A Guide to Playa Estacahuite: Oaxaca’s Secret Eco-Beach

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With its aquamarine waters set beneath dramatic cliffs, under-the-radar Playa Estacahuite is one of the most pristine and swimmable beaches in Oaxaca, Mexico.

But it’s much more than a beautiful beach. It’s an opportunity to experience and connect with a stunning natural landscape in a sustainable way.

Why Visit Playa Estacahuite?

Over the past 15+ years of spending winters in Oaxaca, we’ve been fortunate to have experienced several idyllic days at Playa Estacahuite.

Its unpolluted, calm waters and laid-back vibe makes it the kind of place you’ll feel blessed to have access to.

Although the beach is an easy day trip from Huatulco and Puerto Escondido, it’s (so far) been spared the tour bus crowds pouring down the Barranca Larga–Ventanilla Super Highway connecting Oaxaca City to the coast.

For now, it’s the ideal place to spend a relaxed day of lounging, diving into a fresh seafood lunch under a rustic beach palapa and floating in clear, calm water.

If you’re looking for a clean swimming beach near Puerto Ángel, Zipolite or Mazunte, Playa Estacahuite (pronounced “eh-stah-kah-WEE-teh”) is your place to be.

Playa Platino – Platinum Certification for Cleanliness

How pristine is this beach? Bahia Estacahuite is one of only three certified Playa Platino beaches in Oaxaca!

A Platinum Beach is a designation given to Mexico’s cleanest beaches by the Mexican Government under the Playa Platino program of the Mexican Institute for Normalization and Certification.

It recognizes beaches for their beauty, environmentally sustainable practices, community involvement, role in promoting responsible tourism and cleanliness.

For lovers of the outdoors like myself, efforts to protect the natural environment are always worth celebrating.

🌟 Pro Tip: Playa Mermejita (in Mazunte) and La Entrega (a popular beach in Huatulco) are the other two Playas Platinos beaches in Oaxaca.

Location of Estacahuite Beach

The journey here is part of the adventure.

Bahía Estacahuite is located off winding Highway 175, (Carretera Puerto Ángel – San Antonio) on the Pacific Coast of Mexico (Google Map).

It’s a 1-hour drive from Huatulco (50 kilometres from La Crucecita) and 1.5 hours from Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, making it ideal for a day trip.

Set on a scalloped coastline defined by rugged cliffs and sheltered bays stretching between Mazunte and Puerto Ángel, it’s scenic drive though a landscape that’s a mix of dry tropical forest and lush greenery, depending on the season.

You’ll see cacti and succulents set amidst blooming trees such as the graceful Flamboyán, the flaming Tulipán, the yellow Guayacan and pale pink Coquito.

From Highway 175, the bay itself is accessed via tiny 8 de Octubre street (Google Map) at the eastern edge of Puerto Angel.

Getting There

By Car

Although there are a few ways to get to Estacahuite, by far the easiest is by car. It is a bit off the beaten path.

We usually rent a car so we can spend the day stopping at fruit stands, shopping for body cream and soaps at the Natural Cosmetics Cooperative, chatting with mezcaleros at palenques and soaking up the scenery.

For a two-week car rental, we generally pay around $200 USD (that includes the pricey but mandatory third party liability insurance in Mexico).

We rent our cars on Discovercars.com. It’s an online car rental booking site that compares rates from several companies to find the best deal.

Check for the best car rental rates at Discovercars.com

Public Transportation (Colectivo)

To get here by public transportation from Puerto Escondido via Pochutla, take one of the blue and white Transportes Delfines mini-buses that run between Puerto Escondido and Pochutla.

Catch one at the terminal in Puerto Escondido (Google Map) or other bus stop along the west side of Highway 200 towards Pochutla/Huatulco.

The buses run every 15 minutes from 5:00 am to 7:30 pm. The cost should be around 50 pesos. Check for the current price on the Transportes Delfines Facebook Page or bring small bills.

Or take the Sur bus to Pochutla.

From Huatulco, catch the bus to Pochutla from the Estrella Blanca Bus Station (Google Map) just off Blvd Chahue in La Crucecita.

