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  • Oaxaca
  • Zipolite
  • Beach

Playa Zipolite

Playa Zipolite is a unique and historically significant beach community located in San Pedro Pochutla, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 6,773 reviews.
Water
Fair
Crowds
Low
Location
Zipolite, Oaxaca
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Playa Zipolite: Beach Scene - Zipolite - Oaxaca - Mexico - 04 (15587133872)Photo: Adam Jones · CC BY-SA 2.0

What to know

Overview

It’s renowned as Mexico’s first and only legal public nude beach and retains a strong countercultural heritage, harking back to the 1970s. This summary compiles information about Zipolite, covering its history, features, and visitor experience. The beach itself is approximately 40 meters wide and 2 kilometers long, featuring golden sand and strong currents, making swimming potentially dangerous. Lifeguards are present during peak season. Nudity is legal and accepted on the beach, with a long-standing tradition, though most establishments require clothed attire. The area gained prominence in the 1970s as a haven for counterculture hippies, attracted by its isolation and relaxed atmosphere. Despite devastating hurricanes and a fire, Zipolite has rebuilt and evolved, transitioning from a largely unregulated space to a more developed, yet still laid-back, destination. Accommodation options range from rustic cabins to boutique hotels, with some catering specifically to nudists. Visitors can enjoy beach relaxation, surfing, and day trips to nearby towns like Mazunte and Puerto Angel. A relaxed, bohemian atmosphere prevails, with a focus on nature, simplicity, and a slower pace of life. The beach is divided into Playa Zipolite, Playa del Amor, and Engagement Beach, each offering a distinct experience.

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Photos

About this listing

Compiled from Google Places and verified listing. Ratings and review counts come from Google Places; beach conditions and facilities can change. Last updated September 2026. Send a correction

The details

At a glance

Practical details for Playa Zipolite in Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Good for familiesPoor
Food nearbyGood
ParkingFree
Water sportsYes
AccessibilityNo
Nearest airportHuatulco (HUX), about 30 km as the crow flies
Watch out forYes

Guides · Oaxaca

On these lists

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Before you go

Common questions

Is Playa Zipolite good for families?

Our listing data rates Playa Zipolite "poor" for families. Probably better for adults or older kids. Check conditions on the day.

How is the water quality at Playa Zipolite?

Our listing data rates the water at Playa Zipolite as fair. Visibility and conditions shift with weather, swell and sargassum, so check locally before you swim.

Is there parking available at Playa Zipolite?

Parking at Playa Zipolite is free. Free parking is available.

How crowded is Playa Zipolite?

Our listing data puts crowds at Playa Zipolite as low. Usually a quiet one, though weekends and holidays fill most beaches.

Are there restaurants near Playa Zipolite?

Our listing data rates food options at Playa Zipolite as good. A few places to eat close by.

Getting there

Zipolite, Oaxaca

15.6630° N, 96.5177° W

Nearby

Beaches within 20 km

Playa del Amor: RocksSouthAmorPhoto: AlejandroLinaresGarcia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Playa del Amor

<1 km awayRated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 2,530 reviews.

Playa Panteón: AzProfPlayaPanteonPhoto: AlejandroLinaresGarcia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Playa Panteón

2 km awayRated 4.4 out of 5 on Google from 3,004 reviews.

Playa San Agustinillo: WestEndSanAgustinillo1Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Playa San Agustinillo

3 km awayRated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 664 reviews.

Hotel occupancy · Puerto Escondido

When it's busy

DataTur hotel occupancy for Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca). DataTur reports by tourism destination: these are the figures for Puerto Escondido as a whole, not for Zipolite alone.

Busiest, on average
January, February, April

Occupancy averages about 52% in January. Book ahead.

Quietest, on average
May, June, October

Occupancy averages about 29% in September, so rooms are easier to find.

In 2024: busiest March (57.4%) · quietest September (29.1%)

January 2024 to December 2024, 0–100% occupancy scale.

Source: Official hotel occupancy statistics from DataTur (SECTUR Mexico). Aggregated across registered lodging categories.

Where to stay

Hotels near Playa Zipolite

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