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8 Best Beaches in Oaxaca, Mexico You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

By 11 January 2022 July 4th, 2024 No Comments

Oaxaca is a coastal state in southern Mexico. Oaxaca is best known for its rich culture and cuisine, but travellers are increasingly discovering the best beaches in Mexico.

Currently, Oaxaca has around 30 miles of beaches with some great surfing spots. This varies depending on the location and weather conditions at the time.

If you love the ocean and beautiful beaches, then you need to add Oaxaca to your travel bucket list! This amazing destination is home to some of the best beaches in all of Mexico, with sparkling blue waters and soft white sand.

From popular tourist spots to hidden gems off the beaten path, here are our picks for the best beaches in Oaxaca Mexico so that way it becomes easy to plan out your adventure! 

So what’re you waiting for? Start packing your bags and get ready for a beach vacation you’ll never forget!


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Oaxaca Beaches You Need to Add to Your Bucket List


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Best Time To Visit Oaxaca’s Best Beaches

Oaxaca is a popular destination during the winter months, but it offers miles of pristine beaches and sunshine year-round.

November To April: Winter

The best time to visit Oaxaca’s best beaches is during the winter months of November to April when temperatures are cooler. Whether you want a secluded beach with turquoise water or lively oceanfront bars, there’s something for everyone! There’re also fewer tourists during this time of year. The beaches are less crowded and you can find great deals on hotels and restaurants.

However, November through January tends to be more rainy so it might not be ideal if beach-going is your main priority.

If you’re looking for fewer people on the beaches and at the tourist spots, February or March may be good months to consider.

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, then consider visiting Oaxaca’s beaches during the winter months!

April To June: Spring

April through June typically see somewhat cooler days due to rain showers that pop up throughout this period – making it an ideal time for those wanting sun but not looking for unbearable heat during their trip!

May happens to be one of the more popular times since people tend to take work here in Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

June To September: Summer

The best time to visit is during the summer months when temperatures are in the high 70s and 80s. The weather is usually sunny and the temperatures are mild.

The best season to visit Mexico’s beaches is anytime between July through March when it isn’t too hot or cold outside.

June through September will be humid but enjoyable months with sunny days and low precipitation levels.

Temperatures can be fairly hot (92 °F), however, humidity tends to bring it down a few degrees extra making it feel like 88-90° F on average throughout these later summer months. These months have temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit (20-32 Celsius).

During summer around July or August, Oaxaca’s coast can get extremely hot. It isn’t all bad though, because you’ll find plenty of local people on the beach enjoying ice cream from one of three nearby towns that specialize in this delicious treat. With temperatures hovering at 95 degrees Fahrenheit, expect sunny days with periodic afternoon showers for most afternoons.

Expect many tourists along Oaxaca’s coasts – especially around Puerto Escondido – during the middle two weeks of August where you’ll have higher rates of rainfall than anywhere else throughout these three mentioned months. In addition to ice cream shops being busy throughout these months due to demand from locals and tourists alike looking for some relief from the heat, restaurants will also be quite crowded along sections of the coastline as well as on highways leading into town.

Expect prices to be quite high during this time as well. This is due to the volume of people and demand for lodging, food, and other supplies to accommodate their stay in town.

Keep in mind that these are only general guidelines – local weather conditions can always vary depending on where you go! So do your research ahead of time, choose what sounds best to you, and enjoy soaking up some rays (or waves) in Mexico’s incredible coastline this season. Saludos!

8 Best Beaches In Oaxaca, Mexico

1. Huatulco

The best beaches in Mexico are located near Huatulco Bay. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Oaxaca, this resort town features kilometres of the best beaches in Mexico.

Huatulco Bay offers a variety of water activities such as kayaking and snorkelling. This place not only offers easy access to many amenities but also has clean white sand with clear blue waters.

With over 25 miles (40 kilometres) long, it’s considered one of the best-hidden gems for tourists. There’s also plenty of great restaurants nearby where you can sample some authentic Mexican food paired with fresh seafood.

 Location

2. Chahué Beach

One other popular spot to visit is Chahué Beach. There’re many reasons that Chahué Beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Oaxaca Mexico.

Firstly, the beach is very secluded and private, which means that you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing day at the beach without having to worry about crowds of people.

Secondly, the sand on Chahué Beach is incredibly soft, which makes it perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Thirdly, the beach is surrounded by beautiful jungle scenery, which adds to its natural charm. You can find rock formations that resemble animals like turtles and whales.

And finally, the staff at Chahué Beach are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making your stay there feel like a true vacation.

Location

3. Huatulco

There’s an area called La Crucecita on the coast of Oaxaca filled with markets and art galleries, making this town perfect for those who want to explore local culture as well as enjoy the best beaches in Mexico.

There’re many beaches in this zone, considered one the best beach in Oaxaca because it has miles of pristine white sandy beaches.

There’s no shortage of things to do at La Cruzita beach. The waves are perfect for surfing, you can go swimming, boating, fishing, windsurfing, or just relax on the sand.

