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Beach · Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Playa Zicatela
Puerto Escondido’s long open beach, known for the tubular Pipeline Mexicano wave, with the neighborhood of hotels and restaurants facing the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Playa Zicatela
Zicatela is Puerto Escondido’s best-known beach, with about 3 km of golden sand open to the Pacific, south of downtown. In the northern part of the beach the Pipeline Mexicano forms — a heavy, hollow wave that breaks close to the sand and attracts surfers from around the world, especially from May to September, when southern swells are larger.
The beach hosts international surf and bodyboard competitions. From the sand and from the seaside restaurants you can watch the surfers on the big waves.
Because of the waves and currents, Zicatela’s water is usually not recommended for swimming. Lifeguards mark the sections and the conditions each day.
At the southern tip, La Punta has smaller waves, surf schools and a quiet neighborhood of inns, cafés and bars, where you can watch the sunset.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 2 hours to half a day.
Best time
In the late afternoon to see the surfers and the sunset. The big waves usually appear from May to September.
How to get there
It lies south of downtown Puerto Escondido, about 2 km away. You can go on foot, by taxi or by car.
Tip
Do not enter the water at Zicatela without experience; prefer the coves for swimming. Watch the surf from the sand.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Playa Zicatela
When are the Zicatela waves larger?
They are usually larger from May to September.
Can you swim at Zicatela?
The water usually has strong waves and currents; prefer the protected coves.
What is La Punta?
The southern tip of Zicatela, with smaller waves, surf schools and guesthouses.