Things to do

Huatulco offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or prefer a more relaxed experience, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful destination. From day-long boat tours to exploring ancient cultural treasures, here are some of the most popular things to do in Huatulco.

The center of the Huatulco area is the town center of La Crucecitas. The zocalo, or plaza, like most Mexican cities, has a gazebo, a fountain, and a church. There are many restaurants, shops, markets, bars, and hotels surrounding the plaza. It’s a great place to explore, eat, drink, shop, and mix with the local inhabitants.

Huatulco has earned the International Green Globe certification for sustainable tourism. There are no factories or industry and the mountains and lush jungle are filled with orchids & bromeliads.

9 Bay Tour - This boat tour will take you through the 9 Huatulco’s bays. While on the ocean, you have a chance to see whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and sea birds. You will get a chance to snorkel in some of the bays and see a myriad of colorful tropical fish. The all-day trip is filled with views of some of the most pristine, beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Horseback riding - As the sun dips below the horizon casting a golden hue over the tranquil waters, envision yourself trotting along the bright, sandy beach of Copalita.

A beach horseback riding experience offers more than just a scenic ride; it presents a chance to connect with nature in a unique way. From gentle waves lapping at the shore to the fresh sea breeze ruffling your hair, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience.

Plantation tours - Ever wondered how coffee beans are raised and prepared for consumption? How about the process of roasting agave and bottling Mezcal? These tours give you a chance to see how these small-batch, hand-made, traditional products have been made the same way for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Oaxaca. You will understand why they take such pride in the results of their efforts.

Temazcal - A temazcal, from the  Nahuatl  word “temazcalli”, 'house where you sweat', (“temaz”, 'sweat', and “calli”, 'house'), is a steam bath used in traditional medicine and daily life in the towns of central Mexico. These baths, originally made of stone and mud, have been used by various indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica and North America for medicinal purposes of detoxification by sweating. The steam infused with traditional herbs is also a deeply spiritual experience.

Sea turtle sanctuary and baby turtle release - A very unique activity you can do while in Huatulco is to release some newly hatched baby sea turtles, mainly Ridley Olives, into the ocean to make their way into the world. The visit to one of the sanctuaries will inform you of the natural history of sea turtles and what is being done in parts of Mexico to help with conservation efforts. A truly moving and rewarding experience!

Crocodile sanctuary - Huatulco’s rivers and estuaries are home to crocodiles, formidable predators that play a key role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. These reptiles are often seen basking on riverbanks or silently gliding through the water. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these ancient creatures and their habitats from the impacts of development and pollution. Eco-tours offer safe viewing opportunities for these impressive reptiles. Protecting wetland habitats is crucial for their survival.

Deep-sea fishing - Huatulco is well known for its fish-filled waters. Anglers should always plan their fishing adventures for the best experience. The best time to fish depends a lot on the species of fish you are going to target. The best time to fish is winter for mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, amberjack, and wahoo. For marlin (blue and black), sailfish, and snook, May through September is the best fishing season. You can charter any number of different sizes of boats to fish!

Snorkeling and SCUBA - Many divers agree that this area offers more marine life than almost anywhere else in the world. Although the Pacific doesn't offer the visibility of the Caribbean, it offers more to see with an abundance of rays, turtles, eels, and a huge variety of tropical fish. The Huatulco diving scene is nice, as you don't have to leave at the crack of dawn to get a chance at calm waters and good diving conditions because there are so many great dive spots that are easy to access. You can depart at 9:30 am and still expect a great day on/in the water, most days of the year.

Whitewater rafting - Embark on this exciting whitewater rafting adventure at La Bocana on the Copalita River. After a safety briefing, gear up for your ride down class I-IV rapids. Your guide can point out and explain to you, an abundance of local wildlife, birds, and tropical flora. No previous whitewater rafting experience is required.

Caveat: During the winter and spring months, there may not be enough water in the river to do this activity. The best times are during or after the annual rains in summer and fall.

Waterfalls and river tours - There are several different river tours, but the most popular is the waterfalls at Cascadas Magicas. On the drive to the falls, pass by villages and see the local life of Oaxaca. Be sure to bring water shoes to navigate the rocks and a waterproof case for the phone (camera). There is a short hike along the river before seeing the multiple levels and pools to the main falls. You can go through some water caverns, pass under the falls, high jump off rocks, swing into the water on a rope, and ride the new zipline.

Zipolite & Mazunte - Visit the quieter/artisan, traditional villages of Mazunte and Zipolite. To me, they tend to have a “hippie” vibe with opportunities for Yoga & surfing. In Mazunte, you can see a demonstration of all-natural products, such as deodorants, shampoos, sunscreen, etc.

Head to the quiet village of Zipolite, which is best known for having the first nudist (clothing optional) beach, in Mexico. You can visit the luxury nudist beach club and restaurant. The main street has many local artisans offering jewelry and wares made of natural materials.

Surfing - Oaxaca has nearly 540 km (335 miles) of coastline. Puerto Escondido is unquestionably one of the most famous surf towns in the world. There are many other less-known beaches between Copalita and Puerto Escondido that have amazing swells, best in the summer for experts. Take a guide and a 4x4, and find some of the less accessible beaches for an amazing surf experience!

Shopping - Some of the most amazing items with craftsmanship done in traditional Oaxacan style and all hand-made, await you among the multitudes of shops and street carts. From Alebrijes (carved and painted fantastical animals introduced by Pedro Linares in the 1930s) to the time-consuming making of dyes from Cochineals (small insects that live on cactus paddles), there are oodles of cultural treasures to be had!