The Best Tours in Huatulco, Oaxaca for 2023

A little-known gem on the unruly coast of Oaxaca, the Bays of Huatulco are home to incredible natural wonders that are only just beginning to be explored by tourists. I have been fortunate enough to live here for 2 years now and have collected this ultimate list of the absolute best tours in Huatulco to experience during your time here.

All the tours I recommend here are selected based on my experiences as a client on the tour, or through references from other locals in Huatulco. I do my best to only recommend tours with great ratings, but also that are guided or run by locals in order to keep money in the community. Please keep in mind that these are my opinions, and your experiences may vary.

Is it even a trip to Huatulco if you don’t do a tour of the bays? I don’t think so! Huatulco is famous for the 9 bays that line the coast of the region, and most boat tours will take you to see the 6 of them that lie within the Huatulco National Park.

Most boat tours will give you the option to experience some of Huatulco’s great snorkeling, but not all. So if you are intent on snorkeling it’s best to book a snorkeling-specific tour, or a private boat so you can control the experience!

Book a Private Yacht – The best way to see the Bays of Huatulco

If you are looking to see the bays in style, renting a boat for you and your friends is the absolute best option for a day on the water!

In my experience living in Huatulco, when it comes to boat tours you really get what you pay for. There are some affordable options that give you boat access, but the trade-off will be the quality of your experience and the number of people you share it with. To make sure your excursion is one of the best tours in Huatulco that you experience in your time here, ensure to use caution and book from a reliable source.

Booking a private tour ensures you get to spend your day your way, and most include drinks and some food as well!

Full-day tours will ensure you eat well in a local restaurant, be sure to check if that is included in the price before you book. Additionally, some will allow you to enjoy the sunset before safely returning you to your hotel at the end of the night. I highly recommend finding these options, as the only place to watch the sunset in Huatulco is from the sea!

Best Private Huatulco Boat Tours:

• Yacht Charter with Crew
• Private Yacht Ride through Bahias de Huatulco
• Half-day private Bay Tour
• Budget-friendly small-boat tour
• Bay Tour and Scuba Diving

Other Huatulco Boat tours we love

These ones are a little more tricky to book, but if you have the time to put a little extra work into your experience check out these trips!

⛵ Luna Azul Huatulco

The Luna Azul is a small catamaran (max 15 passengers) that is famous for its sunset tours in Huatulco. You can book the entire boat with a group of friends, or join one of their colectivo sails. One of the best tours in Huatulco is the popular sunset sail on the Luna Azul departing around 3:00pm.

🤿Best Snorkel Tours in Huatulco

While some of the boat tours also offer a few snorkeling spots, you can also book a dedicated snorkeling tour for your visit to Huatulco.

Not only will you still get to see all the bays on a snorkeling boat tour, but you will have more of a focus on seeing the best snorkel sites. These trips also tend to be less party-focused (at least until after the snorkeling is done for the day!), so it can be a great option for families or anyone who values getting in the water!

If you are not a boat person but still want to check out the waters of Huatulco, that’s ok! Some of the best tours in Huatulco are land tours that include snorkeling as part of the adventure.

Huatulco’s Best Snorkel Tours

• 🛥️ Half-day Snorkel Experience
• 🛥️ All-day snorkel tour
• 🚙 Rural Oaxaca adventure
• 🚶‍♂️ National Park Forest Walk and Snorkel

Best tours IN HUATULCO, OAXACA, Mexico

⛪ Best Tours in Downtown Huatulco

Now that we’ve seen the ultimate Huatulco attraction, the sea and shoreline, its time to see what the area has to offer on land!

Huatulco may be a small town, but it is positively bursting with activities and adventures to experience the amazing tastes, sights, and sounds of the Oaxacan coast.

😎 Huatulco Sight-Seeing Tour

Get a sampling of Huatulco on this short & sweet van tour of the district. In just a few hours, you will get to see almost the whole region, from Santa Cruz to La Bocana while stopping at the viewpoints to take in the majesty of Huatulco’s coastline.

