A quieter continuation of the Puerto Arista beach a short distance to the west, past the last of the town's hotel strip, where the same grey volcanic sand runs on with far fewer buildings and almost no restaurant infrastructure. It is used mainly by Puerto Arista visitors walking or driving out along the beach for a stretch of coastline without the malecón crowds, and by the CONANP turtle camp staff, whose nesting-beach patrol extends into this section. Surf conditions match Puerto Arista, with a steady shore break and an undertow that strengthens with the tide. There are no facilities beyond what can be carried in, so anyone planning to stay for the day should bring water, food and shade from Puerto Arista before walking or driving out.
Playa Santa Brígida is a quieter continuation of the Puerto Arista beach a short distance to the west, past the last of the town's hotel strip, where the same grey volcanic sand runs on with far fewer buildings and almost no restaurant infrastructure. The beach is open and fully exposed to the Pacific, with the same steady shore break and undertow found at Puerto Arista, strengthening with the tide rather than easing. It is used mainly by Puerto Arista visitors walking or driving out along the beach for a stretch of coastline without the malecón crowds, and by the CONANP turtle camp staff, whose nesting-beach patrol extends into this section during the June to December season. Because there are no restaurants, shade structures, or facilities of any kind, the beach retains a wilder, more solitary feel than the town centre just a few kilometres away, appealing to visitors who want a walk along an empty stretch of coast rather than a social beach day. Anyone planning to stay for more than a short walk should bring water, food, and shade from Puerto Arista before setting out, since nothing is available along the way. There is no formal parking, and vehicles typically continue along the packed sand of the beach track itself rather than a separate road.
Amenities
- Continuation of the Puerto Arista turtle-nesting beach
- No restaurants or shade structures
- Accessible on foot or by vehicle along the beach track from Puerto Arista
- Quieter surf line with fewer visitors
- No lifeguards or facilities of any kind
Good to know
- Best for
- solo, wildlife-watchers, beachcombers
Location
Playa Santa Brígida, Carretera Costera, 30950 Tonalá, Chiapas, Mexico
15.9550, -93.8500 View on map
Highlights
- Quiet continuation of the Puerto Arista beach with far fewer visitors
- Turtle-nesting patrol extending from the Puerto Arista sanctuary
- Long, uninterrupted walk along undeveloped volcanic sand
- No restaurant or hotel development
- Accessible on foot or by vehicle directly along the beach
Tips for visiting
- Bring water, food, and shade from Puerto Arista, since nothing is available along this stretch
- Time the walk or drive for lower tide, when the beach track along the sand is easier to pass
- Be cautious of the undertow, which matches or exceeds conditions at Puerto Arista
- Visit in the late afternoon for a quieter walk with fewer people than the main Puerto Arista strip
- Avoid driving on soft sand sections at high tide, when the packed track narrows
When to visit
November to April offers the driest conditions for walking or driving the beach track from Puerto Arista.
Accessibility
There is no paved path; reaching the beach means walking or driving along loose and packed sand, with no ramps or beach wheelchairs available.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Playa Santa Brígida?
There is no direct public transport; visitors walk or drive west along the beach from Puerto Arista, about 3 km from the town centre.
Are there any facilities at Playa Santa Brígida?
No, the beach has no restaurants, shade structures, or facilities of any kind, so supplies should be brought from Puerto Arista.
Is this beach part of the turtle sanctuary?
The CONANP turtle-nesting patrol from the adjacent Puerto Arista sanctuary extends into this section during the June to December nesting season.