8 Things to Do at La Bocana Beach Huatulco
Are you looking for things to do at playa La Bocana, Huatulco?
After immersing myself in Huatulco for 2 years, exploring nearly every beach, I’ve found a standout favorite: La Bocana Beach!
Though it may not be your typical swim-and-snorkel spot, La Bocana offers a myriad of other activities. From catching the best surfing waves in Huatulco to experiencing the enchanting Copalita River mouth, Playa La Bocana has something for everyone!
Join me as I unveil the top 8 things to do at La Bocana Beach, a true gem among the 36+ beaches in Huatulco!
Top Things to Do at La Bocana Beach: Quick Guide
- Stay at Casa La Bocana – One of Huatulco’s best boutique hotels
- Surf in the waves – la Bocana is one of Huatulco’s top surfing spots
- Get a Mud Bath – most famous thing to do at la Bocana beach
- Visit the Copalita Ecological Park – Huatulco’s own historic site!
8 Things to do at La Bocana Beach
1. Watch the Sunrise
This is an activity I insist on doing when family and friends visit me in Huatulco. There aren’t a lot of places you can see the sunrise or sunset in Huatulco, but La Bocana almost always has incredible sunrises.
I like to arrive at dawn, at least 20min before the sun is set to rise, so you can take in the colours and begin your trek along the beach.
By the time you are back from your morning stroll, the restaurants will be open for breakfast!
2. Get a Mud Bath
Perhaps the most famous thing to do at La Bocana is to get a mud bath!
Mud bathing has been practiced in Oaxaca since long before the Spaniards arrived, and is also a key component to the famous temazcal ceremonies.
Here at La Bocana Beach you can enjoy a muddy scrub down and massage, then rinse with a quick (and safe!) plunge in the ocean, or by using one of the showers they have available.
The mud baths can be found at the entrance to La Bocana beach, look for the women with the buckets!
Get the most out of La Bocana with a Mud Bath, Massage, and Mezcal tour!
3. Go Surfing
La Bocana beach is perhaps most famous for its surf conditions. As you are enjoying your sunrise stroll you will undoubtedly witness surfers catching the early-morning waves.
Bocana Surf School offers board rentals and surf lessons right from the beach! Café Surf in Santa Cruz offers trips to surf in La Bocana and other areas of Huatulco.
Huatulco Surf Co in Tangolunda has all the gear you need for those looking to commit to the sport!
4. Walk Along the Beach
This might not seem like an activity, but I promise walking along La Bocana beach is an experience!
The beach is over a kilometer long and is home to the mouth of the Copalita River (thus the name la boca, meaning mouth in spanish). There is no shade and plenty to see, so bring your binoculars, water, and a hat!
You can wander Playa La Bocana for hours. The rock formations are great for scrambling, the sand patterns are constantly changing, and the fresh waters of the Copalita river add incredible biodiversity to the area.
When you hit the river mouth, the flora and fauna completely change and are so fun to observe.
Photo: Shev
5. Visit the Copalita Ecological Park
La Bocana beach is at the border of the district of Bahias de Huatulco and the district of Barra Copalita (for more info on this, see my post Where to Stay in Huatulco).
The Parque Eco-Arqueológico Copalita sits on this crossing and at the side of the Copalita River.
Visiting the ruins in Huatulco is a great family activity that consists of a museum and a guided tour around the park. Structures in the park date back to 600 B.C.!
The tours run from 8-4 pm every day except Monday. Tours are offered in Spanish and English, but its best to book a tour ahead if you want an English tour. When I g
To get the current costs for the tour and the times for the English tours you can cotact the park at parquecopalita@fonatur.gob.mx or book an english-speaking tour here.
Our guide was an expert on the subject, he brought history to life and answered every question and knew all about the local flora and fauna. It was well worth the money if you are interested in the pyramids of Mexico.
Julie – (More Reviews)
6. Go Bird Watching
The mouth of the Copalita river is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Many of our feathered friends flock here to swim in the fresh waters and snack on the algae and critters that thrive in these conditions.
Sit and listen to the sounds of life that are completely different than the bird cries we have become accustomed to in the town centre, the national park, or in the nearby Sierra Madre Mountains.