I like this tour because it gives you a brief experience of the whole area, so you can better decide where you might want to spend more time!

🚐 Book your Huatulco sight-seeing tour here ➡️

🚶‍♂️ Huatulco Walking tour

One of my favourite things to do any time I visit a new place is to find a local walking tour. There is no better way to experience a place than on foot!

This food and walking tour combines a traditional walking tour with a tasting menu of Oaxacan delights! Not only will you see the highlights of La Crucecita with a knowledgeable guide, but you will also get to enjoy some traditional Oaxacan food from some of Huatulco’s best restaurants.

Book your Huatulco food & shopping walking tour here!

Best tours HUATULCO, OAXACA, Mexico

🛣️ Best Tours from Huatulco To Explore Nearby Towns

One of the things I find incredible about Huatulco is that within a short drive in any direction, you will be in a completely different topographical, and sometimes cultural, landscape.

Thanks to the variety in the coastline and nearby mountains, there are SO many wonderful tours you can do in a full or half day from Huatulco.

Here are what I think are the best tours to explore the areas around Huatulco!

🍫Explore Mazunte 4-in-1 Tour

If you only have a few vacation days in Huatulco, this is the best tour in Huatulco to experience some of my favourite parts of the Mazunte area. In this tour you will get to see:

• Traditional Oaxacan Chocolate Factory
• Cosmeticos Mazunte, a collective of women who make handmade skincare products
• La Ventanilla Crocodile tour
• Sunset and Turtle Release or Spawning, depending on the time of year

If you don’t have more time to spend in the area, this is definitely the best way to experience a little more of the Oaxacan coast.

🐢Book your Mazunte and La Ventanilla tour here ➡️

⛰️ Rural Oaxacan Adventure

This rural Oaxaca tour is a one-of-a-kind Huatulco experience. Departing from your hotel in town, you will be guided into the wilds of the south Sierra Madre mountains for a full day of authentic Mexican experiences.

Amazing tour where you see small villages around Huatulco though the highlight is visiting a medicinal garden…which is WAY cooler than it sounds…Our guide Fermin was amazingly knowledgeable about the plants of the area and was a great source of information. We ended the tour at a small Mexican beach town with awesome snorkeling. This tour is highly recommended.

David – (More Reviews)

Book your Rural Mexican Adventure here ➡️

💦 Huatulco’s Waterfall Tours

If you have the time, taking a waterfall tour is one of the best tours in Huatulco that you can do. I absolutely love visiting the falls, and thanks to the nearby mountains there are many waterfall adventures to choose from!

Most waterfall tours are full-day adventures. You will drive into the mountains around Huatulco, visit a local shop or cacao factory, spend some time swimming or hiking in the falls, and then enjoy an authentic Oaxacan lunch before returning home for the day.

One thing most of the falls have in common is that accessing them can be an adventure in itself. I have toured Rainbow Falls (Pluma), and Las Brisas personally, and both require a bumpy, rough, windy mountain road to get to. It is absolutely worth it to go, but be sure to hire a good driver (like the ones on these tours), and take your anti-nausea medication before heading out for the day!

Some of my favourite water fall tours:

• Las Cascadas Magicas/Las Brisas falls (read my Magic Falls review here)
• Copalita Waterfalls
• Emerald Falls Huatulco
• Lleno Grande Falls and Coffee Plantation Tour
• Bonus – San Miguel Hot Springs tour

✨Bioluminescence Tour

This tour from Huatulco requires a larger time commitment and a lot of driving, but you will be rewarded with natural wonders and an experience you will never forget.

It is difficult to explain the experience of swimming with the bioluminescence that reside in the lagoons around Puerto Escondido, because it is almost unearthly. I felt more like I was in the newest Avatar movie than beside a Mexican panga in a remote lagoon.

