Zipolite at a glance
Zipolite belongs to the municipality of San Pedro Pochutla on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Its beach is roughly 2 km long and lies about 3 km west of Puerto Ángel, according to older figures from the state congress. Mazunte, San Agustinillo and Punta Cometa are a short ride to the west, while Puerto Escondido and Huatulco are day trips by road.
This guide is independent. It is not run by the municipality, the state of Oaxaca, a tourism authority or a tour company. Prices are in Mexican pesos (MXN), as listed in 2026 with the date where one is known, and they change.
What this guide covers
The guide starts with Zipolite Beach itself: the surf, the flags, the clothing-optional customs and the yearly festival. From there it moves outward to Punta Cometa for sunsets, Mazunte with its turtle center, San Agustinillo and the port of Puerto Ángel. Puerto Escondido and Huatulco are covered as trips from Zipolite, not as full city guides.
For planning, there are pages on getting there, weather and the best time to visit and where to stay. A list of things to do and a comparison of tours sit alongside them. The tours below leave from the coast and show live prices and availability.
Our picks: tours on the Oaxaca coast
Day trips to Mazunte and Punta Cometa from Puerto Escondido, plus a Zipolite day from Huatulco.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Day trip to Zipolite's clothing-optional beach
Hotel transfer, a bilingual guide and driver, beach club entry and MXN 250 off the brunch bill per person. Other food and drinks and tips are extra; for guests aged 18 and over.
Check availability →
Mazunte, Zipolite and Punta Cometa day trip
Transport and a Spanish- and English-speaking guide, picked up at your hotel in Puerto Escondido. Reserve entry fees are extra, up to MXN 250 per person.
Check availability →
Wildlife ecotour on the Oaxaca coast
Hotel transfer, air-conditioned transport and a guide. Check with the operator which entry fees apply.
Check availability →Tours along the Oaxaca coast
Boat trips, lagoon tours and turtle visits near Zipolite, Mazunte and Puerto Ángel, with live prices and availability.
Explore the guide
Every page, from the beach to the practical details.
Things to do in Zipolite
Twelve experiences along the coast, from the beach to turtles and lagoons.
Zipolite tours compared
Boat trips, turtle visits and lagoon tours side by side.
Zipolite Beach
Surf, flags, clothing-optional customs and the festival.
Mazunte
Beach, turtle center and village.
San Agustinillo
A smaller beach between Zipolite and Mazunte.
Punta Cometa
The sunset walk, the trail and safety on the rocks.
Puerto Ángel
Fishing port with several beaches and boat rentals.
Puerto Escondido
Surf, lagoons and evening trips from Zipolite.
Huatulco
Nine bays and a national park.
How to get to Zipolite
Airports, buses, taxis and the toll road.
Weather and best time
Dry months, rains and hurricane season.
Where to stay
Beachfront, hillside or Mazunte: which area fits.
Good to know before you go
Where older articles are out of date.
Swimming takes care
Zipolite has strong surf and dangerous currents. In June 2025 local lifeguards and rescuers from San Agustinillo and Mazunte joined a search after a reported drowning near Playa del Amor. Read the flag, ask a lifeguard and never swim alone.
Beach safety →The new motorway has tolls
The Barranca Larga to Ventanilla section costs MXN 490 for a car, MXN 245 at each of two booths, from 13 April 2026. Articles that call it free are out of date.
Getting there →Festival dates
The 2026 Encuentro Nudista ran from 29 January to 1 February. The dates 2 to 5 February belong to the 2023 edition. Sources give different dates for 2027, so confirm them before you book.
The festival →Turtles are for watching
At the Escobilla sanctuary a guide is required, groups are limited to 10 visitors, and nobody may touch animals, eggs or hatchlings. Avoid any offer that lets you handle turtles.
Turtle visits →Whale season is short
Last season ran from 15 December 2025 to 31 March 2026 between Puerto Ángel and Mazunte, and to 21 March 2026 at Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. Season dates are set each year, so check the 2026/27 dates before you plan around whales.
Things to do →Turtle center prices
The municipal website lists MXN 44 for adults and MXN 22 for students at the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, but about MXN 50 is also quoted for 2026. Confirm the price at the entrance and bring cash.
Mazunte →Zipolite: frequently asked questions
Is it safe to swim at Zipolite?
Not by default. The state congress describes strong surf and dangerous currents, and the beach is not a safe place for small children to swim. Check the flag on the day: red means entering the sea is forbidden. Stay in shallow water, avoid swimming alone and ask the lifeguards where conditions are better. The beach page has details.
Is Zipolite a nude beach?
It is known as a clothing-optional beach. Clothing is expected in the streets, restaurants and shops, and you should ask before photographing anyone. Hotels can have their own house rules. See Zipolite Beach for the rules and the festival.
How do I get to Zipolite?
Fly to Huatulco (HUX) or Puerto Escondido (PXM), both roughly 1 to 1.5 hours away by car. A bus from Oaxaca City costs MXN 360 via the mountain road or MXN 370 via the motorway, as listed by one bus company. Locally, a shared ride from Zipolite to Pochutla cost MXN 40 in December 2025. More on the getting there page.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April was much drier in a short sample of station records from Puerto Ángel, with most rain falling from May to October. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from 15 May to 30 November. See weather and the best time to visit.
What do the travel advisories say?
The US State Department rates Mexico at Level 2, exercise increased caution, in its advisory of 29 May 2026. Germany's Foreign Office updated its Mexico security advice on 19 October 2026 and warns about organized crime and robbery across the country. Neither text singles out Zipolite. Read the current versions before you travel and avoid night drives on long overland routes.
Do I need cash?
Yes, bring a reserve. Many businesses take cash only, and cash machines can fail. Pochutla offers more banking options. Some hotels accept cards, so ask when you book. Where you sleep matters for payments too; see where to stay.