Coast guide
Mazunte and Its Neighboring Beaches
The villages follow one another along the coastal highway, each with its own character: Puerto Ángel is quiet, Zipolite is free-spirited with strong surf, San Agustinillo is gentle for swimming, and Mazunte is bohemian and eco-minded. Always respect the sea flags and ask locals before going into the water.
Turtles all year: In Mazunte there are hatchling releases all year, in the afternoon. The peak season is July to December, with the big arrivals from September to November.
Dolphins at sea: On boat tours you see dolphins and turtles; whales from mid-December to March, with the most sightings in January and February.
Respect the sea: Zipolite and Playa Mermejita have strong rip currents. Never go in under a red flag, at night or after drinking.
Cash and signal: ATMs often fail and WiFi is patchy: bring cash and mobile data.
Best season: November to March is dry; May to September brings rain and storms.
Playa Mazunte, Playa Mermejita and Zipolite have strong rip currents. Respect the flags, and do not swim at night or after drinking.
Hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30, with the most activity in August and September. Check the alerts from Protección Civil and Conagua.
At Punta Cometa, keep your distance from the edge and do not go without a light after sunset.
In Mazunte, use biodegradable sunscreen. Avoid isolated areas at night.
Overview of the Villages
From east to west along the coastal highway.
[Puerto Ángel] · Puerto Ángel · Quiet fishing port with sheltered bays. Ideal for snorkeling, boat trips and low prices.
[Zipolite] · Zipolite · Long beach with strong surf, a free-spirited alternative scene, nudism in specific stretches and nightlife. The liveliest area.
[San Agustinillo] · San Agustinillo · Small village with three bays and gentler water. Popular with families and anyone wanting to learn to surf.
[Mazunte] · Mazunte · Bohemian Pueblo Mágico with yoga, turtles and a strong community. Perfect for nature, wellness and hiking.
Ventanilla · Ecotourism community between lagoon and sea, with mangroves, crocodiles and birds.
Which beach for what
[Mazunte] · Mazunte and Rinconcito: swim early · Mazunte beach is best at sunrise, when the sea is calmest; Rinconcito is the most sheltered end. During the day: hammock time and walks to Punta Cometa or San Agustinillo. There are hostels and cafés on the beach. · Waves change during the day. Ask about the flag and don't swim at night.
[San Agustinillo] · San Agustinillo: calm swimming · Three small bays along almost 1 km. The rock-sheltered section has gentle waves and is the best for swimming with family. The open-sea waves to the east are for beginner surfers and bodyboarders. · No verified lifeguards: respect the flags.
[Playa Mermejita] · Mermejita: wild sunsets · An isolated cove between cliffs, for watching the sunset, not for swimming: the waves are strong. There are no services. · Bring water, food and sunscreen.
[Puerto Ángel] · Playa Panteón: the most family-friendly · Puerto Ángel's most family-friendly beach: gentle waves, beachfront restaurants and boat rentals. Good for swimming and snorkeling near the shore. · Ask about sea conditions that day.
[Puerto Ángel] · Estacahuite, La Boquilla and La Mina · Estacahuite has a coral reef for snorkeling and diving. La Boquilla is an isolated golden-sand beach, good for swimming and kayaking. La Mina, with white sand and blue-green water, is good for camping. · The dirt road to La Boquilla can be rough: the boat is safer.
Sea safety and rules
[Coast] · Flags and lifeguards by beach · Zipolite has volunteer lifeguards and, in summer, Navy staff. Mazunte has lifeguards at the busiest hours. San Agustinillo, Mermejita, Punta Cometa and La Ventanilla have no confirmed lifeguards. Red flag: stay out of the water. · Don't swim at night, alone or after drinking. If a current catches you: float, signal and move diagonally.
[Coast] · Rules around turtles · No flash or white light near hatchlings: guides use red flashlights. At La Escobilla, groups of up to 10 people, 10 m from the turtles and without touching them; no pets or vehicles on the beach. Turtles also nest in Zipolite. · Don't touch or pick up hatchlings without a guide.
[Coast] · Etiquette and trash · In Zipolite nudity is fine on the sand, not on streets or in shops, and you don't photograph anyone without permission. Don't take alcohol, cans or bottles up Punta Cometa. Use biodegradable sunscreen and take your trash with you. In La Ventanilla, don't swim in the lagoon or feed the crocodiles.
[Puerto Ángel and Mazunte] · Whales: how close · With a single whale or fewer than three, the boat must stay 40 to 60 m away; with groups of four or more, 120 to 250 m. Choose operators who respect that distance.
