Discover Huatulco: 9 Stunning Bays with Relaxing Beaches, Bioluminescence, and Enchanting Hotels

Huatulco is perfect for surfers, nature lovers, and foodies alike—discover how to plan the ultimate trip.

Huatulco, Mexico, is not just a single destination; rather, it is a picturesque region. The formal name for this area along the rugged Costa Oaxaqueña is Bahías de Huatulco, meaning Bays of Huatulco. This popular resort destination spans across nine beautiful bays that shape the southern coastline of Mexico’s state of Oaxaca. Each bay offers its distinct energy and vibe, collectively serving as an excellent gateway to the enchanting Oaxacan coast.

Bahías de Huatulco has always existed as an undulating stretch of coastline with golden, crescent-shaped beaches, thick groves of swaying palms, and a stunning backdrop of the green Sierra Madre del Sur and Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains. A scenic highway zips up the rocky terrain, allowing travelers to access the mountain capital, Oaxaca City, by bus.

However, Bahías de Huatulco is relatively new as a resort destination. Developed roughly four decades ago by Mexico’s National Tourism Fund, it was crafted to become an attractive tourist spot, much like Cancun in Quintana Roo or Ixtapa in Guerrero. Unlike these other locations, however, you will not find towering hotels or luxury shopping malls in Huatulco. Instead, the area maintains a low-key ambiance with vast areas remaining protected, preserving its lush jungle environment.

After constructing highways leading from Oaxaca City down the mountains and up the coast to the fishing village-turned-surf mecca Puerto Escondido, it was determined that Bahías de Huatulco would stretch across nine distinct bays, featuring 36 beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, diverse restaurants, vibrant boutiques, and ample opportunities for outdoor adventure. The main bays include Santa Cruz, Chahué, Tangolunda, Conejos, San Agustin, Chachacual, Cacaluta, Maguey, and Órgano.

Today, Huatulco attracts surfers, backpackers, nature enthusiasts, food connoisseurs, sailors, and anyone seeking relaxation by a pool or beach. It serves as a well-equipped base for exploring the wild side of Oaxaca, whether swimming in bioluminescent bays or discovering nearby bohemian beachfront villages.

How to Travel to Huatulco

Despite its relatively remote coastal location, Bahías de Huatulco is well-connected. The most convenient way to reach the area is by flying into Bahías de Huatulco International Airport, which has direct flights from Mexico City, Tijuana, and Oaxaca, as well as seasonal flights from Dallas, Chicago, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

Alternatively, you might consider the scenic route by taking an ADO bus from Oaxaca City through the mountains. This journey lasts approximately 10 to 12 hours, featuring sharp switchbacks and breathtaking views. Fortunately, the buses are safe and comfortable, equipped with wide plush seats that recline. To break up the lengthy trip, a stop in the mountain village of San José del Pacífico offers the chance to rent a cozy wood cabin overlooking dense forests, providing a unique glimpse into Oaxaca’s diverse landscape.

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Huatulco

The Bahías de Huatulco encompasses nine bays, offering a total of 36 beaches, alongside a variety of activities off the sand. Some bays are bustling with activity, including sailboats and catamarans navigating the marina and live music pouring from local bars and cantinas. Others feature expansive all-inclusive resorts and rental condos, while some remain tranquil, with only a few palapa-covered seafood shacks and an inviting toes-in-the-sand vibe. If you’re itching for a more active beach experience, the main bays to explore are Bahía de Santa Cruz, Bahía Chahue, and Bahía Tangolunda. Many visitors who prefer to stay inland choose La Crucecita as their home base.

La Crucecita

Though technically not one of the bays of Huatulco, La Crucecita serves as one of the area’s most vibrant locations. Nestled near Bahía Chahue and Bahía de Santa Cruz, La Crucecita is the primary gathering point for the Bahías of Huatulco. Here, the majority of tour offices, a variety of restaurants and bars, a main town square, and numerous locally-run boutique hotels can be found. The town is easily walkable, and taxis are readily available for travelers seeking to reach the farther bays and beaches. Additionally, La Crucecita serves as one of the primary entrances to Huatulco National Park, which is composed of tropical jungles, dry forests, and marine parks. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it offers options for kayaking, bird-watching, hiking, and horseback riding.

Where to Eat and Drink in La Crucecita

Ranging from backpacker bars serving affordable mezcal to upscale restaurants featuring exquisite Mexican cuisine, La Crucecita caters to a broad spectrum of preferences.

Rocoto stands out as a hidden gem, renowned for its fresh seafood that merges traditional Mexican flavors with a surprising Asian influence, such as their tuna poke and mango Thai curry.