Did you know Huatulco is home to over 115 species of birds? This is not my area of expertise, but Oaxaca has a great wildlife advocacy site where you learn more about the birds and other wildlife of Huatulco!
Photo: Shev
7. Enjoy a Seaside Breakfast
After watching the sunrise and strolling the beach, you’ll be ready for a hearty Mexican breakfast!
That’s good, because both Los Güeros and Restaurante La Bocana open at 8am and can serve you some typical Oaxacan fare and nice of hot cup of café de ollo.
If you’re not planning to spend the day in La Bocana, you could also hit up some of Huatulco’s best restaurants in Tangolunda Bay on your drive back to town. Cafe Juanita is a popular brunch spot in front of Dream Huatulco Resort.
Photo: Shev
8. Do a Mezcal Tasting
It’s not a visit to Oaxaca without trying mezcal! And luckily one of Huatulco’s premier mezcalerias, Quireme Mucho, is located at Playa La Bocana.
After a full day of sunrises, surfing, museums, and mudbaths, you have definitely earned a chance to enjoy a few well-crafted cocktails or a few samplings of their craft, small-batch mezcals.
Their food offerings are light but offer a tasty snack before or after your dinner plans, and their hand-painted bottles make an excellent souvenir.
What NOT to do at La Bocana Beach Huatulco
While there are these great 8 things to do at La Bocana, here is something I would suggest you NOT do:
Swim
There is a reason that La Bocana is popular with surfers – the surf! La Bocana can get some gnarly waves, but even worse undertows and rip currents.
La Bocana is not safe for swimming, even those highly experienced and confident. The currents are just too unpredictable!
I know I emphasize this a lot, but there are over 40 beaches in Huatulco, most of them offering wonderful and safe swimming and snorkeling. So why take the risk? Unfortunately, I could share a few stories of people needing to be rescued, even when only standing in water over their waist!
Please respect the ocean, be safe, and have fun!
Where to Stay in La Bocana Beach
If you find your self mesmerized and unable to spend just a day at La Bocana Beach, you would not be the first! This tranquil pocket of Las Bahias de Huatulco captures many a heart, and so do the boutique hotels.
Hotel Casa La Bocana
Hotel Casa La Bocana opened in 2021 and is already a highly rated place to stay in the Huatulco Bays. The thatched roofs, turquoise pools, and exquisite breakfast make this guests #1 choice for a place to stay in La Bocana!
Brand new and beautiful furnished beachhouse. We only stayed two nights there but we wished we’d stayed longer.
Carolin – (More Reviews)
Hotel Casa La Bocana is the only hotel at La Bocana Beach! That’s how small the area is. There might be the option for some rentals through upcoming condo developments in the next few years, otherwise you could check out nearby adults-only resort Secrets , or check out my list of best hotels in Huatulco!
How to Get to La Bocana Huatulco
Like most places in Huatulco, the easiest way to get to La Bocana is by taxi. La Bocana is about a 15-minute drive from Santa Cruz and La Crucecita, so a taxi will run about $80 pesos and are readily from anywhere in town.
It is more difficult to find a taxi to return to the centre. I suggest pre-arranging your pick up, or having the numbers of several taxis you can call.
If you plan to explore more of Oaxaca’s beach towns and beaches, then I recommend renting a car for your stay. You will see so much more of the area!
La Bocana Beach is also easily accessible if you have rented a moto, as the road is all paved and in good condition. Use caution on Benito Juarez Boulevard as the taxis and busses drive so fast!
Things to do at La Bocana Beach: Wrap Up
Having immersed myself in the vibrant coastal charm of Huatulco for 2 years, I’ve uncovered a hidden gem that offers both adventure and relaxation – La Bocana Beach.
Known for its surfing waves, there is much more that this beach has to offer! La Bocana offers a unique experience with rejuvenating mud baths and the historical Copalita Ecological Park.
This beach has the perfect blend of excitement and tranquility along the Oaxacan coast. Join me in exploring the multifaceted beauty of La Bocana!
🌎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?
(Photo: Canva, Huatulco Hotels)
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
(Photo: Holiday Weather)
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.
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!
