Playa Palmarito, Puerto Escondido: How to Get There and What to Expect
Playa Palmarito, Puerto Escondido: How to Get There and What to Expect
Playa Palmarito is the wild, wide-open beach just west of Bacocho in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca — kilometers of golden sand, powerful Pacific waves and almost no buildings in sight. It is not a swimming cove and it is not a party beach. It is where locals go for long walks, empty sunsets and a beach break that rewards experienced surfers. Here is how to reach Playa Palmarito, what you will (and won't) find there, and how to enjoy it safely.
Playa Palmarito at a Glance
Puerto Escondido's beaches change character as you move west. The sheltered coves of Puerto Angelito and Carrizalillo give way to the long, open sand of Bacocho, and Bacocho in turn runs into Palmarito. Development thins out, the crowds disappear and the ocean takes over. Think of Palmarito as the beach you visit for space and scenery, not for a swim.
| Quick Facts | Playa Palmarito |
|---|---|
| Location | West side of Puerto Escondido, beyond Playa Bacocho |
| Getting there | Taxi or own vehicle; roughly 15 minutes from the center |
| Waves | Open beach break; strong shore break and currents |
| Swimming | Not recommended; no lifeguards |
| Facilities | Very few; bring water, shade and snacks |
| Crowds | Low on most days, even in high season |
| Best for | Sunsets, long walks, photography, experienced surfers |
How to Get to Playa Palmarito
Palmarito sits past the hotel zone of Bacocho, far enough from the Adoquín that walking is not practical in the heat. Plan your ride both ways:
- Taxi: the easiest option. Ask for “Playa Palmarito” and agree on the fare before you get in
- Arrange the return: few taxis pass by, so ask your driver to come back at a set time or save a local driver's number
- Car, scooter or bike: handy if you want to beach-hop along the west side; park off the sand, as it is soft in places
- From Bacocho on foot: at low tide you can walk west along the shore from Bacocho — a long but beautiful stretch
If you would rather have lifeguards, beach clubs and a pool nearby, start your day at Playa Bacocho and walk toward Palmarito once the afternoon cools down.
What to Expect at Playa Palmarito
Palmarito is raw Pacific coast. The beach shelves steeply in places, waves arrive with real power and the current runs along the shore. That is exactly what makes it beautiful — and what makes it a place to respect.
Swimming: Look, Don't Dive In
Playa Palmarito is not a swimming beach. The shore break can knock adults off their feet, and rip currents form between the sandbars. There are no lifeguard towers. Cool off at the water's edge only, keep children well back, and if you get caught in a current, swim parallel to the shore rather than against it. Wikipedia's overview of how rip currents work is worth two minutes of your time before any day on this coast.
Surfing at Palmarito
The beach break picks up plenty of swell and is often far less crowded than Zicatela. Peaks shift with the sand, so conditions change from week to week. It suits intermediate and advanced surfers who can read the water and paddle out through a heavy shore break; beginners will learn faster on gentler waves closer to town.
Sunsets, Wildlife and Quiet
Late afternoon is Palmarito's best hour. The sun drops straight into the ocean, pelicans skim the waves and you may share the whole beach with a handful of people. Sea turtles nest along the western beaches in the rainy season; if you want to see hatchlings safely and legally, join a sea turtle release in Puerto Escondido run with local conservation camps.
Tips for Visiting Playa Palmarito
A little preparation makes the difference between a perfect afternoon and a long walk looking for shade. Do not confuse the beach with the Laguna de Palmarito, a mangrove lagoon farther west along the coast toward Chacahua.
- Bring everything: water, snacks, an umbrella or sarong for shade, and reef-safe sunscreen
- Go late: arrive around 4 p.m. for softer light, cooler sand and the sunset
- Watch the flags and the water: on big-swell days, stay well above the waterline
- Leave no trace: there are few bins, so pack out what you bring
- Staying nearby: for houses and villas near the west-side beaches, browse vacation rentals in Puerto Escondido
FAQ: Playa Palmarito
Where is Playa Palmarito?
On the west side of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, continuing beyond Playa Bacocho. It is about 15 minutes by taxi from the town center.
Can you swim at Playa Palmarito?
It is not recommended. The beach has a strong shore break, rip currents and no lifeguards. For calm water, head to Puerto Angelito, Manzanillo or Carrizalillo instead.
Is Playa Palmarito good for surfing?
Yes, for intermediate and advanced surfers. It is an exposed beach break that is usually less crowded than Zicatela, with peaks that change as the sandbars move.
Are there restaurants at Playa Palmarito?
Services are minimal and can change by season, so plan to be self-sufficient. Bacocho, next door, has beach clubs and more options for food and drinks.
Want to see more of the coast? Compare Palmarito with the rest of the region in our guide to the best beaches on the Oaxaca coast, then plan your days with our list of things to do in Puerto Escondido.