Manzanillo Beach
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Playa Manzanillo Puerto Escondido

4.4
·959 reviews·, Mexico

A picturesque sandy cove accessed by stairs, perfect for swimming and family fun, with stunning bay views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Manzanillo Beach

Playa Manzanillo Puerto Escondido

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque sandy cove accessed by stairs, perfect for swimming and family fun, with stunning bay views.

4.4
(959 reviews)

"Beautiful beach, you can enjoy cocktails and food sitting in the sand. Nice for bathing.Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stair Access Only

Be prepared for stairs to reach the beach; not ideal for those with mobility issues .

☀️ Go Early for Peace

Arrive before noon on weekdays for a quieter experience and fewer crowds .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Morning Swim Sanctuary

Morning Swim Sanctuary

Playa Manzanillo

Join early morning swimmers for a peaceful dip before the beach buzzes with activity. A popular spot for long-distance swimmers .

Reddit
Scenic Bay Views

Scenic Bay Views

Playa Manzanillo

Enjoy the picturesque bay framed by hills and trees, offering a tranquil escape with stunning coastal scenery .

TikTokInstagram
Family-Friendly Waters

Family-Friendly Waters

Playa Manzanillo

The calm waters make it a great spot for families, especially for younger children to play and swim safely .

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Access & Timing

Playa Manzanillo is accessed via stairs, making it less ideal for those with mobility issues. Arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience before the midday rush.Reddit

Best Experience Tips

While beautiful, the coral near the shore has been damaged. Early mornings are popular for swimmers and offer a quieter atmosphere. Be aware that some areas may have boat mooring and limited natural shade.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings (6:30 AM)
Why
Popular for swimmers
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
More lively, beach bars open
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Gran recomendación de dónde hospedarte en Puerto Escondido! 🌊🐚☀️ 📍aguamiel #puertoescondido #oaxaca #pxm #hospedaje #hotel #casa #oaxacamexico #mexico #travel #viaje #visitamexico #travelmexico #hotelesmexico #quehacerenpuertoescondido #viajes
@.marisolsilvam
33.5K likes • 420K views

🚶‍♀️ Stair Access Only

Be prepared for stairs to reach the beach; not ideal for those with mobility issues.Reddit

☀️ Go Early for Peace

Arrive before noon on weekdays for a quieter experience and fewer crowds.Reddit

📍𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨 🐚☀️, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca 🏝️. . . . #puertoescondido #puertoescondidooaxaca #reel #viral #parati #foryou #playamanzanillo #beach #inmobiliaria4k #mexico
@inmobiliaria5k
33.2K likes • 452.7K views
Playa Manzanillo, Puerto Escondido Oaxaca 🏝 #playa #pxm #puertoescondido #puertoescondidooaxaca #puertoescondidomexico #playamanzanillo #playamanzanillopuertoescondido
jor.cab.20
22 likes • 1.4K views

🏊‍♀️ Swimmers' Haven

Early mornings are perfect for long-distance swimmers and swim groups.Reddit

🐠 Coral Awareness

Note that nearby coral is close to shore and has sustained damage.Reddit

Playa Manzanillo un domingo por la mañana ❤️ . 🎥: @nestormtzlz para Difusión Puerto Escondido📍:Playa Manzanillo. . #shotoniphone #manzanillo #puertoescondido #oaxaca #mexicodesconocido #vivemexico #visitmexico #viveoaxaca #mexicodestinos
difusion.puerto.escondido
0 likes • 39.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stair Access Only

Be prepared for stairs to reach the beach; not ideal for those with mobility issues.Reddit

☀️ Go Early for Peace

Arrive before noon on weekdays for a quieter experience and fewer crowds.Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Swimmers' Haven

Early mornings are perfect for long-distance swimmers and swim groups.Reddit

🐠 Coral Awareness

Note that nearby coral is close to shore and has sustained damage.Reddit

🍹 Beachside Refreshments

Enjoy cocktails and food right on the sand.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(959 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa Manzanillo is praised for its beautiful scenery and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and families. However, access via stairs and occasional overcrowding, especially on weekends, are noted drawbacks. Some visitors also express concern over the damaged coral reefs near the shore.

"Beautiful beach, but keep in mind it’s only accessible by stairs, so not ideal for those with mobility issues. Go early and on a weekday for the best experience. I went on a Wednesday at 7AM and had the place practically to myself until around noon, when the crowds started rolling in."

Ariel Lherisson

"This is a beautiful place. I went during the week and it was crowded, but didn’t have issues finding a spot to post up. It’s accessible by taking the stairs down. The only sad thing about this place is that the coral is very close to shore so people have damaged them. I don’t know if it’s also due to warmer water and sunblock, but a lot of the coral is dead. A lot of pieces of it wash up on shore too.

