Bacocho Beach: Puerto Escondido's Sunset & Turtle Haven

Bacocho Beach sits about 4 kilometers west of Puerto Escondido's center, a 10-minute drive that ends at one of Oaxaca's longest and least developed stretches of sand. The beach is open 24 hours and free to enter; the main organized event, a baby sea turtle release, typically happens at 5 p.m. and costs around 200 pesos per person as a donation to the conservation camp. That combination of easy access, flat golden sand, and a conservation program makes Bacocho a rare find on this part of the coast.

Where Is Bacocho Beach and How Do You Get There?

Location and Layout

Bacocho runs roughly 2 kilometers along the Pacific, with a width that shifts between 30 and 70 meters depending on the tide. It is the first major beach north of the town center, bordered by the Bacocho residential district—Puerto Escondido's oldest planned subdivision, laid out in the 1970s. The sand is fine and compact near the waterline, backed by palms and low native scrub. At the southern end, a rocky headland separates Bacocho from Playa Coral, a smaller cove that can be reached on foot when the tide is low.

Getting There

Taxis from the center or Rinconada cost 35 to 50 pesos and take about 10 minutes. A colectivo (shared van) from the Oxxo near Casa Daikiri drops passengers at the top of the hill, leaving a 15-minute walk down to the sand. Walking from the center takes about an hour, but there is little shade and several hills—most visitors opt for a taxi. If you drive, free parking is available at the beach entrance. The beach sits at the bottom of a steep hill, so returning on foot is more strenuous than the walk down.

Entrance and Facilities

There is no entrance fee for the public beach. Basic facilities include public restrooms (10 pesos), a few palapas, and lifeguards on duty during peak hours. Two beach clubs operate at the southern end: Club Bacocho (formerly Villasol) and Coco's. Club Bacocho charges 600 pesos per person, credited toward food and drinks, and includes access to a pool, tennis and padel courts, and loungers. The club is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fees are subject to change—check the official site for current rates.

What to Do at Bacocho Beach

The Turtle Release

Bacocho is one of the few places in Mexico where you can participate in a baby sea turtle release almost every day of the year. The conservation camp Vive Mar operates on the beach, protecting nests of Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill turtles. Releases typically start at 5 p.m., though the exact time can shift with the sunset and the number of hatchlings. For a donation of about 200 pesos, staff hand you a small gourd holding a hatchling and explain how to let it crawl to the water. No touching, no flash photography—the rules are strict, and for good reason: only about one in 1,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood. The experience lasts 30 to 45 minutes and draws a crowd, so arrive by 4:30 p.m. to secure a spot.

Swimming and Surfing

The shore break here is powerful, and the beach is not protected by a cove. Red flags are common, and even strong swimmers should check with lifeguards before entering the water. Children and inexperienced swimmers should stay on the sand. That said, on smaller swell days, the waves can be manageable for confident swimmers. Surfers tend to head to Zicatela or La Punta, but Bacocho occasionally offers a quieter alternative when the bigger breaks are crowded.

Sunbathing and Sunsets

Shade is almost nonexistent on the public beach—bring an umbrella or rent one for around 300 pesos. The wide, flat sand is ideal for long walks; at low tide you can walk north toward Punta Colorada or south to the rocky point. Sunsets here are the main event. The beach faces west, and the sun drops straight into the Pacific, often painting the sky in orange and pink. Arrive by 6 p.m. in winter or 6:45 p.m. in summer to catch the best light.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Best Time of Year

The dry season, from November to April, brings sunny days, lower humidity, and temperatures in the high 20s Celsius. This is also peak season for Leatherback turtles (October through March). The rainy season, June to October, sees afternoon showers and higher humidity, but mornings are often clear and the beach is quieter. Turtle releases happen year-round, though the number of hatchlings peaks between July and November.

Crowds and Atmosphere

Bacocho is rarely crowded compared to Zicatela or Carrizalillo. Mornings are the quietest—often just a few walkers and local fishermen. The beach fills up around 4:30 p.m. for the turtle release, then empties again after sunset. If you want the beach to yourself, go before 10 a.m. The entrance area near the clubs can feel busy on weekends, but walk five minutes north and you'll likely have the sand to yourself.

Practical Tips

Bring cash for restrooms, umbrella rentals, and turtle donations; there are no ATMs nearby. Food and drinks are available at the beach clubs, but the public section has no vendors—pack water and snacks. The sun is intense, so a hat and reef-safe sunscreen are essential. If you're driving, note that the parking area is unpaved and can get muddy after rain. And keep an eye on your belongings; the beach is generally safe, but petty theft can happen when crowds gather for the release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bacocho Beach free to visit?

Yes, the public beach has no entrance fee and is open 24 hours. You only pay for extras like restrooms (10 pesos), umbrella rentals (around 300 pesos), or beach club access (600 pesos at Club Bacocho, credited toward food and drinks). The turtle release asks for a donation of about 200 pesos per person.

Can you swim at Bacocho Beach?

Swimming is possible but risky due to strong shore break and currents. Lifeguards are often present and will mark safe zones with flags. Confident swimmers can enjoy the water on calm days, but children and inexperienced swimmers should stay out. Check with lifeguards before entering.

What time is the turtle release at Bacocho Beach?

Releases typically occur at 5 p.m. daily, but the exact time can vary with sunset and hatchling availability. Arrive by 4:30 p.m. to secure a spot, and confirm the day's schedule with the camp or your hotel. The experience lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.

How do you get to Bacocho Beach from Puerto Escondido center?

A taxi takes about 10 minutes and costs 35 to 50 pesos. Colectivos from the Oxxo near Casa Daikiri drop you at the top of the hill, a 15-minute walk from the sand. Walking from the center takes about an hour with little shade. Free parking is available at the beach.

Is Bacocho Beach suitable for families?

The beach is family-friendly for sand play and turtle releases, but the water is not ideal for young children due to strong waves. The beach clubs offer pools and calm spaces, making them a better option for families with small kids. Bring shade and plenty of water, as the public beach has no natural cover.