Edgar our tour guide was the best – so well informed and truly into making sure his tourists were happy !! This tour is a long drive but the things you do and see are well worth this adventure!

tisha – (More Reviews)

I wish I could show photos of this event, but it is too magical to be captured by my sub-par photography skills. You will just have to see them for yourself on this 12-hour excursion to Puerto Escondido! I love this adventure because it packs a lot into one day, so not only do you get a great bang for your buck, but also for your time.

What to expect from this tour:

• La Escobilla – a tour of the turtle centre to learn about the many species of turtles (sea, freshwater, and tortoises!) in Oaxaca
• Playa Zicatela – the famous beach in Puerto Escondido and surfing mecca
• Horseback riding through San Jose Manialtepec – a gorgeous trail ride along the river to the sea
• Laguna Manialtepec – this is where you will swim or observe from the boat the bioluminescents!

✨Book your Huatulco Bioluminescence Tour here ➡️

Best tours IN HUATULCO, OAXACA, Mexico

Half-Day Tours from Huatulco

If you need an activity for after a slow morning (maybe after a morning spent diving!) or simply don’t have a full day to commit to an adventure, there are still some great options! Here are the best half-day tours from Huatulco.

🛕 Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park

The Parque Eco-Arqueologico Copalita is both a historical site and protected habitat for some of Oaxaca’s native and endangered species of flora and fauna. Only about a 15-minute drive La Crucecita, this park can easily be enjoyed in 2-3 hours.

Tours start with an introduction to Oaxaca’s history, both natural and cultural. Then you will be guided on a walk through the park to see the Mixteca and Zapoteca ruins scattered throughout the area, learning about the history and the various bat, tree, and animal species along the way.

You can go to the park on your own and take a tour on site, but you cannot walk through the park unguided. I recommend booking this tour in advance, especially if you want an English tour, as most of the onsite tours are in Spanish.

🛕Visit the Copalita Eco-Archaeological Site ➡️

🏎️ ATV Jungle and River Tour

Explore the Oaxacan jungle by ATV on this highly-rated 4×4 tour from Tangolunda to the Copalita river! This tour does not include food or drinks, so be sure to pack water, snacks, and some money to buy lunch after.

Had an awesome tour with Ivan and his crew. They were so knowledgeable and safe. Very punctual. We had a great day!

Jeffrey – (More Reviews)

Book your ATV Jungle tour here ➡️

🛶 Sunrise Kayak from Santa Cruz

I love catching in the sunrise, and there is no doubt that the best view is from the sea. One of my favourite ways to catch the sunrise in Huatulco is with this morning kayak tour.

Not only do you get a great experience on the sea, but the guides provide you with a nice fresh-fruit breakfast for when you return!

🛶Book your Sunrise Kayak Tour here ➡️

• Half-day snorkel tour (we 💙 Isidro!)
• 🦅Bird-Watching Tour
• 👀 Cultural and Sight-seeing Tour

Best tours IN HUATULCO, OAXACA, Mexico

Best Educational and Eco-Tours in Huatulco

In my time here in Huatulco, I have had the pleasure to meet many families who are taking non-traditional approaches to education for their kids and it is amazing to watch! Whether living in Huatulco full-time or travelling full-time, parents are choosing a broader educational foundation for their kids.

Here are some of my favourite tours that could be considered a part of home-schooling education:

• 🐢Turtle Release and Bioluminescence Tour✨ (full-day)
• 🍈Hagia Sofia Adventure Tour *
• 🛕Copalita Ruins and Ecological Site (half-day)

*A note on Hagia Sofia
I recommend this tour despite the 3-star rating for a few reasons. The first is that I can personally vouch for the quality of this experience, and the second is that I don’t feel the reviews given on Viator are fair to the actual experience (make sure you know what is included before you book a tour!)

Hagia Sofia is a botanical garden and the tour is fascinating and very educational. The family-run farm grows exotic fruits and vegetables from around the world that you get to try first-hand! As an added bonus, you can zip-line above the trees and enjoy a small waterfall located on the property. I really recommend experiencing Hagia Sofia during your stay in Huatulco!

