Top Three Oaxaca Beaches: Zicatela, Carrizalillo & Zipolite

Imagine long stretches of tropical beaches, a vibrant and friendly local culture, and the most tantalizing food you’ve ever tasted – welcome to Oaxaca in Mexico! The incredible country holds a very special place in my heart, one that is deeply entrenched in years of childhood dreams. If you’re on the fence about planning a trip, then the Oaxaca beaches will push you over the edge.

As a country, Mexico is steeped in fascinating history, an accolade that is celebrated in its lively modern culture. This is one of the first things that we noticed when we spent a weekend in Mexico City (from the comfort of our luxurious room in the Gran Ciudad de Mexico Hotel).

Read about our time in the Gran Ciudad de Mexico hotel here – it was a real treat!

When planning our trip to Mexico, we thought long and hard about where we wanted to spend the majority of our time. We had three main criteria that helped shape our decision:

1. Coastal – so we can surf and enjoy the sun
2. Affordable – so that we didn’t break the bank
3. “Local” – so that we could get as much of an authentic experience as possible without falling into tourist traps

Oaxaca, a southern area in Mexico, ticked all of our boxes. They had kilometers of coveted beaches, a laid-back friendly atmosphere, and affordable accommodation options.

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Discover The Oaxaca Coast

Arguably the biggest sell for visiting the southern Mexican state is the long stretches of beach that line its border. These coastal havens promise hours of fun in the sun – surfing the waves, sipping cocktails, and mingling with the locals. Covering 370 miles of Pacific coastline, there are plenty of spots to choose from. Puerto Escondido is a good place to start.

Oaxaca Digital Nomad Opportunities

Before we dive into the juicy descriptions of our favorite beaches, we need to clarify that Oaxaca, and Puerto Escondido specifically, is a digital nomad-friendly destination. The area is vibrant, affordable, and very festive.

Read the rest of the spots that made our list of digital nomad destinations for surfers here.

While the internet connection is manageable, we’d recommend investing in a portable WiFi device for extra peace of mind. Get ready to lather the sunblock and wax your board the moment that you log from the working day!

Get your portable hotspot, MiFi, and internet solutions here.

Oaxaca Surf Spots

A lot of people visit Oaxaca’s coastline to catch a tan, swim in the ocean, and sip piña coladas. While we did that too, the opportunity to surf was the main driving force for us, as it is for many other travelers.

There are plenty of Oaxaca surf spots to choose from, suitable for a range of levels. Be warned that some of the spots are reserved for experienced surfers only, especially on heavier days. It’s always a good idea to ask the necessary questions before paddling out.

• Puerto Escondido’s Zicatela
• Manzunte
• Zipolite
• Barra de la Cruz
• Salina Cruz/Punta Conejo
• Carrizalillo

Planning a surf trip according to the swell? Have a look at our annual surf guide here.

Surf Camps in Puerto Escondido

In line with the many surfing opportunities and the safety warning that they come with, there is a choice of surf camps in the area. What an awesome way to get a lay of the land – and the sea. With an option for all levels, you can make friends while exploring a new destination and spending time in the water.

• 8-Day regular Spanish and surf camp in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
• 8-Day budget surf camp in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
• 4-Week outstanding surf holiday in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
• 8-Day yoga and surf camp in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Best Beaches In Oaxaca

When we visited, we spent about two weeks in the area and fell deeply in love with its beauty. However, we did find ourselves returning to three spots in particular. These are our favorite beaches in Oaxaca.

1.   Zicatela

Zicatela beach is nestled in the coastal city of Puerto Escondido. Beautiful Zicatela’s coast stretches across a sandy expanse measuring up to three kilometers. The beach has also earned a notorious reputation as being the best surf spot in the whole of Mexico. The Punta is located on the southernmost point of the beach and offers a swell that only the bravest dare surf.

Ollie happened to be one of these brave surf warriors and picked up a dusty board which sparked his passion for riding waves. Up until then, Ollie hadn’t been in the water for a while. Now it’s safe to say, he hasn’t let a weekend pass without getting in the water. The boisterous swell of Mexico’s Zicatela is largely to blame for reigniting his passion.

In addition to being one of the best surf spots in the country, Zicatela also offers a festive atmosphere. The long stretch of beach is speckled with groovy bars and restaurants that grant you the luxury of having your fill as the waves lap the sand.

Our favorite spot was Palapita Bar which serves mouth-watering Piña Coladas. Make sure you visit during happy hour and watch the sun slip beyond the horizon. While in Puerto Escondido, we stayed at an amazing spot called La Playita. The owners were insanely friendly and just so happen to also be the owners of Palapita Bar!

2.   Carrizalillo

A little ways away, but still in Puerto Escondido, is Carrizalillo. The beach is loved as the ultimate surf spot for beginners. We rented a cheap scooter and rode to the parking spot which precedes a steep, descending staircase.

The beach itself is a short, narrow strip of sand, with a deep dip created by hard-hitting shore break. There is a restaurant or two on the beach, but without much competition, the prices take advantage of the demand.  On a beautiful sunny day, there can be a bit of a struggle to find a spot to lay out your towel – especially during high tide – but we still had one of our favorite beach days here.

There is also the opportunity to rent a surfboard and have a goof. In fact, Carrizalillo is where I had my first surfing experience. The water is beautiful and warm, and the surrounding, leafy vegetation is quite magical.

3.   Zipolite Beach

About 72 kilometers outside of Puerto Escondido is Zipolite, Oaxaca. The beach is expansive, tropical, and nothing short of heaven. We spent about four nights in a little wooden cabin that literally stepped out onto the shore.

This little bit of paradise completely changed our world. There is very little to do in Zipolite other than relax, surf, and drink tequila or Corona – and that’s exactly what we did! The beach itself is known to be very popular among nudists, which made for quite a liberating atmosphere in Zipolite. Combine this mood with epic waves, and you have a winner! Mexico surf spots are plenty, but this one is a gem.

Many afternoons were spent reading in the hammock, surfing the break, and strolling along the shore. Every evening we would take our pick of the many different bars. Alarmingly, there is also a fairly vibrant nightlife – considering the size of Zipolite. In fact, we had one of our best nights out in the sneaky little spot.

Cafe Maya was our little haven that opened up onto the beach and boasted a quaint little cafe.

Is It Safe To Travel In Mexico?

Many people wonder, is Oaxaca safe? With regard to safety, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in the country. As always, it is wise to take the necessary precautions when traveling to a new country. Make sure that you avoid certain areas after dark, keep your wits about you in busy areas, and don’t be flashy with your belongings.

A little bit of common sense can go a long way, and there is no need for the fear of safety to stop you from enjoying the phenomenal Oaxaca, Mexico, beaches.

What’s Your Favorite Oaxaca Beach?

While these are our three favorite best Oaxaca beaches, the area boasts many, many more. There are countless Oaxaca beach resorts to choose from and each promises unforgettable moments.

From luxurious hotels of grandeur to more affordable Airbnbs, one thing remains consistent throughout – the spectacular beaches of Oaxaca are your playground.

Read more surf guides:

• A guide to surfing in Sagres, Portugal
• Best beaches to surf in Rio
• Uluwatu surf guide
• Canggu surf guide

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