Playa Zipolite became Mexico’s first and only legally recognized nude beach in 2016, though naturists had enjoyed it unofficially for forty years before that. The beach’s 1.5-kilometer stretch of sand comes with a dark nickname – “the beach of the dead” – because its unpredictable currents and powerful waves have claimed several lives through drowning.
Visiting nude beaches in Mexico requires more preparation than you might think. Most visitors at Zipolite – about three-quarters – actually keep their clothes on, which creates a relaxed, clothing-optional environment that puts everyone at ease. The beach’s welcoming atmosphere draws people from all walks of life. LGBTQ+ travelers, hippies, and families feel right at home here, making it Mexico’s most inclusive nude beach destination. Visitors can experience the lively Festival Nudista Zipolite each year, or head over to unofficial nude-friendly spots in Tulum and Cancún. This guide will help you understand how to enjoy these unique destinations both safely and respectfully.
Best Nude Beaches in Mexico
Mexico has several stunning beaches where you can sunbathe without tan lines. The country’s coastline stretches from the bohemian Pacific to the luxurious Riviera Maya. These natural havens welcome people who want a clothing-optional experience. Each beach creates its own atmosphere and privacy level that suits both newcomers and experienced naturists.
Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca
This “hippie paradise” became Mexico’s first and only legally recognized nude beach in 2016. The golden stretch of sand on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast still keeps its free-spirited bohemian feel from the 1960s. You can go nude anywhere on this beach, though only about a quarter of visitors choose to do so.
The beach stands out for its welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere. Every year, usually in February, the Festival Nudista Zipolite draws thousands of naturists worldwide. They come together for workshops, activities, and cultural events that celebrate body positivity. Book your stay well ahead if you plan to join the festival – this small town gets packed quickly during the event.
Playa del Amor, Oaxaca
A hidden cove awaits at Playa del Amor, which you can reach by climbing over rocks at Zipolite’s eastern end. This small beach, nicknamed “Beach of Love,” has grown popular with the LGBTQ+ community. Most visitors here prefer full nudity, unlike the main Zipolite beach.
Getting to this hidden paradise takes some effort. You’ll need to walk to Zipolite’s far eastern end, wade through a shallow pond (tide levels matter), and climb some stairs. The reward is worth it – you’ll find a private spot with two vendors selling beer, food, and renting chairs and umbrellas. The vibe gets more social and cruisy after dark.
Playa Cometa, Mazunte
The bohemian town of Mazunte hides a quiet gem – Playa Cometa. Though not officially clothing-optional, people commonly go nude here. Crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings make this beach perfect for escaping the crowds.
This hidden treasure sits just 15 minutes from Zipolite and draws visitors looking for privacy. Technically, it’s not a legal nude beach (Zipolite holds that distinction), but its relaxed atmosphere and remote spot make it a favorite among those who know about it.
Playa Paraíso, Tulum
South of Tulum’s famous Mayan ruins lies Playa Paraíso, a beach that lives up to its “Paradise” name with white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Topless sunbathing happens often here, and some areas near eco-resorts let you go clothing-optional.
Locals and international visitors love this beach for its relaxed, open-minded feel. Tulum’s beaches used to be known for their casual approach to nudity, but new developments have started limiting these areas. Here’s a tip: the further south you go on Tulum’s main beach road, the fewer buildings you’ll see and the more chances you’ll have for clothing-optional sunbathing.
Hidden Beach, Marieta Islands
Mexico’s most unique nude-friendly spot might be Playa del Amor (also called Hidden Beach) in the Marieta Islands. Picture a secluded sandy cove inside a collapsed cave. You’ll find it off Nayarit’s Punta Mita coast, but you can only reach it by swimming through a water tunnel during low tide when there’s enough space between water and rocks.
Rules here are strict – only 117 people can visit each day, and the beach closes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Visitors get just 20 minutes to enjoy this natural wonder. While nudity isn’t officially allowed, many people sunbathe naturally thanks to the extreme privacy. You need to be a strong swimmer to cover about 200 feet through the tunnel while wearing a life jacket and helmet.
Playa Maroma, Riviera Maya
Playa Maroma stands among the Riviera Maya’s most beautiful beaches, with its semi-private status and exclusive resorts. Some properties set aside areas for clothing-optional relaxation, giving you a more upscale nude beach experience.
Calm, shallow waters and soft, powdery white sand create a perfect setting for naturists who want comfort and privacy. Unlike Zipolite’s bohemian atmosphere, Playa Maroma gives you a refined experience with high-end resort amenities.
