Last Updated on December 27, 2020
The Oaxaca coast beach region of Bahias de Huatulco spans 26 km of gorgeous coastline, with a whopping 36 beaches tucked into nine different bays. Discover the best Huatulco beaches and plan your vacation with this ultimate Huatulco hotels and sights guide!
Bahias de Huatulco (known by locals just as Huatulco, pronounced “wah-TOOL-koh”) is a popular destination for travelers who want a resort experience with the option of adventurous day trips to hike, snorkel or dive, zipline, and see waterfalls and pristine beaches. There are more luxury hotels here than most beach towns on the Oaxaca coast, but it’s still a lesser-known gem.
In this guide, I’ll share tips on everything you need to plan your vacation, starting with the most beautiful beaches in Huatulco and where to stay in the bays of Huatulco for a perfect trip. Plus, I’ve also got advice on the best things to do, from day trips to snorkeling, scuba, and more!
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In this Guide to Bahias de Huatulco, Mexico:
Best Time to Visit | Best Huatulco Beaches | Where to Stay in Huatulco | Getting Around Huatulco | Huatulco Sights & Day Trips
Why Visit Huatulco?
Overall, Huatulco has a more authentic vibe and less of the all-inclusive resort culture found in some parts of Mexico like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.
And rather than being densely packed with high-rise hotels, the resorts in the bays of Huatulco have a lower profile. Some of these bays have been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting them from development.
The nearby town of La Crucecita is where many resort workers live, and is also a tourist destination with budget hotels, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. La Crucecita has beaches within walking distance or an inexpensive taxi ride away. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly base to explore the beaches of Huatulco and things to do here, La Crucecita is a good option.
If you’d rather chill out at a resort for your getaway, I’ll also recommend hotels in the largest bays with mid-range to luxury Huatulco hotel stays.
The Best Time to Visit Huatulco
There really is no bad time to visit Huatulco! October through February are the driest months with the most sunny days. Expect high temperatures to reach the 70s. Huatulco’s rainy season is from June through September: these months average mid-80 degree days, and the humidity is high. September is the wettest month.
Check out weather averages for your vacation dates from HolidayWeather.com.
Huatulco experiences a small tourism peak at the start of November following Dia de los Muertos; and again from December to April. Keep an eye also on holidays like Semana Santa (the week preceding Easter), as hotels and flights are usually in higher demand.
Don’t miss my other tips for travel in the region: guide to all of the Oaxaca beaches, best things to do and where to stay in Oaxaca City, and how to plan a trip for Dia de los Muertos!
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Huatulco Beaches Not to Miss
Huatulco beaches are the star of the show! Whether you’re looking for the best beach to stay at, or options for day trips, I’ve got tips for you. If you want to explore beaches on your own, many are accessible by rental car or taxi. Others, particularly beaches located within Huatulco National Park, are best reached by boat tour.
Map of the Best Huatulco Beaches
Best Huatulco Beaches
These Huatulco beaches are easily accessible by car or taxi – or from your resort depending on your hotel choice!
Playa Santa Cruz
Playa Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz Bay, which is Huatulco’s cruise ship port. This beach has calm waters perfect for swimming and families. It’s also one of the busiest beaches, since it offers a variety of hotels and restaurants as well as boat rentals and tours.
Safe for swimming? Yes | Good snorkeling? No | Restaurants? Yes
Playa La Entrega
Playa Entrega is another Huatulco beach popular with local families. It’s also located in Bahia Santa Cruz. Restaurants here are plentiful, and this is a calm beach for swimming.
Safe for swimming? Yes | Good snorkeling? Yes | Restaurants? Yes
Playa Chahue
Playa Chahue is the closest beach to La Crucecita, and is located in Bahia Chahue. Waves are large here, and swimmers should watch for warning flags. Playa Chahue has beach clubs which offer day passes for use of the swimming pool and beach loungers. It’s also a popular place to watch sunset, and you can book tours from the marinas here.
Safe for swimming? Experts | Good snorkeling? No | Restaurants? Yes
Playa Maguey
Playa Maguey is located in a quiet cove of Bahia Maguey. This is one of the farther beaches you can reach by car rather than boat. There are many restaurants here and the waters are safe for swimming and snorkeling.
