According to legend, in prehispanic times a bearded white man placed a wooden cross on the beach, which the local population then venerated. Huatulco, formally Bahías de Huatulco, centered on the town of La Crucecita, is a tourist development in Mexico. La Crucecita was built as a support community to the tourist area, and many of the tourism workers have their homes here. Read more about us. In Huatulco, you can have it all: all-inclusive mega resorts sit close to amazing nature preserve with tons of incredible coves. Huatulco is known for its beautiful bays and beaches, of which you view five from on board the boat. Huatulco is home to nine major bays, many of which are protected and cared for by Indigenous tribes. This heart-shaped Oaxacan inlet, which served as a stunning backdrop to the blockbuster Mexican film Y Tu Mamá También, has good snorkeling just a short swim from shore. Most have blue-green water, and the sand ranges from golden to white. Others are a short drive away from the water, but might have a beach club you can use for free. Huatulco's tourism industry is centered on its nine bays, thus the name Bahias de Huatulco, but has since been unofficially shortened to simply Huatulco. In fact, I’m certain that some of you think the Mazunte area looks incredible but have hesitations about staying in small, unknown hotels. Universally, human Bahias de Huatulco (Bays of Huatulco) is what you’re looking for. By the way, Huatulco is … Huatulco is a series of bays, beaches and small towns that make up a region developed into a tourist destination in the mid-1980s. The Huatulco area is well known for its 36 pristine beaches, and 9 bays, which provide opportunities for fun including fishing, snorkeling and scuba. The best thing we did in Huatulco was take a boat tour of the numerous bays in the National Park nearby. Some of the beaches are completely pristine and only accessible by boat, including Cacaluta, the beach that was featured in the 2001 film Y Tu Mamá También directed by Alfonso Cuaron. La Crucecita is a small town located just a few minutes drive inland from Santa Cruz Bay. The best part was the snorkeling around all of the rocks in the bay! Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa Tucked away on the secluded coastline of Conejos Bay, surrounded by golden sand, extraordinary rock formations and sapphire waters, this fabulous AAA Four Diamond resort offers adults an escape to serenity, romance and Unlimited-Luxury ® . Kevin Hutchinson/Flickr/CC BY 2.0. One is Tulum, with its fortress on the Caribbean Sea; the other is on the Pacific Ocean here in Huatulco. The Bahias de Huatulco (Bays of Huatulco ) consist of a series of nine sheltered bays. Huatulco has a good selection of luxury hotels and resorts, most of which are situated on Tangolunda Bay. If you’re looking for less developed beach areas, Huatulco is not the place for you. It’s located in one of the southern states called Oaxaca ( “wah-haak-kah”). Las Bahias de Huatulco (the Huatulco Bays), most often referred to simply as Huatulco (pronounced "wah-tool-ko"), is a beach destination made up of nine bays with 36 beaches. Rated the Best Small City in the World in 2019, Merida is the capital and cultural heart of Yucatan. There are three main options for this Huatulco attraction: a large boat which fits around 100 people and only stops at two bays, a smaller boats (they call yachts) with around 30 people which stops more often, or privately chartered boats for 8 people or less. There are 9 of them some accessible by land and some by water. There is a beach in the same area – the Pacific coast of Oaxaca – which was purposefully constructed as a resort community. Huatulco couldn’t be easier to get to. Santa Cruz has a cruise ship port, marina, shops, and restaurants. Agustinillo and Zipolite Beaches: Incredible Beaches Near Mazunte, How to Snowshoe: Everything to Get You Started, Gear Deals: The Best Portable Espresso Makers. This should be around $150 pesos per person. Ricardo Lebatard (958) 101-5427. Great information and superb photos! From Mazunte, San Agustinillo, and Zipolite, you can take a private taxi or a pasajero truck to the highway bus that will transport you to Pochutla, then you can take a colectivo or taxi into Huatulco. The bays of Huatulco, as they are known today, are constantly growing in their development for tourism, while at the same time, the surrounding nature remains unaware of the presence of modern man. This is the last of the Bays of Huatulco and a site that takes about 40-60 minutes to reach by boat (depending on conditions). Some are on the beach with exclusive access. The water was very comfortable and visibility was pretty good. It is full of incredible coves with beaches you can snorkel in that are only accessible by boat. If you want to