Playa Zicatela
Playa Zicatela
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,228 reviews
Excellent
789
Very good
345
Average
73
Poor
10
Terrible
11
Cinamoon
london34 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
If you are thinking of coming to Puerto Escondido you are too late. This is an honest opinion. Especially if you are thinking of staying in La Punta area. Most of the businesses try to rip you off. They are so shallow minded it’s very sad to see. What may have been a great place years ago is now expensive, with mostly dishonest, tunnel visioned, greedy Mexican business owners. A real shame!
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger E
1 contribution
Feb 2023
I traveled to Puerto Escondido with the intention of surfing. It’s what I do when I go on holiday. I read some things on Reddit that suggested that the locals could be unfriendly so I thought I would be careful and surf the shoulder. Well it was worse than I could ever have imagined. There was no shoulder and no line up. One surf instructor sat on the pique by the rocks and any time I tried to surf he would come across the wave on a boogie board and yell at me. The instructors pushed their students into ever wave while threatening violence on anyone who dared to try to surf anything. The only way I could surf was to pay a local 600 pesos to sit and tell me to paddle. With the so called instructor it was like I suddenly had red carpet treatment. I paid a lot for accommodation, I rented the board, I ate at all the local restaurants, drank at all the bars. And then I have to pay a chaperone to surf? That is not in the spirit of surfing. That is not how I treat people especially tourists to my home city. I can not condone this behaviour. I can not recommend this place to anyone that wants to surf. This ruined my vacation. My vacation dollars will be going elsewhere.
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David J
Rocky Mountain House, Canada223 contributions
Feb 2023
This beach is huge, both in length and width. It is a noted surfers beach and therefore seldom good for just swimming. The north end is dominated by local fisherman, the next section has beachfront developments for eating, etc. and the large southern section is mostly undeveloped. Great for walking, watching surfers and sunsets.
Written 12 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanne M
5 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
It was a great experience. The staff is kind and patient. The atmosphere is ideal for learning. The landscape is amazing with wonderful views. Close to the beach and great restraunts
I mostly had one on one classes and the same teacher for the 5 days. Due to my level as a complete beginner.
I took 2 hours per/day. which was enough for me. It allowed me to take a salsa class and cooking class which the school offered as well.
I was invited to go salsa dancing by one of the staff. Which I thought was a very kind gesture. I really had a good time. The band and dancing with the locals was a highlight.
I stayed in one of the cozy bungalows at the school. Fully equipped kitchen,bathroom and sleeping area.
I would recommend ILPE to all spanish levels from complete beginner to advanced. The staff is awesome and tentive to individual needs
One thing I do regret is I did not take enough photos
I mostly had one on one classes and the same teacher for the 5 days. Due to my level as a complete beginner.
I took 2 hours per/day. which was enough for me. It allowed me to take a salsa class and cooking class which the school offered as well.
I was invited to go salsa dancing by one of the staff. Which I thought was a very kind gesture. I really had a good time. The band and dancing with the locals was a highlight.
I stayed in one of the cozy bungalows at the school. Fully equipped kitchen,bathroom and sleeping area.
I would recommend ILPE to all spanish levels from complete beginner to advanced. The staff is awesome and tentive to individual needs
One thing I do regret is I did not take enough photos
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr Matthew
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
The surf instructors clog the line up, pushing new learners into dangerous waves.
They’re all smiley teeth to the girls and clients whilst threatening violence to travelling surfers.
Really crap vibe which is just bad for anything beyond short term gain.
Myopic, childish, macho nonsense
(The review won’t allow profanity which is rife in the threats)
They’re all smiley teeth to the girls and clients whilst threatening violence to travelling surfers.
Really crap vibe which is just bad for anything beyond short term gain.
Myopic, childish, macho nonsense
(The review won’t allow profanity which is rife in the threats)
Written 12 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rowan H
Cairns, Australia1,353 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Very large beach which stretches some 3.5km. A hard to miss set of large rocks seperates Zicatelas northern end from the gritty and somewhat polluted playa principal.
The beach actually has two quite distinct areas which vary significantly. The northern area is where surfers congregate mainly in the mornings and evenings to surf some of the mexican pipelines best waves. For most tourists the attraction here is lounging in one of many overpriced beach clubs under umbrella covered seats and watching them do their thing. Unfortunately due to strong waves and undertow this area is not safe for swimmers so most tourists stay dry unless surfing. Astute observers to the area will note a memorial along Calle del Morro featuring well known surfing icons who have lost their lives in these waters (Oscar Serra, Ron Cassidy, etc) which highlights the dangers of this area. There is also a commercial side to the northern end and the ugly appearance of numerous half constructed buildings and beach touts. In contrast to its northern neighbour, the southern edge of the beach features Punta zicatela which has much milder surf suitable for beginner surfers and/or swimmers on a good day. There is a milder vibe to accompany this. Depending on what you are after may dictate where you stay.
We did the northern end and largely lounged around for a day or so which was relaxing and enjoyable.
The beach is very wide and hot particularly in the middle of the day so bring plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat.
The beach actually has two quite distinct areas which vary significantly. The northern area is where surfers congregate mainly in the mornings and evenings to surf some of the mexican pipelines best waves. For most tourists the attraction here is lounging in one of many overpriced beach clubs under umbrella covered seats and watching them do their thing. Unfortunately due to strong waves and undertow this area is not safe for swimmers so most tourists stay dry unless surfing. Astute observers to the area will note a memorial along Calle del Morro featuring well known surfing icons who have lost their lives in these waters (Oscar Serra, Ron Cassidy, etc) which highlights the dangers of this area. There is also a commercial side to the northern end and the ugly appearance of numerous half constructed buildings and beach touts. In contrast to its northern neighbour, the southern edge of the beach features Punta zicatela which has much milder surf suitable for beginner surfers and/or swimmers on a good day. There is a milder vibe to accompany this. Depending on what you are after may dictate where you stay.
