Coast guide
Puerto Escondido and Huatulco
Puerto Escondido has world-class waves and calm coves like Carrizalillo; Huatulco offers nine bays with snorkeling and boat tours. Both can be visited in a day from Mazunte, with a 1 h to 1 h 15 min drive each way. The sea at Zicatela is extremely dangerous: it is not a swimming beach.
Zicatela is not for swimming: It has huge waves, rip currents and violent shorebreak; rescues happen almost daily.
Carrizalillo, the safe cove: It is the safest cove in Puerto Escondido for swimming and snorkeling.
Huatulco by boat: The bay tour leaves from Santa Cruz between 8:30 and 9:30 and lasts 4 to 7 hours.
A day trip from Mazunte: Huatulco and Puerto Escondido are doable in a day; Chacahua works better if you are staying in Puerto Escondido.
Confirm prices: Many tour listings show no date. Confirm with the operator before booking.
Zicatela and La Punta are dangerous for swimming. Respect the flags; if a rip current catches you, swim parallel to the shore.
Beaches can close due to heavy swell at any time of year, as in Huatulco in May 2025.
Hurricane season runs from May to November. Check official advisories before you travel.
In lagoons with crocodiles (Manialtepec, Chacahua), always watch from a distance and with a guide.
Bring cash: Carrizalillo, Angelito and Chacahua barely accept cards. Use biodegradable sunscreen.
From Mazunte
Approximate times. The junction with Highway 200 is the San Antonio crossroads.
[Puerto Escondido] · To Puerto Escondido · It's about 73 km and 1 h 15 min by car or private transfer. By public transport: a pickup from Mazunte to San Antonio and from there the Transportes Delfines van to Puerto Escondido, 2 to 3 h in total. The vans run until about 7 p.m. · Private taxi: 800 to 1,100 MXN (agree on the price); Colectivo + pickup: about 20 MXN to San Antonio + 55 to 80 MXN to Puerto Escondido
[Huatulco] · To Bahías de Huatulco · Huatulco airport is about 40 km away (45 to 60 min). By public transport, go to Pochutla (about 25 MXN, 1 h) and from there to Santa Cruz (about 32 min).
Day trips · Huatulco by boat is doable in a day. Puerto Escondido is too, but with 1 h 15 min each way. For the bioluminescence at Manialtepec, a private transfer back is the best option. Chacahua is a full day of about 9 hours from Puerto Escondido and is not recommended from Mazunte.
Puerto Escondido: the sea
It is a coastal town with very different areas: Zicatela, La Punta, Carrizalillo, the Centro and Bacocho.
[Puerto Escondido] · Water safety · Zicatela has big waves over a sandbar with an underwater canyon and violent shorebreak, even on days that seem calm. A May 2026 news report describes the death of a tourist under a red flag; the lifeguard coordinator spoke of almost daily rescues. Rip currents can reach 8 km/h: if one catches you, swim parallel to the shore. · Flags: green is safe, yellow means caution, red means do not swim, black means the beach is closed.
[Puerto Escondido] · Which beach is good for swimming · Carrizalillo and Manzanillo are very safe; Puerto Angelito, safe; Bahía Principal, moderate. La Punta and Bacocho are dangerous with no lifeguards, and Zicatela is very dangerous. Carrizalillo has seasonal lifeguards (December to April, 9:00 to 18:00). Red Cross: +52 954 582 0550.
[Puerto Escondido] · When the sea is rough · The strongest swells run from April to October; Zicatela peaks from June to August. The sea is usually calmer in the morning. The rainy season runs from June to October; November to early December is dry and less crowded.
[Puerto Escondido] · General safety · It is described as generally safe with normal precautions: do not leave belongings on the beach and be careful in dark areas at night.
Puerto Escondido: beaches and neighborhoods
Each area has its own vibe.
