The Best Huatulco Guide – Las Bahias de Huatulco (the Huatulco Bays), or Huatulco, is a beach destination made up of nine bays with 36 beaches. Huatulco is located on the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca. Huatulco stretches out over 22 miles of coastline between the Coyula and Copalito rivers. They boast 36 beautiful white-sand beaches. The biodiversity and pristine landscapes make Huatulco a favorite destination of nature lovers. It has diverse activities like diving by its beautiful reefs, kayaking in its rapids and sport fishing. If you want something quieter, you can also take a horse ride.
There are nine bays in Huatulco, and the area offers a variety of beach experiences. Most have blue-green water and the sand ranges from golden to white. Some of the beaches, such as Santa Cruz, la Entrega and El Arrocito have very gentle waves. Most of the development is centered around a few of the bays. Tangolunda is the largest of Huatulco’s bays, and is where most of Huatulco’s large resorts are located. Santa Cruz has a cruise ship port, marina, shops and restaurants. Some of the beaches are completely pristine and only accessible by boat. To learn more about all the beautiful beaches of the Mexican Riviera, visit here, or visit us on Pinterest. Now view our Huatulco Travel Guide to help plan your next Mexican Riviera vacation!
Huatulco Weather – When to Visit
October through February are the driest, sunniest and nicest months for visisting Huatulco with temperatures in the 70s. Avoid the rainy season from June through September when humidity is high, temperatures are in the mid-80s, and most of the rain occurs during these months. Huatulco experiences a peak in tourism from December to April, so visit in October or November to avoid the crowds.
Best Huatulco Beaches
San Agustin Bay
San Agustin Bay has some of the best snorkeling or scuba diving in Huatulco. The waters here are very calm and gentle and perfect for a little exploration beneath the waves. You’ll find lots of colorful and exciting marine life here. The beaches here are some of the most pristine in Huatulco.
Cacaluta Bay
Cacaluta Bay is very beautiful and some Mexican films have been filmed here. The sand is soft and smooth, the waves are blue and frothy, and the views will take your breath away. It’s one of the best beaches in the area and should not be missed.
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Santa Cruz Bay
Santa Cruz Bay is one of the most popular beaches with good amenities and plenty of restaurants, bars, and hotels. Santa Cruz Bay can get quite busy and crowded, but with super soft sands and shallow, shimmering waters, this beach one of the best for swimming and sunbathing.
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Chahué Bay
Chahué Bay is home to some of the cheaper accommodation options in Huatulco, making it a good spot for budget-conscious travelers. It’s a popular spot and close to great restaurants and nightlife spots. There’s a very lively vibe at this beach, especially in the evenings and at weekends, but during the day the ambiance is much more laid-back.
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Tangolunda Bay
On Tangolunda Bay is where you’ll find many of Huatulco’s upscale, 5-star resorts and hotels. Wealthy travelers tend to stay in this part of Mexico, but there are some cheaper accommodation options in the area too. Tangolunda Bay features golden sands and beautiful blue waters, as well as offering some spectacular views in every direction.
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Best Huatulco Restaurants
Azul Profundo $31 – 60
If you’re in the mood for some amazing seafood, be sure to check out Azul Profundo located inside the Camino Real resort. Their self-titled Thai-Mex fusion includes some traditional French influences that result in a well balanced seafood menu. Although there are some alternatives, this is absolutely a seafood restaurant and they showcase it well. Telephone: 52-958-583-0300 Web: Azul Profundo.
La Terraza $11 – 30
Terraza offers a ‘fresh catch’ seafood menu with quality that doesn’t go unnoticed. Their ever-changing menu makes it difficult to recommend any one dish in particular, however, both the seafood and high quality steak makes this an excellent dining choice. When you visit, the menu for the day is available in both English and Spanish, which removes the guess-work for those still trying to perfect their Spanish. Telephone: 52-958-587-1157 Web: La Terraza.
Las Cúpulas $31 – 60
This restaurant offers a succulent selection of regional, domestic and international cuisine. In addition to their standard menu, you have the option of choosing from their Presence Menu, which is a fusion of the best dishes found throughout the Quinta Real hotel chain. Las Cúpulas restaurant is located just off the Quinta Real lobby in Huatulco, Mexico. Its prime location, perched high atop a cliff, gives you amazing views of Tangolunda Bay. Telephone: 52-958-581-0428 Web: Las Cupulas.
Finca De Vaqueros $11 – 30
Finca De Vaqueros is a ranch style barbecue joint offering well priced meals and an experience you won’t soon forget. This grill house offers a laid back dining experience perfect for anyone looking to have a good time. As you dine, it is typical for your waiter to bring out complementary chilled mescal adding to the festivities. In fact, the staff at Finca De Vaqueros are known for breaking out the Mexican karaoke as the mescal flows. Telephone: 52-958-587-0807 Web: Finca De Vaqueros.
Café Viena $11 – 30
When it comes to restaurants in any area, it’s the locals that know where to go! Located near Tangolunda Bay, Café Viena offers a mouth-watering menu that has made them a top contender amongst the locals. Their interesting blend of Austrian and Spanish dishes creates a unique menu that pleases a variety of palates. Telephone: 52-958-5760 Web: Cafe Viena.
Best Huatulco Bars & Nightlife
La Papaya
The trendiest night club in town, normally busy on Fridays and Saturdays, is where the locals meet and mix with the tourists, which creates a nice international atmosphere. The music selection ranges from Spanish rock from the ‘80s and ‘90s, to reggaeton, to club and commercial house music. Telephone: 52-958-587-1011 Web: La Papaya.
La Crema
This exotic restaurant-bar in La Crucecita has already become a tradition in the Bays of Huatulco. Live music is presented on some weekends and customers can spend the evening sitting back on a comfortable sofa, relaxing on a cozy chair or dancing to everything from rock and reggae to salsa. Telephone: 52-958-587-0702 Web: La Crèma.
10 Best Huatulco Hotels
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Great question! For first-time visitors to Huatulco, staying in Tangolunda Bay is often the easiest choice. You’ll have access to several of Huatulco’s top beachfront resorts, calm golden-sand beaches, and beautiful Pacific Ocean views, all in one convenient area. However, if you prefer a more local atmosphere with walkable restaurants, marina access, and easy boat tours to the other Huatulco bays, Santa Cruz Bay is a fantastic option. Both areas give you access to snorkeling in San Agustin Bay, pristine beaches like Cacaluta, and the laid-back charm that makes Huatulco such a special Oaxaca beach destination.