Beaches of Oaxaca
You will be spoiled with an abundance of things to do and see along the Oaxaca coast. There are so many beaches to explore and so much to do and see during your stay. Be amazed at the fascinating eco-tourism, beautiful landscape, delicious and fresh seafood, and warm Mexican culture this gorgeous coastline has to offer.
Let’s take a tour…
Bahias de Huatulco
Huatulco, Mexico consists of 9 bays and 36 beaches, all with a different personality and charm.
Bahia Conejos is located East of Tangolunda and consists of four beaches: Conejos (meaning Rabbits), Punta Arenas, Arena and Tejoncito. The 4 Conejos Bay beaches are excellent for diving, swimming and fishing. Its unique beauty is a high potential for short-term development. Read more about Playa Conejos.
Santa Cruz is the hub of commercial and tourist activities. It offers many amenities including hotels, craft shops, bars, restaurants, excursion agencies and rental shops. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun on the beach or book a fishing/tour boat, hobie cat or seadoo and enjoy a day out on the water exploring Huatulco’s 9 bays and 36 beaches. Read more about Playa Santa Cruz…
Playa La Entrega lies toward the outer edge of bahia Santa Cruz, Huatulco. This 300 meter long beach is the southernmost of the Santa Cruz beaches and is popular for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and diving. It features numerous palapa restaurants and a pay-to-use restroom. Read more about Playa La Entrega…
Bahia Cacaluta is located southwest of the main beach of the bay of Santa Cruz and received its name from the Zapotec word meaning “black bird”, cacalote, the name for a variety of crows or ravens. This bay is the perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of its flora and fauna. It has been said that when King Juan Carlos of Spain came to visit Huatulco in 1993, he declared Cacaluta to be his favorite beach. Read more about Playa Cacaluta…
Bahia Tangolunda is one of the 9 bays that make up the Huatulco region and the most popular. It is home to most of the 5 star resorts along with shopping areas and residential communities. If you are not staying at a resort but wish to visit the beach there is some public access to get you there. Read more about Bahia Tangolunda…
Bahia Maguey is the perfect beach to spend the day. Whether it be relaxing on the fine white sand or swimming in the clear, warm Pacific waters, this is one beach you don’t want to miss. The name Maguey is one of the most representative plants in Mexican culture and is the plant used to make agave tequila and mezcal, two of the country’s traditional drinks. Read more about Playa Maguey…
Playa Arrocito is located just before Tangolunda Bay in the resort town of Huatulco. Only 300 foot long, this great little playa was named as a result of the sand that looks like small grains of rice. Its name comes from that feature. The sand is very different from other beaches of Huatulco, it is a little thicker with small shell fragments mixed with rocks. Although not a large beach, is a favorite in Huatulco and is surrounded by luxury hotels, villas, single family homes and condos with spectacular ocean views. Read more about Playa Arrocito…
Bahia Chahué is one of the most popular beaches in Huatulco and a favorite with travelers and locals. Chahué means humid place because many years ago there was a freshwater lagoon near the beach that became a home to animals including crocodiles, cougars, and deer. It’s soft white sandy beaches make it very enjoyable for strolling along the shore or practicing yoga. Take in a volleyball or soccer game, enjoy some live music at the beach club or simply relax beachside and watch the waves roll in. Read more about Playa Chahue…
La Bocana is a 15 minute drive east of Santa Cruz and is best known for it’s great surfing. Surfers discovered this region and began competing here in 2003, increasing it’s popularity amongst the surfing community. Read more about La Bocana…
Barra de la Cruz is a village located east of Huatulco and is the perfect place for those seeking some great surf and to get away from it all. Read more about Barra de la Cruz…
Playa San Agustin is a must visit during your stay along the Oaxaca coast. This stunning out-of-the-way beach is considered the most beautiful of all the 9 bays of Huatulco. Whether you arrive by land or sea, Bahia San Agustin will leave you with a feeling of pure bliss and relaxation. Read more about San Agustin…
Beaches of Puerto Angel
Head south of Huatulco along the coast where you will be further amazed by the beautiful beaches the Oaxaca coast has to offer. Offering their individual take on the coast’s attractions, each beach provides something different. Long golden sand beaches, lagoons full of wildlife, dolphin and whale watching tours, diving, snorkeling, surfing and sport fishing. These are some of the things you get to experience in this perfect paradise.
