Hi- my husband and I are going to Huatulco, Mexico in 2 weeks! Does anyone have suggestions on things to do/see while we are there?

Huatulco is one of the most dismal ports we have ever docked at. There are a few tacky shops, a couple of modest hotels, and a couple of unattractive places to eat. There is a nearby town that is more pleasant that is a little inland and whose name I forget. It is a typical Mexican small town. There is also a nice beach about a mile away. Take a taxi to one of these (or both). You can even walk if you're ambitious. But you will not want to spend more than a few minutes in Huatulco proper.

I was in Huatulco a few years ago - stayed at the Camino Real for about a week (sunned, slept, swam, drank a little, slept some more - it was winter back home in NYC) There are a couple nice undeveloped bays with palapa restaurants. The Moon Handbook on Oaxaca listed various towns along the coast to visit. There are various sea excursions but are kinda pricey. Huatulco reminded me of a wanne be Cancun gone bust - which is not a bad thing in someways.

thanks for info- sounds like you both had a bad time here? Sorry to hr=ear that- have read reports on trip advisor- most sound positive. We would never go somewhere like Cancun- why spend all that $ to look at other hotels and share a beach with a million people? I'll take mountains and jungle any day!

Take a taxi out to the various bays, sit under a palapa, eat seafood and drink. That was about all we found to do there, which wasn't bad. The little town is called Las Crucecitas. It was built to support Huatulco so it lacks the character of most Mexican towns. I believe there are some jungle tours, and a tour to the turtle sanctuary. When we were there a few years back it was in August. Very low season and very quiet, so it was a good place to relax. I assume it will be livelier in the winter.

I didn't have a bad time - had some great meals, got a bit tan to the envy of my NYC friends - I was there to relax. Next time if I go - I would rent a car and drive up the coast to explore. What I meant by my Cancun comment is that there are hotels and such but no crowds - which is a good thing. The Pacific was a glorious clear emerald green - the sunlight shimmering on the sandy floor. Instead of staying at the Camino I would stay at the Quinta Real - though I had some nice meals at the Camino.

Thanks to everyone for all the info...We are very excited to go, looking forward to doing some relaxing and hopefully some exploring! We are taking our snorkeling gear- any suggestions on where to use it?

Huatulco is a beautiful friendly safe place. I have spent 2 vacations there over the last 2 winters. Las Crucecitas is a cute town with a nice town square. Great pizza spot called La Crema...don't be put off by the outside...it is funky but fab wood oven pizza ... really worth a trip in to town. Also ask about the "mud bath" just a 15 min cab ride up the coast to La Bocana, the cab will drop you and pick you up later...I think the ladies come at 11AM....very cool $5. us.
We hired Pano and his boat "The Wahoo" to take us out for the day...he dropped us at some secluded beaches to snorkel.
Where are you staying??

We are staying at the Crown Pacific- I know it's hillside, but we are in good shape and the reviews on trip advisor were all pretty good. the mud bath sounds good- we did something similar in Costa Rica last year! I will look for Pano and his boat; thanks!

My wife and I enjoyed a day trip to Santa Maria de Huatulco and the village of Pochutla. They have a wonderful farmer's market in Pochutla that we visited. We arranged the tour thru "Huatulco Tours" who provided our driver/guide. I can't remember what we were charged but it seemed quite reasonable and was a highlight of our trip. We also took a boat tour that was kind of "ho-hum". Not a lot to do in Huatulco itself, other than pool/beach time. Prior to Huatulco we spent several days in the city of Oaxaca. Truly memorable and one of our favorite Mexico locations.

Huatulco is one of our favorite spots in Mexico. My wife and I went their a few years back with our kids and we loved it. We took a couple snorkeling tours and went to town for dinner a couple of times, but for the most part we just relaxed.

We liked it some much, we're headed back in March. We're going to stay at the Quinta Real for a few days, and then we're renting a house with some friends for a week.

Huatulco definitely isn't the place to go if you are looking for a lot of action, but it can't be beat if you want great weather, beautiful ocean scenery and lots of relaxation.