All the Best Huatulco Beaches in Oaxaca, Mexico

With 36 uniquely beautiful beaches within nine bays, it’s surprising that Mexico’s Huatulco beaches aren’t as well known as those in Tulum and Cancun.

That’s just how the people in the area like it and what makes these Pacific coast beaches so incredibly memorable.

The beaches have soft, white sand, and the aquamarine water is delightful to swim in. Not too warm, not too cold. Perfect, just like a dream. 

You’ll also be surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation—meaning views for days!

So now that we got all that out of the way, let’s dive into the beaches of Huatulco.

Where Exactly is Huatulco?

Huatulco is not a single town. It’s more like a region known as the Bahias de Huatulco or the Bays of Huatulco. 

You’ll find Huatulco on the southern coast of Oaxaca state in southern Mexico. The state is known for its indigenous cultures and incredible food. 

Understanding the Nine Bay Areas of Huatulco 

Before planning a trip to Huatulco, getting a feel for the area is essential.

As you know already, there are nine bays that are separated by rocky cliffs. And choosing where to base yourself is important since each bay has its own unique charm and character. Here is a quick breakdown of them:

Organo and Maguey Bays: 

Even though these are separate bay areas, they are found right next to each other. The most beautiful beaches in each bay are aptly called Organo and Maguey—the latter being more popular as it’s easier to get to.

Riscalillo Bay: 

Home to one spectacular beach, Playa Riscalillo, this bay area is only accessible by boat. The waves are calm, and the water is shallow, so it’s perfect for those with little ones.

Conejos Bay: 

This is the most easterly bay in Huatulco, so it is still relatively untouched. With four breathtaking beaches, including the hidden gem Playa Conejos, it is popular amongst scuba divers and snorkelers.

Chahué Bay: 

Known for its calm waters and magical sunsets, this area is excellent for those looking for an active beach holiday. From water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding to beach clubs and restaurants, there is plenty to keep everyone busy. 

You’ll also be able to choose between four gorgeous beaches.

Tangolunda Bay:

This is the largest and most developed of the nine bays with five beaches to explore. It’s frequented by those who enjoy the finer things in life, as there are several exclusive 5-star hotels. It is also home to Huatulco’s 18-hole golf course.  

Santa Cruz Bay: 

Besides the picturesque beaches and multiple shops and restaurants to explore, the Santa Cruz Marina is bustling with life. Many of the boat tours and cruises come and go from here. 

Santa Cruz and La Entrega are the two most popular beaches in the bay. Overall, it is a popular bay area with a lot of activity.

Chachacual Bay: 

This bay area is all about privacy and consists of two idyllic beaches that back onto mangroves. Located southwest of Santa Cruz, you can only get there by boat, so you’ll want to make a whole day trip out of it. 

Cacaluta Bay:

This unspoiled bay area with two beaches is a paradise waiting to be explored. Due to its more remote location, your journey there will be rewarded with incredibly clear water and lush vegetation. The famous Mexican movie Y tu mama también was filmed in the area.

San Agustin Bay: 

With less tourism than any other bays, come here to experience peace and privacy. It’s the preferred area for surfers, snorkelers, and scuba divers.

The Top 9 Beaches in Huatulco 

La Entrega Beach – Santa Cruz Bay

A family-friendly atmosphere with great snorkeling.

Located in the bay of Santa Cruz, La Entrega Beach has soft white sand and crystal-clear emerald-green water. It’s the perfect place to come for those looking to swim, snorkel and scuba dive.

The real highlight of this beach is the stunning underwater ecosystem, often compared to a natural aquarium. To take advantage of the offshore coral reef and marine life, rent a snorkel from one of the beach vendors.

Keep your eyes peeled for sunfish, which inflate to defend themselves.

Playa la Entrega is one of the most popular in the Huatulco beach area, especially amongst families. Therefore, arriving in the morning is best—especially for snorkelers. The visibility is best earlier in the day before the sand is stirred up. 

