Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - Casa Kalmar Pool

Gay Zipolite – Mexico's Most Famous Nude Beach

Written by Traivor Morrison
Updated on
If you haven’t heard of Zipolite on Mexico’s STUNNING Oaxaca coast, then you’re in for a real treat. Zipolite is EVERYTHING friendly: gay, straight, backpacker, surfer, pet, nude, whatever! It’s super unique and diverse. And we LOVE it! Read on to see if you should include this gay beach town for your next gay travel destination!

Zipolite, Oaxaca
Zipolite, Oaxaca

Overview – Situated between the popular beach towns of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido on the southern Pacific Coast of Mexico, Zipolite is best known as Mexico’s most famous nude beach. It’s also the country’s first legal nude beach. Not only does Zipolite draw nudists from around the world for its annual Zipolite Nudist Festival, its laid-back, bohemian vibe attracts anyone who needs to get away from it all, but especially backpackers, surfers, and for sure the LGBTQ+ community.

Quotation Mark
Zipolite is everything friendly: Gay, Straight, Backpacker, Surfer, Pet, Nude, Whatever! It's super unique and diverse.

The name Zipolite means "beach of the dead" as translated from Zapotec. If you have been following our travels, you’ll know this is also the name of our favorite gay beach in Sitges, Spain: Playa del Muerto or Beach of the Dead. Coincidence? Or are we gays just always attracted to danger!? In all seriousness though, there can be dangerous (and deadly) underwater currents on Playa Zipolite. If you’re going to go swimming, then definitely proceed with caution and pay attention to the volunteer lifeguards for a safe experience.

Sunrise at Shambhala - Sun glistening through the tree leaves with beach view
Sunrise at Shambhala
Playa Zipolite - Trai & Andy
Playa Zipolite
Masajes en Shambala Price List 2024
Beach Massage
El Alquimista Restaurant - Beachside Dining
El Alquimista Restaurant
Gay Pool Party at Casa Nudista - Trai & Andy
Gay Pool Party at Nudista
Playa Del Amor - Sunset at Dusk
Playa del Amor
Chizme Gay Bar - Guitarist Singing
Chizme Gay Bar
Dolphin & Whale Watching - Two dolphins at sunset
Dolphin & Whale Watching
La Ventanilla Ecotour - Trai & Andy with hungry crocodiles in the background
La Ventanilla Ecotour
Hiking Punta Cometa - Trai & Andy hiking above the surf
Hiking Punta Cometa

Top 10 Things To Do in Zipolite


  • Watch the sunrise -
    As Playa Zipolite faces south, you are spoiled with both epic sunrises and sunsets. It's worth the early rise to feel the magic followed by a naked walk, swim, yoga or meditation on the beach.
  • Relax in paradise -
    Rent loungers and an umbrella from one of the many beach clubs with fantastic views of the ocean. Why not suntan in your birthday suit and get rid of those tan lines?
  • Get a male massage -
    Treat yourself to a beachside gay massage from a handsome masseur while you feel the cool ocean breeze and listen to the relaxing sounds of the waves. See below for more info on how to organize!
  • Dine at El Alquimista -
    Enjoy lunch with a spectacular beach view, afternoon cocktails, or a candlelight dinner on this exclusive stretch of sand. It's also a favorite spot for gay men to catch some rays or swim.
  • Make a splash at a gay pool party -
    Meet other gay locals and visitors at Casa Nudista's weekly gay pool party (mostly men, nudity required) on Saturdays from 3-8pm. They also offer day passes during the week.
  • Head to Playa del Amor for sunset -
    Swim naked and socialize with other LGBTQ+ locals and visitors over a mojito or cold beer while watching a gorgeous sunset. Candles, music and more after dark.
  • Dance the night away -
    Catch a live musical performance at Chizme gay bar or hit the dance "floor" at LGBTQ+ La Maxima Nue Beach Bar to watch fabulous drag at "EL SHOW!" Also, check out Zanate for great music and dancing.
  • Take a dolphin and whale watching tour -
    Get up early for a breathtaking sunrise and early morning symphony of dolphins and whales (in season) just offshore from Puerto Angel. Any hotel can organize with local guide Cesar.
  • Visit La Ventanilla -
    Hop in a taxi or collectivo to La Ventanilla, or the little window, for an amazing ecotour of the lagoon. You'll see giant crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, birds, and white-tailed deer.
  • Go for a hike -
    Explore nearby Punta Cometa, the southernmost point in the state of Oaxaca, for a hike with panoramic views of the ocean. It's extremely popular at sunset.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT


Arguably, the most impressive highlight of any visit to Zipolite is the beach and famed sunset from Playa del Amor, the Beach of Love. This clothing optional beach is super intimate and very popular with the LGBTQ+ community, especially at sunset. Many visitors enjoy nude sunbathing and swimming or simply relaxing under an umbrella with a cold cerveza. To reach Playa del Amor, climb the steps over the hill at the far east end of Zipolite Beach. You’ll find two small bars under palapas offering drinks, chairs, umbrellas and excellent service. Playa del Amor is the perfect spot for sunset!

When to go – The weather is near perfect from December to April with daytime temps in the 80’s and lower humidity. This is high season along with super high season around New Year and Easter which should be booked many months in advance! Another popular time to visit Zipolite is for the Nudist Festival typically held around the first weekend in February. We love the shoulder seasons of May to June and October to November before there are waits at the most popular restaurants and the few ATMs run out of cash (you’ve been warned)!

Trai enjoying the pool at El Alquimista
El Alquimista Hotel, Restaurant, & Spa

Where to stay – In terms of the best hotels in Zipolite, the gay traveler is spoiled for choice from high end to budget. All of our favorites are nudist and LGBTQ-friendly. There is also one mandatory gay nude hotel, but it's hetero-friendly of course—it is Zipolite after all where everyone is welcome!  Click here to read our full review. Take me to the 5 Best Nudist Hotels in Zipolite.

Cafe Orale - Bowl of Fruit & Yogurt, Eggs, Avoccado Toast, and Coffee!
Cafe Orale

Where to eat and drink
– To start your day on the right foot, gay-owned Orale Cafe is our favorite 'go to' coffee and breakfast spot. The owner and team here are super friendly and provide excellent service. You will often see locals gathering here as well so it’s a great place to learn more about the community. Definitely try the fruit salad with yogurt, granola and honey. It’s certainly a menu highlight!

Pet-Friendly Morning Coffee
Pet-Friendly Morning Coffee
Look at that Fruit Salad!
Look at that Fruit Salad!
The Best Chilaquiles in Zipolite
The Best Chilaquiles in Zipolite
Hot Cakes, Fruit Bowl & Green Juice
Hot Cakes, Fruit Bowl & Green Juice
Oriental Chicken with Rice
Oriental Chicken with Rice
Dinner Ambiance
Dinner Ambiance

El Alquimista also has an amazing restaurant that we mix into our routine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or just the occasional afternoon margaritas. Notable menu items include the fruit salad (again!), hot cakes, chilaquiles, guacamole, vegetarian lasagna, and oriental chicken with rice. Also, the beachfront location and vibe cannot be beat!

Restaurant Sal y Pimienta - Trai & Andy enjoying Margaritas
Sal y Pimienta
Chicken Skewers & Papas at Chiwi's
Chicken Skewers & Papas at Chiwi's
Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - Alma Verde Acai Bowl
Alma Verde - Best Acai Bowl
Dinner at Mao Mau
Dinner at Mao Mau
Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - Mao Mau Group - Dining Table
Group Dining at Mao Mau
Gota Gorda Mezcaleria
Gota Gorda
La Fenice Pizzeria
La Fenice Pizzeria
Contadina (Veggie) Pizza
Contadina (Veggie) Pizza

If you love acai bowls as much as we do, then don't miss Alma Verde. They have the best acai bowls in Zipolite.

For lunch, we recommend Sal y Pimienta which offers great value and generous portions right on the beach. There are also tons of authentic Mexican options right on Roca Blanca, the main street in town.

