Playa Zicatela, Southern Mexico, Mexico

5Sun D 5:00 PM Feb 27, 2020

Great Beaches
The beaches are well known for surfing. Bahia Principal is a bay that is protected from riptides. Water is warm. You need an umbrella which can be rented for about 100 pesos per day with lounges. They will bring you food and drinks at reasonable prices. Many rough waves and riptides at times. Red flags were posted along beach stretches but there are two good bays which are swim friendly. You can walk to nearby restaurants. Many Europeans and Americans in town. 20 minutes from airport. Great place to relax or surf. Taxis are numerous and cheap.I prefer not to drive as the driving can be hazardous to an American. I recommend private tours if you want to visit outlying areas. You need to go to town to get to a decent ATM that works. A ten minute drive to town for about 30 pesos. You can walk it, even on the beach.I will definitely go back.

4Rowan H 5:00 PM Jul 28, 2022

Spend some time to consider where you want to stay at the southern vs northern ends
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.