What to Expect at a Mexican Nude Beach
A first visit to a nude beach can feel both freeing and daunting. Mexican nude beaches need some understanding to ensure everyone has a comfortable and respectful experience. Let’s explore everything from dress codes to cultural expectations before you decide to shed your swimsuit.
Clothing-optional vs. mandatory nudity
Mexican nude beaches mostly work on a clothing-optional basis instead of requiring full nudity. Playa Zipolite, Mexico’s only legal nude beach, sees about a quarter of its visitors going fully nude. Others stay partially or fully clothed without any judgment. This creates a laid-back atmosphere where beachgoers can enjoy themselves based on what feels right.
Private resorts might have different rules. Hidden Beach Resort near Cancún runs as a fully nude environment where guests usually skip clothing during their stay. Even at clothing-optional beaches, some areas have their own customs – to cite an instance, most visitors at Playa Amor (the small cove you reach through Zipolite) prefer full nudity unlike the main Zipolite beach.
LGBTQ+ friendly environments
Mexican nude beaches, Zipolite in particular, have grown into welcoming havens for LGBTQ+ travelers over the years. This mix of body freedom and acceptance creates spaces where people feel at ease being themselves.
Playa del Amor, that secluded cove near Zipolite, has grown popular with the gay community. Several businesses also cater to LGBTQ+ visitors, like Casa Nudista, an LGBTQ+-friendly clothing-optional hotel.
Locals say Zipolite is a unique safe space: “In Zipolite, people are free to basically do anything they want. This beach has become one of the safest places in Mexico for gay people.” This openness sets these beaches apart from other Mexican vacation spots where conservative Catholic values often prevail.
Cultural attitudes and local norms
Mexican views on public nudity vary substantially by region. Mexicans tend to be quite modest, and laws usually ban public nudity. Designated areas like Zipolite are exceptions where naturism finds acceptance.
Respect is the life-blood of nude beach etiquette in Mexico. This means:
- No photos without clear permission
- No overtly sexual behavior (you might get arrested)
- Keep proper physical distance from others
- Use towels on shared facilities
Local communities often have mixed views about nude tourism. Some locals oppose nudism completely, while others support it—mainly when visitors respect local values. Visitors should remember they’re guests in a community with its own cultural standards.
Festival Nudista Zipolite
Festival Nudista Zipolite has grown from a small gathering into an international celebration. The event happens during January’s last weekend or February’s first weekend. More than 3,000 nudists from Mexico and 18 countries join this festival, bringing about $75 million in tourism money to the region.
Festival activities include:
- Morning nude yoga sessions on Shambala beach
- Volleyball tournaments and beach games
- Body painting workshops and competitions
- Evening communal dinners, parties and concerts
- Nude boat tours (extra fees apply)
Anyone planning to attend should book early since rooms sell out at least six months before the event. The 2025 festival runs from January 31 to February 2.
The festival does more than just entertain – it promotes body positivity and naturism in a country where public nudity remains rare. Many visitors see it as a chance to experience total freedom in a supportive community.
Essential Safety Tips for Visiting Nude Beaches
Safety must be your top priority while enjoying the freedom of nude beaches in Mexico. Beyond naturism’s social etiquette, you need to pay attention to physical safety concerns, especially when you have challenging conditions like Zipolite. Locals call it “the beach of the dead” because of its dangerous currents.
Respect personal space and consent
Personal boundaries matter more at naturist settings. Keep a reasonable distance from others—more than you would at regular beaches. This shows others that you respect their privacy. Note that nudity does not mean people are open about everything. All interactions need consent, whether they are verbal or physical.
Avoid photography without permission
Photography ranks among the strictest taboos at nude beaches. People feel uncomfortable when they see someone pointing a camera, even for scenery shots. Most naturist communities call this a serious breach of trust. The best approach is to leave your camera at home or get explicit permission first. You must never photograph anyone without their clear consent.
Be cautious of strong ocean currents
Rip currents pose a serious danger at beaches like Zipolite. These cause over 100 deaths yearly in the U.S. alone. Channelized currents of water flowing away from shore lead to over 80% of surf beach lifeguard rescues. A rip current requires you to stay calm, avoid swimming against it, and move parallel to shore until you break free. Then swim diagonally toward the beach.
Use high-SPF sunscreen generously
Areas that rarely see sunlight need extra protection. Apply plenty of sunscreen on all exposed skin since these spots burn faster than regularly exposed areas. Your private areas have very delicate skin—just like the inside of your cheeks or eyelids. This makes them highly prone to sunburn.
