Things to Do in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a surf town on the Oaxacan Pacific coast — 8 hours from Oaxaca City by bus (shorter by small plane). It built its reputation on Playa Zicatela, which hosts one of the most powerful beach breaks in the world. The town itself is split between the tourist-facing strip and a more local community, with a strong surf and yoga culture and very little resort infrastructure.

Surfing Zicatela

The Mexican Pipeline at Zicatela is not for beginners — heavy shore break on a sand bottom, hollow barrels, and waves that regularly reach 3–5m in peak season (July–November, when Southern Hemisphere swells arrive). Watching from the shore is spectacular regardless of ability level; the restaurants along the beach have front-row views.

For learners: Playa Carrizalillo (sheltered cove, 1.5 km from the centre) and Playa Marinero (next to the main town beach, smaller waves) are the appropriate spots. Several surf schools operate at Carrizalillo with 2-hour lessons from ~USD 35.

Playa Carrizalillo

A small cove reached by a staircase of 166 steps. Calm, protected water — the best swimming beach in Puerto Escondido. Palapas (thatched shelters) for hire, a few beachfront restaurants. Snorkelling is possible on the rocky edges. Gets crowded by mid-morning; arrive by 8am for a good spot.

La Entrega snorkelling

The bay at La Entrega (20 minutes by taxi south of Puerto Escondido, near the larger bay of Bahías de Huatulco) has good snorkelling off a calm beach. Coral, tropical fish, and turtles in season. Local pangas (small boats) do snorkel tours from the beach.

Dolphin watching

Spinner dolphins are common in the bay around Puerto Escondido. Boat tours depart from the main pier at Puerto Angelito — typically 2 hours, morning departures, ~USD 20–30 per person. Sperm whales and humpbacks are sometimes spotted October–April.

Manialtepec Lagoon

A coastal lagoon 14 km west of Puerto Escondido with mangroves, birds (roseate spoonbills, wood storks, kingfishers), and one of Mexico’s most reliable bioluminescence spots. Kayak tours operate from the lagoon entrance — bioluminescence tours depart at night (~USD 25). The lagoon is also good for a half-day kayak during the day.

Eating and the town

Playa Principal (the main town beach) has the bulk of restaurants and bars. The Mercado Benito Juárez in the town centre has good cheap food. The beach restaurant strip on Zicatela runs from breakfast to midnight with a consistent surf-watching backdrop.