Playa Principal, the closest beach to Viewpoint and the hub of all fishing activities in the area. The wharf is busiest in the mornings, where local fisherman bring in tuna, red snapper, sailfish, lobster and octopus. The beachfront is lined with chairs and umbrellas in front of restaurants serving this delicious fare, prepared just as you like it. Watch the boats come in while you enjoy a cold cerveza and fresh seafood. Read more about Playa Panteon…
About a mile East of Viewpoint at Puerto Angel is Playa Estacahuite. This tight cove shelters you from the currents of the Pacific Ocean and has great little coral nooks making it great for snorkeling and swimming. This small 300 foot beach has basic amenities in the form of a pair of palapa restaurants perched picturesquely above the beaches that provide food and drinks. Read more about Playa Estacahuite….
Playa Mermejita is a small beach area in the central part of the Oaxaca coast, west of San Agustinillo and Mazunte. It is borderedon its’ east side by Punta Cometa, the southern most point in theMexican state of Oaxaca, and on its west side by Ventanilla, a distinguished looking rock formation with a “ventana” or window in it which can be observed from several miles distance. Read more about Playa Mermejita…
La Mina is perfect for an enjoyable day with family & friends where you will relax on the fine-grained white sandy beach and soak up the sun. The waters are calm in this small bay making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is recommend to pack a lunch and refreshments for a day at La Mina as there is no tourist infrastructure. Read more about Playa La Mina…
Nestled into the rugged cliffs and tropical vegetation is La Boquilla, a beautiful protected bay with clear waters & white sand. The Bahia de la Luna restaurant is located on the beautiful beach under thatched palapas and coco palms. Specializing in freshly prepared seafood and regional dishes, this is a dining experience you will remember. Read more about Playa La Boquilla…
4 miles west of Puerto Angel is Playa Zipolite, a beach community best known for its amazing waves and ‘hippie’ culture. This beach was featured in the Mexican blockbuster movie “Y tu mamá también.” and has become very popular with foreign tourists and backpackers. Zipolite is also popular for it’s nudity, mostly on the west end, so be warned that you may get an eyeful if you go! The beach is lined by swaying palms, rustic cabanas, hotels, restaurants and hammocks. Read more about Playa Zipolite…
If you are seeking seclusion and a private getaway, Playa del Amor AKA ‘Lover’s Beach’ is the perfect spot. Set away from tourists and vendors, this beaches is surrounded by high cliffs making it the perfect place to get away for a romantic, relaxing day. Read more about Playa del Amor…
This 1300 meter long beach is divided into 3 sections by rocky jut-outs that reach into the ocean. The far west end of the beach is called Playa Rinconcillo, a well-sheltered area that is great for swimming. This area is where most of the fishermen offer boat and sportfishing tours. The easternmost section is called Playa Aragon which has strong waves and undertow. Read more about Playa San Agustinillo…
West of Puerto Angel is the beautiful Playa Mazunte. “Mazunte” is derived from a Nahuatl phrase, “maxotetia” meaning “please deposit eggs here” and is famous for the sea turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beach. Today the main attractions in Mazunte are the Mexican National Turtle Center and the Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte. Read more about Playa Mazunte…With Playa Mazunte to the East and Playa Mermejita to the west
Punta Cometa is one of the most prominent peninsulas in the South Pacific. Also named the Sacred Hill, Punta Cometa is Mexico’s most southwestern point in Mexico, a spectacular place where you can see the sun rise and set on the ocean year round from this magnificent view. Read more about Punta Cometa…
Located 2 miles west of Mazunte is the seaside village of Playa Ventanilla. Ventanilla means `little window` and derives from the small opening in the high rocky peak at the east end of the beach. The fine white sand and clear waters extend all the way down to Puerto Escondido. This playa is a great spot for a relaxing day at the beach or to take in the interesting and fun eco-tours offered. Read more about Playa Ventanilla…
Beaches of Puerto Escondido
Further south and nestled between the end of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and Pacific Ocean is the coastal resort of Puerto Escondido. This laid back hippie town is considered one of the most important tourist attractions on the Oaxaca coast. It is loved by travelers, expats and surfers and is a popular investment and retirement location for Canadians and Americans. Puerto Escondido is home to the Mexican Pipeline, making it a world class surfing destination.
Playa Marinero is located between Playa Principal and Playa Zicatela in the surfing community of Puerto Escondido. This 200-meter long beach is the perfect spot for swimming and beginner surfers. Read more about Playa Marinero…
laya Carrizalillo is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Escondido. Located west of Zicatela, this small 300 meter bay is accessed by a newly built stone staircase. Read more about Playa Carrizalillo…
The point or La Punta is located in the southernmost section of Playa Zicatela at the southern end of the beach. Favored by surfers from all over the world, this great beach offers a bohemian feel and laid back atmosphere. Read more about La Punta…
Playa Principal is the main beach that parallels the pedestrian-only portion of Puerto Escondido’s Adoquin, a cobblestone road for tourists. Playa Principal is the main beach in Puerto Escondido and the hub of fishing, boating and water taxi activities. Read more about Playa Principal…