Mazunte was a family friendly beach in Mexico that scored high with Oscar Chang . If your traveling with kids who like nature you will just love it. Despite its reputation as a hippy hang out we found there was much more to Mazunte than the visiting Circus. Dont get me wrong I’m a totally hippy at heart. Which probably why I loved it. Just an hour down the coast from Puerto Escondido Airport or an hour up the coast to Huatulco it’s really is a must visit and worth at least a three night stay.

THE MEXICAN TURTLE CENTRE – Mazunte a family friendly beach in Mexico

Wow what an amazing place. I’m not sure if it ran out of money mid build but whatever, all the more reason to visit and support it. Oscar and I both enjoyed this particular place A LOT, he stills squeals when he sees a turtle or tortoise. It’s laid out in such a way that its super kid friendly and there is plenty of space to run around and investigate. There is a small tortoise enclosure, lots of tanks filled with different types of turtles, a very interesting indoor museum. The piece the resistance; the giant, extremely old turtles. Loved it. Yes in parts it is run down but this is a small operation and we are in Mexico, so relax and enjoy the extraordinary animals instead.

LA VENTANILLA Mazunte a family friendly beach in Mexico

This is billed as a crocodile sanctuary but there is a lot more to this place. It’s a short cab or bus ride away from the town but really easy to find as there are giant signs on the way in. Firstly if you like birds, then this is your jam. It’s a tweeters heaven. Arrive early in the morning. A. Because that’s when there are most animals B. Because you will avoid the searing heat.

A short walk from the village to the mangroves and boat’s and its like you have been transported to the jungle. The cacophony of birds is deafening and the overhanging trees hide a myriad of flora and fauna. Of course there is lots of crocodile spotting to be had too. You then get dropped off on a small island with a zoo of sorts. There is a restaurant which we didn’t try and a very interesting small museum mainly focused on crocodiles and their anatomy etc. The island is also home to some other interesting animals. I wont spoil the fun but the kids will love it.

MAZUNTE BEACH AND PUNTA COMETA – Mazunte a family friendly beach in Mexico

Although it’s not really kid friendly we had a great time just sitting on the beach and watching the world go by. Oscar made a few sand castles and we ate an unhealthy amount of ice cream ( it was hot). This is also the starting point to two great adventures. Firstly the open water and the dolphin and turtle watching. We saw both on our trip, although be warned. The boats are basic, stuff gets wet, wear a lot of suntan lotion and a hat as not all have canopies. Secondly the hike (it really isn’t that challenging just hot and sweaty) to the Punta Cometa to watch the sunset. Take a picnic, a few beers or whatever other guilty pleasures you might have and get walking. The sunset here really is magnificent and there is just something magical about this place. Just follow the signs at the end of the beach or ask someone. There are different routes but all will get you there in the end!

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD – Mazunte a family friendly beach in Mexico

Mazunte has some standout food spots. Amongst them La Empenada on the main road at the top of the village. El Rey’s Tacos. I cant even start with this place. It isn’t budget but its awesome. The top terrace in the evening is super cute if not entirely toddler friendly. Siddhartha for breakfast which is plentiful and has a beautiful view out to the ocean. Don’t miss the very social and buzzy Le Baguette and next door juice bar too. The coffee is excellent as are the sandwiches and of course the fresh juice bar next door is great too. This place gets a lot of traffic. We have met a lots of friends here for Oscar. In the evenings people congregate curb side and I have had a few interesting conversations here myself too. Oh and don’t forget the horse. Not sure if this is a usual sighting but it was a very Pippi Longstocking moment all the same. I just held my breath for the monkey and the stripy socks.

COSMETICOS MAZUNTE – Mazunte a family friendly beach in Mexico

What a cool place. Handmade, local ,natural ,products. Made right here, in front of you and for sale. Brilliant. Loved this place, got a lovely conditioner and it’s already gone boo hoo. Support local! Cant say it enough. If your Spanish is better than mine, have a chat with the ladies there too. They seemed super friendly and interesting.

IGUANA SANCTUARY AND A WATERPARK – Mazunte a family friendly beach in Mexico

Strictly speaking this is not anywhere near Mazunte, but we went here three times and absolutely loved it. It’s about 20 minutes in a cab and about 5$. Just ask any cab driver for the iguana sanctuary on the highway. If they don’t know it. Ask another one. We often got the cab to wait for us or arranged that he returned for a slightly higher fee. The iguana park is totally fascinating and self funded. The tragedy is that the highway that takes you there was also built right through this sanctuary and the owner relies heavily on your donations to continue rebuilding it. It is however free. You can learn the whole breeding process and hold a baby iguana and marvel at the size of the more mature and slightly menacing wild ones too. There is a hilarious pet pig which Oscar was obsessed with. Pigs are however truly disgusting. I wont go into details but this did involve a dead iguana and a butt. Enough said. Stevie, you and I will forever revel in this story! Now, about the water park. It’s just next door you will see it. No pictures exist. This is truly because we were always having so much fun. We even took our new friends Gez and Emma with there two kids (2, and 4) and the love was shared. Top fun, nice food, not giant but a good three hours of entertainment. Now I know what your thinking, why a water park on a beach holiday? Simple. I was sick of the sand and the fear of drowning. The Pacific coast can be daunting for small children and nerve-racking for parents. Take a load off go to the park