Is Huatulco Safe?

Is Huatulco, Mexico safe? When travelling somewhere new, one of the many questions we have to ask ourselves is about safety. Is it safe to walk at night, swim in the ocean, or visit bars and restaurants?

Huatulco is a small coastal town, but it’s seen a boom in activity in recent years so things are changing!

Using my experience as a solo female traveller and someone living in Huatulco, I will answer all your questions and share insider tips on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

So let’s talk about safety in Huatulco!

General Thoughts on Safety

When asking the question is Huatulco safe to visit, there are two truths we have to keep in mind:

#1 Mexico is unfairly regarded as a dangerous country

Some countries in North America have run a decades-long smear campaign against Mexico to paint it as a scary, dark place. This assessment is unfair, but many of us grew up with an unjustified fear of this magical place.

This fear of Mexico is a misconception that we need to work together to dissolve!

#2 Some people have to worry about their safety more than others

Remember that just because you feel safe in a place, does not mean others share your experience.

Generally, caucasian tourists are treated very well in Mexico, largely because they are considered synonymous with bringing money to the local economy. Treating foreigners poorly is bad for business.

Huatulco is very safe to visit and live in, but no place is perfect. Crime happens everywhere, including here in Oaxaca. But there are lots of steps you can take to ensure a safe holiday, similar to how you would behave at home or anywhere else!

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself while travelling in Huatulco, and anywhere else your adventures take you!

How Safe is Huatulco, Oaxaca for Travel?

Huatulco is one of the safest places in Mexico! Its low population density and welcoming community make it a popular destination for visitors and immigrants alike.

Huatulco has no prevalent issues with cartels or gangs. There is little petty theft, and violent attacks are nearly unheard of.

Huatulco is very family-friendly, and many activities cater to groups and young kids. There are also many “colectivo” activities that make travelling solo a breeze!

I moved to Huatulco alone as a woman under 30 and have felt very safe living here!

Is it Safe to Drive in Huatulco?

Yes, many travellers choose to rent a car while visiting Huatulco or other destinations in Oaxaca. Because the region is sparse, public transport isn’t easy to navigate if you don’t speak some Spanish.

The region of Huatulco only has a few main roads and 3 traffic lights. Road lines are not clearly painted, so be alert and go with the flow!

Avoid driving at night whenever possible, as roads are not always lit and there is a lot of wildlife. The roads are also different than what you are used to at home!

There is a new highway being constructed from Oaxaca City to the coast that will cut the travel time drastically. Construction is pretty much finished, so in 2023 it will take only 2 hours to drive from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca!

The safest way to drive to Huatulco is by taking a bus company like ADO or Expressos Columbo. These are business services that have to adhere to laws and safety practices and treat their customers very well!

🚗 Looking to rent a car? The easiest way to compare prices for rental cars in Huatulco is through Discover Car.

Are Taxis in Huatulco Safe?

When travelling within Huatulco, the safest and easiest way to get around is by taxi. Taxi drivers are knowledgeable about the area and very accustomed to the roads. They will keep you safe!

Even if you choose to rent a car in Huatulco, you will most likely get around town by taxi as the streets are very busy and parking is extremely limited.

Check out my maps and more info on Huatulco taxis so you can feel comfortable and confident with this convenient mode of transport in Huatulco!

Is Huatulco, Mexico Safe for Tourists?

Did you know the region of Las Bahías de Huatulco is considered one of the safest places in Mexico for tourists? Our crime rates are exceptionally low, and the small-town mentality means that people tend to look out for each other!

Huatulco is also very aware that it was developed with tourism in mind, so the workers and agencies do their best to treat travellers very well, they want you to come back!

Huatulco is not just a safe location, but a welcoming one. The people are very friendly and the community is happy to share their home with you.

It is still a small town, so it can be difficult to find events and activities to be a part of to connect with people. But if you put in a bit of effort you will feel at home in no time!

Is there crime in Huatulco?

Like anywhere else in the world there is some crime in Huatulco, it’s unavoidable. But it’s very rare!

Huatulco is an extremely safe place to live and visit, but here are some extra tips to avoid being a victim of crimes of opportunity in and around Huatulco!

Avoiding Crime in your Hotel

The first step in avoiding crime in your hotel is choosing a great hotel! There are a lot of great options for every budget.