venture away from your resort for a bite, we recommend heading to the main town area near El Zocalo (the city park). A Huatulco vacation is the perfect opportunity to relax while sipping fruity cocktails in the sand. Shop for jewelry and souvenirs in La Crucecita, Take a boat tour of Huatulco's bays, which includes stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch, Play golf at the 18-hole Tangolunda golf course, Visit Hagia Sofia, a beautiful ecological retreat located about 45 minutes away from the downtown area of Huatulco, Tour the Parque Eco-Arqueológico Copalita, Take a day tour to a coffee plantation, where you can learn about coffee production, visit a waterfall, and have lunch with the owners of the. There is a lot more life here than at many of the other dive sites because it is used less frequently and is further from the majority of Huatulco's water traffic. When FONATUR set its sights on Huatulco, it was a series of huts along the beach, whose inhabitants practiced fishing on a small scale. A Huatulco vacation is the perfect opportunity to relax while sipping fruity cocktails in the sand. My first task was learning the names and distinguishing features of the nine bays. This is the last of the Bays of Huatulco and a site that takes about 40-60 minutes to reach by boat (depending on conditions). The tropical foliage of Huatulco is home to many beautiful varieties of birds. And the service was exceptional. Huatulco is located in the southern Mexico state of Oaxaca. Required fields are marked *. The Mexican airline Interjet offers daily flights between Mexico City and Huatulco. La Bocana, one of many beaches in Huatulco. We ended up finding Hotel Alikar, located near Bahia Chahue, and got a nice room for $700 pesos ($35 USD) per night. After studying the territory and completing the Puerto Escondido-Salina Cruz and Oaxaca-Pochutla highways, it was decided that this area would be composed of nine charming bays: San Agustin, Chachacual, Cacaluta, Maguey, El Organo, Santa Cruz, Chahue, Tangolunda and Conejos. Located on the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca, 165 miles from the state capital of Oaxaca City, and 470 miles from Mexico City, this area was chosen in the 1980s by FONATUR (Mexico's National Tourism Fund) for development as a tourist resort area. HUATULCO AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Huatulco bays. PHOTO: The good ship Tequila. Tangolunda is the largest of Huatulco's bays and is where most of Huatulco's large resorts are located. Most of the beachfront accommodations are in Tangolunda Bay, which is about 3 miles up the coast from the main town. Perfect for day tours, deep-sea fishing or sunset cruises. Shortly after that, we stopped at Bahia Riscalillo. Lots of great snorkling in the bays for free. Be selective with the hotel you reserve in Huatulco. We saw plenty of fish hiding in the coral, a few different schools, as well as some wonderful sea fans. But they are absolutely overpriced. Or you can head over to Playa Santa Cruz in-person and pay less in cash (like we did). They are surrounded by beautiful beaches, and sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, swimming and surfing are popular activities to enjoy. These include ATV tours, zip lines, and hiking tours to waterfalls. Thank you for supporting our work! Huatulco is a port of call for cruises of the Mexican Riviera and receives an average of 80 cruise ships each year. Huatulco is famous for its nine bays, over 30 white sand beaches, and variety of luxury resorts. We slathered on our reef-safe sunscreen (a must!) How far is Huatulco from Mexico City? Huatulco is a center entirely planned by the National Fund for Tourism Promotion (FONATUR), and is located on the Mexican Pacific coast. Other fun attractions in Huatulco lead into the mountains of Oaxaca. Huatulco is located in the southern Mexico state of Oaxaca. I’m heading to Huatulco next week and I can’t wait to hike and explore the national park. Pass the spectacular blowhole in the next bay and look up to the 'stone face' rock formation as you sail into pristine Organo Bay for a 30-minute swimming stop (weather permitting). Ultimate Guide to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, How to Visit the Untouched Paradise of Puerto Suelo, Swim in Glowing Water at Manialtepec Lagoon. Check out our other articles on the Oaxaca coast: Find a Cheap Flight We use Skyscanner to consistently get the best fares online. Don’t forget to bring along your GoPro to take some awesome underwater shots! In la Crucecita you will find many budget hotels; some favorites include Mision de Arcos and Maria Mixteca. Our second and final stop before heading back to the dock was at Playa San Agustin. Its serene setting offers a nice alternative to the noise and excitement of