You don’t need to come prepared with drinks and snacks, as many restaurants are along the waterfront. In addition, the region is famous for its seafood, so don’t miss out on the catch of the day.

Chahue Beach – Chahue Bay

Great for those who prefer a lively beach with beach clubs.  

If you want to spend an afternoon at the beach, followed by some sunset drinks, head to Chahue Beach. It’s one of Huatulco’s largest and most popular beaches.

There is always a lovely atmosphere come 5 pm as tourists, residents, and locals stroll along the sand, play volleyball or gather with friends to enjoy the sunset.

Whether visiting during the day or evening, head to the lively beach clubs, including Sea Soul, Club de Playa Chahue, Castillo Beach Club or La Isla Beach Club.

Many of the beach clubs even have swimming pools to enjoy.

As the beach is not protected by the bay, the waves tend to be a bit larger than some of the other beaches in the region. There is always a lifeguard on the beach, but if you are uncomfortable swimming, stick to the pools at the beach clubs.

Pro tip: If you want to stay nearby (approximately a 20-minute walk), look at booking one of the hotels in Crucecita town.

Playa Organo – Organo Bay

The ultimate spot for those looking for privacy.

There is no direct road to Playa Organo because it is within Huatulco National Park. So expect fewer people on this secluded beach.

There are two options for getting there. 

The first option is to visit by boat as part of a tour from Marina Chahue or Santa Cruz Marina. Otherwise, walk 20 minutes through the national park, which is home to various plants and animals.

Either option is worth it for the crystal clear water, golden-colored sand and moderate waves.

During the high season, you can expect a few vendors selling snacks and refreshments, but at other times of the year, there are limited facilities.

Pro tip: Since this beach is located within the national park, there are a few rules to adhere to. You must avoid the coral, wear reef-friendly sunscreen and refrain from bringing home any shells.  

Tangolunda Beach – Tangolunda Bay

Ideal for those who enjoy a touch of luxury.

If you want an all-inclusive, luxurious getaway, stay at Playa Tangolunda, Huatulco.  

The scenery of this beach in Mexico is magical. Its transparent blue water and fine white sand stretch for 700 m (0.43 miles). And the view of the small rocky islands off the coast is breathtaking.

All you need for a peaceful day is a good book and an umbrella to protect you from the sun.

Playa Tangolunda is divided into two sections—one exclusively reserved for the upscale 5-star hotel guests and the other open to the public.

Pro tip: If you are planning to visit the public section of this beach, there are no services or facilities. However, you can purchase a day pass from one of the properties that include access to beach loungers and dining options.

If you have time, check out the area around Tangolunda, which has a local marina, a golf course and a few shops and restaurants.

Tornillo Beach – Tangolunda Bay

Perfect for those who love peace and quiet.

Of the Playa Huatulco beaches, Tornillo is known for its emerald green water, soft white sand, and gentle waves. It’s also conveniently located around the corner from Tangolunda Beach, so you can enjoy both in one day.

If you love water sports, this beach offers kayaking, swimming, sailing, snorkeling and diving opportunities.

To make the most of your day, get a day pass from Las Brisas Huatulco Hotel. You’ll then have access to a swimming pool, restaurant, beach chairs and toilet and shower facilities.

Pro tip: If you are choosing between visiting Playa Tangolunda and El Tornillo, the latter is even less crowded and more peaceful.

Santa Cruz Beach – Santa Cruz Bay

A beach and place to stay for those who love convenience.

If you’ve already started your Playa Huatulco research, you have undoubtedly stumbled across Santa Cruz. It’s a popular beach area with numerous hotels, restaurants and shops.

This beach is well-suited to those coming on a family holiday, as there is a long stretch of white sand with small waves. The east end is roped off, stopping boats from entering, so it’s the safest area to swim. For those who love snorkeling, rent some equipment and check out the seabed.

One thing you must do is enjoy the activities in the area. One of the highlights is the boat excursion to the other bays of Huatulco. It’s a great way to see the coastline from the ocean.  

