Bahías de Huatulco National Park
A protected national park featuring nine bays and 36 beaches, offering turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunny days, perfect for beaches
Bahías de Huatulco National Park
Best Time
Sunny days, perfect for beaches
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A protected national park featuring nine bays and 36 beaches, offering turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant wildlife.
"This huge national park is full of interesting animals and vegetation. It is the real thing - a preserve."
🚤 Book a Boat Tour
Essential for exploring the bays and hidden beaches. Many options from group to private.
🥽 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life, especially at Playa La Entrega.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bahía Cacaluta
National Park
Iconic heart-shaped bay, a pristine paradise accessible by boat. Perfect for stunning photos and a true escape.
Playa La Entrega
Santa Cruz Bay
Known for its calm, clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling and spotting marine life.
Bahía San Agustín
National Park
Often cited as the best bay, offering tranquil waters and a natural, unspoiled beauty. A must-visit for its serene atmosphere.
Bahía Órgano
National Park
A natural pool with incredibly clear, calm waters, perfect for a relaxing swim. Best reached by boat tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bays: Plan Your Boat Tour
Protecting Paradise: Respect the Preserve
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Book a Boat Tour
Essential for exploring the bays and hidden beaches. Many options from group to private.
🥽 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life, especially at Playa La Entrega.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Shade can be scarce on some beaches.
🎒 Bring Snacks & Water
Especially for boat tours, as food options can be limited on remote beaches.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Book a Boat Tour
Essential for exploring the bays and hidden beaches. Many options from group to private.
🥽 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life, especially at Playa La Entrega.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Shade can be scarce on some beaches.
🎒 Bring Snacks & Water
Especially for boat tours, as food options can be limited on remote beaches.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
For exploring forest paths and trails within the national park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Bahías de Huatulco, particularly its pristine bays and abundant wildlife, often best experienced via boat tours. While many appreciate the protected status of the park, some note the lack of amenities on undeveloped beaches and express concerns about the impact of tourism.
"Beautiful nature and thankfully protected. There are signs and boardwalks in the forest. However once out of the forest and on the beach, theres no signs or shade"
Anurag Vithlani
"Very nice. This is not a tourist attraction. It is the real thing - a preserve. It is best visited by boat. There are foot pathes and not many roads. Great beaches and a lot of wildlife."
Peter Perháč, MBA
"This huge national park is full of interesting animals and vegetation. If you don't want to walk through it, you can still see it from all the surrounding beaches, many of which are actually in the park!"
Kamran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is best accessed by boat tours departing from the main bays like Santa Cruz. You can also reach some beaches within the park via car, but many are only accessible by sea. Flights arrive at Huatulco International Airport (HUX), followed by a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation and then to a tour operator.
No, many of the most beautiful and secluded bays, like Cacaluta and San Agustín, are only accessible by boat. While some bays have road access, a boat tour is the most comprehensive way to experience the park.
Boat tours are the primary and most scenic way to travel between the bays. You can rent a private boat or join a shared tour.
Public transportation is limited within the national park itself. Most visitors rely on boat tours or taxis to reach the main access points for tours.
From Mexico City, flights to Huatulco (HUX) are approximately 1.5 hours. Driving from cities like Puebla can take around 8-10 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the park is a protected area, there isn't typically a separate entrance fee for the park itself. However, boat tours and activities within the park will have their own costs.
As a natural preserve, the park doesn't have set operating hours like a museum. Access to beaches and bays is generally from sunrise to sunset, but boat tours operate on their own schedules.
Prices vary widely depending on the type of tour (group vs. private), duration, and inclusions. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 MXN for a group tour to $3000+ MXN for a private charter.
Yes, booking tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and preferred timing. Many operators can be found online or through your hotel.
You should avoid bringing single-use plastics and anything that could harm the environment. Pack reusable water bottles and containers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park is rich in biodiversity. Look for various bird species, iguanas, monkeys, and marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish while snorkeling.