If you’re coming from Oaxaca City, Lineas Unidas takes you all the way to Pochutla.

Once in Pochutla, head to the Lineas Unidas station (Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas Núm. 85, Pochutla) and hop on shared minibus/trucks that runs along the coast stopping at Mazunte, Zipolite and Puerto Angel.

Ask the driver to stop at the highway entrance to the village of Estacahuite. From the highway, it’s a 7 minute walk down the hill to the beach.

Taking a Guided Tour to Estacahuite

Another good option to take a guided Wildlife Eco-Tour from Huatulco to Mazunte.

This 7-hour tour includes pick-up and drop off at your accommodation in Huatulco, an accredited guide as well as transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

You’ll begin the tour in Mazunte, designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) by the Mexican Government, due to its unique characteristics and charm.

Some of the top things to do in Mazunte include shopping for artisanal crafts, sampling local specialties like mezcal and exploring La Ventanilla, a nature preserve home to birds such as herons and kingfishers as well as iguanas and American crocodiles.

Unlike Bioluminescent Manialtepec Lagoon, there’s no swimming in these waters.

This tour also includes a stop at Zipolite Beach (one of Mexico’s few official nude beaches) before passing through the fishing village of Puerto Ángel and then Estacahuite for lunch. The tour wraps up with a return to Bahías de Huatulco.

If you’re doing the trip independently I recommend heading to Playa Estacahuite first and doing your explorations later in the day. You can easily fit in a quick stops at each of the above in a day trip.

Check prices and availability of a Guided Tour to Estacahuite on Viator.com.

Taxi from Huatulco

Another way to get to Estacahuite is to arrange for a private taxi to transfer you there and back. It includes pick-up and drop off at your accommodation in Huatulco and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle..

Price varies by supplier. Anna’s Travel Huatulco quotes a price of 2200 MXN pesos as at Dec. 1, 2024.

Parking

Parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. Your best bet is to park on 8 de Octubre itself. There’s paid parking at the bottom of the steep hill near the beach palapas, but it’s pricey.

If you park on 8 de Octubre, you’ll access the beach via a short path from the road. It winds down through tropical vegetation, adding to the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon something truly special.

If you don’t want to sit directly on the beach, you can opt to dine at one of the restaurants at the top of the cliff.

The views from the clifftop restaurants overlooking the bay are especially breathtaking—perfect for a meal or a drink while taking in the scenery. On a hot day they’re breezier and have a more extensive menu (more on that later).

If you want to swim, you’ll still be able to access a beach but will be using different stairs.

Top Things to Do

1. Enjoy the Best Swimming Beach in Oaxaca

Playa Estacahuite’s calm waters make it ideal for swimming and non-motorized watersports.

And there are actually three beach coves to choose from.

Middle Beach

The first beach you’ll likely see upon arrival is the middle beach.

This centrally located stretch of sand has the calmest water but often the greatest number of people.

It’s the best swimming beach for families with young children or timid swimmers like me.

Left Beach

The one furthest to your left upon arrival has the best snorkeling. There’s actually a channel through the rocks into the water for easy access.

But it also seems to receive the most boat traffic.

🌟 Insider Tip: There’s a passageway in the rocks between the middle beach and the beach to the left. Follow the footpath to easily pop back and forth between the two.

Right Beach

To access the beach to the far right, you descend via the stairs beneath the Estacahuite sign or make your way along the middle beach to beyond the rocks.

There’s not many services at the right beach (and no washroom facilities) so we usually stick to the other two beaches.

Although Estacahuite is home to some of the most swimmable beaches in Oaxaca (unlike Zipolite and Mazunte known for their riptides and strong undertow), by mid-afternoon there can be strong waves at all three beaches.

There are no lifeguards and none of the beach are flagged. So be sure check water conditions before swimming.

We find the waters are at their most tranquil and uncrowded in the morning.

However, the relatively small size of the bay means it’s never too crowded, even during busier times of the year such as Christmas, Semana Santa and peak season January to March.

So it’s a great spot to chill out and soak up the sun away from the crowds.