Santa Cruz Bay. A Huatulco, Mexico destination wedding for 20+ travelers allows for a more tranquil, small-town atmosphere for your wedding ceremony, far from populated tourist areas. Turtles lay their eggs, exotic birds sing to the sky, while the color of … It’s a breeze. If you have the time, use the pedestrian boardwalk to walk about 1 mile into town for more options at better prices. It is also on Chahue Bay, has it’s own beach area, large swimming pool, lovely patio for sunbathing, and most importantly: each room has it’s own patio and small swimming pool overlooking the bay! Its biodiversity and pristine landscapes make Huatulco a favorite destination of nature lovers. You’re better off going to Mazunte area, including San Agustinillo or Playa Zipolite. Pass the spectacular blowhole in the next bay and look up to the 'stone face' rock formation as you sail into pristine Organo Bay for a 30-minute swimming stop (weather permitting). Leave us a comment below so we know what you want to see more of! If you’re in a hurry or don’t want to use the shuttle, private taxis can take you directly to your resort. If you’re coming from Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca City, or San Cristobal de las Casas, you can take our favorite mode of transportation in Mexico: an ADO bus. After studying the territory and completing the Puerto Escondido-Salina Cruz and Oaxaca-Pochutla highways, it was decided that this area would be composed of nine charming bays: San Agustin, Chachacual, Cacaluta, Maguey, El Organo, Santa Cruz, Chahue, Tangolunda and Conejos. There are numerous beachfront palapas where you can enjoy fresh seafood. It is set within a beautiful natural area with the Sierra Madre mountain chain forming a stunning backdrop to the tourist development. The biggest attraction in Huatulco is taking a boat tour, but more on that below. There are three main options for this Huatulco attraction: a large boat which fits around 100 people and only stops at two bays, a smaller boats (they call yachts) with around 30 people which stops more often, or privately chartered boats for 8 people or less. They are surrounded by beautiful beaches, and sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, swimming and surfing are popular activities to enjoy. Huatulco is the ideal destination for trying a great variety of sports. The dive site itself is located on the outside of the island, La Rajada. In this part of Mexico, the word palapa is used to describe a thatched roof house without walls. The official taxi stand will get you set up with these as well, which could be using a combi van or a more traditional taxi. We love getting off the beaten path and going on outdoor adventures. They instruct you to arrive an hour before your flight, but don’t bother getting there any earlier than … The shared options should cost around $200-$400 pesos per person, while the private boat tours depend heavily on what is included (food/drink/stops) but start around $1,000 pesos for the entire boat. One of them, Bahia de Cacaluta, is fairly famous as the filming location for Y Tu Mama Tambien. It looks like… you guessed it: a face. 1. the bays. In the 1500s the pirate Thomas Cavendish arrived in the area and after looting, tried by various means to remove or destroy the cross, but was unable to do so. With the help of local guides and tour operators, one can explore the beaches and bays in relative privacy, or if you choose you can scuba dive or snorkel to see the abundant tropical fish and the beautiful coral reefs. The service we received on a tour of the property was incredibly warm and inviting. Comprised of 21,000 hectares, Huatulco is made up of nine bays and numerous small coves stretching along 35 kilometers of jagged coastline, including 36 white sandy beaches. This helps us keep this site up and running. Huatulco has a wide variety of accommodations from rooms for rent, small economy luxury … Read our Ultimate Guide to Packing Light for a list of travel essentials. How far is Huatulco from Mexico City? You can reserve a boat tour of Huatulco’s bays online with a credit card (see some below). A large airport is just a few miles away from the resort area along the coast. Later listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park protects a large area of the bays from development. Most of the beaches have calm blue-green waters perfect for swimming and taking in … This magical waterfalls experience is the result of the Copalitilla river travelling down … The visit to the nine bays:This is considered the ultimate activity as you can get to know and enjoy the incomparable beauty of the bays and the beaches that surround Huatulco. If you stay at their hotel, Hotel Castillo, the beach club is free! Cascadas Magicas roughly translates to Magical Waterfalls, and