Safe for swimming? Yes | Good snorkeling? Yes | Restaurants? Yes
Playa Conejos
Playa Conejos is a secluded Huatulco beach, located on the east side of Conejo Bay. There is a resort here, but you can access the public beach area down a hidden path from the parking lot. The beach is beautiful, but the waves are too dangerous for swimming.
Safe for swimming? No | Good snorkeling? No | Restaurants? No
Playa Tangolunda
Playa Tangolunda is another secluded Huatulco beach in Tangolunda Bay. To visit the public beach, be sure to bring everything you’ll need for your time here, since there are no services other than the resorts.
Safe for swimming? No | Good snorkeling? No | Restaurants? No
Best Huatulco Beaches Accessible by Boat
For beach lovers, these Huatulco beaches are not to be missed! Book a tour at either of the marinas in Santa Cruz or Chahue. Or I’ll also add some links for tours with online bookings and ratings that you can review.
San Augustin
Playa San Augustin is another favorite beach for both locals and tourists. It’s possible to get here by car, about 45 minutes from La Crucecita. Or visit as part of a boat trip. There are restaurants here, and it’s excellent for both snorkeling and scuba diving.
Safe for swimming? Yes | Good snorkeling? Yes | Restaurants? Yes
Playa Cacaluta
Playa Cacaluta is one of the most beautiful beaches in Huatulco. Accessible most easily by boat, it’s a half mile of white sand and strong waves located in the Huatulco National Park. Just offshore is Cacaluta Island, where scuba divers can explore coral reefs and underwater formations.
Safe for swimming? Yes | Good snorkeling? Yes | Restaurants? No
Best Huatulco Beach Boat Trips
Check out these top-rated Huatulco beach day trips with online booking availability and instant confirmation.
If you’d like to book a private tour, check out this half-day option.
Choosing Where to Stay in Huatulco
It can be difficult to decide where to stay in Huatulco and to understand the locations of the different bays. I recommend choosing an area or resort that fits your trip style, whether you want to be able to walk to shops and restaurants or just relax at the pool and beach.
Perhaps you like to snorkel or scuba dive, relax on pristine beaches, and explore jungle waterfalls? Huatulco has this too! Once you decide where to stay, you can book day trips to round out your itinerary.
Below check out my top picks in each of the different bays, with links to view their rates, reviews, and availability on Booking.com. Booking is my favorite hotel site because of the flexible cancellation options many hotels offer there. It’s easy to use the app to manage your reservation, and they have a “Genius” loyalty program that offers discounts after just 2 bookings.
Bahia Santa Cruz & La Crucecita
A cruise ship port with shopping and restaurants, Santa Cruz also has three calm swimming beaches: Santa Cruz, Yerbabuena, and La Entrega. Two of Huatulco’s dive centers are located here, and it’s possible to book local tours at the marina. Santa Cruz has a number of affordable hotel options and is a popular area to stay.
$ Hostal Azul y Blanco | Hostel in La Crucecita with dorm beds or private rooms
$$ Holiday Inn Huatulco | Budget hotel convenient to the marina with bar and pool
$$ Hotel Castillo Huatulco | Family-friendly hotel with pools, restaurants, and nearby beach club
Hotel Castillo Huatulco 
Holiday Inn Huatulco
Bahia Chahue
The bay next to Santa Cruz, Bahia Chahue has three beaches: Chahue, Tejon, and Esperanza, all with stronger currents. Less crowded than Santa Cruz, Chahue has shops, restaurants, and many accommodation options. There is a dive center at the marina here, and it’s possible to book local tours from your hotel or the marina.
$ Hotel Plaza Delphinus | Budget hotel with pool close to Chahue beach; some units have kitchenettes
$$ Xquenda Huatulco Spa | Inexpensive hotel with spa services, pool, and gym
$$$ Quinta Bella Huatulco | Located on Playa Chahue with clean, bright rooms, pool, and excellent restaurant
Quinta Bella Huatulco 
Xquenda Huatulco Spa
Bahia Tangolunda
This is Huatulco’s largest developed bay with many beaches good for swimming and watersports. You can snorkel at coral reefs located off Tangolunda’s western beaches of Playa Ventura, Playa La Manzanilla and Playa Tornillo. The resorts here are more secluded and luxurious (and consequently more expensive). Tangolunda also has a golf course.
