The Oaxaca coast is still outside of the mainstream tourist itinerary, so you can escape the crowds here and be treated to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. One of my favorite parts of this coast are the adjacent towns of San Agustinillo and Mazunte, Oaxaca. They are so close you can walk between them in 10 minutes, and there are several beautiful beaches to enjoy, lots of good restaurants, dreamy hotels, and a peaceful beach vibe that is hard to find in touristy places.
I’ve been coming to the Oaxaca coast for 10 years and visit Mazunte and San Agustinillo often from my home in Oaxaca. I keep this guide regularly updated.
Tons more links for my other Oaxaca coast posts here.
Read on below to find out:
- What to do in Mazunte and San Agustinillo: turtles, boat tours, the best place for sunset, day trips to boho Zipolite beach, nearby snorkel paradise Estacahuite, mangrove tours…
- San Agustinillo + Mazunte restaurants – octopus tostadas, pizza as good as in Italy (really)…
- And where to stay (and if you should choose Mazunte or San Agustinillo).
What to Do: San Agustinillo + Mazunte Oaxaca Travel Guide
Boat Tour to See Dolphins, Turtles & Whales (During Whale Season)
I took a morning boat tour to see the sea life and it far exceeded my expectations.
I was told we would see lots of turtles (the animal the area is most known for) and most likely dolphins. We saw plenty of both which was amazing in itself.
But we were super lucky to see a giant whale as well. It was the right season for it, but I could also tell our guide was great at spotting where they would be. We were able to motor alongside it (from a respectful distance but still close enough that it was very awe inspiring) for some time. It was my first time seeing a whale in the wild and it was a pretty magical experience. It’s hard to explain how giant and beautiful they are.
Our guide was wonderful and was recommended to us by Zazil Retreat’s lovely owner. There are lots of guides who offer this tour – you can find them down at the beach where the boats are. Or check Get Your Guide below.
Explore the Many Beaches of San Agustinillo + Mazunte, Oaxaca:
What to do in San Agustinillo + Mazunte, Oaxaca
San Agustinillo Beaches:
There is a series of 3 loops or wide coves that connect the 3 San Agustinillo beaches. It’s nice to walk along the coves, explore where the rock formations meet, and see how the scenery and perspective changes a bit.
Because of these different loose coves and rock formations, there are different types of wave breaks all over the beaches. So you can have really calm swims in certain places or can do surfing. The intensity of the currents varies throughout the year and based on the weather, so be sure to check if there is a red flag out on the beach (which means it’s not safe for swimming).
Hotels and Airbnbs in San Agustinillo or Mazunte, Oaxaca
Mazunte: Playa Mazunte & Playa Rinconcito
This is the main beach in Mazunte, take any of the roads in town towards the beach and you will run into it. I prefer to lounge in the area on the southwest side near the rocks and cliff. There are a few restaurants and amenities here if you want to rent a chair or grab a cold beer.
Mazunte: Playa Cometa in Punta Cometa Park
This little beach feels like your own deserted island. You can get here by taking the Punta Cometa hike from town (see below) and then veering towards the west.
It’s usually empty or just has a handful of beachgoers. It is not recommended to swim here – the current is very strong and there are no lifeguards. But it’s a beautiful peaceful place and there are amazing views of it from the ridge as you arrive or on the opposite cliff if you climb up.
Mazunte: Playa Mermejita
This beach is beautiful and only a 10 minute walk from the center of Mazunte, Oaxaca. It’s very peaceful, with fewer people than on the town beach. It also has a dangerous riptide, so it’s not recommended for swimming but is great for watching sunsets or peaceful beach walks.
Day trip to Zipolite Beach:
What to do in San Agustinillo + Mazunte, Oaxaca
Zipolite is another town only a 10 minute drive from San Agustinillo or 15 minutes from Mazunte, Oaxaca.
Zipolite beach has its own specific vibe. It’s known for being a nudist beach, but also has a fun bohemian laid-back vibe.
You can catch any pasajero (truck taxi) that passes by to reach Zipolite beach. Pasajeros are the trucks with canvas colored roofs that serve as mini-buses. Wave one down and hop in the back. Ring the bell when you are ready to jump off. Another option is to take a colectivo, or the maroon colored taxis. You can let the driver know where you are going, so he’ll know where to drop.
The town is cute and colorful, and I happened to find the best artisan products I’ve found on the coast here. There is a little shop without a sign, where the family makes the products out back. Lots of colorful woven hats, purses, wallets, etc..
Zipolite beach is giant and beautiful. It’s a cove but a big one. The water is very shallow a long way out, so it’s good for wading. The waves can be intense in some places and during certain tides. Pay attention to where other people are swimming at Zipolite beach or ask the lifeguards where it is safe.