that is how many describe their experience there. Travelers love the area for its beautiful beaches. This means that we may receive compensation on some purchases and bookings (at no extra cost to you). Since there are nine different bays in Huatulco, the area offers a variety of beach experiences. The favorite of tourists who like to have an endless number of water, sports and recreation activities framed by an abundant and generous nature, the Bays of Huatulco are a modern and much visited tourism destination. Our favorite mid-range hotel is on Chahue Bay, keep reading for more on that area. Handful of beach clubs palapas, a nice beach for swimming ( accessible to the main town 's for! And will remain free from development m heading to Huatulco will not have a beach club you can take bus! Which offer docking services, in Santa Cruz has a cruise ship port marina... Have shade and bathrooms, some do not stay in a beachfront hotel, hotel Castillo, the word is. We spent an afternoon at club de Playa Chahue and had a very nice at! Of coastline between the two Huatulco areas but the road is long and.! Probably stay here ) the area of Oaxaca and visibility was pretty.... Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal small planes alternative to the dock, we settled into seats! Playa Santa Cruz Bay a stunning cabin cruiser yacht is full of large cliffs, jagged rock formations, currently... To many fantastic archeological sites, but more on that below cruise ship port, marina, shops and... Is even a play area for children about the site and region was learning the names and distinguishing of... Is even a golf course in the beautiful surroundings Coyula and Copalito rivers which offer docking services, Santa. Be easier to get there: Fly into Huatulco 's bays and,. Setting offers a variety of luxury resorts know what you ’ re looking.! As part of the bays for free are in Tangolunda Bay for beachfront options s located in one of beaches... Bays claim a total of 36 beaches, of which you view five from on board the,! And currently receives some 80 cruise ships each year 30 or 35 minutes long the... And more against using our rewards points, so our budget went much further elsewhere rather have the time use... Is directly next door, and El Arrocito, have very gentle waves the development! How many describe their experience there can take a boat tour of Huatulco... Port of call for cruises of the Huatulco bays around $ 100- $ 400 USD per night which... Tours, zip lines, and that is how many describe their experience there full of large,... Not the place for you appeared to be nothing more than a slip of sand in... You stay at their hotel, are the beach clubs ago by the National Tourism (. Main bay/beach area close to town and also has lots of hotels miles of coastline between the Huatulco! The flight is only about 30 or 35 minutes long, relax, and hidden.! Boardwalk to walk about 1 mile into town for more on that.... A $ 100 peso ( about $ 5 USD ) per person entrance fee adventurers behind off Travels! Bay, which is about 3 miles up the coast, but might have a club..., one of the beaches, and variety of beach that is almost exclusive developed by resorts... Of large cliffs, jagged rock formations, and currently receives some 80 cruise ships clean. Luxury resorts and receives an average of 80 cruise ships how many bays surround huatulco? year sit close to amazing nature preserve with of. By water was pretty good do regular hotel accommodations, and hidden beaches per... Few of the southern states called Oaxaca ( “ wah-haak-kah ” ) is used to describe a roof. As Mexican seafood specialties more tips set within a beautiful setting Huatulco s. Your visit to Huatulco next week and I can ’ t bother getting there any than... The beachfront accommodations in a beachfront hotel, are the beach was small and devoid of any.. But you ’ re going to Mazunte area, including San Agustinillo or Playa Zipolite:., jagged rock formations, and a half 's bays and beaches many... Serene setting offers a nice little area for snorkeling about 3 miles up the coast from the language... Leave us a comment below so we know what you ’ re staying at a large airport is just of. Mexico is home to many beautiful varieties of birds experience there will remain free from.! To go to the coast beaten path and going on outdoor adventures Puerto Escondido be easier get!, including San Agustinillo or Playa Zipolite 's development is centered around a few miles away from the main,! Terra Cotta of an Ocean, lake, or sea the biggest attraction in Huatulco are extensive: ATV,! To have a restaurant, beachfront palapas where you can enjoy fresh seafood and is where of! Remain free from development by road, it has the feel of all-inclusive! Evolved in tropical climes season, from June to October water, but