23 Unique Things to Do in Huatulco, Mexico in 2023
Are you planning a trip to Huatulco, Oaxaca? Known for its 9 pristine bays and more than 36 beaches, Huatulco is a small region of the Oaxacan coast just bursting with things to do!
Huatulco is so well known for its beaches that travellers often miss the other magical adventures to be had here. That’s why I put together this list of more than 20 things for you to do while visiting Huatulco!
As someone who lives in the region year-round, I have personally done these activities, and am always adding more! While this list only includes things to do in Huatulco, Oaxaca, there are lots of things to do in the surrounding areas too, so I threw in some bonus items at the end.
So vamanos! Let’s see what great things there are to do in Huatulco, Mexico!
23 Unique Things to do in Huatulco, Mexico
(Photo: Shev)
#1 Take a Boat Tour of the Bahias de Huatulco
In my opinion, the most important experience you can have in Huatulco is a boat tour of the bays.
Huatulco is most famous for its natural wonders. The beaches, the national park, the jungle, and the ocean draw thousands of travellers each year.
A boat tour in Huatulco is the best way to see all of these wonders at once!
From the sea, you have a chance to:
- See Huatulco’s many beaches, many of that are inaccessible by land
- Enjoy the rocky coastline and Sierra Madre Mountains in the background
- Snorkel in the protected waters of the Huatulco National Park
- See humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and mobula rays
Depending on your style, you can take an all-day snorkel tour, an all-day diving tour, a sunset cruise, or rent a yacht!
Keep in mind that not all boat tours are created equal. You will get what you pay for, so I don’t recommend looking for the cheapest option. For the best experience, I recommend a private or small boat tour.
(Photo: Shev)
#2 Take a Walking Tour of La Crucecita
This I my favourite thing to do anytime I visit a new place. A walking tour of La Crucecita is the best way to start your time in Huatulco.
A Huatulco walking tour allows you to see the city, learn a bit about Oaxacan culture, sample some Oaxacan food, and give access to a local guide.
By the end of your tour, you will have loads of ideas on how to spend the rest of your vacation time, and some local secrets.
The best Huatulco walking tour is offered by Chiles and Chocolate and includes
- Transportation to and from your accommodations to downtown
- All food on the tour (minimum 7 snacks)
- A beverage
- A boutique Huatulco goodie bag!
(Photo: Shev)
#3 Visit Huatulco’s 36+ Beaches
This one is a given, so it’s at the top of the list! Huatulco is most known for its beaches, as it should be, there are almost 40 beaches!
I have lived in Huatulco for 2 years now but still haven’t seen all of the beaches. You could spend your entire trip just visiting every beach in Huatulco.
Of course, you might not want to spend your whole trip on the beach, so I have narrowed down the top beaches to visit in Huatulco for you!
(Photo: Shev)
#4 Go Snorkelling in Huatulco
Not only do we have some pretty amazing beaches in Huatulco, but we also have some fantastic ocean! Huatulco is a great place to snorkel.
Most of the boat tours will make snorkelling stops, but Huatulco also has many beaches you can snorkel from.
Check out Organo or Playa Pescadores for some great snorkelling right off the beach, or Maguey if you are comfortable swimming a little further offshore.
If you are up for a longer adventure, Bahia San Agustin has the best snorkelling in Huatulco!
(Photo: Shev)
#5 Go Scuba Diving
Diving is why I came to Huatulco, so maybe that’s what you want to do too! Huatulco is the best place in Oaxaca to scuba dive.
There are many reasons to go scuba diving in Huatulco. The protected waters make Huatulco a great place to learn to dive, take a course, or just dive for fun and explore all the wildlife we have to offer!
My favourite shop to dive with is Huatulco Scuba in Santa Cruz.
Want to dive with Shev? Send me a note here!
#6 Go Kayaking at Sunrise
I love chasing sunrises, but since Huatulco faces mostly south it is hard to find good places to enjoy them on land.
But! Only a short distance from the shore you will find unobstructed views of Huatulco’s glorious sunrises and sunsets.
One option is to go Kayaking at sunrise and enjoy some amazing views, then reward yourself with some fresh fruit and coffee on the beach!
Note: this tour is only available during the high season.
(Photo: Shev)
#7 Visit the Lighthouse
The view from El Faro is the best vantage point in Huatulco.
During the day, you can walk right up to the lighthouse and look over the edge to “la bufadora” (the blowhole) below. When the waves are right, you will feel the blast from water forced upwards throwing salty mist to your face.