Stay hydrated and avoid overexposure
Sun, heat, and swimming together raise your risk of dehydration. Bring lots of water and keep drinking throughout the day, even without feeling thirsty. The sun hits hardest between 10am-3pm, so find shade or visit beaches early morning or late afternoon.
Report inappropriate behavior
Sexual activity at nude beaches breaks the law and violates beach rules. Some beaches have shut down because of lewd behavior. Report such misconduct right away. Nudist communities work hard to stop inappropriate behavior to keep these spaces safe for everyone. A clear line exists between nudity and inappropriate sexual conduct.
Top Clothing-Optional Resorts in Mexico
Mexican resorts provide comfortable accommodations where guests can enjoy clothing-optional experiences beyond just beach activities.
Hotel Nude Zipolite
Hotel Nude stands proudly on Playa Zipolite as Mexico’s iconic clothing-optional property. The resort showcases two refreshing pools – a private one and another by the beach, along with a lively beach club equipped with daybeds and umbrellas. Guests can pick from snug interior rooms or treat themselves to oceanfront suites, with some rooms featuring private plunge pools that showcase spectacular views.
The resort’s social vibe makes it easy to connect with fellow travelers while sipping cocktails at the bar or enjoying fresh ceviche at their restaurant. The name might suggest otherwise, but nudity isn’t required everywhere – it’s simply encouraged, which helps newcomers feel at ease with naturism.
Casa Nudista (LGBTQ+ friendly)
Casa Nudista creates a fully nude environment that caters primarily to the LGBTQ+ community but welcomes heterosexual guests too. This boutique property sits 70 meters from the beach in Zipolite’s town center. Nudity rules apply throughout the property, making it perfect for seasoned naturists who want a genuine clothing-free stay.
Saturday nude pool parties attract many visitors, and accommodation options range from budget-friendly dorms to private suites. The shared breakfast setting and cozy atmosphere help guests build meaningful connections.
El Alquimista Hotel
El Alquimista delivers upscale beachfront luxury with rustic-chic cabanas right by the sand on Zipolite’s peaceful western end. LGBTQ+ travelers particularly enjoy this resort, which boasts one of the area’s finest spas and an exceptional restaurant serving fresh seafood.
The resort strikes a perfect balance between barefoot luxury and privacy. Rooms come with ocean-view balconies and reliable WiFi through their Starlink service – a rare find in Zipolite.
Intima Resort Tulum
Intima Resort creates an intimate oasis minutes from downtown Tulum, hidden in tropical jungle surroundings. This adults-only property surrounds a spectacular free-form pool with lush landscaping.
Private villas feature jacuzzis or plunge pools, and guests can choose between staying clothed or nude. Passions, their on-site restaurant, serves authentic Mexican and Mayan dishes – guests can dine nude if they wish.
Hidden Beach Resort, Riviera Maya
This premium all-inclusive adults-only resort sits an hour south of Cancún. The property features 43 luxury suites where guests can stay clothing-free round the clock. A main pool connects through an artificial river to all first-floor swim-up suites, complemented by a central swim-up bar.
Daytime activities by the pool and beach see most guests embracing nudity, while evening dining and entertainment often involve clothing. The neighboring El Dorado Resort (where clothes are required) offers ten additional restaurants that guests can access.
How to Plan Your Nude Beach Trip
Your first trip to Mexico’s nude beaches needs good preparation. The right timing and packing list will make your naturist experience enjoyable and stress-free.
Best time to visit
Mexico’s nude beaches are most pleasant between December and April with cool, dry weather. Prices go up and crowds grow larger during this peak season, especially around Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter.
The period from May through October gives you better deals but comes with heat, humidity and some rain. The Caribbean coast faces its highest hurricane risk during August and September, which are typically the wettest months.
Special events might help you decide the dates. The annual Festival Nudista Zipolite happens in early February and draws more than 3,000 visitors from 18 countries. You need to book rooms at least six months ahead for this popular event.
How to get to Playa Zipolite and others
Most people reach Playa Zipolite through Puerto Escondido (PXM) or Huatulco (HUX) airports. A taxi from Huatulco takes 40 minutes and costs about 1,500 MXN (USD 81.50). From Puerto Escondido, you can choose:
- Direct taxi: A one-hour trip costs 40-50 EUR
- Budget option: Take a bus to Pochutla (1h20m, 4-10 EUR) and then catch a colectivo to Zipolite
Travelers from Oaxaca City can pick an 11-hour overnight ADO bus to Puerto Escondido or take a faster 7-hour mountain route by minibus to Pochutla, then connect to Zipolite.
