If you are visiting our site, you probably are here because you have seen the variety of activities that Huatulco has to offer. Below are some of our comments as full-time residents regarding our favorite activities and links to some sites where you can get more information.

General Observations

• Safety: Many people have the impression that Mexico is a dangerous place. Sadly, many areas of Mexico do suffer from crime and violence. We can say, statistically and from our daily experience, that Huatulco is very safe. It has retained much of its "small town" feel where neighbors look out for each other and everyone wants a good environment for their families. Below are links to a couple of recent articles, plus you can do your own searches in order to make the right decision for you.

• Although a "tourist destination", Huatulco is much quieter and laid-back than places such as Cancun, Cabos, Riviera Maya, et cetera. For example, you'll never be approach by a time-share salesperson! Although we get visitors from all over the world, the two largest groups are Canadians and Mexicans. Many Canadians spend the entire winter here and most of the Mexican tourists are families that come to enjoy the ocean and other activities. Because of this, Huatulco is not a hotbed for the party scene. That's not to say that you cannot find places to eat, drink and dance. It's just to say that not every other place is a discotheque and the streets are not filled with wild party goers. Huatulco is more of an eco-tourism place than a party place. Bottom line: If you are looking for a "hot partying and drinking" scene, Huatulco is not your best choice!
• Language: As mentioned, although a tourist destination, Huatulco has not been overrun and thus remains a mainly Mexican little town. Consequently, many people speak only limited, or no, English. Don't let this put you off as people are super friendly and communication will not be problem. When you confirm your stay, we can send you our English/Spanish cheat sheet. Never feel intimidated in trying a little Spanish as people are not only understanding, but will be very appreciative of the effort!
• There is a lot to do in Huatulco or, if you prefer, lots of great places to just veg-out. Below are links to various sites that give more detailed info, opinions and recommendations. You can find more with your own web search.

Huatulco's Bays and Beaches

Huatulco is comprised of nine bays (bahías) and over thirty beaches (playas). Below is a brief overview of the bays and principal beaches. Many beaches are accessible via land; however some can only be reached by boat. Also, it’s important to note that while all beaches in Mexico are public, not all have access via public land. For those that have private land access via resorts, you can usually buy a day pass to the resort to gain access and use the rest of the resort’s facilities. See the “Pro Tips” section for more on day passes.

Santa Cruz Bay

This bay is popular for the marina where tourist boats depart and cruises dock. It also has a number of restaurants and bars where you can eat and drink while at the beach, or some night clubs for late night entertainment. It also has the only beach side church in the region. Beaches include:

Playa Santa Cruz: Main beach in Santa Cruz, this 800' long beach features calm waters. The swim club meets daily at 7am. Probably the most crowded beach but with many restaurants, equipment rental, and boat rides available.

Playa La Entrega: A 600 foot beach is the southernmost of the Santa Cruz beaches with coral, sea shells, and lots of underwater life thus a good place to snorkel or scuba. Wave action varies from calm to moderate at different places along the beach. It is a popular beach with restaurants and equipment rentals. Accessible by land and boat.

Playa Yerbabuena: A small, quiet beach with moderate waves that is located on the western shore of Bahía de Santa Cruz, north of Playa La Entrega and only accessible by boat.

Tangolunda Bay

Several high end (5 stars/ grand tourism) hotels are located at this bay. The area has a couple of shopping “plazas” (small shops), cafes and restaurants. The golf club (with 18 holes) is also located in this bay area.

Playa Tangolunda: The main beach where the Barcelo, Dreams, and Camino Real hotels are located. The beach may also be accessed through Tangolunda Park, west of the hotels. Moderate waves. Swimming, diving, and most all watersports are available.

Playa Consuelo: A small, 250 foot beach with moderate waves west of Bahía Tangolunda that’s accessible only by boat.

Playa El Arrocito: A very nice small, 300 foot beach with small waves and shallow depth located just west of Bahía Tangolunda. It can be crowded with those that have discovered this one.

Playa Ventura, Playa La Manzanilla and Playa Tornillo: These three beaches are located together on the western shore of Bahía Tangolunda at the Las Brisas Resort. They total about 600 feet in length with calm waves. Good for swimming, snorkeling and all aquatic sports.