In the mornings or evenings, locals gather with a beer or picnic and sit on the cliff’s edge looking towards Bahia Maguey. From here you can see the sunset or star gaze from Huatulco’s best viewpoint!
(Photo: Shev)
#8 Eat
One of the best things to do in Huatulco is eating! Everyone loves Mexican food, and Huatulco has so many great restaurants to explore.
In 2023, so many new restaurants popped up that I had to sample them, and write about them! See Huatulco’s newest restaurants for even more good eating.
#9 Explore the Town of La Crucecita
La Crucecita is the main town in the Bahías de Huatulco and may also be referred to as “el Centro”, the downtown. It’s not a big place, but it has a lot to offer!
La Crucecita directly translates as “The Little Cross”, so if you are ever translating a sentence about the town in Google it can be confusing.
In the main square, you will find restaurants, the 3 de Mayo market, as well as the church of La Crucecita.
There are many small shops to explore, fresh produce stores, and even more foods to try!
#10 Visit the Organic Market
One of the quintessential Huatulco experiences is the organic farmer’s market on Saturdays in Santa Cruz!
Run by Mercado Organico Huatulco (or MOH), the market is a common place to find locals on a Saturday morning doing their weekly shopping, eating breakfast or lunch, or enjoying the live music on the grass!
The market takes place in the centre of Santa Cruz around Cafe Huatulco. The schedule varies throughout the year:
- December to April
- Every Saturday, 8 am – 2 pm
- May – November
- The 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 8 am – 2 pm
I recommend getting to the market before 10 am, as a lot of vendors tend to sell out!
#11 Visit the Iglesia de Crucecita
Whether they align with your beliefs or not, churches can be an interesting place to visit in many places of the world as they hold so much history and can be a place of fabulous art.
La Iglesia de Guadalupe in La Crucecita has a particular claim to fame. It’s home to the largest painting of the Virgin Guadalupe in Mexico!
#12 Go Shopping in el Mercado 3 de Mayo
It’s not a trip to México if you don’t stop in a mercado! Mexican mercados are places for many vendors to collect to sell their goods and are usually a place to get some of the best, local food.
Unfortunately, our Mercado 3 de Mayo in Huatulco is geared more towards tourists, so you will find it a little different than the mercados in Oaxaca or México City, but still, if you are looking for souvenirs and gifts to take home to friends, the mercado 3 de Mayo is a great place to start!
#13 Enjoy the Nightlife in Huatulco
If you are staying at a resort you might have some night-time activities built into your experience, but for the rest of us, we need to head out and hit the town!
Huatulco may be a small town, but we can still party with the many bars and nightclubs!
You can head out for a night of dancing, some Spanish karaoke, take in a mermaid or drag show, or just enjoy a nightcap on a rooftop patio!
(Photo: Shev)
#14 Ride the Night Tour Bus
Before you head out to the clubs you might want to start the night with one of Huatulco’s party buses!
There are several operators, but all of Huatulco’s night party buses leave from downtown and follow a similar schedule:
- Operate from 7 pm – 11 pm
- Leaves every hour
- Cost $80-$100 pesos
- Tour Route
- Through Downtown
- Stop for mezcal tasting and snack
- go to the Huatulco sign in Tangolunda
- Through Santa Cruz
- Back to the pickup point
The night bus tours are an easy, fun, and cheap thing to do in Huatulco.
#15 Take the Bus to Santa María Huatulco
It’s no secret that Huatulco is a tourist town, our whole existence is geared toward welcoming people from afar. And that can be great! But after some time you might feel like you are missing some proper Mexican culture.
If you’re looking to escape to some “real” México, you don’t have to go far! There is a public bus that transports people from Santa Cruz, through La Crucecita and all the way to Santa María and back.
In Santa María you will find a much more local vibe. There are tons of street vendors, a big, proper mercado, and a totally different climate than Huatulco has.
Even though it’s only about 20 kilometres away, Santa Maria experiences a different climate than the bays do. It is hotter in the summer, cooler in the winter, and they have a much longer rainy season.
Santa Maria Huatulco is also the gateway to the Sierra Madre Mountains, so if you are making a trip to Pluma Hidalgo, San Jose del Pacifico, or Oaxaca City you will pass through Huatulco’s main town.
#16 Practice your Spanish
While Huatulco may be a tourist town, unlike Cancun or Puerto Escondido the primary language is still Spanish. Menus are in Spanish, and most serving staff will only speak minimal English.
And it’s wonderful! I love that Huatulco has not yet become so overcome with English speakers that we have lost that. So if you have ever wanted to learn or practice Spanish, now is the time!
