beaches of puerto
Linguists
and archeologists have only recently discovered the meaning of the word
"Mexico". An ancient Mayan term, it refers to the moon goddess'
navel and implies the essence of fertility. Oaxaca state, the pregnant
belly of Mexico, bulges southward, pointing this rural gut of the North
American Plate at the Southern Hemisphere. At a certain point here,
a branch of the San Andreas Fault emerges from an offshore convergent
tectonic plate zone as an underwater canyon. Like a geological umbilical
cord, this snaking canyon funnels in any southern swell, magnifies it
and feeds the wave energy onto 200 yards of sand. The result is the
meanest beach break in the world -- the Mexican Pipeline.
La
Playa
There are many lounge chairs, hammocks and palapas under the sun in
front of the waves. Sitting under any palapa you can get a margarita
or some tacos. The sushi bar is the best restaurant on the beach. Such
a perfect spot, right in front of the main peak. Great sushi.
Cuidado:
If you don't feel comfortable in the water, watch out for bigger
days. This is riptide land, so just take it slow. A riptide looks like
a brown river going out to sea. If you get pulled out in one,
let it take you out then just swim parallel to shore to get out of it.
Locals: bring respect and a smile
Stingrays: Not something to be scared of but accidents happen.
On colder days stingrays hang out closer to shore. To avoid stepping
on one make it a habit to shuffle your feet as you walk out to the line
up.
La
Playa
La
Punta is just a beautiful walk away from Zicatela beach. There are a
few palapas with food and good views, swimmingn is safe with lifeguards,
and when there's waves it can be a real show
Surf Shops
There is currently one surf shop at La Punta. You can find boards, wax,
surf lessons and clothes.
Playa
Carrizalillo
La
Playa
Playa Carrizalillo is a beautiful white sand beach as well as a fun
surf break. There are many hammocks, chairs and palapas under the
sun in front of the waves. Sitting under any palapa you can get a
margarita, oysters or tacos. Bring masks, snorkels and fins because
even when there's waves the outer reef might be still great for diving.
A few hundred feet off the end of the right side of the cove is "the
panicle". You may see the resident eagle ray.
Playa
Marinero
Playa
Marinero and Playa Principal are the best beaches for swimming. Playa
Marinero is an ideal swimming beach protected by the natural curve of
the coastline. Several palapas and remalas offer refreshments to swimmers
and sunbathers. The surf is generally a little lighter than Zicatela,
making it a great place to bodysurf.
Playa
Principal
Playa
Principal is a hotbed of boating activity. It is here that local fishermen
bring in the day's catch and then return to the sea with a boatload
of tourists eager to try their own luck with the fish or visit one of
the outer coves. This beach is busiest on Sundays, when local families
pour out of their homes and enjoy the day at the seaside.
Puerto
Angelito and Playa Manzanillo
Puerto
Angelito is a beautiful protected white sand beach used as a little
harbor. There is great snorkeling and diving in this area. There are
some great reefs out a few hundred yards that are ideal for scuba diving.
Playa Manzanillo is just right next to Puerto Angelito. It has palapas
with food and shade. Bring a mask and snorkel.
Playa
Bacocho
Located
at the East end of town, Playa Bacocho is one of the the longest beaches
in the Puerto area. Easily accessible by both car and boat, it is not
usually crowded. There is one palapa which serves both drinks and food;
otherwise, it is a huge expanse of sand, water, and fish. The surf and
undertow can get quite strong, so exercise caution. Nearby are some
of the most beautiful reefs for diving.