Playa La Entrega is highly recommended for its accessible reefs and abundant marine life. Other bays also offer good snorkeling opportunities.
Yes, there are footpaths and boardwalks in the forest areas, offering opportunities to explore the vegetation and spot wildlife.
Amenities vary greatly. Some popular beaches have restaurants and palapas, while many remote beaches are undeveloped with no facilities.
Most bays have calm waters suitable for swimming, especially those protected from the open ocean. Always check local conditions and heed any warnings. Playa La Entrega and Bahía Órgano are known for calm waters.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many boat tours include lunch or offer stops at beachside restaurants. In the main towns like La Crucecita and Santa Cruz, you'll find a wide variety of seafood and Oaxacan cuisine.
Some of the more accessible beaches, like Playa La Entrega, have restaurants. However, many of the more remote, virgin beaches do not have any dining facilities.
Don't miss fresh seafood, tlayudas, mole, and chapulines (grasshoppers) if you're adventurous. Oaxacan cuisine is a highlight.
Yes, it's highly recommended to bring your own snacks and water, especially for longer tours, as options can be limited.
While seafood is prevalent, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. It's best to inquire with the restaurant beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
Aerial shots of Bahía Cacaluta's heart shape are iconic. Lookouts over the bays, vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling, and the diverse flora and fauna offer endless photographic opportunities.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Midday sun can be harsh.
A waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended for capturing the underwater world while snorkeling.
Drone regulations can be strict in national parks. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your tour operator before flying a drone to avoid any issues.
From a boat tour, you'll get stunning panoramic views. Consider a drone for aerial perspectives if permitted, or simply enjoy the views from the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of sunscreen, hats, and snacks, as shade can be limited on some beaches. The opportunity to see marine life while snorkeling or simply observing from the boat can be incredibly engaging for children. Look for tours that offer shorter durations or more frequent stops to keep younger ones entertained.
🐠 Snorkelers & Divers
While Huatulco is more known for snorkeling, diving opportunities exist, particularly for those seeking to explore deeper reefs and encounter larger marine species. It's advisable to book with reputable dive operators who know the best sites and can cater to different skill levels. Remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate underwater ecosystem.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Beyond wildlife, the park's pristine beaches and diverse vegetation are a major draw. Hiking trails within the park allow for immersive exploration of the natural landscape. Respecting the park's protected status by staying on marked paths and not disturbing wildlife is crucial for preserving this natural paradise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Nine Bays
When embarking on a boat tour, you'll often have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and relax on secluded beaches. Some tours might include stops for lunch at beachside palapas, offering fresh seafood with stunning ocean views. It's crucial to remember that this is a protected national park, so respecting the environment is paramount.
Popular bays include Bahía Conejos, known for its luxury villas with ocean views, Bahía Chahué with its beautiful beach, and Bahía Órgano, a natural pool with crystal-clear waters. The diversity of these bays ensures a memorable experience for every visitor, showcasing the raw beauty of the Oaxacan coast.
Wildlife Encounters in the Preserve
Snorkeling and diving in the park's coral reefs offer a chance to witness a vibrant underwater world. Expect to see a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. Playa La Entrega is particularly noted for its rich marine biodiversity, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. Boat tours often provide opportunities to spot dolphins and other larger marine mammals in the open waters.
To maximize your chances of wildlife sightings, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Always maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding or disturbing the wildlife. The park's commitment to conservation means that these natural encounters are a privilege to witness.
Sustainable Tourism and Local Concerns
Travelers are encouraged to be mindful of their footprint and support local businesses that prioritize sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly tour operators and respecting the park's regulations are vital. Discussions on Reddit also touch upon the importance of preserving the natural state of the beaches and bays, with some expressing concern over privatization efforts.
By being a responsible tourist, you contribute to the long-term preservation of this stunning destination. Understanding these local dynamics can lead to a more enriching and respectful travel experience, ensuring that Huatulco remains a paradise for generations to come.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit