Info about beach on the far north end of town

I was wondering of anyone knows the name of the beach that is on the far north end of town where the residential area ends. There is a dirt road that leads to the beach. There are it looks to be abandonded homes on stilts aprox 1/2 north of this beach. Also I would like an opinion if as a "gringo" is it "ok" to visit this beach of course maintaining respect for the locals.

[Jesus]

Do a search on Coco Beach and Zubul Beach.

Of course you can go there, all beaches are public. And as long as you don't do anything offensive you are mostly welcome everywhere.

[sunscreenaddict]

Not to hijack the thread...BUT...as long as we're on the subject of Coco and Zubul beaches, how far is it up the beach from Mamitas to either or both of those beaches. My understanding is that there is fantastic snorkeling right off the beach in those places. Is it a reasonable distance to walk or would I need some alternate form of transport?

[Bumper]

Originally Posted by sunscreenaddict

Not to hijack the thread...BUT...as long as we're on the subject of Coco and Zubul beaches, how far is it up the beach from Mamitas to either or both of those beaches. My understanding is that there is fantastic snorkeling right off the beach in those places. Is it a reasonable distance to walk or would I need some alternate form of transport?

Easily walkable, and I'm not much for walking any significant distance.

[sunscreenaddict]

Thanks Bumper. I've been to PDC exactly once (that's about 1000 times too few) and NEED to get back. I may make it back in October and this time I want to get some snorkeling in. I walked North from Mamitas to the point with all the boats tied up. Is it much farther than that...or is that it?

[znett]

That is it!!

last visited Coco in mid-february and really enjoyed the quietness and beauty of the area. very few tourists and locals in the area from the stilt houses north. this beach is about a 50 min walk back into town. but you can taxi to the area.

this is known as a clothing optional beach - be prepared.

[kathy.web]

Coco and Zubul beach are where the tourist area ends. The residential area ends further north. There is a beautiful beach there, mostly locals. Sorry, don't know the name. We drove there once, no problem.

[Michael]

Those are not exactly houses on stilts, I think they are a failed attempt at a modest beach club. JimmyMN has posted some links to his old pictures of this feature.

As well as a road between the highway and the beach, and the beach and town, there is also big parking lot at the north end.

I think the beach is great out there. You’ll see an occasional gringo stroll by, but the area is not normally that crowded.



Here is the view from the parking lot south. You can see coco beach resort and get an idea of the distance around the bay.

[sunscreenaddict]

What an amazing pic! I only walked as far as that point I guess. I'm sorry I stopped there. Next time I'm pressing North.

[ChicagoGuy]

We walked up there almost eveyday...about an hour walk. It is beautiful!!!
one day we got a late start so we decided to cab it, but we didnt know what to tell the cab driver-our hotel manager knew where we were headed--he told the driver to take us to punta esmerelda. He dropped us right there in the parking area, just in front of the beach, where all the local familys were enjoying the ocean. No one paid much attention at all. we walked maybe 25m north around the point and stilt huts, and set up camp. We saw maybe 3 other people all day! This area was the CO beach, others told us it was the gay beach as well--I dont think you can hang a label on it like that--one day we were the only ones there(o.k so that day it was a gay CO beach) but every other day both men and women were on the beach nude. We never saw more than 5 or 6 people there. It is really beautiful and worth the walk!

[MikeW]

We called it "Caddy Shack Beach". Heads would pop-up from these dug out areas to see who was walking by.

[Peppervette]

This area North of Coco Beach has been known as the "clothing optional" area for many years. Great place to go skinny dipping and get away from it all...
but respect others and be discreet

[LandLocked]

Yes, ChicagoGuy is right. Last week I learned from a couple sources that the next point north of Zubul Beach Club is named Punta Esmerelda. We also made the walk there and back from the Alejari. It is a nice long walk and the water and rocks are really beautiful on the outer edge of the point. I noticed that the city has installed those fixed trash cans all along that cove between Zubul and Punta Esmerelda and it has really helped keep that beautiful beach less littered, IMO.

[Michael]

Chicago Guy was only 98% right.

This beach is actually Punta Esmeralda.

The city is trying to keep that beach clean as the Playa moves on northwards. As well as the trash cans, there are signs indicating the fine for littering. This is my favorite beach in Playa for a walk. I’m hoping to walk from the parking lot down to Coco beach and back on Sunday morning (April 24). Send me a PM if you want to a ride out to the Punta Esmeralda parking lot on Sunday.