The best place to book a hotel in Huatulco is through Booking.com. I use this platform because it’s popular and secure, and the customer service has been good!

I also like Hotels.com, but I find it less popular in Huatulco so there is not as much selection.

Crime in hotels usually consists of petty theft and crimes of opportunity due to the carelessness of guests. Leaving cash sitting out or a wallet on a table would be tempting to anyone! Here are some ways to avoid crime in your hotel room:

#1 Keep Valuables out of sight

When not in your room, be sure to tuck away any valuables or items that might tempt an onlooker. While hotel safes are not the most secure places in the world, they are still better than nothing! Use the hotel safe for:

• Your passport, unless you plan to carry it with you at all times
• Some of your cash
• electronics

If you are very nervous about leaving your passport behind, some hotels will hold them in a safe at the front desk for you, which can reduce the risk even further!

Personally, I have not had an issue with leaving my passport in a hotel safe, I feel this is safer than carrying it around with me at all times, especially to the beaches. But to each their own!

Tools I travel with for extra safety:
For some added security I like to travel with a portable safe, I use this one. It is great for hiding under a bed or attaching to something hidden. It’s also great for taking to the beach!

A portable door lock is also a good idea. They attach to the latch of your room door to keep anyone else from entering the room while you are in it.

Mistakes happen and I hear a lot of stories of keys getting mixed up, and no one wants to wake up to someone entering their room, accident or not.

#2 Split up your money

As the old adage goes, don’t put all your eggs in one basket! When travelling with cash, it is best to divide it into smaller portions and put them in various areas around your luggage and possessions.

I like to reuse unassuming packaging like mint containers for hiding some extra cash!

Tip from a local: Make a note on your phone of where you hide your money, unless you like surprises later!

Many places in Huatulco accept cards, but since the cell network is not always reliable you never know if the machines will work or not.

Cash is definitely the best way to pay for things, but I also love to use my Wise card when out and about to save on transaction fees!

Staying safe on Huatulco’s Beaches

When staying safe on the beaches in Huatulco, there are two things to consider: water safety, and petty theft.

Swimming in Huatulco

Huatulco has many beaches great for swimming, but some are prone to rip currents and high surf. Be sure to look for beach signs regarding currents.

Chahue Bay and La Bocana are two popular beaches known for their dangerous waters.

Keeping Belongings Safe on the Beaches

In general, I leave my belongings on the beach without much fear of items going missing, but here are 3 steps you can take to deter someone from swiping your possessions.

#1 Limit what you bring to the beach

If you plan to head out for the day, don’t bring too much with you! Bring some cash you need (separated as noted above), and as little else as possible.

#2 Use a restaurant table or rent an umbrella

This is a great option for both large groups, or if you are travelling alone! Using the tables at a restaurant is free as long as you buy some food and drink.

Sometimes there is a minimum spend, but it’s usually very reasonable about $200 pesos.

When you use the restaurant tables the serving staff takes great care of you. You can set up a bit of a “home base” for the day, making it clear that the table is in use.

Introduce yourself to your server and ask their name, and if you leave the table unattended be sure to let them know. They will keep an extra eye on your things if you are friendly and identify yourself!

#3 Get a waterproof bag

If you will not be able to enjoy your time in the water without eyes on your things, that’s ok! If you don’t have someone who can stay behind to watch your items, a waterproof bag is an excellent option.

There are lots of styles of dry bags to choose from, whether you want something just big enough for your phone or something larger that can accommodate some clothes or larger items.

Just be sure to read reviews, and remember that if they work properly, they will get very hot inside. Keep the bag in the water sometimes to cool it off instead of just on your back to keep it from damaging phones or other items that can melt!

Shev’s Summary – Is Huatulco, Mexico Safe?

Yes – Huatulco Mexico is a very safe part of the world to spend your next holiday. The people who live here have created a warm and welcoming environment for everyone.

Using the same precautions you would in your own hometown, Huatulco is an easy place to visit and feel comfortable. Whether you are travelling alone or with a group, Huatulco, Mexico safety is just one reason to visit this beautiful corner of the world!

Interested in visiting Huatulco? Click here to learn more about Huatulco from a local, and have all your questions answered!