2. Snorkel Among Tropical Fish

For those seeking a little more adventure, the surrounding waters offer good snorkelling among the coral reefs and rock formations just offshore.

You can generally see angelfish, parrotfish, blue damselfish and sergeant majors as well as olive ridley and other sea turtles.

The wind has a tendency to pick up in the mid afternoon and churn up the sand, so the best visibility is mornings.

Bring your own gear or rent a mask and snorkel (and life vest) from Perla del Mar or one of the other beachside palapas (150 MXN pesos).

3. Go Kayaking along the Coastline

The calm, sheltered waters of this crescent-shaped bay make it ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

Glide over the sapphire waters, taking in views of the rugged cliffs that frame the bay and the tropical vegetation that surrounds it.

If you’re feeling adventurous, paddle around the rocky outcroppings to explore nearby coves and get a unique perspective of the coastline’s dramatic scenery.

You can rent kayaks (and life vests) for the hour or day at the kiosk between the two beaches.

4. Feast on Seafood

Estacahuite is home to a handful of rustic, beachfront palapa-style bars (such as El Arrecife) that serve up botanas (snacks) and cold drinks such as naranjadas, limonadas, jarras de frutas and other typical drinks.

For something stronger, there’s the usual popular Mexican beer such as Victoria, Corona as well as cocktails including margaritas, Micheladas, Cheladas and more.

At restaurant El Ripio where we usually hang out, the menu features traditional Oaxacan seafood specialities of ceviches of shrimp, fish, octopus (or mixed) ranging in price from 250-300 MXN pesos.

Don’t miss the chance to try the local oysters, which are more expensive than those at Playa Agua Blanca further north along the Pacific Coast, but are still shucked fresh while you wait.

If you’re craving something more substantial, opt for filete al ajo (fish in garlic) or camarón empanizado (breaded shrimp).

They’re all paired with a view that’s hard to beat.

🌟 Pro Tip: Not a seafood fan? Your go-to options here are guacamole or fries. If that doesn’t hit the spot, you might want to bring your own snacks or check out the breakfast at Las Palmas restaurant.

5. Take a Boat Tour of the Bays

Taking a boat tour is a fantastic way to explore the rugged beauty of this stretch of Oaxaca’s coastline, with opportunities to see dolphins, dramatic rock formations, and blowholes spraying ocean mist into the air.

Hotels

If you’re tempted to stay longer (and who wouldn’t want to spend a few dreamy nights here?), there are several accommodation options nearby.

The closest hotel, Casa Bichu, offers boutique luxury with easy access to Estacahuite beach, plenty of amenities such as a swimming pool, AC and spectacular views.

For those looking for a more affordable option, Xeno Hostal offers contemporary dormitory rooms as well as a swimming pool. (Don’t confuse it with the Xeno hotel in Zipolite which is much further away).

For a taste of luxury at very appealing prices, Casa Roni is a 5-bedroom villa with plenty of charm.

🌟 Pro Tip: There’s not a lot to do at night at Estacahuite itself. But if you have a car you can easily go into Puerto Angel or Zipolite for dining and nightlife.

Tips for Your Visit

• Bring cash (pesos in small denominations), as many of the local restaurants don’t accept credit cards (or the machines happen to be out of order.)
• Pack reef-friendly sunscreen, extra water, toilet paper (there may not be any) and any beach gear you’ll need such as snorkel gear, beach chairs, umbrella and floats.
• Arrive early to enjoy the calmest waters and secure a parking spot.
• Weekdays tend to be quieter if you’re looking for a more chill experience.

Final Thoughts

Estacahuite Beach is more than just a handy day trip—it’s a place where you can slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy one of the best beaches on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

While its restaurants are simpler than those at other “hidden” beaches in Oaxaca such as Playa Agua Blanca and Playa Roca Blaca, the water here is much more swimmable.

Whether you’re spending the day floating in Playa Estacahuite’s clear blue waters, enjoying fresh seafood under a shady palapa, or soaking up the gorgeous Pacific Coast views, this is the kind of place where you can truly escape the crowds and unwind.

And feel good that the environment is being protected for future generations to enjoy.

Other Beautiful Beaches in Oaxaca

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