Huatulco

A planned resort town featuring nine scenic bays with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. It offers a more relaxed, eco-conscious beach experience than larger resorts with beautiful undeveloped coastline and outdoor adventure options.

Things to do

• Snorkeling at Bahía Chahué — Explore vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish in one of Huatulco's most accessible and popular bays with calm, clear waters.
• Scuba diving at Isla Montosa — Descend to underwater rock formations and caves where you can spot angelfish, groupers, and occasionally larger pelagic species.
• Hiking to Copalita Waterfall — Trek through jungle terrain to reach a cascading waterfall in the nearby Copalita River valley, combining nature with a refreshing swim.
• Boat tour of the nine bays — Take a guided panga or catamaran to visit secluded beaches across Bahía Santa Cruz, Bahía Chahué, Bahía Tangolunda, and others in a single excursion.
• Visit Bahía San Agustín — Discover one of Huatulco's least developed and most pristine bays, ideal for swimming and spotting sea turtles during nesting season.
• Explore Tangolunda Beach — Stroll along the widest and most developed beach in Huatulco, lined with resorts but offering calm waters and sunset views.

Food to try

• Ceviche de huachinango — Fresh red snapper marinated in lime juice with onion, cilantro, and serrano chile, served with tortilla chips—a coastal Oaxacan staple reflecting the day's catch.
• Pescado a la sal — Whole fish baked inside a salt crust that seals in moisture and flavor, a traditional technique popular in beachfront restaurants throughout Huatulco.
• Tlayudas — Large, crispy corn tortillas topped with refried beans, cheese, tasajo (dried beef), and salsa, a regional Oaxacan specialty found at local comedores.
• Tostadas de atún — Crispy fried tortillas topped with shredded fresh tuna, avocado, tomato, and a squeeze of lime juice, reflecting the abundant local seafood.
• Mole negro — Oaxaca's most complex and prized mole sauce made with chocolate, chiles, and spices, typically served with chicken or turkey at special meals and local restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the eco-tourism ethos — Huatulco was planned with environmental conservation in mind, so visitors are expected to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, and respect wildlife during turtle nesting seasons.
• Learn basic Spanish — While tourist areas speak English, rural beaches and local restaurants primarily use Spanish, and locals deeply appreciate visitors making an effort to communicate in their language.
• Arrive early for beach activities — Morning light is clearest for snorkeling and diving, and the heat is most manageable before midday, a rhythm locals and experienced visitors follow year-round.
• Shop at the mercado, not just resorts — Visit the local market in Santa Cruz for authentic prices on fresh seafood and produce, and support local vendors rather than relying exclusively on upscale tourist establishments.