For a rich selection of moles, El Sabor de Oaxaca is the perfect choice. Diners will find themselves seated at simple tables atop terra-cotta tiled floors, enjoying dishes adorned with Oaxacan cheese, crispy tlayudas, and beans-filled sopes.

Alternatively, immerse yourself in the backpacker vibe at La Crema Bar, illuminated by black lights and decorated with vibrant, rasta-inspired art. Customers are drawn by the strong cocktails, extensive menu of delicious pizzas, and a nightly schedule of live performances.

For vegan-friendly options, Agave offers a vibrant menu filled with smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and ample açaí bowls.

Where to Eat and Drink in Bahía de Santa Cruz, Bahía Chahue, and Bahía Tangolunda

Situated at the entrance of Marina Chahue, Marea Alta attracts visitors with its breathtaking marina views, and they stay for the outstanding seafood offerings.

If you’re craving a mouthwatering steak, Finca de Vaqueros shines with its marinated flank steak, grilled sausages, and generous sides. The parrillada option guarantees an unforgettable meal.

Over the years, Ve El Mar on Playa Santa Cruz has become a beloved institution. This all-day dining spot buzzes with patrons indulging in regional favorites like chilaquiles, grilled octopus, fresh ceviche, and whole fish dishes that are perfect for sharing.

Nearby Bahía Chahue, Bladu’Yú serves up authentic southern Oaxacan cuisines, featuring corn tamales, fried chicken with onions and potatoes, and garnachas topped with flavorful meats, cheese, and pickled cabbage. The vibrant vermilion walls and bold artwork narrate traditional Oaxacan life.

Where to Stay in La Crucecita, Bahía de Santa Cruz, Bahía Chahue, and Bahía Tangolunda

For travelers who prefer charming boutique hotels rather than beachfront resorts, La Crucecita boasts numerous delightful options within walking distance of all the local activities. Mision de los Arcos presents a classic choice, a few blocks from the main square, featuring bright rooms that range from standard to junior suites, some equipped with small terraces. Though not five-star luxury, the location and comfort are hard to beat for the price.

If you prefer a beachfront experience, consider the resorts near Bahía Chahue, Bahía Tangolunda, or Bahía de Santa Cruz. Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa graces a stunning golden beach, with 421 all-inclusive rooms, each featuring a balcony and abundant natural light. Inquire about rooms with ocean views and whirlpools. The resort boasts six pools, three of which have infinity edges, while its beach area includes a row of thatched palapas providing shade for loungers.

Perched above the stunning Playa Chahue, Quinta Bella Huatulco offers 44 rooms, seven dining venues, a fabulous oceanfront spa, and a comprehensive fitness center. Although not directly on the sand, it is just a brief five-minute drive to the beach.

Overlooking Playa Tangolunda, the elegant Quinta Real Huatulco is renowned for its intimate ambiance with only 27 rooms, magnificent ocean views, and beautiful handmade palapas. A free shuttle service operates to transport guests to the beach. The stunning rooms feature exquisite marble bathrooms, with some even boasting private pools.

For a central location near La Crucecita, Hotel Binniguenda Huatulco, located in Bahía de Santa Cruz, offers an all-inclusive experience with 77 guest rooms, a variety of restaurants, a private beach club, and an on-site spa.

Huatulco’s Other Bays and Beaches

While Bahías de Huatulco has its popular areas, none of the bays are particularly isolated. Safe and affordable taxis allow for easy beach hopping. For instance, Bahía San Agustín features undeveloped stretches of pristine beach, accompanied by a few seafood shacks and modest lodging. Services are minimal, but the allure of fresh ceviche and a cold cerveza awaits.

Bahía Conejos lies further from La Crucecita, yet a taxi ride is only around $5 USD. It’s essential to specify the public beach and not the Secrets resort. A quick unpaved path reveals one of Oaxaca’s most stunning beaches, where the lack of commercial services enhances the area’s natural beauty.

For those with extra time and energy, the beach towns and natural wonders located up the coast along Highway 200 are undeniably enchanting. Destinations like Mazunte and Zipolite attract a vibrant bohemian crowd, featuring a plethora of beachfront restaurants, crystal shops, yoga studios, tattoo parlors, and juice bars.

About two hours from Huatulco lies the bustling surf town of Puerto Escondido, which transitioned from a humble fishing village to a burgeoning hotspot for stylish hotels, gastronomy, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Beyond Puerto Escondido, the natural beauty of Laguna de Manialtepec is renowned for its brilliant bioluminescent bay. Nature enthusiasts will find adventure in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, a serene haven perfect for boat rides through lush mangrove canals.