Mazunte & Zipolite, Oaxaca — Mexico
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
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 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?
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