Zipolite Beach (Playa Zipolite)
The Basics
Stretching almost 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from the eastern Playa del Amor to the western Colonia Roca Blanca, Zipolite Beach is the perfect place to wile away the day or rent a rustic beachside cabin for a longer stay. Combine a trip to Zipolite Beach with visits to nearby Mazunte and Puerto Ángel; take an eco-tour from Huatulco; or dedicate the entire day to enjoying Mexico’s only nudist beach. Most tours typically include round-trip transportation
Things to Know Before You Go
Zipolite Beach is a renowned nudist beach that has excellent surfing conditions.
Prepare for spotty cell reception and somewhat unreliable Wi-Fi on Zipolite Beach.
There are several stores and restaurants close to Zipolite Beach but ATMs in the area are often out of service—take plenty of cash for emergencies.
Zipolite Beach is known for rough waters and strong currents so swim only when lifeguards declare the conditions to be safe.
Film buffs won’t want to miss Zipolite Beach, the filming location for the Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna film Y Tu Mamá También.
Zipolite Beach is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
How to Get There
Zipolite Beach is situated on the Oaxaca coast, 160 miles (257 kilometers) south of Oaxaca City and 25 miles (41 kilometers) from Huatulco International Airport. While most visitors find it easiest to get there by private vehicle, there are several public transit options—from Huatulco, take an ADO bus to Pochutla before transferring to a shuttle headed for Zipolite. Many Zipolite Beach excursions include round-trip transportation.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Playa Zipolite is a year-round destination that offers a quieter alternative to other Mexican beach resorts. Visit during the first weekend in February for the annual Nudist Festival but skip Easter Week when Playa Zipolite gets especially crowded with Mexican visitors.
Oaxaca Coast
Oaxaca’s coastline is a mostly untapped destination for international visitors, but it has some of the best beaches in the country. Puerto Escondido is perhaps the best known of them all, while Mazunte is quietly growing in popularity. To really get off the beaten path in Oaxaca though, visit Chacahua Beach in the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park.
- Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga)
- San Agustin Bay (Bahía San Agustín)
- Copalita River (Río Copalita)
- Chachacual Bay
- Finca La Gloria
- Maguey Bay (Bahía Maguey)
- La Crucecita
- Huatulco National Park (Parque Nacional Huatulco)
- Playa La Entrega (La Entrega Bay)
- Santa Cruz Bay (Bahía Santa Cruz)
- Órgano Bay (Bahía Órgano)
- Tangolunda Bay (Bahía Tangolunda)
- Copalita Ecological Park and Ruins (Parque Eco Arqueológico Copalita)
- Cacaluta Bay (Bahia de Cacaluta)
- La Ventanilla