[Puerto Escondido] · Zicatela · It's the "Mexican Pipeline": world-class surf, restaurants, cafés, bars, yoga and massages. It is 2 to 3.5 km long. Only for expert surfers. Without going in the water you can watch the surfers, the sunset or walk to Punta Colorada (about 90 min round trip). · Surfskate: about 350 MXN, 1.5 h · Not a swimming beach.
[Puerto Escondido] · La Punta · The most bohemian area: sandy streets, rooftop yoga studios and cafés. It has a left point break for intermediate surfers; beginners practice in the inside whitewater. It's for surfing and sunsets, not swimming. · Dangerous for swimming: rip currents and shore break, no lifeguards.
[Puerto Escondido] · Carrizalillo · A small crescent-shaped cove, the safest for swimming and snorkeling. You get down by a staircase of about 170 steps (other sources say 157 to 180) and there is no wheelchair access. The water is 26 to 28 °C. It is best from 7 to 11 a.m., and from November to May the water is clearer. · Access: free; Taxi / colectivo: 50 to 80 / 10 to 15 MXN; Chair / snorkel: 50 to 100 / 100 to 150 MXN; Food: 150 to 300 MXN per person · Almost everyone accepts cash only.
[Puerto Escondido] · Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo · Two twin coves, sheltered and with calm water, about 3 km from the center. Angelito is reached by about 150 steps. It has 4 or 5 palapa restaurants, restrooms with a fee of 5 to 10 MXN and equipment rental. Manzanillo has about 200 m of beach with fish, turtles and rays. The best time is November to April. · Taxi from Zicatela: 80 to 120 MXN; Colectivo: 10 to 15 MXN; Snorkel rental: 100 to 150 MXN; best from 8:00 to 11:00 · Don't count on lifeguards and keep an eye on children.
[Puerto Escondido] · Playa Principal and Marinero · It is a working beach: watching the fishing boats come in between 7:00 and 9:00 is free. Marinero has gentle waves, but some sources warn of currents at Principal. Swim only under a green flag.
[Puerto Escondido] · Bacocho and turtles · The quiet western end, with a beach club. Swimming is dangerous and there are no lifeguards. The Vive Mar camp protects four turtle species (leatherback, hawksbill, black and olive ridley) and releases hatchlings at sunset, around 17:00, for a 50 to 100 MXN donation. Nesting season runs roughly from August to January. · Confirm at vivemar.com.mx before you go.
[Puerto Escondido] · Other areas · Playa Coral is a hidden beach next to Bacocho, with limited access and no safety information. Rinconada is the residential neighborhood from which you go down to Carrizalillo and Angelito.
[Puerto Escondido] · Sunsets and fishermen · The best sunset is at La Punta, around 18:00. At Playa Principal the fishing boats come in between 7:00 and 9:00, free to watch. From December to March you can spot whales from land at the Punta Colorada lookout.
Puerto Escondido: surf, nightlife and services
[Puerto Escondido] · Learning to surf · By level: beginners at Carrizalillo, intermediates at La Punta and advanced at Zicatela. November to April is best for learning; the big waves are from May to September. There are several schools, such as B Surfer, Puerto Surf School and Oasis Surf Academy. · 2-hour lesson with board: 600 to 900 MXN in a group; Board rental: 200 to 500 MXN per day · Ask whether the price includes the board and transport.
[Puerto Escondido] · Nightlife · The two areas are La Punta (concerts and bonfires) and Zicatela, where the party continues when the La Punta bars close. El Adoquín is closed to traffic at night, with artisans and musicians. The atmosphere is livelier than in Huatulco. · Bar names come from undated listings; check opening hours.