In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants that specialize in fish and seafood before heading to a live music or dancing bar such as El Habanero Loko or Macquil.

Pro tip: Playa Santa Cruz is where all the cruise ships arrive, so it can sometimes be very busy.   

San Agustin Beach – San Agustin Bay

Worth the drive for the beauty of this private beach.

If you love tranquility and beauty, you will want to visit San Agustin beach in Huatulco, Mexico.

It’s not the most accessible beach to reach. You’ll need to travel 45 minutes by car from La Crucecita. But it’s completely worth it. If you take your own car, there are a lot of dirt roads and potholes that will slow you down.

Another option is to travel by boat to this beautiful 1.6 km (1 mile) white, sandy beach with crystal-clear water.

San Agustin has few waves, so it is the best beach in Huatulco for scuba diving and snorkeling. The variety of coral is incredible!

Even though the beach is secluded, you won’t need to bring food and drinks. There are several restaurants serving fresh seafood. 

There are also a few modest accommodation options if you want to spend the night.

Playa La Bocana – 15 Minutes from Santa Cruz Bay

The place to come for surf lovers.

If you are heading to Playa Huatulco, Oaxaca, to surf, you must visit La Bocana Beach.

Whether you come in the morning for a stroll along the long stretch of sand or to catch some waves, you won’t be alone as surfers gather at this beach early in the day year-round.

There are some gnarly waves with strong currents, so the conditions are not ideal for beginners.

The beach is where the Copalita River meets the sea, making for a completely different ecosystem from what you will find elsewhere in Huatulco.

There are a few restaurants close to the shore, but otherwise, you’ll see stone cliffs, rock formations and white-capped waves which make up this rugged, wild coastline.

Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the pelicans whose nests are tucked into the rocky hillsides.

Arrocito Beach – Tangolunda Bay

For those who love nature.

Arrocito beach looks like something you see on a postcard. 

It is a secluded beach nestled between two hills covered by greenery and rock formations, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day at the beach. 

The beach is protected by a natural bay with incredibly calm and clear waters. It’s a great place to swim or whip out the snorkeling gear and explore the local marine life.

There are plenty of amenities, including a few restaurants serving fresh seafood, bars, and beachside vendors.

If you want to escape the crowds, Arrocito beach is a must. You will have a unique experience on this quiet beach surrounded by nature.

Honorable Mention Beaches in Huatulco 

The above nine beaches are unforgettable. But with 36 beaches in total, you should check out a few more, or you might get beach FOMO. 

Here are some more to tickle your beach curiosity:

• Playa Cuatunalco, Playa Boca Vieja, Playa Ixtapa and Playa Coyote: These are all located 16 km (10 miles) from Santa Cruz with stunning white sandy beach fronts. They are not recommended for inexperienced swimmers. 
• Playa Cacalutilla: This unserviced beach is located near San Agustin Bay. Come here for the ultimate privacy!
• Playa La India: Tucked in the corner of Bahia Chachacual is Playa La India. With incredible white sand, you won’t want to miss out on the fantastic snorkeling opportunities. 
• Playa Jicaral: What makes this beach near Chachacual Bay so unique is the mangroves, which are home to all sorts of colorful marine life. 
• Playa Riscalillo: This tranquil beach is just down the road from San Agustin. It has a few small restaurants to enjoy. 
• Playa Violin: To find this gem, you must hike down a very short but steep path to this isolated beach in Santa Cruz Bay. 
• Playa Yerbabuena: Known for its pristine beauty and natural setting. It’s easy to access from Santa Cruz, an added bonus. 
• Playa Esperanza: Located close to Chahue Bay, it is surrounded by mountains and cliffs. You won’t find crowds here. 
• Playa El Tejón: Situated between Chahue and Tangolunda Bay is this gorgeous beach with a massive tree in the middle. 
• Playa Consuelo: You’ll need to come by boat, and on arrival, you will be amazed by the beauty of the sparkling white sand and crystal clear water. 
• Playa Ventura: While there are no facilities at this beach, it’s the place to get away from your worries. The water is to die for. 
• Playa La Manzanillo: Book a stay at Hotel Las Brisas Huatulco in Tangolunda Bay for easy access to this stunning beach. 
• Playa Rincón Sabroso: This 800-meter (0.5 miles) beach has moderate waves.  
• Playa la Mixteca: This is a small beach on the east of Tangolunda Bay. 
• Playa Tejoncito: This family-friendly private beach has shallow and calm water. You can purchase a day pass from Celeste Residencias, which includes food and beverage credit. 
• Playa los Compas: Just off Playa La Entrega, this small beach has cook rock formations where fish and micro-life hang out. 
• Playa Arroyo: Located in Cacaluta Bay, this beach has calm water and is perfect for snorkeling. 
• Playa Mojon: Check this beach out if you enjoy surfing. 
• Playa Pescadores and Fandango: Tucked into the rocks below Punta Santa Cruz, these are the perfect beaches to spot turtles. 