Spend the afternoon on the beach chairs at Hotel Nude. They have beach chairs out front and don’t require a minimum spend. The service is great and the chairs are cute and comfy. Order a cold beer, guacamole, or a beachy cocktail and relax. Also be sure to have lunch at the delicious Sal y Pimienta.
El Alquimista is a well designed hotel and restaurant on Zipolite beach with a good restaurant. Hotel Descalzo is another pretty hotel right in front of the beach in a good central location if you want to stay overnight.
Afternoon Trip to Relaxing Playa Estacahuite
Playa Estacahuite is a small cove beach with stunning turquoise water, dramatic cliffs and rock formations, and yet is usually relaxed and not too busy. You’ll want to rent a car, or you can take a taxi, you’ll just need to walk back towards the main road to find a return taxi.
This beach is excellent for snorkeling as it’s a coral reef. You can rent snorkel equipment there. There is usually at least one small beach palapa restaurant available for food and drink.
Hike Punta Cometa & Sunset at Punta Cometa:
What to do in San Agustinillo + Mazunte, Oaxaca
This is may be my favorite thing to do in San Agustinillo and Mazunte, Oaxaca. This park is a cliffy point that extends out into the ocean – it’s actually the southernmost point of Oaxaca.
It’s super easy to reach Punta Cometa from San Agustinillo or Mazunte, Oaxaca. From Mazunte beach, you can walk to the southwest corner and you’ll find a set up of steps in the cliff at the end of the beach. If you take these up, you will climb up to the dirt path, make a left here and you’ll find the park.
Or from Mazunte, Oaxaca town, walk down Camino Mermejita, and then turn left at the dirt path just passed Casa Huijazoo. You can see the path to Punta Cometa on Google Maps as a dotted line. There are also many signs.
Once you walk down this path for a few minutes, the forest will clear and you’ll be walking on a path with the ocean crashing below.
The path goes out to the end of the point, and you can loop down to Playa Cometa and then back. Or if you have more time, you can continue the path that goes from the other side of Playa Cometa, up over the next cliff.
Punta Cometa is also the best place to watch sunset in San Agustinillo or Mazunte, Oaxaca. Crowds gather here at the point to take it in – and it’s really a gorgeous experience. It has gotten very popular so arrive early to get a good spot.
Things to remember about Punta Cometa, Mazunte, Oaxaca:
There are no amenities – bring plenty of water, a hat, sunblock, and a snack or lunch if you plan to be out for awhile. There is also no shade as there are no trees, so going very early, or for sunset is the most comfortable option.
This isn’t a difficult hike, but I would advise wearing at least sport sandals or shoes.
The water at Playa Cometa has dangerous riptides, I wouldn’t advise swimming.
This is the BEST place for sunset. Enjoy it with most of the rest of the town.
Yoga: What to do in San Agustinillo + Mazunte, Oaxaca
The relaxed and beautiful beach towns of San Agustinillo and Mazunte, Oaxaca are the perfect place to practice yoga, in my opinion.
Hridaya is a yoga center that offers retreats, teacher training and more. They also offer daily drop in classes. I took a great and challenging class here. Check their website or pass by the location to see their current schedule.
Hotels and Airbnbs in San Agustinillo or Mazunte, Oaxaca
Booking.comWildlife Mangrove Tour at La Ventanilla: What to do in San Agustinillo + Mazunte, Oaxaca
If you like wildlife and nature, this is an amazing experience. It’s really easy to visit on your own, just take a taxi from San Agustinillo or Mazunte, Oaxaca, and ask to go to La Ventanilla. Once you arrive in this small fishing village you will immediately see a sign for the mangrove tours by Servicio Ecoturisticos de La Ventanilla.
Once you sign up and pay the fee, you’ll be given an explanation about the village and the reforestation work they are doing to rebuild the environment after a hurricane in the late 90s. Profits from the tours go to this and other ecological projects.
You then take a boat tour along the river and see amazing lush plantlife, tons of tropical birds, iguanas, and crocodiles.
I believe that tours are only given in Spanish, so if you need translation, bring a guide from Mazunte or San Agustinillo. Search Get Your Guide below. I would also recommend going early in the morning as the wildlife will be more active, and the weather more comfortable. And bring bug repellent! At the time of my tour, the cost was $100 per person. Or search Get Your Guide below.
Visit the Turtle Conservation Center:
What to do in San Agustinillo + Mazunte, Oaxaca
Mazunte, Oaxaca is famous for the huge number of sea turtles here. But it wasn’t always a happy story – Mazunte became a town because there was a market for turtle meat and eggs, and by the 1970’s Mazunte was famous for their turtle hunting in Mexico. Once this became banned in the country, this center was developed to protect the turtles, replenish their numbers, and educate the public.
You can see lots of turtles here in different shapes and sizes and you can learn about how the center is researching ways to better protect the area turtles.
If you prefer a guided tour – search Get Your Guide below.
San Agustinillo + Mazunte Restaurants:
San Agustinillo + Mazunte Oaxaca Travel Guide
San Agustinillo Restaurants:
La Ola is one of my favorite restaurants in San Agustinillo, so much so that it is always my first stop when I arrive.
They have some comfy beach chairs in front that you can lounge on, or plenty of space in the restaurant.
The food is tasty and fresh. I like the octopus and shrimp tostadas, the tiritas (raw tuna salad), and the pasta with shrimp. The nopales (cactus) salad is also good. Their micheladas are refreshing.
This is my favorite place to hang out on San Agustinillo beach. It’s right on the sand with tables and beach loungers in front of the sea. Service isn’t super fast so expect to relax and enjoy your time.
La Mora Posada is a beachfront hotel and cafe on the San Agustinillo strip. This is my favorite place to have breakfast in San Agustinillo. We always visit here on any San Agustinillo trip and everything is always fresh and tasty. They also have a terrace out back that looks out onto the ocean, so the atmosphere is great too.
One of the best restaurants in San Agustinillo, and a great place for a nice night out, El Navegante is a French restaurant on the strip. It’s romantic and serves delicious food and cocktails. Be sure to make a reservation.
Mazunte Restaurants:
La Pizzeria is my favorite restaurant in the area, definitely my favorite of the Mazunte restaurants. Before my first visit, I had read some good reviews and people saying the pizza was as good as in Italy, but I was skeptical. Well I can confirm, it is in fact as good as any pizza I’ve had in Italy during my 2 month stay there.
The owner is Italian and he mans the big traditional oven. The space is rustic but comfy with big communal tables. The staff is wonderful. And as I said, the pizza is incredible. There are several Mazunte restaurants for pizza, but this is the best!
This is my favorite spot for breakfast in Mazunte. It’s on the strip that leads to San Agustinillo. The food is delicious, and they also have interesting smoothies and cocktails. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner too and the wifi is fast so it’s a good spot to if you need to work from your laptop.
Taqueria El Mazunte is a good spot for traditional Oaxacan food. They have lots of taco options, tlayudas, guacamole and more. One of the best Mazunte restaurants to stop in at night to fill up on some tacos.
Beach Treats
Having some snacks on the beach is a great way to curb your hunger during the afternoon. You’ll see lots of vendors passing by, especially during lunch time. We saw more of this on Mazunte beach than on San Agustinillo.
I got some fried taquitos from a woman and they were tasty and hit the spot – fish, chicken and potato filled, respectively.
You’ll see lots of vendors passing with ice cream (coconut, yum), fresh coconuts to chop up and drink, freshly baked bread, and more. Don’t be afraid to ask “Que tiene?” (what do you have?)
Where to Stay: San Agustinillo + Mazunte Oaxaca Travel Guide
San Agustinillo vs. Mazunte, Oaxaca?
Both towns are right next to each other, but have pretty different vibes.
Mazunte, Oaxaca is a little bigger, with more amenities, and a town church and yearly festival. It also has a few more tourists, and tends to attract a younger crowd with hippy leanings. If you are looking for nightlife, this is a better bet, as many of the restaurants in San Agustinillo close by 10pm or earlier. If you are looking for a quieter part of Mazunte, consider staying down near Playa Mermejita.
San Agustinillo, Oaxaca is very quiet and small. It’s basically just the main road that runs up along the beach – with hotels and restaurants on either side. Then there are a few small dirt roads that wind up the mountain. Here you can find quieter hotels, and often amazing ocean views, and cool comfortable breezes.
The type of traveler seems to range quite a bit in San Agustinillo from young travelers, to young families, and older generations. I would say that the 30s and 40s crowd is the biggest traveler segment. I’ve met lots of other interesting creatives from around the world here.
Both have beautiful beaches to explore, dramatic rock formations and cliffs, and great food. And the towns are only 10 minutes walking distance from each other, so it’s quite easy to enjoy both towns from wherever you stay.
Monte Uzulu – San Agustinillo Hotel
Monte Uzulu is a gorgeously designed hotel strikes the perfect balance between minimalist modern design and warm natural details. It’s also a few minutes walk up the hill, so you immediately feel tucked into nature with beautiful views, yet are just a 5 minute walk to the beach and amenities.
Zazil Retreat – San Agustinillo Hotel
I recommend Zazil Retreat for anyone looking for a special and beautiful place to stay in San Agustinillo. The hotel is high up on the hill, so it has an absolutely spectacular panoramic view of the ocean below. It does take effort to climb up the steep hill, but only takes about 10 minutes and the views and surrounding nature make it worth it. Or if you have a car, it’s an easy drive up.
The owners are so lovely and warm. The included breakfast is delicious, the staff is wonderful, and the suites are absolutely beautiful.
