Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido is the most famous beach in this gorgeous Oaxacan town. With a width of a hundred meters and stretching for 4 kilometers in length, it attracts travelers from all over the world.
Zicatela beach is most popular among backpackers and surfers as well as Mexican families looking to enjoy gorgeous sunsets and walks along the oceanfront.
Every year in November Zicatela beach attracts some of the best surfers from around the world to compete in the “Mexican Pipeline”.
The name is due to the fact that the waves reach heights up to 16 meters and the power and shape are similar to the Banzai Pipeline.
Where is Playa Zicatela, Mexico
Playa Zicatela is located 6 kilometers (15-minute drive) from the heart of Puerto Escondido. The beach is easily accessible and you can taxi or walk to it from most of the accommodation options in the area.
How to get to Playa Zicatela
Depending on where you are staying and if you have a car or scooter rental, Playa Zicatela is a 15-minute drive from central Puerto Escondido or a 55-minute walk.
The stretch of road that is parallel to Zicatela beach is known as Av. Del Morro and has many places for you to park your car or scooter and gain easy access to the beach.
It’s important to note that this street is one-way and you’ll need to enter the street from the North end (closer to Playa Principal and can only travel south).
If you’re coming from La Punta or other areas further south you will have to either do the full loop or park your vehicle and walk up from the Colorada surf shop.
With that being said the beach stretch is 4 kilometers long so you can access the beach from any point, the above instructions are for those looking to access the restaurants and main area.
What to do at Playa Zicatela Oaxaca
Playa Zicatela has numerous activities for you to indulge in. Whether you’re looking to just relax and grab a drink on one of the daybeds, surf, or play beach volleyball this is the beach for you.
Playa Zicatela surf
The surf at Zicatela beach attracts some of the best surfers from around the world so it is definitely not suitable for everyone. Depending on the day and the size of the swell it is only recommended to surf here if you’re a pro.
If you want to try surfing we’ve put together a guide here as to where you should surf based on your ability.
If you’re not confident enough to surf here it’s still an awesome experience to watch the surfers on these monster waves.
Swimming at Playa Zicatela Beach
Unfortunately with the great surf comes strong rip currents which means most of the area is unsuitable for swimming.
The beach is littered with ‘no nadar’ (no swimming) signs as well as lifesaver towers which are usually unoccupied. For this reason, it is recommended only for the most confident swimmers and surfers.
On the Northern end of the beach, you can swim in more suitable swimming conditions at Playa Marinero.
Alternatively, you can find other alternative beaches that are more suitable such as Playa Principal and Playa Carrizalillo.
Acro-yoga
Acro-yoga is a combination of yoga and acrobatics that is a partner activity involving two people. One person acts as the ‘base’ and the other person ‘flies’.
If you’re looking for a fun and new experience during sunset a lot of the hipsters can be seen doing Acro-yoga on the beach by the volleyball nets.
They are more than welcoming and if you wish to give it a go they are more than happy to welcome newcomers as well as show you the basics.
Beach Volleyball
Similar to the Acro-yoga, people can be seen playing beach volleyball at sunset and the nets are free to use. You can either chat with the nearby restaurants to organize getting a ball or you can wait and join in with people who are already playing.
Zicatela Beach Restaurants
If you’d prefer to kick back at one of the restaurants rather than get amongst the physical activities Zicatela Beach has a number of beachfront restaurants which are great for enjoying the sunset while eating/drinking.
The daybeds are normally free to use as long as you purchase food or drinks from the venue.
Although there are endless options available for restaurants along Zicatela our top favorite is Sativa which is right near the beach volleyball nets.
The fish tacos here are absolutely delicious and combined with an icy cocktail or cold corona it makes for an awesome spot to watch the sun go down.
Be sure to grab one of the low seats out front so you can take your shoes off and kick back with your feet in the sand.
Where to stay near Zicatela Beach
There are a number of awesome accommodation options in the Zicatela beach area and we have broken down our recommendations based on the accommodation type that you are looking for.
Best hostels near Playa Zicatela
Our top three hostel recommendations that are located right near Playa Zicatela are Selina, Pipeline, and Mondala.
Best hotels near Playa Zicatela
Three of our top hotel recommendations that are located near Zicarela are Surf Olas Altas, Santa Fe, and Rockaway.
FAQ
Can you swim at Zicatela beach?
You can swim at Zicatela Beach but is known for its powerful waves and is a popular destination for surfers.
However, it’s essential to be cautious when swimming here, as the waves and currents can be strong, especially during the high surf season.
Always prioritize your safety when swimming at Zicatela Beach or any other beach with potentially challenging surf conditions.
How long is Playa Zicatela?
Playa Zicatela, located in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, is approximately 3.5 kilometers (about 2.2 miles) in length. This beach is known for its expansive shoreline and is a popular destination for surfers and beachgoers.
Playa Zicatela summary
Playa Zicatela is an awesome beach that attracts visitors from all across the world, particularly backpackers and surfers.
The beach has been made famous due to the fact that the waves can reach insane heights in excess of 16 meters attracting some of the best surfers in the world coming to chase these monster waves.
Due to this, it is not renowned for swimming due to string rips and big beach-breaking waves but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area such as relaxing on the daybeds, acro-yoga, beach volleyball, or enjoying the beachfront restaurants.
A trip to Puerto Escondido would not be complete without visiting Playa Zicatela so be sure to check it out while you’re here.