Mazunte
A small village that lived off turtle hunting until 1990. Today its former hunters are guides and protectors.
[Mazunte] · Character and Daily Life · A Pueblo Mágico since 2015. There is yoga, meditation, temazcal and retreats, with flexible business hours. It is not a nightclub destination: almost everything closes early and people head down to Zipolite for a big night out.
[Mazunte] · Playa Mazunte · A bay with restaurants and bars. The waves and undertow are strong. There are lifeguards, but mostly at the busiest hours: don't count on supervision all day. Morning is the calmest time to swim, especially at Rinconcito. · Ask locals and respect the flag.
[Mazunte] · Playa Rinconcito · A sheltered end protected by the Punta Cometa peninsula. According to reviews, it has gentler surf and a lifeguard in one swimming area. It is the beach most used by families. · Based on visitor reviews, with no verified date.
[Mazunte] · Cosméticos Naturales de Mazunte · Cooperative founded in 1996, run mostly by women. It has a shop on the federal highway and you can ask to see the production process. A purchase with local meaning.
[Mazunte] · Yoga, Temazcal and Retreats · Centers include Hridaya (silent retreats and drop-in classes) and Semanawak (temazcal, yoga and cacao). Single classes start at a few dollars. · There are no published prices for retreats or temazcal: ask each center directly.
[Mazunte] · Surf · Mazunte has surf schools, such as Sudaka. Its waves and those at Playa Mermejita suit intermediate level; San Agustinillo is better for beginners. · There are no published lesson rates: ask by WhatsApp or at the school first.
[Mazunte] · Approximate Costs · A simple meal costs 80 to 150 MXN and seafood or a full set menu 150 to 250 MXN. A hostel or basic cabin runs 250 to 500 MXN a night. There are shops, produce, a bakery and pharmacies. · Simple meal: 80 to 150 MXN; Seafood: 150 to 250 MXN; Drinks and aguas frescas: 20 to 50 MXN; Hostel or basic cabin: 250 to 500 MXN per night
[Mazunte] · Services · There are two private ATMs with high fees, sometimes empty or out of order: bring plenty of cash in small bills. WiFi is unreliable: bring an eSIM or data. Mazunte has a health center; for anything serious there is the General Hospital in San Pedro Pochutla. Emergencies: 911. · Pochutla hospital: calle del Hospital 4, col. Chapingo; +52 958 584 0236
Turtles
The nearby turtle sanctuary defines Mazunte's identity.
[Mazunte] · Mexican Turtle Center · A living museum with terrariums, ponds, an incubation area and a botanical garden, with guided visits in Spanish and English. The original aquarium remains closed due to earthquake damage. · Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 to 16:30; Sunday 10:00 to 14:30; closed Monday and Tuesday; Price: 50 MXN adults and 25 MXN students; children under 12 and adults over 60, free. Some pages still say 44 and 22 MXN.; Phone: +52 958 100 2827 · In April 2026 a renovation of the entrance, ticket office, shop, restrooms and pond was announced, with no closing or completion date. Call before you go.
[Mazunte] · Baby Turtle Release · Hatchling releases happen all year round, in the afternoon before sunset. The busiest season is July to December. Don't use white light or flash near the hatchlings; volunteers use red flashlights. · There is no official published schedule, time or price. Ask at the Center or your lodging which days there are releases.
La Escobilla Sanctuary · A sanctuary for mass arrivals of olive ridley turtles, about 30 km away, at km 180.5 of Highway 200. The biggest arrivals are from September to November. It is visited on foot with local guides authorized by CONANP, in groups of up to 10 people, without flash, with only the guide using red light and staying 10 m from the turtles. · Protected area access: 95 MXN per person per day. Free for seniors, people with disabilities and children under 12; 75% off for students and teachers; 50% off for Mexican nationals with ID.; Times: turtles arrive 14:00 to 19:00; hatchling releases 6:00 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 18:00
Punta Cometa and Playa Mermejita
Two short walks with sweeping views.
[Mazunte] · Punta Cometa · It is the westernmost point of the Oaxaca coast, a hill sacred to local communities with a 180° lookout. It's a 15 to 30 minute walk: from Mazunte follow Rinconcito street toward Mermejita; past the cemetery you'll see the signed entrance. There are three trails: the left one reaches the point, the right one is the shortest for sunset, and the "Medio Pescador" has views of the hills. Whales and dolphins can be seen in season. · Entry: free, with a voluntary donation of 10 to 40 MXN; Best time: sunset: start walking an hour before the sun sets. Sunrise is quieter. · There are high cliffs and the trail has no lighting. Bring a flashlight, closed shoes, water and repellent. Don't bring alcohol, cans or bottles: it is a sacred place and locals may not let you through.