For dinner, we recommend Chiwis, a great Spanish tapas option in the evenings. The papas bravas and chicken skewers are absolutely delicious here.

If you are looking for the best pizza place in Zipolite, look no further than La Fenice. We love their veggie Contadina pizza and the new location as well.

Lastly, for Thai and Asian fusion, don’t miss gay-owned Mao Mau, which means "drunk cat" in Thai. The proud owners have excellent sushi and of course mouthwatering Thai specialties. The service is incredibly friendly here as well! Their new location is gorgeous and a good option for groups.

In terms of after dinner options, we like Mezcaleria Gota Gorda for mezcal negronis and/or popular mezcal tastings. The team here are incredibly knowledgeable and the lovely owner, Dani, provides excellent local recommendations.

Chizme Gay Bar - Sexy bartender pouring a drink
Chizme Gay Bar

Where to find gay nightlife
– Everywhere! Many of the best hotels, restaurants, and bars are gay owned, even if not exclusively marketed to the LGBTQ+ community. More specifically, we highlight below the most popular gay and LGBTQ-friendly places.

La Maxima Nue Gay Bar & Club
La Maxima Nue Gay Bar & Club
Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - Zanate  - Pop Up Club On The Beach
Zanate Pop Up Beach Club
Drag Show at La Maxima Nue
Drag Show at La Maxima Nue
Drag Show at Delfina Beach Club
Drag Show at Delfina Beach Club
Playa Del Amor Entrance
Playa Del Amor Entrance
Sunset at Playa del Amor
Sunset at Playa del Amor
Chizme Gay Bar
Chizme Gay Bar
Naked Fridays at Chizme
Naked Fridays at Chizme

For sunset and after dark, Playa del Amor is a must. Along with Casa Nudista’s pool party, this is a great place to meet locals and fellow travelers alike.

Chizme, the first gay bar in Zipolite, has sexy bartenders and one of the nicest owners around! While the bar is always clothing optional, they take it to the next level with their popular Naked Fridays. For cocktails, you can find high end ingredients here like Boodles and Hendricks as just two options we love. They also offer wine and beer choices if you're looking for something simple.

After Chizme, we recommend La Maxima Nue (formerly Club Demtria). It's the busiest and most popular gay bar in town with near nightly drag shows starting around 10:30pm or later.  For the latest schedule during your visit, it's best to check directly with the bartender as you walk back from Playa del Amor.

Another LGBTQ+ fave is Delfina Beach Club for weekly gay events including screenings of Drag Race España, a lineup of gay DJs, and of course plenty of drag.

Finally, there are numerous parties and popups throughout the year like Zanate, so definitely ask around on arrival.

Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - Playa Del Amor Gay Beach
Playa del Amor Gay Beach
Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - Playa Del Amor Sunset
Sunset at Playa del Amor
Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - Playa Del Amor Candles
Candles at Playa del Amor
Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - Playa Del Amor Aerial View
Playa del Amor from Above
El Alquimista Beach - Aerial View
El Alquimista Beach
Hammocks at El Alquimista
Hammocks at El Alquimista

Where to find gay beachgoers – The most popular sections of Zipolite beach for the LGBTQ+ community and travelers are on the opposite ends of the main beach. Although you will find a mix of hetero and LGBTQ+ as well as clothed and nude folks on the entire stretch of Playa Zipolite, the beach in front of El Alquimista and Playa del Amor are the most popular gay sections to swim and sun naked. For more details on famed Playa del Amor, check out our separate post here!

Massage Zipolite - Trai receiving a massage
Massage Zipolite

Where to find gay male massage
– When you need a break from the sun, there are two excellent options for a massage directly on the beach. The first option—where we had a lovely couples massage—is Massage Zipolite.

