Playa Manzanillo

Perhaps Oaxaca’s most laid-back beach, Playa Manzanillo is a small arch of soft sand meeting calm warm waters sheltered by the bay. As a result, Playa Manzanillo is one of the best spots in the region to swim and snorkel without having to worry about strong currents, with corals and tropical fish just waiting to be discovered.

More popular with local families than international tourists, Playa Manzanillo is lined with several snack stalls selling basic refreshments, including drinks and Mexican meals. It’s also possible to rent snorkelling gear and body boards. Basic toilets and showers can be used for a fee. Playa Manzanillo is busiest on weekends, so for solitude, it’s best to head there during the working week instead.

A short pathway leads from the eastern side of the beach to the similarly sized Playa Angelito, a beach with more boat traffic than Playa Manzanillo.