Living in or visiting Huatulco with kids? Check out the Familias Huatulco Facebook page for other educational events and ideas!

Best tours IN HUATULCO, OAXACA, Mexico

Best Multi-Day Tours of Oaxaca

One of the identifying features of Huatulco is that it is very remote. Despite only being a couple of hundred kilometres from the capital city, it takes over 6 hours to drive between the two regions.

This is because of the Sierra Madre mountain range that lies between Oaxaca City and the coastline. A simultaneously beautiful, yet daunting drive for even this seasoned Canadian who is no stranger to wild country roads.

I have done the drive many, many times, usually with Expressos Columbo Huatulco. While bumpy at times, it is a beautiful experience made more fun by the many scenic stops you can take along the way!

That’s why I recommend one of these transfer options, since you will only be making the journey once, you should make the most of it!

• 🚐Transfer to Oaxaca City
  • A private transfer to Oaxaca City with a knowledgeable guide making stops along the way
• ⛰️ 2-day Guided Tour of Oaxaca
  • This tour goes straight from Huatulco to Oaxaca, then shows you some interesting landmarks in Oaxaca City. Price includes hotel.

Best tours IN HUATULCO, OAXACA, Mexico

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Huatulco Tour

Tours are largely subjective, an experience that was amazing for me might not be something you will enjoy. To help make sure you get the best Huatulco tours experience, here are my top tips for getting the most from your Huatulco tour!

Book your Huatulco tours in advance

To avoid disappointment on all fronts, it is best to book your tours and excursions in Huatulco at least a few days in advance. In the high season (December – March) tours sell out very quickly, but I also recommend booking in advance to ensure you can communicate with the operators and understand everything included in your tour before you arrive.

This is also why I recommend booking through a vendor like Viator, because you have a chance to cancel up to 24-hours before your booking if you feel it’s something that won’t meet your expectations.

How do I book a tour in Huatulco?

While I fully understand the arguments against big websites like Viator, I still maintain that the best way to book a tour in Huatulco is through a verified 3rd-party like Viator. And here is why!

1. It protects you!
   Booking through Viator allows you to see what the tour offers, look at photos, and read reviews of others who have experienced the tour. You also are subject to their rules and cancellation policy for all the tours you book, instead of the individual policies of each guide.
   
2. It offers locals a place to sell their adventures
   3rd-party sites like Viator offer an immense platform to local guides that helps them get seen. Yes, the trade-off is fees through the transaction process. But it allows you to pay with a credit card, without the guide having to set up a payment processing system.

What should I expect from a tour in Huatulco?

Huatulco is still a small town, and if I’m being honest not everyone has learned what the service expectations from travellers can be. Most of the guides are awesome, but you will have a much better experience if you come with the expectation that things in Huatulco are a little more…grassroots.

Guides pull tours together using what they have access to. Many groups work together, so if you see guides communicating with others, sharing vehicles or boats, etc. it is not a cause for alarm. It’s just how they make the magic happen!

Please be sure to read the What’s Included portion of your booking. Always bring reusable water bottles and snacks just in case, and be open-minded and prepared for adventure!

What should I pack for my tour in Huatulco?

No matter which tour you select, here are some things to bring with you:

• Water in a reusable bottle
• Some light snacks
• A hat
• Sun protection
• A towel

🌎Where is Huatulco, Mexico located?

Huatulco or the Bays of Huatulco is a sustainable touristic development on the coast of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Huatulco is known for its pristine beaches and coastline that is home to 9 distinct bays. Huatulco is also home to one of Mexico’s largest national parks, Parque Nacional de Huatulco!

Here is a map I put together of the many beaches and bays in Huatulco!

🗺️How to Get to Huatulco?