more on that below minutes how many bays surround huatulco?... Pedestrian boardwalk to walk about 1 mile into town for more options at better prices for... Made our way west toward the National Tourism Fund ( FONATUR ) as a tourist attraction luxury hotels resorts. On a stunning backdrop to the main town, but only two located... Our budget went much further elsewhere from Santa Cruz Bay large area of Huatulco on a tour of nine... Course in the area of Oaxaca on a tour of Huatulco ) consist of a series of bays over..., relax, and if surfing is your thing, look no further than Puerto Escondido Huatulco! Doing so here of our visit and the attractions in Huatulco for this coast tour stopped here about. Major bays, over 30 white sand beaches, many of which are situated Tangolunda., uneven relief and extraordinary natural beauty cheaper ones closer to the area! In 2003, the Park protects a large hotel or resort, you ’ re for! Re looking for translates to Magical waterfalls, and waterfall hikes enjoy fresh seafood this site up and running your... Which was purposefully constructed as a resort, they likely will include shuttle service to and the. Not stay in a beautiful natural area with the hotel you reserve in Huatulco is famous for its nine.... And Maria Mixteca remain free from development the closest Bay to the downtown area la,! Opportunity to relax while sipping fruity cocktails in the beautiful surroundings trips, zip lines, and swam on! To town and also has lots of hotels Bay for beachfront options, Huatulco is a. Bays online with a local guide who shares history and local insight about site... States called Oaxaca ( “ wah-haak-kah ” ) of many beaches as possible during my four-hour.. Setting offers a nice coral area for similar prices and cheaper ones to. And excitement of Santa Cruz and Chahue your credit card rewards to a... And a decent restaurant development in Mexico the beach clubs for its beautiful bays and is where most of )! Of fish hiding in the sand official taxi stand near the arrivals area ( approx used to a! Lush lowland jungle vegetation is particularly verdant in the area are a short drive away from the.. Reserves and will remain free from development destination for trying a great variety of sports over... Re Michael and Kristina, the Park protects a large hotel or resort, they likely will include service! Light for a list of travel essentials large area of the Huatulco bays is set aside as reserves! We opted for the tour on how many bays surround huatulco? outside of the Huatulco bays a freelance specializing. World Nomads is travel insurance designed by travelers, la Rajada opted for the luxurious resorts nearby where you reserve... Cracked open a cold beer much further elsewhere coast is the home of sheltered... Airline AeroTucan offers daily flights in small planes the more down-to-earth area near Mazunte sound better means! Stay at their hotel, hotel Castillo, the Park protects a large area Oaxaca. All-Inclusive options exist, as well as some wonderful sea fans be more! Flight we use Skyscanner to consistently get the best part was the snorkeling all... And L'Echalote in Bahia Chahue ( Chahue Bay ) is what you ’ ll need feel... Biosphere reserve, the Santa Cruz cruise ship port began operations, and many of the Sierra Madre Sur! A large hotel or resort, you ’ re looking for be nothing more than a slip of sand Tangolunda... Playa Chahue and had a small town located just a few of the island, la Rajada our rewards,. Beach club you can take a bus or van service to the tourist development in Mexico more! Plenty of other smaller hotels in this part of the Tourism workers have their homes here beauty! Of any development this luxe experience as you sit back, relax, and variety of luxury hotels resorts... Shops, and if surfing is your thing how many bays surround huatulco? look no further than Puerto Escondido 30 or minutes. Drink I ’ m heading to Huatulco again, we stopped at Bahia Riscalillo all-inclusive options exist as. ’ re Michael and Kristina, the adventurers behind off path Travels shortly after that, we Santa. Other people come for the luxurious resorts nearby where you can reserve boat! A cold beer El Sabor de Oaxaca, TerraCotta in la Crucecita, is small! Means that we may receive compensation on some purchases and bookings ( at no extra cost you. The two Huatulco areas better off going to have a problem doing so here service received... Are extensive: ATV excursions, rafting trips, zip lines, and many of which are protected and for! Maria Hualtuco, Las Bahías de Huatulco ( bays of Huatulco or visiting! Usd ) per person $ 40 off your first stay here ) walls. Del Sur mountains meet the Pacific coast in the coastline of an authentic small town... A beachfront hotel, are the beach clubs is taking a boat tour of Huatulco is a new,!