[Puerto Escondido] · Market and services · The Benito Juárez Market is open every day, busiest in the morning: textiles, crafts and local food (a full meal, 50 to 100 MXN). Taxis charge fixed fares with no meter: agree on the price before getting in. There are also cheap colectivos and motorbike rentals. · Taxi between areas: Adoquín to Zicatela or Carrizalillo 40 to 60 MXN; Zicatela to La Punta 30 to 50 MXN; airport to most hotels 100 to 200 MXN; Colectivo: 10 to 15 MXN; Scooter rental: 350 to 600 MXN per day
[Puerto Escondido] · Nightlife by area · Calle del Morro in Zicatela: bars and clubs, busiest on Wednesdays and Saturdays. La Punta: beach bonfires, live music and full-moon parties. El Adoquín: bars with a local crowd, cumbia, salsa and reggaeton. Things get going around midnight and last until 3 or 4. · Bars change often; check before you go.
Where to eat in Puerto Escondido
[Puerto Escondido] · What eating costs · Benito Juárez Market: a full meal for 50 to 100 MXN. Street stalls: 30 to 60 MXN. Palapas at Carrizalillo and Angelito: fish and seafood for 120 to 250 MXN. La Punta: 100 to 250 MXN. Zicatela: mains for 120 to 350 MXN. A day of eating cheaply runs 200 to 400 MXN; tip 10 to 15%. · Mezcal at a bar: 60 to 150 MXN a glass · On the beaches almost everyone takes cash only.
Services and rainy days
[Puerto Escondido] · Emergencies, hospital and ATMs · Puerto Escondido's General Hospital is public and there are private clinics along the coast road. The nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Huatulco. There are ATMs downtown and in Zicatela, but many shops and beach vendors take cash only. · Emergencies: 911; Red Cross: +52 954 582 0550; Navy: +52 954 582 0142; Civil Protection: +52 954 582 2116 · Confirm phone numbers before relying on them.
[Puerto Escondido] · If it rains · In the rainy season it rains almost daily, but usually only for a while in the afternoon. Good indoor plans: an Oaxacan cooking class, the Benito Juárez Market, a mezcal tasting, temazcal or a drop-in yoga class (150 to 250 MXN). · During thunderstorms stay out of the sea and the lagoon.
Around Puerto Escondido
Lagoons, mangroves and nearly untouched beaches.
[Puerto Escondido] · Manialtepec Lagoon and bioluminescence · It's about 18 km from Puerto Escondido, with more than 200 bird species. The night tour lasts about 2.5 h. The best nights are around the new moon or with little moonlight; with a full moon it's harder to see, and it's never guaranteed. Don't wear sunscreen before going in: it harms the plankton. · Night tour: 350 to 950 MXN per person, depending on whether transport is included; Private: 8,000 MXN for up to 10 people; Mangrove kayak: 1,700 MXN for 3 h; Birdwatching: 2,250 MXN for 4 h · There are crocodiles in the lagoon, away from the tourist areas.
[Chacahua] · Chacahua Lagoons · A national park of lagoons, mangroves, birds and crocodiles. You drive to the El Zapotalito dock (1 h 30 min from Puerto Escondido) and then take a 30-minute boat ride. The typical tour lasts 9 hours and includes a 1.5-hour boat ride. There are no ATMs: bring cash, repellent and sunscreen. Migratory birds arrive mostly from November to March. · Typical tour: 600 to 1,000 MXN for the day in Chacahua only; 2,000 to 3,500 MXN with hotel transport and lunch · Watch the crocodiles from a distance and with a guide.
[Puerto Escondido] · Playa Roca Blanca · A nearly untouched beach 35 km away, 35 to 45 min along Highway 200 plus about 2 km of dirt road. A car is the most convenient option. There is no information on the surf: treat it as open sea. · Colectivo + taxi: about 300 MXN
Bahías de Huatulco
A planned resort complex, calm and orderly, with nine bays and 36 beaches.
[Huatulco] · Character and seasons · From November to May the weather is dry and snorkeling visibility is better. From May to October it is greener, with afternoon rains, lower prices and fewer boats operating. The nightlife is more laid-back than in Puerto Escondido.