Huatulco has its own international airport (HUX) that offers direct flights from several major cities in North America. It is also common to fly into Huatulco when visiting other parts of the Oaxacan coast like Mazunte or Puerto Escondido.

You can also go by land between popular destinations like Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, Mazunte and Zipolite, and more using one of Mexico’s ground transportation options.

✈️ How to get to Huatulco from the airport

The Huatulco airport is about 20 minutes from the coast by car, and over an hour from Mazunte and Puerto Escondido. It is possible to take a taxi or transport on arrival, but you will save money and stress by booking an airport transfer in advance.

You can also rent a car in Huatulco, which can be great if you are travelling with a group or want to see more of the area!

🚖How to Get around in Huatulco

There is no Uber in Huatulco, the best way to get around in Huatulco is by taxi. The local taxi drivers are professional, knowledgeable, and very cheap as dictated by the union.

The only time you can negotiate with a taxi driver is if you are looking for a driver for the day or to a specific location outside of Huatulco.

Taxi laws in Oaxaca are actually quite interesting, I explain more about them in this post about transport in Huatulco.

🚙Renting a car in Huatulco

If you are looking to do more exploring in the surrounding areas like Pluma Hidalgo, you may want to rent a car.

Renting a car in Huatulco is very easy, and a great way to make sure you can visit as many of the beaches as possible!

I recommend comparing prices and booking through a trusted partner like Discover Cars. They compare known brands like Hertz with local vendors, so you know you are getting the best rate!

🏨 Where should I stay in Huatulco, Mexico?

Huatulco is a diverse area offering options from luxury villas to family-friendly stays, or rooms downtown. The best place to book your hotel or short-term apartment rental is through Booking.com here.

You can check out my full list of the best hotels in Huatulco, but here are a few faves:

🏨 Huatulco Hotels on the Beach

• For family-friendly fun – Dreams Huatulco
• Adults-only relaxation – Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa
• Luxury Villas with a kitchen – Fasol Villas Tangolunda
• Closer to town but on the beach – Quinta Bella Resort

Huatulco Hotels in the Downtown

• Santa Cruz – Marina Resort Hotel
• Santa Cruz All-Inclusive (with beach club!) – Binniguenda Huatulco
• Chahue Bay – Hotel & Spa Xquenda

Huatulco Pet-friendly Hotels

• Santa Cruz – Holiday Inn Huatulco
• Chahue – Best Western Posada Chahue
• Downtown – Casa Shaguibá

🗓️When to Visit Huatulco?

I believe there is almost no bad time to visit Huatulco! You can read my month-to-month analysis of life in Huatulco for more details, but here is the short version:

• Huatulco High Season: December to March
• Huatulco Shoulder Season: October/November and April/May
• Huatulco Hurricane Season: There isn’t one! We don’t typically get hurricanes
• Months to avoid: May is the hottest month, and September is the rainiest

🌡️ Huatulco Weather Averages

People love to visit Huatulco in the winter to escape the northern cold, and the temperatures in Huatulco are more moderate. The days are still hot, but the humidity is less in December and February and the evenings get cooler.

Winter is the most expensive time to visit Huatulco. I recommend November, or July and August if you’re on a budget. These months are low season, but the weather is less volatile. The mid-seasons like spring and fall bring a lot of turbulence, especially in the water.

🐬What is the best time to see megafauna in Huatulco?

The Pacific shores off the coast of Huatulco are teaming with life, including some of the big stuff like Humpback whales, giant mantas, pods of dolphins, and sometimes false orcas!

• Late November to Early March: The best time to see Humpback whales in Huatulco
• April and May: The best time to see Giant Manta Rays in Huatulco
• All year round: The best time to see dolphins in Huatulco

Is Huatulco worth visiting?

Absolutely! Huatulco has something for everyone. Its rich landscape, vibrant ocean life, dedication to craft food and activities, and even the growing nightlife offer so much to travellers willing to explore a new and hidden gem.