$ Villas Fasol Huatulco | Bright villas overlooking the sea with a pool, restaurant, private beach, and friendly vibe; breakfast is included
$$ Quinta Real Huatulco | Large, modern resort on Playa Tangolunda with restaurants, pools, and views
$$$ Las Brisas Huatulco | Large resort with pools, restaurants and great service; located on good snorkeling beaches
$$$$ Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa | World-class resort with pools, restaurants, bars and stellar service located on Playa Tangolunda
Las Brisas Huatulco 
Dreams Huatulco
Bahia Conejo
Huatulco’s eastern bay of Conejo is the least developed of the bays with resorts. Three of the beaches here are good for swimming and snorkeling; the fourth, Punta Arena, is only accessible by boat.
$$$ Celeste Beach Residences & Spa | Modern apartments overlooking Tejoncito beach with private terraces and amazing views.
$$$$ Secrets Huatulco | Adult-only luxury resort with private beach, pool, spa, gym, restaurants and bars. This is one of the best resorts in Huatulco.
Celeste Beach Residences 
Secrets Huatulco
Other Huatulco Bays
Huatulco’s five other bays can be seen on day trips by boat: from west to east, they are San Augustin, Chachacual, Cacaluta, Organa and Maguey. Some, like San Augustin, may have rustic cabanas or camping bookable onsite.
More Huatulco Accommodation Options
Getting to Huatulco & Getting Around
Huatulco’s airport has connecting flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca. Airlines serving HUX include Interjet, Aeromar and Viva Aerobus. Flights can be found for less than $100 round trip. Try to book early during peak season for best availability.
You can also take a bus from Oaxaca City to Huatulco, which takes around 8 hours; find ADO bus routes here. Buses and local transport also run between Huatulco, Puerto Angel, and Puerto Escondido.
To get to your hotel, grab a taxi at the airport, rent a car or make arrangements through your hotel. Or here’s a private transfer option with online reviews and booking.
Once in Huatulco, taxis are cheap and plentiful. You’ll find that you can get to most beaches for less than $5 US one-way. Always agree on the price with the driver before you get in. There is currently no Uber service in Huatulco.
If you decide to rent a car in Huatulco, be sure to get my tips on driving a car in Mexico.
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The Best Things to Do in Huatulco
Some of Huatulco’s sights are accessible on your own if you rent a car. But for most destinations, especially those only accessible by boat, book a day trip online, with the help of your hotel, or at the marinas. I’ve included links below for tour options with great reviews and instant booking confirmation.
- Snorkeling and scuba diving: take a day trip to visit the reef ecosystem
- Huatulco National Park: visit this protected area on a guided day trip to hike in its lowland jungle ecosystem and snorkel its marine areas.
- Huatulco Bays Tour: take a day trip by boat to visit the bays of Huatulco.
- Waterfalls: visit secluded waterfalls at like Cascadas Magicas, Emerald Falls and Llano Grande. Check out this guided tour option for Emerald Falls including lunch or Llano Grande with lunch, coffee, and waterfalls.
- Take a street food cooking class
- Hagia Sofia: tour an eco-park featuring exotic plants, fruits and butterflies as well as waterfalls, hiking, and ziplining
- Finca La Gloria coffee plantation: learn about coffee production and have lunch at the plantation
- Turtle Sanctuary: release turtle hatchlings at sunset with a local conservation group. Here are two options with good ratings: sea turtle release and sea turtles, iguanas, handmade chocolate tour
- Parque Eco-Arqueológico Copalita: visit a pre-Colombian ruin site overlooking the sea east of Bahia Conejo
- Shop for souvenirs in La Crucecita
Huatulco Beaches Packing Tips
Click to check out these recommended items for your Huatulco trip.
More Oaxaca Travel Guides
Hooked on Oaxaca? Don’t miss my other tips for travel in the region: my guide to all of the Oaxaca beaches, tips on the best things to do and where to stay in Oaxaca City, and how to plan a trip for Dia de los Muertos!
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Oaxaca, Mexico is magic, especially during the Dia de los Muertos celebrations! Learn about the holiday’s traditions and get an itinerary for your own Day of the Dead trip to Oaxaca!
Pin these Huatulco planning tips for later!
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