[Huatulco] · Huatulco National Park · It covers about 11,891 hectares of tropical dry forest, mangroves and beaches. Boats leave from the Santa Cruz dock. There are discounts for Mexican nationals and students; children under 12 and seniors enter free. · Entrance fee: 125 MXN per person per day; 50% off for Mexican nationals with ID; 75% off for students and teachers; free for children under 12, seniors and people with disabilities; Hours: every day 7:00 to 19:00 · Some tour sites quote 30 to 60 MXN, but the official fee is 125 MXN. The operator often collects it at the pier: ask for a receipt.
[Huatulco] · Beach safety · There are flags and rip currents are possible. On May 2, 2025, all beaches were closed due to heavy swell; only La Entrega, Maguey and Santa Cruz stayed open under a red flag. Closures can happen at any time of year. The safest beaches are Maguey, Santa Cruz, La Entrega, El Órgano and San Agustín. Chahué is not recommended for swimming.
[Huatulco] · National Park rules · Look, don't touch: don't take coral, shells or snails. No campfires or noise, and take photos without flash. If you're snorkeling, skip the sunscreen. Book only tours with a park permit and don't ride ATVs: they damage turtle nests. There are three trails: Zanate, Cruz del Monte and Sabanal. · CONANP Huatulco: +52 958 587 0446
The nine bays
Descriptions based on guides; the oldest is from 2023.
[Huatulco] · Santa Cruz and Maguey · Santa Cruz has the dock where all the boats depart, a sandy bottom and gentle waves. Maguey is a horseshoe of emerald water, very sheltered, with restaurants and snorkeling at the west end. There are taxis from Santa Cruz to Maguey. · Taxi Santa Cruz–Maguey: about 80 MXN
[Huatulco] · El Órgano, Cacaluta and Chachacual · El Órgano is reached by a trail from Maguey, has no services and offers good rocky snorkeling with fish and rays. Cacaluta has no buildings and a coral garden reachable by boat. Chachacual is the most remote and can only be reached by boat.
[Huatulco] · San Agustín · Excellent for swimming, with some of the best snorkeling in Huatulco. There are restaurants and little cell signal. You get there by boat or a long road.
[Huatulco] · Conejos, Tangolunda and Chahué · Conejos is the easternmost, with calm water for swimming and few people. Tangolunda is the hotel zone, with an 18-hole golf course and surf flags. Chahué is urban, with a marina and restaurants, but strong waves and undertow: swimming is not recommended. · No bay has confirmed lifeguards: respect the flags.
[Huatulco] · Which bay to choose · For snorkeling and calm water: Maguey and San Agustín. For near-solitude: Chachacual and Cacaluta, reached by boat. For easy swimming: Conejos or Santa Cruz. Chahué has bigger waves and Tangolunda is the hotel and golf zone. El Órgano is a walk from Maguey and has no services: bring water. · Taxi from Santa Cruz to Maguey: about 80 MXN · No bay has confirmed lifeguards.
Tours and wildlife in Huatulco
Prices change with the season. The park fee is usually separate.
[Huatulco] · Boat tour · Departures are between 8:30 and 9:30 from Santa Cruz or La Crucecita. Another guide lists lower prices for short tours of 2 to 3 bays. · Shared, 4 bays (4 h): 1,200 to 1,600 MXN per person; Shared, 7 bays (6 to 7 h): 1,800 to 2,200 MXN; Private, up to 8 people: 2,500 to 4,500 MXN; Snorkel rental: 50 to 100 MXN · Prices vary a lot between operators: ask for a breakdown. The park fee (125 MXN, 50% off for nationals) is usually extra and paid at the Santa Cruz pier.
