Puerto Escondido offers a beach for everyone - from world class surfing to hidden coves and miles of white sand beaches with majestic rock formations. There are many safe swimming beaches in the Puerto area but extreme caution is advised for surfing and swimming on Playa Zicatela - the main surfing beach. There are strong rip tides and the waves are among the most powerful in the world - riveling the famed Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii. Several world class surfers are in wheelchairs with spinal injuries from this huge and shallow surf break. There are several very popular and less dangerous surf breaks for all levels of surfing.

Popular activities include horseback riding on the beach, surf fishing, boogie boarding, surfing, eco tours, kayacking, bird watching or just relaxing. Please enjoy the slide show of "Things To Do In Puerto Escondido" by Bruce Woodworth ©.

Playa Zicatela was the first public beach in all of Mexico to initiate volunteer lifeguard services and water safety programs. These programs have been aided and sponsored by the Friends of Puerto and the International Lifesaving Federation. Always swim on a guarded beach! It is always recommended to shuffle your feet rather than hi stepping through shoreline waters due to the presence of sting reys. Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than stepping on the back of sting rey. Local lifeguards and hotels will know where to get help. Also, avoid evening walks on unlighted beaches.