Masajes en Shambala Location
Masajes en Shambala Location
Waiting Area
Waiting Area
Ocean View
Ocean View

Another more secluded option is Masajes En Shambala under a palapa with gorgeous views of the ocean. It can be found at the beach entrance to Shambhala hotel. Both options are also on Instagram with handles of the same name to reach out for more information and bookings. With pricing approximately 800-900 pesos ($45-52 USD) for an hour long massage with handsome masseurs, why not try both!?

Huatulco Airport (Airport Code: HUX) - Andy in front of butterfly mural
Huatulco Airport (Airport Code: HUX)

Getting here
– Finding your way to Zipolite can be somewhat challenging, but the relatively isolated location adds to its appeal and is largely what attracted hippies to this beach in the late 1960s and 70s in the first place. The beach continues to exude a bohemian vibe attracting anyone who needs to get away from it all, but especially backpackers, surfers, and for sure the LGBTQ+ community. From a gay perspective, it reminds us of Fire Island, Provincetown, or Mykonos–all of which require a little effort to join the fun!

Arrival at Huatulco Airport
Arrival at Huatulco Airport
Security
Security
Departure Gates
Departure Gates
Departure View
Departure View

Situated between the popular beach towns of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido, Zipolite can be reached in the least amount of time by plane and taxi. We recommend flying into Huatulco (airport code: HUX) as it’s closer than Puerto Escondido (airport code: PXM). From Huatulco, you can be on the beach in Zipolite in about an hour by taxi versus an hour and a half from Puerto Escondido. Huatulco airport is super cute with a palapa-style roof and beautiful artwork. Don’t forget to take the requisite photo with the butterfly mural!

Two Gay Expats - Huatulco Airport, Oaxaca, Mexico - Priority Pass Lounge Entrance
HUX Priority Pass Lounge
Two Gay Expats - Huatulco Airport, Oaxaca, Mexico - Lounge Seating
Lounge Seating
Two Gay Expats - Huatulco Airport, Oaxaca, Mexico - Lounge Amenities
Lounge Amenities
Two Gay Expats - Huatulco Airport, Oaxaca, Mexico - Lounge - Trai Enjoying Coffee
Trai Enjoying Coffee

For those of you with a Priority Pass, which we receive membership complimentary through our Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Credit Card, there is The Lounge available for you to enjoy before your flight.

Pedestrian Exit
Pedestrian Exit

Pro tip – For onward travel to Zipolite from Huatulco airport, take the pedestrian exit as you exit baggage claim and hire a taxi across the street from the airport at the Pemex station. It’s significantly cheaper. The current going rate is around 800MXN or just under $50USD.

If you are in Oaxaca City, there is also a minivan option using Lineas Unidas which takes you directly to Zipolite. The depot is along the main highway running through Zipolite and walking distance to town.

On arrival in Zipolite, for orientation, Zipolite Beach faces south which allows for both amazing sunrises and sunsets. This 2km (or ~1.25mi) stretch of paradise has two distinct sections: the west side of the beach, which includes most of the hotels and restaurants as well as town, and the east side of the beach, which includes the colorful Zipolite sign and Playa del Amor.

Latest Video


Planning a trip to gay Zipolite? Then don’t miss this video as we answer your most frequently asked questions and take you to the best gay hotels, gay bars and restaurants, gay beaches, and gay pool parties in Zipolite, our favorite gay beach town in Mexico!

Other Services


Banking – There are no banking services in Zipolite, but you will find one of the few ATMs in front of Hotel Playa Zipolite on the street. The other ATM is by the reception at Hotel Nude. Please note these machines frequently run out of cash so it’s best to come prepared!

Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - ATM Hotel Playa Zipolite
ATM at Hotel Playa Zipolite
Hotel Nude ATM
Hotel Nude ATM
Always DECLINE to SAVE!!!!
Always DECLINE to SAVE!!!!

Pro tips – Always pay in local currency when you travel (both in cash and on your credit card). If you pay in USD at a restaurant or shop for example, the posted foreign exchange rate is always 5-10%+ less than the interbank rate your bank or credit card company would charge. In other words, you will pay extra for the convenience of paying in USD. Again, always pay in local currency to save.