These San Agustinillo suites are made from local thatched roofs, but with very high dramatic roofs and are beautifully done. All suites have their own private balcony with amazing ocean view and several hammocks. The bed is super comfy and huge. I couldn’t have asked for more during my 5 night stay.
Casa Qi – Mazunte Boutique Hotel with an Incredible View
Casa Qi is a modern and comfortable boutique hotel on the hill overlooking the ocean. It’s located in Mazunte, but just a few meters from the start of San Agustinillo, so it’s an easy location to get anywhere.
The rooms have stunning views of the ocean below, however it only takes 2 minutes to drive up the hill from the main road to reach the hotel. Our room had an incredible view of the San Agustinillo beach below, and we enjoyed watching surfers catch waves from our private balcony or king size bed.
The common areas are beautiful and lush. There is a large and deep pool in the center with an ocean view, as well as sitting areas, surrounded by flowers and tropical plants. There is an honor bar as well as a terrace with an even better view where breakfast is served. This is a great place to stay as a romantic vacation, though they also accept up to one child. We stayed here with our daughter for 3 nights and had a wonderful stay.
Un Sueño – Cabanas Right on San Agustinillo Beach
Un Sueño is a great place to stay if you want to be right on the sand. These simple but comfortable cabanas are located right on San Agustinillo beach so you can wake up and walk two steps to have sand between your toes and watch the waves break a few meters in front of you.
The cabanas are pretty simple but feature a king size bed with mosquito net, fan, and a large bathroom. While there is no A/C, when we stayed in January, we never missed it with the ocean breezes and fan. There is a restaurant that serves really good food, and communal seating areas with tables, chairs and hammocks.
This is such a comfy place to spend all day on the beach with everything you need within steps. I think it’s particularly great for families as the sand keeps kids entertained, and the restaurant is just steps from the rooms and is really good for dinner or drinks after the kids go to bed.
San Agustinillo, Mazunte Airbnb with Stunning View
Another option would be to stay in this rustic San Agustinillo, Mazunte Airbnb with a stunning view. It’s right in between the two towns, and is perched on the high cliff above the water.
It is quite a simple and rustic place. The bathroom is separate from the main building and the toilet is a compost toilet. No air conditioning is available, but there are fans. There is a small outdoor kitchen. The main building is 2 floors, so can sleep up to four.
There is also a balcony, and a separate gazebo closer to the ocean. After a few days here, I did notice a bathroom smell drifting down towards the gazebo. So again, this is for adventurous travelers who don’t mind roughing it a bit for the amazing location.
You can book this San Agustinillo, Mazunte Airbnb here.
More Options for Hotels and Airbnbs in San Agustinillo or Mazunte, Oaxaca
Those are my best recommendations for one of my favorite places on the Oaxaca coastline – San Agustinillo & Mazunte, Oaxaca. I keep this post updated after each visit.
More Oaxaca Coast Guides:
Complete Oaxaca beach guide, choose the best beach for your travel style.
1 Week Oaxaca coast itinerary
TRANSPORTATION
How to Get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca.
How to Get to Mazunte, San Agustinillo, and Zipolite from Oaxaca.
How to Get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte/San Agustinillo.
HOTELS & AIRBNBS
San Agustinillo & Mazunte Hotels:
- Monte Uzulu – beautifully curated design hotel
- Zazil – boutique hotel with stunning view
- Bianni Beuu – ocean view large rental home for groups in Estacahuite
Puerto Escondido Hotels:
- Casas Maria Matilda – architect designed rental homes
- Casa del la Tierra – eco-friendly luxury tree house
- Casa Baba – La Punta boutique hotel with pool
- Blater – beachfront hotel with rooftop pool
- Villasol – hotel and beach club
- Casitas by the Sea – design lovers rental home
Huatulco Hotel:
- Villas Fa-Sol – oceanfront boutique hotel
OAXACA CITY
And tons of Oaxaca city posts here.
What to Pack for San Agustinillo + Mazunte, Oaxaca:
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Hillary
Hi! Thank you for this article, super helpful in making some vacation decisions! What is the 15 min walk betweej Mazunte and San Agustinillo like? Dirt road? Safe to do at night? Headlamp needed? I am able bodied and active. Thinking San Agustinillo is my vibe but if I wanted to go out a little later in Mazunte would it be easy to walk back “home” to SA at night?
Susan
Hey there. The walk is easy to do (paved, with good sidewalk), but it’s quite dark and isolated, so I personally wouldn’t do it alone at night as a woman. There are taxis you could hail tho!
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ANNE LEVEQUE
spending 3 mos in this area
FIRST I want a boat tour of the coves and beaches
who do i contact
my email ; aleveque3@gmail.com
Susan
Hi Anne, you can go down to the main cove at San Agustinillo beach and you’ll find lots of tour operators with their boats. You can make a booking with one of them there.