Packing essentials for a nude beach trip
High-SPF sunscreen tops the list to protect sensitive areas from sun exposure. You’ll need a sitting towel – naturist etiquette requires you to sit on your towel instead of bare surfaces.
A hat provides good sun protection. Pack a lightweight wrap or sarong for occasional coverage, water shoes to handle hot sand or rocky areas, and a small bag for your essentials. An insulated water bottle helps you stay hydrated.
Booking tips for clothing-optional stays
Check each property’s nudity policies before booking. Some places like Casa Nudista require mandatory nudity, while others let you choose.
Book your stay well ahead of time, especially during Festival Nudista Zipolite or holidays. El Alquimista offers upscale beachfront luxury, while budget travelers can check out Hostal Teresa with rates starting at USD 28.
Mexico’s nude beaches blend freedom and natural beauty in ways you won’t find anywhere else in North America. Without doubt, Playa Zipolite shines as the crown jewel and remains the country’s only legally recognized clothing-optional beach. This bohemian paradise attracts people from all walks of life—naturist enthusiasts, LGBTQ+ travelers, and curious families create an accepting atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Your safety needs attention when you visit these beaches. Zipolite’s strong currents have earned it the nickname “beach of the dead” and with good reason too. You should know about ocean safety, apply plenty of sunscreen to sensitive areas, and respect others’ personal space to enjoy your experience. Respect goes beyond physical safety—these naturist havens don’t welcome unauthorized photography or inappropriate behavior.
December to April’s dry season offers the most comfortable weather, though you might find better rates during shoulder seasons. Nude beaches in Mexico balance personal freedom with cultural sensitivity. Zipolite legally welcomes naturism, while most other locations work on unofficial tolerance rather than explicit permission.
Mexico’s nude beaches give you a liberating experience if you’re ready to embrace both vulnerability and respect. The country’s stunning coastlines and clothing-optional spaces help you reconnect with nature in its purest form. You can join Zipolite’s Festival Nudista’s vibrant community or relax at a secluded luxury private resort. These destinations let you experience Mexico beyond the typical tourist trail—free of clothes and judgment.
Here are some FAQs about nude beaches in Mexico:
Which country is best for nudists?
France is often considered the best country for nudists, with its long tradition of naturism and numerous nude-friendly resorts. Spain and Germany also offer excellent nude beaches in Mexico options for those who enjoy clothing-optional recreation. For travelers looking for nude beaches in Mexico, destinations like Zipolite provide great alternatives with a more tropical setting.
Is Zipolite, Mexico safe for tourists?
Zipolite is generally safe for tourists, with a laid-back atmosphere and welcoming local community. While petty theft can occur like in any tourist area, violent crime is rare at this popular nude beaches in Mexico destination. Visitors should still take normal precautions, especially when enjoying the famous are there nude beaches in Mexico spot after dark.
What is the nudist capital of the world?
Cap d’Agde in France is widely regarded as the nudist capital of the world, featuring an entire nudist resort complex. For those wondering about the best nude beaches in Mexico, Zipolite offers a similar free-spirited vibe on a smaller scale. Both locations attract naturists from around the globe seeking clothing-optional environments.
Is nudism still popular?
Nudism remains popular worldwide, with many resorts and beaches continuing to welcome naturists. The growing interest in nude beaches in Cancun Mexico and other destinations shows this lifestyle’s enduring appeal. Modern travelers increasingly seek out places like the nude beaches in Tulum Mexico for authentic naturist experiences.
What is the safest place in Mexico for tourists?
Merida is consistently ranked as one of the safest places in Mexico for tourists, with low crime rates. For those interested in nude beaches in Mexico, Zipolite also maintains a good safety record within its bohemian community. Many visitors feel comfortable exploring both traditional tourist areas and clothing-optional beaches in these locations.
Can you swim in Zipolite beach?
Yes, you can swim at Zipolite beach, though visitors should be cautious of strong currents at times. This famous are there nude beaches in Mexico location offers beautiful waters for swimming, especially during calmer conditions. Lifeguards are present at this best nude beaches in Mexico spot during peak seasons to ensure safety.
How do I get to Playa del Amor Zipolite?
To reach Playa del Amor in Zipolite, you can fly to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco airports and take a taxi or bus. This scenic nude beaches in Tulum Mexico alternative is located near the main beach area of Zipolite. Many visitors enjoy the short walk to this secluded clothing-optional cove from town.