When withdrawing money from ATMs in Mexico (and now throughout the world), one thing to note (which we learned the hard way) is knowing to always decline the conversion offered by ATM to save. If you accept the conversion, you are agreeing to an additional 5-12% fee on top of the ATM use charge. That’s INSANE! Also, we initially thought declining the conversion would cancel the transaction, BUT it does not. It simply saves you the extra markup. For extra savings, look into the Schwab Checking Account that reimburses all foreign ATM fees. We’ve saved thousands in ATM fees over the years with this account!

To learn how to get the most pesos for your dollars, watch our 7 Tips to Get the Most Pesos for Your Dollars in Mexico. We’ll also cover some common scams and money mistakes to avoid, so we can save you even more money.

Best Barber in Zipolite
Best Barber in Zipolite
Barberia - Entrance
Barberia

Barbershop
– To keep it fresh, we found a fabulous gay-friendly barbershop on the way to get our dog’s nails trimmed. It’s not on Google Maps, but if you walk on the main road towards Puerto Angel about 7-10 minutes past Jungla Zipolite but before Servicio Medico Veterinario, the vet (which is on Google maps). You cannot miss it, as there’s a merman sign and gay flag you can see from the main road.

Move Gym - Gym Equipment
Move Gym
Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - Move Gym Pricing
Move Gym Membership Price List

Fitness/Gym– Zipolite finally has a gym! Located on Av. Roca Blanca, Move Gym is an open air venue offering day passes as well as weekly and monthly membership options, including or excluding classes. This gym is also a great place to meet fellow locals and travelers for those worried about traveling solo to Zipolite. In addition, for cardio, many travelers enjoy walking/jogging on the beach or swimming naked at Playa del Amor to stay fit!

Two Gay Expats - Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico - 24-Hour Pharmacy
24-Hour Pharmacy on Av. Roca Blanca
Emergency Phone Numbers list
Emergency Numbers

Pharmacy – There are two pharmacies on Roca Blanca, the main street in town, with one advertising 24-hours. The pharmacy is a great place to pick up sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer as well. Also, of note are the emergency numbers in town.

Tienda Gourmet Giorgio
Tienda Gourmet Giorgio

Wine/Liquor store – In town, you will find Tienda Gourmet Giorgio for Wine and Spirits. We can find everything we need for our Negronis and wine nights playing Rummikub and Phase 10! They also have a great selection of meats and cheeses.

Travel Resources


Hospiten Hospital - Andy Waiting To Be Checked Out By The Doc
Hospiten Riviera Maya Emergency Room

Travel Insurance – Don’t forget to add global travel medical insurance that covers you while traveling outside of your home country. We recommend Safety Wing. You can buy it even if you are already abroad. Most health coverage in the U.S. for example does not cover you in Mexico, thus it’s extremely important to protect yourself from out of pocket costs due to a medical emergency. We learned this the hard way which you can watch here. To learn more about Safety Wing, click here.

Car Rental – Should your travel plans call for hiring a car from Hualtuco Airport, there are a number of options available. We use rentalcars.com to search the best prices among the major car rental companies. With flexible rentals, no hidden fees, and price match guarantee, we feel confident booking with them. Just make sure to book with your Chase Sapphire Reserve for extra protection. 

Want to see more? For additional footage of our adventures in Zipolite, check out our Gay Zipolite YouTube video linked above as well as our latest Gay Zipolite FAQs and be sure to smash that like button and subscribe! Also, don’t miss our Playa del Amor post. And, of course, follow us on Instagram @twogayexpats for more gay travel inspiration!

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Hi! We're Two Gay Expats
Let's travel!

Hola amigos and welcome to our gay travel blog! We are Andy and Trai, a gay couple traveling the world with PRIDE 🌈  …and our rescue dog, Pattie!

After meeting in San Francisco in 2018 and later moving to Chicago, we decided to quit our jobs in 2021, sell everything, and become Two Gay Expats!

If you’d like to follow our adventures, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and add us on social media using the links below. We’d also love to hear from you and meet up if we’re in your city!

❤️ Andy + Trai