snorkelluvn

We just got back a couple months ago from a fantastic visit to Huatulco and I wanted to post here to give my recommendation to others. I was first attracted to the area because it has the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains, and 12 deep bays, total of 36 beaches to explore, and I love that mountain/ocean contrast. We stayed in a villa set on a cliff neighborhoodon Conejos Bay that juts into the sea, with stunning views with islands dotting the horizon and offshore, for the cost of a box hotel in the states./There are a few all-inclusives on Tangolunda Bay and numerous smaller, lovely hotels.

We visited many different beaches during our week there, two within walking distance, and others that we visited by cheap taxi rides ($4-$5 each way) or on a boat trip with a guide who was one of the friendliest, most enthusiastic people I have ever met (Mario Cobos). We were sometimes alone on a beach or with only a handful of others. Snorkeling was surprisingly great, for the Pacific. I found it better than the Riviera Maya because of the multitude of fish and the healthiness of the reefs. (The bleaching of the coral there is very disturbing to me!) There were large schools of fish, including many, many bright surgeonfish, lots of different angels and damselfish and several varieties of pufferfish, etc., etc. What was great about snorkeling here is that the coral/reef starts just a few feet offshore (at least at San Augustin and La Entrega beaches), so you didn't have to go searching for the reef. Then you crawl back on shore and drink a cold cerveza under your palapa-topped table!! Perfect!
Huatulco was designed by the Mexican tourism board, so it was built with filtered water systems and plumbing, making eating and drinking so much safer. There are two small towns, both lovely and with typical latin town plazas, giving a more authentic experience, instead of the tourist treatment. People were sooo friendly, and I felt very, very safe. I explored on my own numerous times, and felt no uncertainty at all. Had some great meals in town, listened to some great live music (check out Hemmingway's Cantina in La Crucecita for sure!) and had fun chatting with friendly locals. I speak spanish, and you can get along in retaurants and hotels and some places without Spanish, but since this place is less touristy, Spanish is more helpful than places like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. Getting around as a tourist is very easy, but you don't have to feel like one!!
One of the big draws for Huatulco is the weather....we had weather int he 80s every day and sunshine and that is typical. That means you won't have the lushness of landscape in rainforest-type areas, but for beachcombing and escape from winter, it was fantastic!
This is not a party-type of place, but a quieter, beautiful destination with great beaches, towns, Oaxacan food, snorkeling and plenty of sunshine!!

Percy

Thanks for posting.

I also liked Huatulco, it takes a bit more effort getting there,but the weather and place is terrific.

It was 95 F plus, everyday day I was there.

julietita

I prefer Puerto Escondio, Mazunte and this beaches. They are different, not that "popular" or touristic. Oaxaca is just great I love it. And is super cheap ^^

snorkelluvn

We were able to get a USa 3000 charter direct from Chicago, so it was pretty easy. But with the demise of Mexicana, flights are a little harder. Really a great area!