[Playa Mermejita] · Playa Mermejita · Wild, unprotected beach open to the Pacific. You get there on foot along the west end of Mazunte and up the hill, 20 to 30 minutes in total. It has no restaurants, restrooms or shade: bring water, sunscreen and food. Good for walking, watching sunsets and advanced surfing. · Very strong surf and rip currents: swimming is not recommended, especially with children.
San Agustinillo
A fishing village with about 1 km of beach and three bays.
[San Agustinillo] · Beach and Atmosphere · A section sheltered by rocks lets you swim in gentle waves with an easy entry. The stronger waves are in open water, on the east side. There is beginner surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling and boat tours. From mid-December to March you can see whales from a boat. · There are no verified lifeguards: respect the flags.
[San Agustinillo] · Dolphin and Turtle Tour · Boats leave early, around 7:00, and return mid-morning; from mid-December to March you can also see whales. Ask right on the beach. · Price: ask on the beach; no dated published price
[San Agustinillo] · Festival del Mar · The 2026 edition ran from March 20 to 22, with fishing tournaments, calendas and a food showcase. It will probably be held again in March, but 2027 is unconfirmed.
Zipolite
A long, free-spirited beach. “Respect” is the central rule.
[Zipolite] · Atmosphere and Areas · It has a tradition of nudism and an LGBTQ+ community. Nudity is most common toward the west end, by the rocks, and at Playa del Amor, a small cove with a gay scene. In front of Roca Blanca avenue ("El Adoquín") the beach is mixed, with swimsuits, children and umbrellas; that's where bars, restaurants, crafts, mezcal and tlayudas gather in the evening. · Nudity is allowed on the sand; clothes are worn on streets and in restaurants and shops. The sea is strong along the whole beach.
[Zipolite] · Rules of Conduct · No sex or exhibitionism on the beach; fines apply. Do not litter or photograph anyone without permission. A 2022 rule limits music to 65 decibels and alcohol to midnight. · We could not confirm that those 2022 rules are unchanged today.
[Zipolite] · Sea and Safety · It is one of the riskiest beaches in the area: strong undertow and dangerous waves, with drownings every year. There are volunteer lifeguards and, in summer, Navy staff; ask them every day about the sea. Flags: green is favorable, yellow is extreme caution and red means don't go in. If a current catches you, don't swim straight to shore: float, signal and move diagonally. · Swim close to shore, never at night or after drinking.
[Zipolite] · Nightlife and Things to Do · There are beach parties on weekends. You will find sunsets, yoga, advanced surfing, fishing, horseback riding and massages. The Shambhala center asks for a minimum donation of 100 MXN per yoga class. · Bar names come from undated blogs: verify before you go.
[Zipolite] · Nudist Gathering · The 2026 edition (the 11th) ran from January 29 to February 1.
[Zipolite] · Services · The only ATM in town is unreliable and often empty on weekends. Get cash in Pochutla or Huatulco.
Puerto Ángel and Its Bays
An authentic, quiet fishing port with low prices.
[Puerto Ángel] · Beaches and Viewpoint · Playa Principal, next to the pier, has fishing, restaurants and boat or kayak trips. Playa del Panteón is calm for swimming, with restaurants and boat rentals. El Faro is a viewpoint over the whole bay.
[Puerto Ángel] · Boats and Snorkeling · There are boat tours to see dolphins, turtles and rays, and a 5-hour snorkel trip from Playa Panteón with a stop at Estacahuite. From mid-December to March there are whale-watching trips. · 5-hour snorkel trip: from 550 MXN; Whales and snorkel (3 h): from 1,100 MXN per person; departs from Hotel Cordelias
[Puerto Ángel] · Playa Estacahuite · A bay with a coral reef, good for snorkeling and diving, sometimes with turtles. You get there by colectivo or taxi from Puerto Ángel; arrange for the driver to wait for you. · Colectivo from Puerto Ángel: 5 to 10 MXN; Snorkel rental: 50 to 80 MXN · Colectivo and snorkel rental prices come from undated blogs: confirm them when you arrive.