The all-inclusive resorts have everything you need so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Not to mention, the food is absolutely amazing! (Then again, where in Mexico doesn’t serve fabulous Mexican cuisine?) The restaurants serve up some of the best Mexican food you’ll ever taste.

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach with great amenities, then La Cruzita is definitely the place for you.

Location

4. Punta Cometa

Punta Cometa is a point break located in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. The water never gets too warm (so you can go anytime), making it one of the favourite beaches in Oaxaca.

The waves at Punta Cometa are so consistent that you can almost always find a good ride. The waves here are known for their long rides and smooth faces. With its long rides and smooth faces, this point break offers something for everyone. The break is also very wide, which makes it perfect for beginners and intermediates. Expert surfers will enjoy the challenge of trying to navigate through the many tubes that form here.

There’s no doubt that Punta Cometa is one of the best places in the world to surf. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for some world-class surfing. Make sure to bring your board – you won’t want to miss out on these waves!

Location

5. Salina Cruz

If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach to relax on and enjoy the stunning Mexican coastline, Salina Cruz is definitely worth considering.

It offers stunningly clear waters, a wide variety of marine life, and a lovely sandy beach. It’s one of the best beaches in Oaxaca for swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, and scuba diving thanks to its crystal clear waters and a wide variety of marine life.

You’ll also find a lovely sandy beach here to relax on while enjoying the incredible views. If you’re looking for an amazing beach vacation spot, be sure to add Salina Cruz to your list!

Location 

6. Playa San Agustinillo

Playa San Agustinillo is one of the best beaches in Oaxaca Mexico. This secluded beach is known for its crystal clear water and gentle waves. The white sand and clear blue waters make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible view. The beach is also great for swimming, boating, fishing, windsurfing, snorkelling, and kayaking.

It’s best known as an all-year-round destination because its climate remains pleasant year-round with average temperatures ranging between 18°C (65°F) during winter months and 29°C (85°F) during summer months.

It’s also best known for its cleanliness – each day at high tide, the waves clean the entire beach.

If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, look no further than Playa San Agustinillo!

 Location 

7. Zicatela Beach

amarisa zicatela, puerto escondido, oaxaca, mexico-7

Amarisa cafe overlooking Zicatela beach

Puerto Escondido is known for its world-class waves at Zicatela Beach, which make it a mecca for surfers from all over. Zicatela has an international reputation as one of Mexico’s best surfing spots due to its consistent waves which are ideal for all levels of surfers from beginners on up! The waves here are best suited for those who have some experience surfing already.

It also provides great conditions for bodyboarding but beginners should probably keep it out of the way of the more experienced surfers.

If you’re not into surfing, no worries! Zicatela has plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas for visitors to relax under while taking in the incredible views. And if that’s still not your thing, there’re always restaurants and bars to keep you entertained!

Zicatela Beach is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in Puerto Escondido. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, this is the beach for you!

Next time you’re in Puerto Escondido, be sure to check out Zicatela Beach – it’s definitely one of the best beaches in Oaxaca Mexico.

Location

8. Mazunte/ Zipolite

zipolite, oaxaca, mexico

Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, try heading to Mazunte or Zipolite during the winter months. These beaches are known for their crystal clear water and tranquil atmosphere.

Mazunte is a small coastal village in the Pochutla District of Oaxaca. It’s part of the Oaxaca municipality and is about 15km south of the town of Huatulco. The houses in Mazunte are all painted white and laid out along one street with beaches on either side. Mazunte is a small village with a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s the perfect place to soak up some sun and enjoy the sound of waves crashing against the shore. A true Pueblo Magico (magic town)!

Nude beaches are popular in many parts of the world, but it’s not so common to find them in Mexico. If you’re looking for a place to go all-natural on your Mexican vacation, you might want to consider Zipolite beach.

This secluded little village is home to one of Mexico’s most perfect waves, and the locals seem happy enough with their clothes off that they don’t mind visitors joining them!

Zipolite is a Mexican beach resort town, located between Pinotepa Nacional and Mazunte in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Zipolite has about 100 permanent residents and offers lodging and restaurants to travellers and backpackers. Zipolite is a little more lively, with restaurants and bars located right on the beach. The beach is known for its surfing and Zipolite’s waves are considered to be the second most perfect in Mexico.

If you’re looking for a quiet beach town to relax and enjoy the Mexican sun, Mazunte and Zipolite are definitely worth exploring. Just be prepared for some of the most amazing beaches you’ve ever seen!

Location

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Oaxaca Beaches You Need to Add to Your Bucket List


If you need a break from the city and want to be surrounded by natural beauty, we suggest heading down south of Mexico City.

The Oaxaca coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Mexico. With miles upon miles of white sand and turquoise water, these paradises will make your heart sing with joy!

Anyone who visits this part of the country should try their hand at surfing or hiking up into one of its many mountains for an incredible view. And once you’ve had enough exploring and adventuring?

Time for some relaxation on those gorgeous shores!

No matter when you visit, be sure to spend time relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Oaxaca!

Isabel Leong

Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.