[Huatulco] · Whales and dolphins · The official humpback whale season in Huatulco runs from December 15 to March 21, best in January and February. Dolphins are seen on almost every trip. Turtles nest from July to December. · 2-hour sighting tour: 700 to 1,000 MXN adults; 800 MXN children 3 to 11; Private: 6,900 MXN per boat
La Crucecita, Santa Cruz and Tangolunda
[Huatulco] · La Crucecita · This is the service center, 10 to 15 min from the resorts. It has a plaza with a bandstand and restaurants, and the Mercado 3 de Mayo (breakfasts from 6 a.m., tamales, chocolate, black clay pottery and coffee). The Guadalupe parish church has a huge painted dome. · Taxi to Tangolunda: 60 to 80 MXN; to Santa Cruz, 40 to 60 MXN; Mercado 3 de Mayo: breakfast from 60 MXN; set lunch from 80 MXN
[Huatulco] · Santa Cruz and Tangolunda · Santa Cruz has a marina, a dock, restaurants and crafts. Tangolunda is all resorts and golf. The airport is 20 min from Tangolunda and 15 from La Crucecita.
[La Crucecita and the bays] · Where to eat in Huatulco · At the Mercado 3 de Mayo there's breakfast from 60 MXN and set lunches from 80 MXN. Chahué is cheaper than Tangolunda, whose hotel restaurants are the priciest. San Agustín has affordable community-run restaurants, and Maguey has beachfront seafood.
[Huatulco] · Getting around Huatulco · Taxis are the usual option. The airport is about 15 minutes from La Crucecita and 20 from Tangolunda. Buses run to Puerto Escondido several times a day, about 2 h along Highway 200. · La Crucecita to Tangolunda: 60 to 80 MXN; La Crucecita to Santa Cruz: 40 to 60 MXN; Compact rental car: from 500 MXN per day
Services and rainy days in Huatulco
[La Crucecita and Chahué] · Clinics, pharmacies and Red Cross · There are private clinics with emergency care (Centro Médico Oromed and Clínica Hospitalaria San Miguel) and a 24-hour pharmacy in La Crucecita. The Red Cross is on Chahué boulevard, which also has banks and pharmacies. · Emergencies: 911; Red Cross Chahué: +52 958 587 1188 · Phone numbers come from older guides: confirm them.
[Huatulco] · If it rains in Huatulco · From June to October it rains in the afternoon and rarely ruins the day, though it clouds the water for snorkeling. Good plans: the Mercado 3 de Mayo, the Guadalupe church in La Crucecita with its huge painted dome, or a coffee tour to Pluma Hidalgo.
Waterfalls, garden and coffee
Day trips from Huatulco.
[Huatulco] · Copalitilla Waterfalls · A tour of about 8 hours, with a 90-minute transfer and a short jungle walk. It includes admission, transportation, a guide and a mezcal and coffee tasting. Some community fees are charged separately. Bring non-slip footwear, a swimsuit and repellent. Daily departure around 10:30 a.m. · Price: 800 to 1,000 MXN depending on operator · The ground near the water can be slippery.
[Huatulco] · Hagia Sofía · A 130-hectare botanical garden with a trail of exotic flowers, seasonal fruit and butterflies, about 30 km from La Crucecita (45 min). Hours and prices come from a search-engine result, not the official site. · Book a day ahead and confirm hours and price.
[Huatulco] · Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park · A tour of about 2 h with a guide through pre-Hispanic ruins with a ball court; you wear a wristband for the whole visit. It reopened in September 2024 after three years closed. Free for over-60s, under-12s, people with disabilities and residents with INE ID. · Hours: arrive between 9:00 and 16:00 (sources disagree on days and closing time); Admission: free or about 46 MXN, depending on the source · Confirm with INAH Oaxaca: +52 951 515 0400.
[Pluma Hidalgo] · Coffee farms in Pluma Hidalgo · It sits at about 1,300 m, around 20 °C with cool mornings. Organic high-altitude coffee is grown here. The tour from Huatulco lasts about 5 h, with a guide, coffee tasting and lunch. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket. The mountain road is winding. · Shared tour: ask the operator for price and minimum group size; Fairs: Virgen de Guadalupe, December 3 to 13; Coffee Fair in early April