Playa Rincón Sabroso: It is located west of Tangolunda and is about 800 feet long. With its moderate waves it is very nice and good for swimming, snorkeling and aquatic sports.

Chahue Bay

The bay is known for its annual “Music for the Earth” festival. It is near the Santa Cruz bay and shares some of the bars and night clubs. A large marina is here where you can take diving and fishing charters. There is also a small shopping plaza.

Playa Chahue: The big beach (2,000 feet long) with moderate slope and mostly moderate waves located east of Santa Cruz. Pay attention to surf conditions and posted safety information. Depending on conditions, probably not the best bet for inexperienced swimmers.

Playa Esperanza: Located east of Playa Chahue it’s a 400 foot long beach and normally has pretty strong waves. Not recommended for inexperienced swimmers.

Playa El Tejón: A very nice 400 foot beach long with moderate waves, located east of Playa Esperanza.

Cacaluta Bay and Beach

This particular bay is famous for its heart shape form and where the beach scene of the movie “Y Tú Mamá También” was filmed. It is an almost virgin spot with an island located a few hundred feet from the shore that protects it thus resulting in soft breezes and calm waters. It’s about 1/2-mile long and accessible by boat or via paths near Playa Maguey. Good for swimming, snorkeling, diving and fishing. At the Island divers can explore coral reefs at depths to 80 feet.

Chachacual Bay

Part of the National Reserve, it has two virgin beaches. Access is only through the sea in boats that you can rent at Santa Cruz’s embarcadero (marina). A boat trip to either takes about 15 minutes. Snorkel and scuba diving are popular in this area.

Playa Chachacual: A 3/4-mile long sloping beach with moderate waves. Good for swimming, snorkeling, diving and fishing. Depending on conditions inexperienced swimmers should take caution.

Playa La India: Is located around the corner from Chachacual Beach. It’s about 1/4-mile long with fine white sand. Very good for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Conejos Bay

It is a hotel/resort area where you’ll find Secrets Resort and many smaller resorts and condos. Much land access is private and little in terms of shops and restaurants. Public access via land to some beaches can be a bit hidden, but worth the effort.

Playa Tejoncito: Located at the western edge of Conejos Bay, it is a 300 foot beach with gentle slope, calm waves and of shallow depth. Good for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Access is via boat.

Playa Arena: Located east of Playa Tejoncito, it’s a 300 foot long sloping beach. It can have strong waves at times.

Playa Punta Arena: It is east of, and adjacent to, Playa Arena. A beach that’s about 1/2-mile long and can experience strong waves thus inexperienced swimmers should take caution.

Playa Conejos: It’s at the eastern end of Conejos Bay. Conejos is a very nice 1/4-mile long beach with fine white sand and shallow out to 50 feet from shore.

La Bocana Beach

Less than a half mile down the road from Conejos you'll find this large beach. If you are a surfer this will be your destination. There are several beach side restaurants where you can relax and watch the surfers go at it. The beach is large and with a gentle slope out to where the waves start to break.

Maguey and Organo Bays and Beaches

These bays are next to each other, and consist of only one beach each. Both have beautiful clear waters. However, Maguey beach is more popular because it is more easily accessible from the road than Organo beach. If you want to visit the latter, you need to get a boat from Santa Cruz. Maguey has a number of restaurants, equipment rental shops, showers and restrooms.

Riscalillo Bay and Beach

It has a fine white sand beach with a moderate incline and green and blue toned waters with soft waves located southwest of Santa Cruz. As it is shallow, some find it a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. Access is only available via the sea. The boat trip from Santa Cruz takes about 30 minutes.

San Agustin Bay

It is a bit further away, but worth the trip. The bay offers an almost virgin environment with very few people and basic services. Scuba diving is popular and you’ll find several small beach restaurants that serve good food. Take a boat to get there or a cab/car for a 40-50 minute ride on a dirt road from the highway.

Playa San Agustín: A large (about 1-mile long) beach with calm waves, gentle slope, shallow depth and coral reefs. It is excellent for snorkeling and diving.

Playa Cacalutilla: It is located northeast of Playa San Agustín. A 700 foot long beach with gentle slope and shallow depth thus excellent for snorkeling, swimming and diving.