Top 8 Beaches Near Huatulco, Mexico
Huatulco, Mexico, offers a superior experience when compared to the more mainstream travel destinations. Huatulco was actually once a small fishing village. Today, it is a mainstream travel destination. Its unspoiled coastline and mountains and sunny year-round temperatures make it an ideal location to visit, especially when seeking out beautiful beaches.
Speaking of which, Huatulco beaches are stunning with sparkling emerald water and soft sand. Huatulco includes nine bays and 36 separate beaches that line the breathtaking coastline.
That brings us to the task at hand, outlining the top eight beaches near Huatulco, Mexico:
1.) Bahia De Cacaluta: The Star
Located within the state of Oaxaca in Huatulco, Bahia De Cacaluta is considered the “star beach” thanks to its immense beauty, exclusivity, and the fact that it has been used as a backdrop for television shows and movies. The beach itself does not have road access, so that can be a bit of a challenge. Therefore, know that to get to this exquisite beach, you will have to take a cab ride and then a 30-45 minute jaunt through lush vegetation, which can be challenging.
However, for those who put forth the effort, there is a rich reward on the other end with this super-quiet and deserted beach. To forgo the walk through the lush forest, you can always opt for a boat ride right up to the beach.
2.) Playa La Entrega: Lots to Offer
If the idea of a secluded beach isn’t ideal for your situation, you might instead prefer a beach like Playa La Entrega. This beach is situated alongside several restaurants and includes various activities.
The waters are relatively calm, which makes them ideal for paddleboarding and exploring the warm waters, complete with live reefs, perfect for snorkeling. This beach can be accessed in a variety of ways, including by boat or land.
3.) Playa Conejos: Most Photo-Worthy Beach
Although the beaches in Huatulco Mexico are all photo-worthy, the dramatic features of Playa Conejos in Oaxaca make it truly camera-worthy, although no lens can capture the entirety of its beauty. The sandy beach sits alongside rugged rocks that jut out, creating a dramatic scene. Keep in mind that this is not a beach for swimming, at least in most seasons.
The waves are strong, the ocean is deep, and there are no lifeguards on duty. Therefore, this is more of a “walk and enjoy” beach instead of an “experiencing the water” beach. There is public access only a short walk from the parking area.
4.) Playa Chahue: Large Beach
This large beach is located beside a marina and a lovely park that sits just next to the beach itself. There are also some great beach clubs nearby as well. This is one of the most popular bays and is the area’s second largest.
Be aware the riptides can be a bit dicey here, so if you aren’t a strong swimmer, this might not be the right water to explore as the surf is strong here. There are lifeguards on duty, though, but know that it’s a challenging swim if you choose to enter the water.
5.) Playa La Bocana: Bird Watching, Surfing, Mud Baths
Playa La Bocana is not known for its pleasant swimming or calm waters. However, it does hold appeal as an ideal beach for birdwatching among other activities. There are tons of water birds that feed in the surf, especially in the mornings around sunrise. Down the beach, closer to the mouth of the Copalita River, there is yet another ideal spot for birdwatching.
Keep in mind that this beach isn’t overly accessible as you have to traverse a shallow stream to get to the stretch of beach on the other side. Playa La Bocana is also known for being a surfing spot. Therefore, while it’s not ideal for swimming, it can be a great location to catch some waves.
Another way to enjoy Playa La Bocana is by getting a world-famous mud bath. In fact, this is perhaps the most popular thing of all to do on La Bocana. Mud bathing has been practiced for generations in Oaxaca, even predating the arrival of the Spaniards. It is also a key element of famous temazcal ceremonies.
Playa La Bocana is the ideal location for enjoying a muddy scrub down and then a massage that can be washed via a plunge into the ocean (be careful) or just use the showers that are located nearby. Look for mud bath locations at the entrance of La Bocana Beach.
6.) Playa Arrocito: Upscale Residential
Playa Arrocito is known for its large grains of sand, hence the fact that its name translates to “little rice.” It is also well known for being tucked into an upscale residential area and featuring a small cove that creates gentle waves, ideally suited for swimming. There are even a few restaurants nearby Playa Arrocito, but keep a watch-out for extra charges, like charging a fee to sit under an umbrella.
If snorkeling, aim to go in the water early as the visibility tends to decrease as more and more people enter the water throughout the day. It’s also worth noting that the waves can get stronger in the afternoon, so keep that in mind too when planning your visit.
7.) Bahia San Agustin: Popular With Locals
This long, sandy beach is popular with Mexican residents on vacations or holidays. In addition, there are restaurants that rent out snorkeling gear and an onsite restaurant that offers rustic cabanas for rent.
The coral is ideal for snorkeling and the waters are calm. In addition, this long sandy beach is surrounded by a fishing village. This is a contrast to other beaches that are surrounding resort-type developments.
8.) Playa La India: Chachual Beach
Chachacual Bay is home to the beautiful Playa La India, best known for its pristine white sand. This beach is so impressive, in fact, that most snorkeling excursions include a stop along this beautiful Bay. The coastal zone is protected as a turtle habitat and this picturesque location is accessible only by boat.
It is also considered one of the best locations for fish activity and guests have even seen Manta Rays swimming along. The crystal-clear water is ideally suited for snorkeling and experiencing the joys of oceanic life like fish watching. The unspoiled beach, which is likely because it isn’t easily accessible, keeps this Bay and the beaches within its pristine boundaries, one of Huatulco’s most impressive beaches.
All The Beaches are Amazing
While the guide outlined above of the top eight beaches near Huatulco gives you an idea of where to explore and what to expect at each location, virtually all the beaches are amazing in this area. Huatulco is known for its white Pacific coast beaches and is home to many resorts, golf courses, and cruise ship ports.
You simply can't go wrong with a Huatulco Mexico beach. We are lucky enough to partner with My Huatulco Vacation as our curated 100 Collection partner. They are happy to guide you by offering you resources and guides of the area.