Weather in Huatulco

When planning a beach holiday to Playa Huatulco in Oaxaca, Mexico, it is always important to check which time of the year will have the best weather.

The good news is that the tropical downpours don’t last long, even if there is a so-called rainy season from May to November. Typically 3-5 hours, usually in the evening or while you are asleep.

Outside of the rainy season, there is rarely any rainfall.

If you are after the perfect beach getaway, then the best months are during the middle of winter from December to February, when the temperature sits between 21°C (69.8°F) and 31°C (87.8 °F). Even the Huatulco water temperature in January is a refreshing 18°C (64.4°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).

However, keep in mind this is the peak season, so you can expect accommodation prices to be higher and boat tours to book out quicker.  

Pro tip: Book your trip between December and March if you want to go whale watching. During these months, humpback whales migrate down from the Arctic.

Packing List Essentials for Huatulco’s Beaches 

You have booked your trip to the Huatulco Coast, and now it’s time to pack. What makes packing simple is that the area is very casual. So no need to bring your fancy ball gown or heels. 

The biggest thing to remember is the time of the year you are traveling. 

Below are a few key items that you won’t want to forget: 

• Reef-friendly sunscreen: It always pays to be prepared, so pack some sunscreen in your bag. Be mindful of marine life, particularly when visiting Playa Organo, as one of the rules is to wear reef-friendly sunscreen when swimming and snorkeling. 
• Bug repellent: No one likes mosquito bites. So this is a must if you plan to be there during the rainy season. 
• Running shoes: There are numerous hiking trails in case you feel like taking a break from the beach! And if you don’t, you might want to take a stroll or a jog along one of the beaches each morning. 
• Snorkel and mask: If you have your own snorkel and mask, it’s always a good idea to bring it as you know it fits you perfectly. Otherwise, there are many vendors with snorkel gear for hire.  
• Money: Make sure to have some cash on you, as you never know what souvenir you might stumble across.

Map of Huatulco’s Beaches

We know there are a lot of beaches in this area, so use this map as a guide when planning your trip. 

How to Get to Huatulco 

Huatulco is located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Oaxaca.

The closest airport is Bahías de Huatulco International Airport. Depending on the season, you can find flights from cities in America and Canada. Additionally, there are direct flights from Tijuana, Mexico City and Oaxaca all year round.

The flight time from Mexico City to Bahías de Huatulco International Airport is 1 hour and 20 minutes. From there, you can transfer to one of the nine bay areas. 

For example, from the Huatulco Airport to Santa Cruz Bay, it will take you 20 minutes by car. Similarly, from Huatulco Airport to Tangolunda Bay, the travel time will also be 20 minutes. 

A Final Note on the Beaches of Huatulco 

With 36 Huatulco beaches to choose from, don’t make the mistake of only booking a two-day trip. The longer, the better! It’s easy to see how you could fall in love with this Pacific Coast of Mexico.

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