Huatulco Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Huatulco tours and things to do on Mexico’s unspoiled Oaxacan coast: cruise the nine sparkling bays by catamaran with snorkeling in hidden coves, chase the turquoise cascades of the Copalitilla waterfalls, tour a mountain coffee plantation, ride an ATV through jungle and rivers, release baby turtles at sunset, and paddle a glowing bioluminescent lagoon. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Huatulco by interest
Whatever brings you to Huatulco — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Bays boat tour
Nine bays.
ExploreSnorkel & beaches
Clear coves.
ExploreWaterfalls & coffee
Highland cascades.
ExploreATV & adventure
Jungle trails.
ExploreCopalita & city
Ruins & town.
ExploreTurtles & bio bay
Wildlife nights.
ExploreWhales & fishing
Pacific waters.
ExploreBays & mountains
Sea & jungle.
ExploreTop attractions in Huatulco
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
The Bays
Nine bays.
Snorkel Coves
Clear water.
Copalitilla Falls
Turquoise pools.
Jungle Trails
ATV & quad.
Copalita Ruins
Zapotec site.
Bio Lagoon
Turtles & glow.
Whales
Pacific giants.
Coffee Country
Mountain estates.
Coast awayThe Bays
Nine bays.
Mountains awayCopalitilla Falls
Turquoise pools.
Inland awayJungle Trails
ATV & quad.
East awayCopalita Ruins
Zapotec site.
West awayVentanilla
Turtles & bio.
Bays awaySnorkel Coves
Clear water.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Huatulco visitor asks before booking.
Dry (Nov–Apr)
Sunny and dry — the best time for the coast.
For whales
December to March is best for whale watching.
Green (Jun–Oct)
Hotter and greener, with occasional showers.
For waterfalls
The falls flow fullest after the summer rains.
For value
The green season is quieter and cheaper.
Best overall
November to April is ideal.
One day
A bays boat tour with snorkeling.
Two days
Add waterfalls and a coffee plantation.
Three days
Add ATVs, ruins and turtles.
For the sea
Bay cruises and snorkeling.
For nature
Waterfalls, coffee and wildlife.
With kids
Bay tours, snorkeling and turtles.
By boat
Boats and catamarans cruise the nine bays.
Tours & transfers
Tours include transport to bays and mountains.
By car
A car reaches the waterfalls and coffee country.
On foot
La Crucecita’s plaza and streets are walkable.
Where to stay
Stay in La Crucecita, Santa Cruz or Tangolunda.
Mexican peso
Mexico uses the peso; US dollars often accepted.
Bays tour
Book a catamaran cruise of the nine bays.
Snorkeling
The national park bays are best for snorkeling.
Waterfalls
Swim in the turquoise Copalitilla pools.
ATV
Ride the jungle and river trails.
Turtle release
Join a sunset baby turtle release.
Sun protection
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water.
Bays tours
Popular catamaran cruises sell out — book ahead.
Waterfall tours
Copalitilla trips fill up — reserve early.
ATV tours
Adventure tours have few slots — book ahead.
Turtle release
Sunset releases fill up — reserve early.
Whale tours
Seasonal whale trips sell out — book ahead.
Winter season
December to April is busiest — book ahead.
Bays tour
Around €30–60 for a bays catamaran tour.
Waterfalls & coffee
About €40–75 for a waterfalls and coffee tour.
ATV tour
Roughly €45–80 for an ATV jungle adventure.
City & ruins
Around €25–50 for a Copalita and city tour.
Turtle release
About €35–65 for a turtle and lagoon tour.
How to save
Join group bay and mountain tours to save.
Huatulco through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Bays & whales.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Green & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Showers.
- Best for
- Value & falls.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Wettest.
- Best for
- Lush & fresh.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Clearing.