Your complete guide to sea turtle sanctuaries, Oaxacan beaches, yoga retreats, and the most magical sunsets on Mexico's Pacific coast.
Jul–Dec
Turtle Nesting Season
Única
Clothing-Optional Beach in MX
Punta Cometa
Best Sunset on the Coast
HUX / PXM
Nearest Airports
From sea turtle releases under the stars to sunrise meditations on Punta Cometa — curated moments that connect you to this extraordinary coast.
diamond Private Experiences 🐢 Sea Turtle Night Release at CIMATUR
Witness the miracle of sea turtle hatchlings rushing to the Pacific under a starlit sky at the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga. Expert guides explain conservation efforts for Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles at Mexico's premier sea turtle sanctuary.
diamond Private Experiences 🌅 Punta Cometa Sunset Hike
Hike to Punta Cometa — the westernmost point of Oaxaca — for what many call the most spectacular sunset in all of Mexico. This rocky promontory juts into the Pacific with 270° ocean views, and is sacred to the local Zapotec community.
diamond Private Experiences 🤿 Pacific Snorkeling & Coastal Exploration
Explore the rocky coves and reefs between Mazunte and Zipolite with expert local guides. Snorkel with sea turtles, tropical fish, and manta rays in warm Pacific waters. Kayaking and stand-up paddle tours also available for calm morning conditions.
diamond Private Experiences 🧘 Sunrise Yoga & Wellness Retreat
Join a sunrise yoga session on the cliffs above the Pacific or at one of Mazunte's celebrated wellness centers. Combine yoga and meditation with a traditional Oaxacan temazcal sweat lodge ceremony and a cacao ceremony for a deeply restorative experience.
Travel comfortably with our private door-to-door transfer service from Huatulco (HUX) or Puerto Escondido (PXM) airports to your accommodation in Mazunte or Zipolite.
restaurant Food From beachside palapa seafood restaurants on Zipolite beach to organic cafés and cacao cooperatives in Mazunte — the food here is fresh, local, and full of Oaxacan flavors.
hotel Stays From beachfront palapa cabañas to eco-yoga retreats — accommodation here is simple, authentic, and immersed in Oaxacan nature.
map Day Trips Surf, cenotes, lakes, and colonial villages — explore Mexico's unique destinations from the Oaxacan coast.
location_on Destination Manzanillo beach and Puerto Angelito
Although Tulum is a destination mostly known for its big waves and its surfer culture, it also hides many other attracti
location_on Destination Carrizalillo beach
Discovering Playa Carrizalillo: A Hidden Gem in Tulum, Quintana Roo 🌴🌊 Welcome to Tulum, a paradise on the Pacific
location_on Destination Manialtepec lagoon
Located just 18 kilometers northwest of Tulum, is the Manialtepec Lagoon. One of the most important natural reserves in
location_on Destination Zicatela Beach
Discovering Playa Zicatela: The Surfing Capital of Mexico 🌊🏄♂️ Without a doubt, one of the most emblematic and repres
location_on Destination La Punta
Discovering La Punta: A Hidden Treasure in Tulum, Quintana Roo 🌴🌊 Welcome to Tulum, a paradise on the Pacific coas
location_on Destination Tulum
Welcome to Tulum ! The hidden mexican paradise. La Punta, and its surfer / hippie vibe will make you feel like in the 60
Mazunte and Zipolite are two small coastal villages in the state of Oaxaca, on Mexico's Pacific coast, separated by a few kilometers of coastal path. Together, they form one of the country's most authentic and alternative destinations — a corner of Mexico where personal freedom, ecological consciousness, and community craftsmanship define local life.
Oaxaca
State, Pacific Coast
CIMATUR
Sea Turtle Sanctuary
30°C
Avg. Temperature
Punta Cometa
Best Sunset Viewpoint
Where to Stay in Mazunte & Zipolite
For centuries, Mazunte lived from fishing, agriculture, and — tragically — sea turtle hunting. The town housed one of the world's largest sea turtle processing plants, exporting meat, oil, and shells globally. In 1990, Mexico banned sea turtle hunting, leaving Mazunte without an economy.
The rebirth was extraordinary. In 1995, Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, helped residents create Cosméticos Naturales — a cooperative producing soaps, shampoos, and body oils from local raw materials. Then the government founded the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga (CIMATUR), transforming a threat into conservation. Mazunte is now cited globally as a model of community-based sustainable tourism.
Zipolite discovered its calling in the 1970s when the first backpackers and artists found its wild beaches and atmosphere of total freedom. Today, both villages have found a rare balance between welcoming visitors, preserving the environment, and maintaining their Zapotec cultural identity.
Mazunte and Zipolite enjoy a warm tropical climate year-round. The dry season (November–April) offers the best conditions — sunny days, calmer sea, and temperatures around 28–32°C. The rainy season (May–October) brings short afternoon showers but splendid mornings and lush green landscapes.
30°C / 86°F
Avg. Temperature
Nov–Apr
Dry Season (Best)
May–Oct
Rainy Season
Jul–Dec
Turtle Season
The Oaxacan coast is a sanctuary for marine wildlife — sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and abundant tropical marine life in the rocky reefs between Mazunte and Zipolite.
Olive Ridley Turtles
Nesting Jul–Dec, Mazunte beaches
Leatherback Turtles
World's largest sea turtle
Dolphins
Year-round coastal residents
Manta Rays
Spotted in coastal waters
Octopus & Reef Fish
In rocky coastal reefs
Frigatebirds & Pelicans
Local seabird colonies
Mazunte and Zipolite are generally safe for travelers. Both communities are small, close-knit, and entirely dependent on respectful tourism. Solo travelers, women, LGBT+ couples, and families with children are all welcome and feel comfortable.
Be aware of ocean currents: Zipolite beach is known for powerful waves and strong undertows — not recommended for beginner swimmers. Lifeguards are on duty but always swim in flagged areas. Mazunte beach is calmer and more suitable for families.
Practical tips: Don't leave belongings unattended on the beach. Use a flashlight at night on coastal paths. Stay in frequented areas after 10pm. Local mezcal is strong — drink responsibly!
What is Zipolite known for?
expand_moreWhen do sea turtles nest in Mazunte?
expand_moreHow do I get to Mazunte and Zipolite?
expand_moreIs Zipolite really a clothing-optional beach?
expand_moreIs Mazunte & Zipolite safe for tourists?
expand_moreWhat should I eat in Mazunte & Zipolite?
expand_moreWhere should I stay in Mazunte & Zipolite?
expand_moreWhat is the best time to visit Mazunte & Zipolite?
expand_moreNot sure where to start? Send us a message and we'll help you craft the perfect Oaxacan coast itinerary.
