Oaxaca Beaches

Huatulco used to be a small and sleepy fishing town, but has grown and developed quite a lot in recent decades. It remains relatively small and innocuous compared to the likes of Cancun, but is one of the more touristic spots on the Oaxaca coastline. It's a popular resort town nowadays due to the beauty of its beaches, as when you step out onto 'la playa' at Bahias de Huatulco, you'll understand why.

The waters are the prettiest shade of turquoise imaginable and the beaches are made up of powdery, cozy sand that feels so good beneath bare feet. The waters are very calm and gentle at Bahias de Huatulco, making this beach a good spot for families to visit and go swimming in safety, and the nice water conditions also pave the way for other activities like snorkeling. There are some great accommodation options in the local area too and some top quality restaurants not too far from the beach.

This beach really sums up the entire Oaxaca coastline experience. Puerto Escondido is actually the biggest coastal town in the entire state of Oaxaca, and this beach is one of the most popular in the region, but it's still refreshlingly calm and peaceful compared to the major touristic areas found elsewhere around the country. Even at the busiest times of year, like in August, Puerto Escondido never feels crowded or oppressive.

There are actually a couple of different beaches here, but they're all located near the town's bars and eateries and offer the same sort of views and soft sands. The beaches stretch out a long way at Puerto Escondido, and the lively atmosphere continues well after the sun has gone down, with live music and other entertainment at certain sections of the beach. A must-see spot at this Oaxaca beach is the Laguna de Manialtepec which lights up with bioluminescent plankton in the evenings.

If you're a nature enthusiast or just a general beach-goer who appreciates beaches with a bit of charm, Chacahua could be the one for you. While many of Oaxaca's beaches are formed in the traditional soft sand and warm water combination, Chacahua is part of a large national park area called Lagunas de Chacahua, meaning its home to a lot of wildlife and scenic walking trails.

You can spot sea turtles, many species of birds, and more living in the local area, and the beaches are comfortable for sunbathing and swimming, while also being dotted with big boulders and rocky areas for climbing and exploration. It's one of the least-visited beaches on the Oaxaca coastline, and if you get here on a good day, you might even have the entire beach all to yourself for a little while. There aren't too many eateries or hotels nearby, but basic amenities can be found at this beach.

There's a real laid-back, backpacker sort of vibe at Mazunte, so if you're looking for a beach that's off the beaten track and offers a completely unique kind of atmosphere, this could be the one for you. A lot of international tourists in particular are drawn to this beach for its smooth sands and perfect swimming waters. There are plenty of wide open spaces here and, like most Oaxaca beaches, Mazunte never gets crowded, but you might want to rent an umbrella or bring your own as there isn't a whole lot of shade here.

A lot of snack and refreshments vendors will roam up and down the sands at the beach of Mazunte, offering treats and drinks to ensure that no beach-goer ever has to worry about feeling hungry or thirsty during the day. There are also several additional snacks stands not too far away, offering even more variety, and a good range of affordable accommodation in the area.