And a bonus to this is that even just attempting to speak Spanish is so appreciated by Mexicans. So many people come here and expect everyone to speak English, and often get frustrated with non-English speaking staff. Even if you feel your Spanish is terrible, it is considered a compliment to make an effort, so please – make an effort!
It’s a good idea to start practicing Spanish before you arrive. There are many language-learning apps out there (and I have tried many of them!). I found incredible success with Pimsleur
The Pimsleur method uses audio 30-minute audio lessons to give you practice speaking and conversational flow. It’s designed to give you proficiency in 5 months, but I took about a year and a half.
Pimsleur is also one of the few companies that has a Latin America-specific Spanish language. I can’t recommend it enough!
#17 Take a Spanish Class
The apps are great for preparing to come to Mexico, but why not take an in-person class and further your learning?
Would you like to be able to communicate better at restaurants? Or learn to greet people properly? Then you might enjoy a cultural experience like taking a Spanish class in Huatulco!
Huatulco has plenty of Spanish teachers for long-term learning, classes for kids and families, as well as one-off introductory lessons you could take on a holiday!
#18 Take a Cooking Class
I love to cook, so one of my favourite things to do when I am travelling is to take a cooking class!
Huatulco has two main companies that offer classes or experiences with Oaxacan cuisine. Chiles and Chocolates, and Wahaca cooking.
These two companies offer very different experiences, so check them both out based on the needs of your group! Wahaca also has vegan and gluten-free options which can be a hard thing to come by in México!
(Photo: Shev)
#19 Spend the day at San Agustín
While technically one of the beaches you could be exploring, San Agustín gets its own category because it’s my favourite bay and because it is such a special place in Huatulco!
Yes, Bahía San Agustín is totally gorgeous and a great place to spend a day, but there is also lots to do off the beach too! There is a small town, a famous iguana tree, and some really cool street stands to wander through and buy some fresh fruit.
#20 Learn to Surf
Or maybe you are already a pro! Either way, there is great surfing to be had at La Bocana Beach in the mornings for intermediate or pros, or you can take a lesson right there on the beach.
For surf lessons, check out Cafe Surf in Santa Cruz, or Huatulco Surf Co. in Tangolunda.
#21 Visit the Copalita Ruins
Mexico is full of history, and Huatulco is no exception! While technically in the next district, the Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park is a fun and educational addition to your time in Huatulco.
I took my mom on this walking tour and we both loved it! It is a lot of walking and takes about 2 hours to do. Wear sun and bug protection as well as good shoes!
Booking a tour in advance is the best way to see the park book, as it can get busy in the high season and only select tour times are in English.
#22 Mountain Bike through the National Park
One of my favourite things to do in Huatulco is ride my bike! If you don’t have your own bike here, the best thing to do is take a tour. I love riding with RSB Bikes!
RSB offers several tours, including a half-day adventure to Cacaluta Bay.
On this tour, Oscar will take you on a beginner-friendly mountain biking adventure into the Huatulco National Park, making stops at historic landmarks. You learn about Huatulco’s history and get a water break!
#23 Go Golfing
I’m sure all of us have at least one friend who loves to golf on every holiday! While there is only one option for golfing in Huatulco, by all accounts Las Parotas Golf Huatulco is well worth the time and money for a round!
The price for an 18-hole round is $2600 pesos, $2000 for residents and includes a cart and open bar and soft drinks!
Things to do Near Huatulco, Oaxaca
That was just the stuff to do within Huatulco! One of my favourite features of living in La Crucecita, Huatulco is that within an hour or two of driving you can be in a completely different region, landscape, and even climate.
That means there is lots more things to do just outside of Huatulco! Here are some of my favourites.
Photo: Shev
#24 Paddle with Crocodiles at La Ventanilla
This small community is on the outskirts of the nearby beach town of Mazunte, Oaxaca and is one of my favourite things to do in Oaxaca!
The community of La Ventanilla is home to a local project to restore the mangrove lagoons in the area. Members of the community volunteer countless hours replanting the trees and restoring the habitat.
The result has been a healthy lagoon network home to incredible wildlife – including crocodiles!
You can take a tour to paddle with the crocodiles, as well as release the turtles at sunset. I highly recommend it!
Photo: Shev
#25 Visit a Coffee Plantation
Oaxaca is famous for its wonderful coffee and chocolate, and Huatulco is just an hour away from where the coffee is produced!
Pluma Hidalgo is a small mountain village about 50 minutes from Huatulco, and the centre of Oaxaca’s coffee production. It’s my favourite mountain town near Huatulco and worth a visit!
