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With its aquamarine waters set beneath dramatic cliffs, under-the-radar Playa Estacahuite is among the most pristine and swimmable seashores in Oaxaca, Mexico.
But it surely’s way more than a ravishing seaside. It’s a chance to expertise and join with a shocking pure panorama.
Why Go to Playa Estacahuite?
Over the previous 15+ years of spending winters in Oaxaca, we’ve been lucky to have skilled a number of idyllic days at Playa Estacahuite.
Its unpolluted, calm waters and laid-back vibe makes it the form of place you’ll really feel blessed to have entry to.
Though the seaside is a simple day journey from Huatulco and Puerto Escondido, it’s (up to now) been spared the tour bus crowds pouring down the Barranca Larga–Ventanilla Tremendous Freeway connecting Oaxaca Metropolis to the coast.
For now, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxed day of lounging, diving right into a contemporary seafood lunch below a country seaside palapa and floating in clear, calm water.
For those who’re on the lookout for a clear swimming seaside close to Puerto Ángel, Zipolite or Mazunte, Playa Estacahuite (pronounced “eh-stah-kah-WEE-teh”) is your home to be.
Playa Platino – Platinum Certification for Cleanliness
How pristine is that this seaside? Bahia Estacahuite is certainly one of solely three licensed Playa Platino seashores in Oaxaca!
A Platinum Seaside is a designation given to Mexico’s cleanest seashores by the Mexican Authorities below the Playa Platino program of the Mexican Institute for Normalization and Certification.
It acknowledges seashores for his or her magnificence, environmentally sustainable practices, group involvement, position in selling accountable tourism and cleanliness.
For lovers of the outside like myself, efforts to guard the pure surroundings are at all times price celebrating.
🌟 Professional Tip: Playa Mermejita (in Mazunte) and La Entrega (a preferred seaside in Huatulco) are the opposite two Playas Platinos seashores in Oaxaca.
Location of Estacahuite Seaside
The journey right here is a part of the journey.
Bahía Estacahuite is positioned off winding Freeway 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 ultimate for a day journey.
Set on a scalloped shoreline outlined by rugged cliffs and sheltered bays stretching between Mazunte and Puerto Ángel, it’s scenic drive although a panorama that’s a mixture of dry tropical forest and luxurious greenery, relying on the season.
You’ll see cacti and succulents set amidst blooming timber such because the swish Flamboyán, the flaming Tulipán, the yellow Guayacan and pale pink Coquito.
From Freeway 175, the bay itself is accessed through tiny 8 de Octubre road (Google Map) on the japanese fringe of Puerto Angel.
Getting There
By Automotive
Though there are a number of methods to get to Estacahuite, by far the best is by automotive. It’s a bit off the crushed path.
We often hire a automotive so we are able to spend the day stopping at fruit stands, looking for physique cream and soaps on the Pure Cosmetics Cooperative, chatting with mezcaleros at palenques and absorbing the surroundings.
For a two-week automotive rental, we usually pay round $200 USD (that features the dear however obligatory third celebration legal responsibility insurance coverage in Mexico).
We hire our automobiles on Discovercars.com. It’s an internet automotive rental reserving web site that compares charges from a number of firms to seek out one of the best deal.
Test for one of the best automotive rental charges at Discovercars.com
Public Transportation (Colectivo)
To get right here by public transportation from Puerto Escondido through Pochutla, take one of many blue and white Transportes Delfines mini-buses that run between Puerto Escondido and Pochutla.
Catch one on the terminal in Puerto Escondido (Google Map) or different bus cease alongside the west aspect of Freeway 200 in direction of Pochutla/Huatulco.
The buses run each quarter-hour from 5:00 am to 7:30 pm. The fee must be round 50 pesos. Test for the present value on the Transportes Delfines Fb Web page or convey small payments.
Or take the Sur bus to Pochutla.
From Huatulco, catch the bus to Pochutla from the Estrella Blanca Bus Station (Google Map) simply off Blvd Chahue in La Crucecita.
For those who’re coming from Oaxaca Metropolis, Lineas Unidas takes you all the best way to Pochutla.
As soon as in Pochutla, head to the Lineas Unidas station (Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas Núm. 85, Pochutla) and hop on shared minibus/vans that runs alongside the coast stopping at Mazunte, Zipolite and Puerto Angel.
Ask the driving force to cease on the freeway entrance to the village of Estacahuite. From the freeway, it’s a 7 minute stroll down the hill to the seaside.
Taking a Guided Tour to Estacahuite
One other good choice to take a guided Wildlife Eco-Tour from Huatulco to Mazunte.
This 7-hour tour consists of pick-up and drop off at your lodging in Huatulco, an accredited information in addition to transportation in an air-conditioned car.
You’ll start the tour in Mazunte, designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical City) by the Mexican Authorities, attributable to its distinctive traits and attraction.
Among the prime issues to do in Mazunte embody looking for artisanal crafts, sampling native specialties like mezcal and exploring La Ventanilla, a nature protect residence to birds reminiscent of herons and kingfishers in addition to iguanas and American crocodiles.
In contrast to Bioluminescent Manialtepec Lagoon, there’s no swimming in these waters.
This tour additionally features a cease at Zipolite Seaside (certainly one of Mexico’s few official nude seashores) earlier than passing via the fishing village of Puerto Ángel after which Estacahuite for lunch. The tour wraps up with a return to Bahías de Huatulco.
For those who’re doing the journey independently I like to recommend heading to Playa Estacahuite first and doing all of your explorations later within the day. You may simply slot in a fast stops at every of the above in a day journey.
Test costs and availability of a Guided Tour to Estacahuite on Viator.com.
Taxi from Huatulco
One other strategy to get to Estacahuite is to rearrange for a personal taxi to switch you there and again. It consists of pick-up and drop off at your lodging in Huatulco and transportation in an air-conditioned car..
Value varies by provider. Anna’s Journey Huatulco quotes a value of 2200 MXN pesos as at Dec. 1, 2024.
Parking
Parking is proscribed, so it’s greatest to reach early to safe a spot. Your greatest wager is to park on 8 de Octubre itself. There’s paid parking on the backside of the steep hill close to the seaside palapas, but it surely’s dear.
For those who park on 8 de Octubre, you’ll entry the seaside through a brief path from the highway. It winds down via tropical vegetation, including to the sensation that you simply’ve stumbled upon one thing really particular.
For those who don’t wish to sit immediately on the seaside, you’ll be able to choose to dine at one of many eating places on the prime of the cliff.
The views from the clifftop eating places overlooking the bay are particularly breathtaking—good for a meal or a drink whereas taking within the surroundings. On a scorching day they’re breezier and have a extra intensive menu (extra on that later).
If you wish to swim, you’ll nonetheless be capable of entry a seaside however will probably be utilizing completely different stairs.
High Issues to Do
1. Benefit from the Finest Swimming Seaside in Oaxaca
Playa Estacahuite’s calm waters make it ultimate for swimming and non-motorized watersports.
And there are literally three seaside coves to select from.
Center Seaside
The primary seaside you’ll doubtless see upon arrival is the center seaside.
This centrally positioned stretch of sand has the calmest water however usually the best variety of individuals.
It’s one of the best swimming seaside for households with younger kids or timid swimmers like me.
Left Seaside
The one furthest to your left upon arrival has one of the best snorkeling. There’s really a channel via the rocks into the water for straightforward entry.
But it surely additionally appears to obtain probably the most boat visitors.
🌟 Insider Tip: There’s a passageway within the rocks between the center seaside and the seaside to the left. Observe the footpath to simply pop forwards and backwards between the 2.
Proper Seaside
To entry the seaside to the far proper, you descend through the steps beneath the Estacahuite signal or make your means alongside the center seaside to past the rocks.
There’s not many companies on the proper seaside (and no washroom services) so we often keep on with the opposite two seashores.
Though Estacahuite is residence to a few of the most swimmable seashores in Oaxaca (in contrast to Zipolite and Mazunte recognized for his or her riptides and robust undertow), by mid-afternoon there might be robust waves in any respect three seashores.
There aren’t any lifeguards and not one of the seaside are flagged. So make certain examine water circumstances earlier than swimming.
We discover the waters are at their most tranquil and uncrowded within the morning.
Nonetheless, the comparatively small measurement of the bay means it’s by no means too crowded, even throughout busier occasions of the yr reminiscent of Christmas, Semana Santa and peak season January to March.
So it’s an awesome spot to sit back out and take in the solar away from the crowds.
2. Snorkel Amongst Tropical Fish
For these in search of a bit of extra journey, the encircling waters supply good snorkelling among the many coral reefs and rock formations simply offshore.
You may usually see angelfish, parrotfish, blue damselfish and sergeant majors in addition to olive ridley and different sea turtles.
The wind tends to choose up within the mid afternoon and churn up the sand, so one of the best visibility is mornings.
Convey your individual gear or hire a masks and snorkel (and life vest) from Perla del Mar or one of many different beachside palapas (150 MXN pesos).
3. Go Kayaking alongside the Shoreline
The calm, sheltered waters of this crescent-shaped bay make it ultimate for newcomers and skilled paddlers alike.
Glide over the sapphire waters, taking in views of the rugged cliffs that body the bay and the tropical vegetation that surrounds it.
For those who’re feeling adventurous, paddle across the rocky outcroppings to discover close by coves and get a novel perspective of the shoreline’s dramatic surroundings.
You may hire kayaks (and life vests) for the hour or day on the kiosk between the 2 seashores.
4. Feast on Seafood
Estacahuite is residence to a handful of rustic, beachfront palapa-style bars (reminiscent of El Arrecife) that serve up botanas (snacks) and chilly drinks reminiscent of naranjadas, limonadas, jarras de frutas and different typical drinks.
For one thing stronger, there’s the same old in style Mexican beer reminiscent of Victoria, Corona in addition to cocktails together with margaritas, Micheladas, Cheladas and extra.
At restaurant El Ripio the place we often hang around, the menu options conventional Oaxacan seafood specialities of ceviches of shrimp, fish, octopus (or combined) ranging in value from 250-300 MXN pesos.
Don’t miss the prospect to attempt the native oysters, that are dearer than these at Playa Agua Blanca additional north alongside the Pacific Coast, however are nonetheless shucked contemporary whilst you wait.
For those who’re craving one thing extra substantial, go for filete al ajo (fish in garlic) or camarón empanizado (breaded shrimp).
They’re all paired with a view that’s exhausting to beat.
🌟 Professional Tip: Not a seafood fan? Your go-to choices listed below are guacamole or fries. If that doesn’t hit the spot, you may wish to convey your individual snacks or take a look at the breakfast at Las Palmas restaurant.
5. Take a Boat Tour of the Bays
Taking a ship tour is a incredible strategy to discover the rugged great thing about this stretch of Oaxaca’s shoreline, with alternatives to see dolphins, dramatic rock formations, and blowholes spraying ocean mist into the air.
Accommodations
For those who’re tempted to remain longer (and who wouldn’t wish to spend a number of dreamy nights right here?), there are a number of lodging choices close by.
The closest resort, Casa Bichu, affords boutique luxurious with easy accessibility to Estacahuite seaside, loads of facilities reminiscent of a swimming pool, AC and spectacular views.
For these on the lookout for a extra reasonably priced choice, Xeno Hostal affords modern dormitory rooms in addition to a swimming pool. (Don’t confuse it with the Xeno resort in Zipolite which is far additional away).
For a style of luxurious at very interesting costs, Casa Roni is a 5-bedroom villa with loads of attraction.
🌟 Professional Tip: There’s not quite a bit to do at night time at Estacahuite itself. However when you’ve got a automotive you’ll be able to simply go into Puerto Angel or Zipolite for eating and nightlife.
Suggestions for Your Go to
- Convey money (pesos in small denominations), as lots of the native eating places don’t settle for bank cards (or the machines occur to be out of order.)
- Pack reef-friendly sunscreen, further water, bathroom paper (there might not be any) and any seaside gear you’ll want reminiscent of snorkel gear, seaside chairs, umbrella and floats.
- Arrive early to benefit from the calmest waters and safe a parking spot.
- Weekdays are typically quieter for those who’re on the lookout for a extra chill expertise.
Remaining Ideas
Estacahuite Seaside is greater than only a useful day journey—it’s a spot the place you’ll be able to decelerate, join with nature, and revel in the most effective seashores on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Whereas its eating places are less complicated than these at different “hidden” seashores in Oaxaca reminiscent of Playa Agua Blanca and Playa Roca Blaca, the water right here is way more swimmable.
Whether or not you’re spending the day floating in Playa Estacahuite’s clear blue waters, having fun with contemporary seafood below a shady palapa, or absorbing the attractive Pacific Coast views, that is the form of place the place you’ll be able to really escape the crowds and unwind.
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