We did the northern end and largely lounged around for a day or so which was relaxing and enjoyable.
The beach is very wide and hot particularly in the middle of the day so bring plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat.
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liyddc
London, UK300 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
I can't understand how anyone can give this more than 1 star.
Over 50% of the coastline is either derelict or under construction.
Wild dogs and dog poo all over the beach
Grey grainy sand. Rubbish everywhere
Not allowed to swim in the water because of the waves and current
A complete and utter dive.
Over 50% of the coastline is either derelict or under construction.
Wild dogs and dog poo all over the beach
Grey grainy sand. Rubbish everywhere
Not allowed to swim in the water because of the waves and current
A complete and utter dive.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
missruncia
Toronto ON Canada185 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
March 2022 no water in the city infrastructure overwhelmed. No showers bathrooms. Locals won’t deliver water for cisterns anymore. Getting scary
Written 3 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deftitae
Portland, OR17 contributions
Feb 2022
Playa Zicatela has many, many options for eating or just laying on the beach. Most of the lounge chairs can be occupied simply by purchasing a beverage or a bite to eat from the establishment closest to the furniture. Staff are invariably friendly and welcoming. The weather is too hot for comfort midday in February but mornings and evenings are lovely.
Written 23 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
srimanone
Joshua Tree, CA1,039 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
I spend some time on this beach. It is good for walking and long stretch for people watching. The swimming was not recommended those days, because of waves and rip tide. Better places to swim if that’s what’s needed. For surfing this entire stretch is a killer and you better be better then average
Written 16 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola, tengo pensado viajar a Puerto Escondido. Me hospedería en Zicatela pero quisiera conocer más lugares.
¿Cómo podría trasladarme a Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Bacocho, Mazunte y Punta de Zicatela? ¿Qué tan caro es un Taxi? ¿Conviene un rentar un carro? ¿Son largas las distancias?
Vicente T
Buenos Aires, Argentina
hola, tengo un nivel bueno de surf y queria irme en ENERO y FEBRERO a puerto escondido pero me dijieron que no habia muchas olas, y que hasta habia dias en los que no podias meterte ni siquiera. Que tan verdad es esto?
Angie1005
Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico6 contributions
La mejor epoca para visitar playa zicatela? Que no sea temporada alta de vacaciones , me refiero a clima , y ambiente en la zona, surfistas para observar tomando las olas?
Jaime G
Monterrey, Mexico18 contributions
Hola Angie1005, respecto a tu pregunta, Yo fuí durante Julio cuando en clima esta fantastico, tambien muchos surfistas internacionales,hay buenos hoteles de todas las categorias pero necesitas reservar con tiempo, Punta Zicatela es donde se reunen más los surfistas , cuando hay competencias es en Noviembre , tambien hay exelentes playas si viajas al norte como Mazunte, Zipolite, Ventanilla, Roca blanca hasta Puerto Angel, es la riviera Oaxaqueña, fantasticos lugares y la mayoria de los hoteles ecologicos.
No te arrepentiras de viajar ahi, espero haya contestado tú pregunta, Saludos
Amy F
United States67 contributions
Hello! Just returned from a lovely trip to Zicatela, staying down in Brisas de Zicatela. One day we walked along the beach to where all the streets end, (it felt like south, but maybe east?) and we got to a small resort set back behind a beautiful field of cacti. We wandered in just to check it out for future reference and it was really pretty. Quiet and upscale. I assumed I could find it on google maps and nothing shows up. Does anyone know what this place is? I don’t know how expensive it is, but if it is remotely affordable I would love to stay there or recommend it to others. My best description of the location is at the end of Calle Nuevo León. Anyone?? Thanks!
Peter R
Calgary, Canada38 contributions
Hi there. Almost sounds like Playa Punta Zicatela. We’ve been here since July and I’m still directionally challenged...lol. Hope that was some help. Good luck. ✌🏼❤️🌴🤓
susiesci
Belmar, NJ336 contributions
Where in relation to this beach were the shark fishermen shot in July 2016?
angiehookhome
London, UK38 contributions
Playa Zicatella is just one beach of 4 in Puerto Escondido. It is the main surfing beach (mican pipeline) not a fishing beach. I have never seen any violence in Puerto Escondido and have been going there for over 20 years
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Frequently Asked Questions about Playa Zicatela
- Hotels near Playa Zicatela:
- (0.09 km) Hotelito Swiss Oasis
- (0.14 km) Beach Hotel Ines
- (0.15 km) Hotel Tabachin del Puerto
- (0.11 km) Bungalows Zicatela
- (0.09 km) Casa Joseph Beachfront Villa
- Restaurants near Playa Zicatela:
- (0.04 km) El Coste Ceviche & Grill
- (0.06 km) Xcaanda
- (0.10 km) Palapita Beach Club
- (0.16 km) Tribu Restaurante
- (0.18 km) Elephant Garden
- Attractions near Playa Zicatela:
- (0.06 km) Florece Pilates Studio
- (0.06 km) Paradise Gym
- (0.06 km) Arturo Martinez Tours
- (0.22 km) Instituto de Lenguajes Puerto Escondido
- (0.17 km) Viajes Dimar