If you are a long distance swimmer, or just a swimmer, this is a very popular beach for swim groups early morning around 6:30am."

manuel martinez

"Small pretty bay, but over crowded and with loads of boats mooring. The water wasn't clean because of the boats. No shade unless you want to pay for the sunbeds"

Elena **

What People Like

Beautiful scenic bay
Calm waters for swimming
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Stair access only
Can get crowded
Damaged coral reefs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa Manzanillo is accessible by stairs leading down from the surrounding hills. There are no direct roads to the beach itself. For getting around Puerto Escondido generally, renting a car or motorcycle is recommended for flexibility, as taxi services can be tourist-priced.Reddit

Access is via stairs, which can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. It's a beautiful descent, but requires some physical effort.Reddit

Many travelers suggest renting a car or motorcycle for the best flexibility. Taxis are available but can add up, especially for multiple trips.Reddit Some also opt for bicycles for shorter distances.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Playa Manzanillo is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can access it freely, though renting sunbeds or purchasing food and drinks will incur costs.Reddit

Playa Manzanillo is open 24/7 as it's a natural beach. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Early mornings are popular for swimmers.Reddit

You cannot book a specific spot on Playa Manzanillo as it's a public beach. Arriving early, especially on weekdays, is the best strategy to secure a good location.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Playa Manzanillo is great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic bay. It's also a popular spot for early morning long-distance swimmers and families with young children due to its calmer waters.TikTokReddit

While other beaches like Zicatela are famous for surfing, Playa Manzanillo is generally calmer and more suited for swimming and bathing. Some videos mention it as one of Puerto Escondido's favorite beaches, implying a range of activities.TikTok

Natural shade is limited. You can rent sunbeds, which often come with an umbrella, but this incurs a cost. Consider bringing your own shade if you plan to stay for an extended period.Reddit

Yes, some reviews mention boats mooring in the bay, which can affect water cleanliness in certain areas.Reddit It's advisable to choose your swimming spot carefully.

Unfortunately, the coral near the shore has been damaged and much of it is dead, with pieces washing ashore. This is a concern for some visitors.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, you can enjoy cocktails and food while sitting on the sand. There are vendors and beach bars available, offering a convenient way to dine with a view.Reddit

While there might not be formal restaurants directly on the sand, there are beachside vendors and bars where you can purchase food and drinks.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the scenic bay framed by lush hills and palm trees, especially during sunrise.Instagram+1 The stairs leading down to the beach also offer unique perspectives. Early morning light provides beautiful, soft illumination.Instagram

Sunrise and early morning hours offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere.Instagram+1 Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful shots.

The distinctive stairs leading down to the beach are a popular spot for photos. The palm trees lining the shore and the curve of the bay itself create picturesque scenes.Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa Manzanillo is a great choice for families with young children. The calmer waters make it safer and more enjoyable for little ones to splash and play compared to some of Puerto Escondido's more surf-heavy beaches.Reddit The sandy shore provides ample space for building sandcastles and relaxing. While there's limited natural shade, you can rent sunbeds or consider bringing your own umbrella for comfort. The beach is accessible via stairs, so keep this in mind if you have very young children or strollers.

🏊‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Swimmers

For dedicated swimmers, Playa Manzanillo is a prime spot, especially in the early morning hours (around 6:30 AM).Reddit It's a popular location for long-distance swimmers and organized swim groups looking for a safe and scenic place to train. The bay's shape and relatively calm waters provide an excellent environment for building endurance. While other beaches might be known for surfing, Manzanillo offers a different kind of aquatic activity for those focused on swimming laps or enjoying a refreshing dip in the Pacific.

☀️ Budget Travelers

Playa Manzanillo itself is free to access, which is a big plus for budget travelers.Reddit While you can buy food and drinks on the beach, prices can sometimes be higher due to the location.Reddit To save money, consider packing your own snacks and water. For transportation, exploring options like local colectivos (buses) or renting a bicycle can be more economical than relying solely on taxis.Reddit Visiting on a weekday morning also helps avoid peak crowds and potentially higher prices for services.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Puerto Escondido: Getting Around

Getting around Puerto Escondido can be an adventure in itself. While taxis are readily available, they can become expensive, especially for frequent trips between different beaches and areas.Reddit Many travelers find that renting a car or a motorcycle offers the most freedom and can be comparable in cost to relying solely on taxis, particularly for exploring beyond the immediate vicinity of your accommodation.Reddit This allows you to set your own schedule and easily access spots like Playa Manzanillo without worrying about taxi availability or prices.

For shorter distances or if you're feeling adventurous, bicycles and motorcycles are also popular options for getting around town.Reddit They offer a more local feel and can navigate narrower streets. However, be mindful of the heat and the condition of the roads. If you prefer not to drive, local buses (colectivos) also operate on certain routes, offering a budget-friendly way to travel, though they may be less direct and more crowded.

Understanding Playa Manzanillo's Environment

Playa Manzanillo is a beautiful sandy cove embraced by hills and lush vegetation, offering a picturesque setting.TikTokInstagram The beach is known for its accessibility via a set of stairs, which adds to its charm but means it's not suitable for everyone.Reddit The waters here are generally calmer than some of Puerto Escondido's more exposed beaches, making it a favored spot for swimmers, including long-distance athletes who often gather for early morning training sessions.Reddit Families also find it appealing due to the gentler waves, ideal for children to play in.Reddit

However, visitors should be aware of the environmental conditions impacting the coral reefs near the shore. Many reviews note that the coral is close to the beach and has suffered damage, with dead pieces washing ashore.Reddit Factors like warmer waters and sunscreen runoff are suspected contributors. While the beach offers opportunities to enjoy cocktails and food right on the sand,Reddit the presence of moored boats can sometimes affect water clarity in certain areas.Reddit Despite these challenges, the natural beauty and swimming opportunities make it a worthwhile visit for many.

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