a twilight image of play Riscalillo in Huatulco, one of my favourite things to do in Huatulco

Is Huatulco Worth Visiting? 16 Reasons to Love this Hidden Paradise in 2023

Are you wondering if Huatulco is worth visiting? You’re not alone! Word of this oasis on the desert coast of Oaxaca is spreading and many travellers are looking to add it to their list.

But with only so many travel days in a year, you need to fully assess and answer the question, is Huatulco worth visiting for you?

Luckily for you, I have lived in Huatulco for years and am here to share my knowledge with you! Together let’s dive into all the reasons Huatulco should be at the top of your travel list in 2023.


Is Huatulco worth visiting?

YES! Huatulco is a unique destination in Mexico with many activities for all ages and preferences. It is safe, and an absolute gem on the Oaxacan coast.

The incredible beaches, jungle activities, ocean sports, and welcoming community are just a few of the reasons you need to add Huatulco to your Mexico bucket list. Here are some more!

1. It’s Beautiful!

I know I know, a lot of places in the world are beautiful, but trust me when I say Huatulco is exceptional. The coast of Oaxaca is home to some incredible natural beauty and a ton of variety!

It has amazing ocean life, waterfalls, hiking, gardens, mountain biking, beaches, hot springs, and even mountains nearby!

2. The Beaches

While Huatulco has much to offer, its main claim to fame is the more than 36 natural beaches that line the coast.

And that’s just within the 9 Bays of Huatulco! If the Huatulco beaches aren’t enough for you, just slightly outside of the area you’ll find famous destinations like Mazunte and Zipolite.

a typical sunny day in Puerto Escondido Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido is only about 2 hours from Huatulco and is a globally recognized surfing destination!
Photo: Shev

3. The Beaches are Safe for Swimming

Huatulco has many beaches that are great for swimming. Unlike a lot of Mexico’s Pacific coast, the shoreline here faces south, not west.

This means that Huatulco doesn’t get the same strong waves, winds, or currents that areas like Zipolite or Puerto Escondido do. The beaches are safer for swimming and snorkelling!

This is what makes Huatulco worth visiting for me vs. other Oaxacan beach towns.

4. Huatulco does not get Sargassum

Not only does Huatulco have so many beautiful beaches to enjoy, but they stay beautiful all year long!

Unlike Cancun and other places on the Caribbean side of Mexico, Huatulco does not get sargassum or any other kind of algal blooms along its shores. No matter the time of year!

Hopefully, the region’s dedication to sustainable tourism will ensure that the beaches and waters stay clean and clear in the future!

5. Sustainable Tourism

Huatulco was established by the federal and Oaxacan governments in 1994 as a sustainable tourism location. The goal was to develop Huatulco more intentionally to have as little impact on the environment as possible.

Development of the area is limited and organized for minimizing environmental impact. Almost all of the all-inclusive hotels are in Tangolunda bay to minimize the effects on other beaches.

While it is sad to see the destruction of the reefs in Tangolunda, it is nice that it is contained in one area so the rest of the bays can flourish.

Most of Huatulco is a part of the Huatulco National Park, which has many restrictions in place to keep the region wild and wonderful!

baby turtles beach
Some baby turtle hatchlings making their way to the sea near Huatulco
Photo: Shev

6. The Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is highly underrated by tourists looking for the picturesque waters of Cancun or Tulum. The ocean here in Huatulco is also a gorgeous blue and wonderful to swim in!

The water does get colder in the winter, but the swimming areas near the shore are always at least 20c. So still great for swimming and snorkelling!

Several pacifici dolphins swim near a boat tour in Huatulco. In the background you can see the coast and the Sierra Madre Mountains
Dolphins, ocean, and mountain as seen from a boat tour of the bays of Huatulco.
(Photo: Shev)

7. The Wildlife

Thanks to the protected and undeveloped areas that surround Huatulco, there is a ton of wildlife to experience!

In the ocean sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches, humpback whales migrate past the shores, and thousands of fish can be found just under the surface.

In the jungle on shore, you can find tejons, wildcats, and the lagoons are a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 115 species native to the dry rainforest in Huatulco.

8. Whale Watching

While technically part of the wildlife, this deserves its own listing because Huatulco was named a Whale Watching Destination for the 2022-23 season.

The humpbacks regularly migrate off the coast of Oaxaca from December to March every year, although in 2022 they were seen as late as May!

I had an incredible experience with some new twins in 2022, and when diving you might get to see the whales on your way to the sites!