[Puerto Ángel] · Playa La Boquilla · A small golden-sand beach with a steep slope and gentle surf, suitable for snorkeling. The dirt road is in poor condition: the site itself recommends arriving by boat from the pier or Playa Panteón. · Boat (one way): about 600 MXN
La Ventanilla
A Zapotec community about 5 minutes from the Mazunte entrance. Its cooperative was founded in 1996 to stop selling wildlife products.
Mangrove and Crocodiles · It protects more than 300 river crocodiles, a protected species, and about 170 bird species. The mangrove and lagoon tour lasts about 2 hours; boats leave every 20 minutes from 9:00 to 16:00, with life jackets and certified guides. Children under 4 ride free. In heavy rain the tour is rescheduled at no cost. · Tour: from 210 MXN per person; departures from 9:00 to 16:00; Private boat: 2,500 MXN for up to 7 people; Birdwatching at 6:00: from 1,000 MXN; Night tour: 3,000 MXN for 1 or 2 people; 4,500 MXN for 3 or 4; Bookings (WhatsApp): +52 958 106 0891 · contacto@laventanilla.com.mx · book 24 h ahead in high season · The crocodiles are wild: never swim in the lagoon. Do not feed, touch or chase them.
Turtles at Sunset · There is a sunset activity (around 18:00) and a night monitoring outing. · Sunset: from 210 MXN per person (around 18:00); Night monitoring: from 800 MXN per person
Getting around between towns
[Coast] · Colectivos between Pochutla, Mazunte and Zipolite · The covered pickup trucks ("pasajeros") run often along the coast road, roughly from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and leave when full. Pay the driver in cash, with change. Pochutla to Mazunte takes 20 to 40 minutes. There is no Uber on this coast. · Pochutla to Mazunte: 20 to 50 MXN; Huatulco to Zipolite, by van and colectivo: 75 to 90 MXN total · After 7 p.m. they hardly run: take a taxi and agree on the price before getting in.
[Coast] · Taxis between towns · Zipolite to Mazunte is about 15 minutes by taxi. From Huatulco airport to Zipolite, a private taxi costs 1,200 to 1,900 MXN per vehicle. Always agree on the price before getting in. · Huatulco airport to Zipolite: 1,200 to 1,900 MXN per vehicle
Whale watching by boat
[Puerto Ángel] · Whale watching from Puerto Ángel · A 3-hour trip, about 2 hours at sea, with a guide and life jackets. If the sea allows, it stops in a calm bay for snorkeling. Besides humpback whales you often see dolphins, turtles and birds, though whales are not guaranteed. · Price: from 1,100 MXN per person; Meeting point: Hotel Cordelias, on the beach; Season: December 15 to March 31 (official season); most whales in January and February · Free cancellation up to 24 h before. Not suitable for wheelchairs or pets.
Pochutla: gateway to the coast
[San Pedro Pochutla] · Pochutla, the service town · Where Highways 200 and 175 meet: the shopping and transport hub of the area. There are banks on Lázaro Cárdenas avenue and Constitución street, the General Hospital and buses to Oaxaca, Mexico City and Huatulco. Good for getting cash, buying medicine and running errands. · General Hospital: calle del Hospital 4, col. Chapingo; +52 958 584 0236; Clínica San Carlos: calle Zaragoza 24; +52 958 584 0603; open 24 h · Phone numbers come from undated directories: call first.
If it rains
[Coast] · What to do if it rains · From May to September it rains almost every day for an hour or two in the afternoon. In light rain La Ventanilla still runs the mangrove tour; in heavy rain it reschedules at no cost. While it clears: the Mexican Turtle Center (closed Monday and Tuesday), the Cosméticos Naturales cooperative, yoga or temazcal. · Hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30.
[La Ventanilla] · Stay with the La Ventanilla community · The cooperative rents 8 cabins with two double beds each and runs a coastal-food restaurant. It was founded to stop selling wildlife and live from caring for crocodiles, birds and turtles. · Cabins: from 1,200 MXN per night · Book by WhatsApp +52 958 106 0891.
Where to eat and sleep
[Mazunte] · Eating in Mazunte · Simple food (tacos, tlayudas, ceviche) 80 to 150 MXN; seafood or a full set menu 150 to 250 MXN; drinks 20 to 50 MXN. Recommended places include La Pizzeria, El Copal (pricier) and the tortas at Tadeo. · Check that restaurants are still open: they change often.
[Coast] · Where to sleep: price ranges · In Mazunte, a hostel or basic cabin costs 250 to 500 MXN a night; something more comfortable, from about 800 MXN. In Zipolite there are rustic cabins from 450 MXN. Book ahead from November to March. · Prices go up at Easter and during events.