The easiest way to get to Pluma is to take a tour, but you can also rent a car and drive yourself!
Photo: Shev
#26 Visit one of Oaxaca’s Waterfalls
The mountains around Huatulco are full of gorgeous waterfalls, and some are easy to get to!
My favourite falls near Huatulco are Las Brisas, sometimes called Cascadas Magicas (magic falls). The other major falls near Huatulco are Copalitilla. I haven’t been there yet but everyone who has loves it!
I love taking a waterfall tour because your transportation is arranged, and you get to enjoy an incredible homemade lunch after your swim. But its also possible to rent a car and drive yourself!
Things not to do in Huatulco, Mexico
Huatulco is a special place, but in order for it to stay that way we all need to work together to preserve the ecosystems and cultures that exist here. Change is inevitable and Huatulco is growing very quickly, but there are some things we can do as visitors to this area to help preserve the beauty of nature and the people here.
A lot of these things are good practices for anywhere you go too!
Never feed the fish
Did you know that coral reef ecosystems are balanced with a 2-5% excess? This means that the circle of life from algae to big fish is so delicate that it doesn’t take much to send the entire system out of whack.
It may seem harmless, but feeding fish anywhere, ever, interrupts their eating habits and will cause the algae that they normally feed on to bloom. This will disrupt coral growth and affect every single living thing in that reef.
Don’t Disturb the Sea Life
As with anywhere else in nature, we are there to observe, not to disturb. Please don’t touch, handle, or break sea life of any form.
This includes seashells! While a common souvenir to collect or buy, taking seashells from the beach is very damaging to the ecosystem of the ocean. So much so that every year, we have to manually return seashells to the beaches!
In Huatulco, if you are caught flying with anything from the beaches, including shells they will be confiscated and the Huatulco airport returns them to the beaches. Even though things made from shells are available for sale at many shops in town, it is not a sustainable practice.
Here is some really good info about why seashells belong on the beaches and in the water.
Don’t Wear Sunscreen in the Ocean
I know, this is a hard one because Huatulco is SO HOT and you need to protect yourself from those powerful sun rays. But unfortunately, sunscreen is a huge contributor to the degradation of our reefs around the world, and Huatulco is no exception.
Most sunscreens are composed of harmful chemicals that are not only dangerous to us humans, but are detrimental to the water. The two big ones are Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, but there are many chemicals added to sunscreens that damage coral. Here is how:
- Coral Bleaching
Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been proven to cause corals to expel algae. Algae is what gives coral its colour and enjoy a symbiotic relationship. - Prevent Reproduction
Sunscreens that wash off in the water have been found to prevent coral larvae from moving about, preventing reef growth. - Sunscreen Slick
Have you even been on a busy beach and noticed a sort of oily film on the water? That’s sunscreen (and other pollutants I’m sure). Sunscreen does not dissolve in the water, but creates an oily film on the surface. And what does it do? Why it prevents the suns rays from getting through! This may be what we want when sunscreen is on our bodies, but when its on the water it prevents sunlight from reaching the coral and plants in the water, preventing photosynthesis so the plants begin to starve.
So how can you protect yourself from the sun in Huatulco?
- Shade
Always bring an umbrella or rent one from a beach restaurant. I personally love my Neso tent, and always take it to the beach with me! - Cover your skin.
I prefer to wear a long sleeve rash guard when I am in the water, and shorts or leggings to protect my legs, though I find I generally only need to cover with shorts, the rest of my legs don’t get much sun exposure.
I also like to wear a gator on my head to help protect my forehead and scalp, as well as keep my hair in place! - If you absolutely need to wear sunscreen, make sure to only buy from a reputable, Reef Safe (not reef-friendly, it is not the same thing) company. If you are not sure, you can easily google your sunscreen and see if it is ok, or check for these ingredients.
You should also wait at least 20 minutes after applying sunscreen before going in the water, preferably 30. Otherwise, it will just wash off and you will be unprotected, and your sunscreen is in the water.
Stream 2 Sea is the absolute best, biodegradable sunscreen on the market.
Shev’s Summary – Things to Do in Huatulco
As you can see, there are lots of things to do in Huatulco! Not only are there all of these things to do within our district of Huatulco, but there are also many things to do in the surrounding districts as well.
These great things to do in Huatulco are just the start of your Huatulco holiday,the more time you spend here the more you find to discover.
For more info on trips away from Huatulco, check out Huatulco’s Best Tours and Excursions.
❓Huatulco FAQ
🌎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.
🌎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.
