the eastern edge of Parque Nacional Huatulco lies the narrow cove of Playa El Violín. A short unmarked trail just west of the Bahías de Huatulco lighthouse leads down a leafy hillside to the beach. Here, you can escape the crowds and enjoy thick sand, calm waters, and dramatic rock formations.

Bring provisions and snorkel gear to explore this wild beach, which is just 5.6km (3.5 miles) from the town of La Crucecita.

Playa Chacahua

Best Beach for Adventure

As the lancha (small boat) from Zapotalito winds through coastal lagoons and mangroves, it suddenly opens to reveal the tiny village of Chacahua with its long curving beach. Located in Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua, it’s perfect for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing.

You can explore the waterways by kayak to see numerous migratory birds or visit the crocodile nursery. Nesting leatherback sea turtles can also be seen from October to March, making this beach a true adventure hotspot.

Playa Rinconcito

Best Town Beach

Playa Rinconcito, a sweet little beach backed by the charming village of Mazunte, offers a great swimming spot. The golden sand, tucked into Punta Cometa, provides afternoon shade and makes for a lovely sunset hike.

Explore local options for delicious tacos dorados and sip mezcal from beachfront huts. For a break from the sand, consider joining a dolphin- or whale-watching excursion or visiting the turtle research center.