Enchildas en salsa verde and a fruit bowl for breakfast, food is one of the many things that make Huatulco worth visiting

9. The Food

For a small town, Huatulco has a lot of awesome food options! Oaxaca in general is known for being one of the food epicentres of Mexico and Huatulco is home to many great Mexican restaurants, as well as a fair mix of international restaurants.

While in Huatulco, you must try mole from Sabor de Oaxaca or La Chicatana, chocolate, and coffee from nearby Pluma Hidalgo.

A waterfall in the mountains near Huatulco, Oaxaca
Shev under Rainbow Falls near Pluma Hidalgo
(Photo: Shev)

10. The Adventures

Huatulco may be famous for its beaches, but Huatulco is worth visiting for SO much more than working on your tan.

Nestled between the ocean and the Sierra Madre mountains, if you go 30 minutes in any direction you will be surrounded by different geography and even climate.

There are so many things to do in Huatulco, but here are some of the best ones:

11. The Culture

Mexicans are known to be some of the kindest and most generous people. Pair that truth with the small-town culture Huatulco has, and you have yourself a fantastic community to visit or live in.

In Huatulco, it’s easy to make friends with your shop and restaurant owners, people at the next table in a cafe, your taxi driver, or anyone else you bump into on your day-to-day journey.

The people here are the main reason I love living in Huatulco.

12. Central Location

Huatulco is both remote and easy to get to! The HUX airport has direct flights from many Canadian and US cities, as well as from Tijuana and Mexico City.

It’s also easy to travel around Huatulco for day or weekend trips, making Huatulco a great central location from which to see other parts of the coast.

Destinations like Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, San Jose del Pacifico, and Mazunte are just a bus ride away!

The fruit bowl at Romero was incredible!
A huge bowl of fruit at one of Shev’s favourite restaurants costs $95 pesos (about $4.75 USD)
(Photo: Shev)

13. Huatulco is Affordable

Even with the skyrocketing inflation happening around the world, affordability is another factor that makes Huatulco worth visiting.

Yes, there are luxury rentals and hotels, but there are still budget-friendly accommodations to be found. Especially if you venture slightly off the oceanfront.

The food is delicious and affordable! You can eat a great meal for $50-$300 pesos, or enjoy a rich dinner for $300-$700. Groceries and fresh fruits from the local food shops are also affordable!

14. Huatulco is Accessible

Huatulco is somehow both remote, and easy to get to! Thanks to our international airport it is very easy to fly in from several North American cities and is only a 50min flight from Mexico City.

The town itself is also fairly accessible compared to a lot of other places in Mexico. The sidewalks in downtown Huatulco have wheelchair-accessible entrance points, and businesses are more than accommodating.

Businesses are also accommodating and make every effort to make their spaces welcoming to all.

Huatulco is a great place to visit and make friends in places like Chahue Corner
Some friends gathered at Chahue Corner
(Photo: Shev)

15. Huatulco is still a small town

Huatulco is small! The area takes up a fair portion of the coast, but the population here is still low. It has all the small-town vibes.

The quiet lifestyle here makes it ideal for families or solo travellers. The size makes you feel like you have discovered a secret 🤫.

Huatulco is still a tight-knit community and now is a great time to visit!

16. Huatulco has Something for Everyone!

The location, size, people, and activities make Huatulco an ideal vacation destination for everyone.

Families can make memories with the many group activities, couples can enjoy the romantic resorts and hidden beaches, and solo travellers will feel safe and easily make new friends.

Whether travelling as a group, with your family, or on your own, you will find things to do and places to explore in Huatulco.


Huatulco FAQ

What is Huatulco Known For?

Huatulco is known for its nine bays and more than 36 beaches. The bays are mostly protected from strong currents and are home to incredible wildlife!

When to Visit Huatulco?

November to March is the most popular time to visit Huatulco. If you want to avoid the crowds, the summer months are hotter but can be just as enjoyable!

Can you Swim in Huatulco?

Yes – Huatulco’s beaches are fantastic for swimming and snorkelling. There are some beaches prone to rip currents so look for signs, but most are great.


Shev’s Summary – is Huatulco, Mexico Worth Visiting?

YES! Huatulco is an absolute gem on the Oaxacan coast and it absolutely worth visiting.

The incredible beaches, jungle activities, and ocean sports are just a few of the reasons you need to add Huatulco to your Mexico bucket list.

I hope you have the opportunity to discover the tranquillity of the Oaxacan coast for yourself in the near future.

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