Compared to big tourist centres like Cancun or Puerto Escondido, Huatulco might seem small. Don’t worry, there are still so many beach resorts, tours, and countless activities to experience.

🔐 Is Huatulco safe?

Huatulco is not only as one of the safest places in Mexico to visit but also to live in. The people here are very friendly and welcoming of newcomers, and it is easy to get around the area safely.

Always use common sense, and make sure you are carrying both travel insurance and travel health insurance for your visit.

💧Can you drink the water in Huatulco?

Technically yes, and many people do. Huatulco has great water treatment facilities. However, I don’t recommend drinking water directly from the tap in Huatulco just to be safe!

Most people and all the restaurants and street vendors use filtered water sold in “garafons”, the big blue 18L bottles. You can feel confident drinking the fruit waters sold by local vendors as they all use this reverse osmosis water!

For personal use, I take my Waatr bottle with me everywhere. That way if I do need to drink from the tap, I can purify it first with the UVC light installed in the cap!

If you need distilled water for devices such as a CPAP machine, you can purchase it in bottles at local pharmacies. It is usually sold as “agua infantil” or “baby water” in English as it is more commonly used for sinus flushes and medical care for children.

Shev’s Summary: The Best Tours in Huatulco

Huatulco is best known for its many beaches, but I hope this list of the best tours and excursions you can take in Huatulco have given you a taste of just how many fun and unique activities there are to do here!

From exploring the waters on a Huatulco bay tour, strolling the streets on a cultural walking tour, or even sipping fresh coffee high up in the Sierra Madre mountains, I hope you now feel comfortable booking one or several of these adventures to make your time in Huatulco totally unforgettable!

If I had to pick just one tour you absolutely must do before leaving Huatulco, it would be this snorkel tour of the bays. You just have to experience Huatulco from the sea while you’re here!

Huatulco Travel Planning Guide

🚑Do I need Travel Insurance to visit Huatulco?
Absolutely, yes, 1000x yes! If there is anything we have learned from the last few years it’s that life is unpredictable and plans can always change.

At just a few dollars per day, it’s worth getting travel insurance just for the peace of mind. I have my travel health insurance through Safety Wing and my travel insurance through Travel Insurance Master.

💦 Can I drink the water in Huatulco?
Yes, the water in Huatulco is safe to drink, but I don’t feel it’s worth the risk. Buy a garafon to reduce plastic waste, or use a Waatr bottle like I do to have clean water anywhere you travel!

🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in Huatulco?
Yes! It’s totally safe to rent a car in Huatulco, but the availability books up fast. I recommend comparing prices and booking in advance with Discover Cars.

🗣️Do I need to speak Spanish in Huatulco?
Yes – some.
Many Huatulco tours are offered in both English and Spanish, and most serving staff and store owners in Huatulco speak a little English. Learning the basics like how to order or read a menu will really help you out!

I used Pimsleur to learn Spanish and it was extremely effective! I highly recommend the app to anyone who wants to become comfortable navigating Mexico. You can also use Google translate very effectively in Huatulco.

📲 Will my phone work in Huatulco?
Yes, your phone will most likely work, but it will be expensive. It’s best to order a Telcel SIM Card to your home so you are connected and ready to go when you reach Huatulco!

Check out my post with more details on technology in Huatulco here.

🏨How do I book a place to stay in Huatulco?
For Huatulco, and Mexico in general, the best site to book accommodations is Booking.com. They have access to hotels, vacation rentals, and even short-term apartment rentals there and is usually cheaper than Airbnb.

For travellers on a budget, I like to book hostels through HostelWorld

✈️ Where is the best site to buy flights to Huatulco?
Read here for all of Huatulco’s direct flights throughout the year, but I like to book tickets through Skyscanner to find the best prices.

🛂Do I need a visa for Huatulco?
Probably not, most tourists are granted a 180-day tourist visa upon arrival at the airport. This is now done with a stamp in your passport, as of fall 2022 Mexico is phasing out the paper forms – yay!