How to Explore Huatulco, Mexico

There's a way to enjoy Mexico's southern Pacific coast without high-rise hotels, over-amped nightclubs and outsize shopping malls. Huatulco offers an alternative to the overdeveloped tourist destinations. Take advantage of its location, spread out along 20 miles of white sand beaches, to discover the abundant marine life in its nine bays, three of which are home to oceanfront resorts offering a variety of water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling. Relax on the beach or go on adventure excursions such as whitewater kayaking. Walk around La Crucecita, the heart of Huatulco, and feel the warmth and easygoing pace of life in a small Mexican town.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Discover Life in the Bays

Step 1

Begin by checking out the options for water activities offered by the resorts and hotels. Dive and snorkel among the tropical fish that inhabit the coral reefs in every bay and investigate the rock formations and small caves found even in shallow water.

Step 2

Take a course to get diver certification, or enjoy snorkeling in one of the main bays. Enroll youngsters age 8 and up in introductory courses, called bubbling, held in pools. Experienced divers can go out by boat for morning or night diving at one of the 13 sites off the coast.

Step 3

Arrange sport fishing trips at the marina in the Santa Cruz section of town or Class III or IV kayaking through tropical wilderness along the best whitewater rivers in Mexico. Surf in the ocean off Huatulco or take a short day trip to Puerto Escondido, where the waves are tackled by entrants in the World Master Surfing Championships.

Enjoy Recreation Ashore

Step 1

Play a challenging round of golf at the well-watered and well-maintained 18-hole course at Bahia Tangolunda. Ask for the discounts on green fees, carts and clubs offered by all the hotels and resorts.

Step 2

Play tennis, rent a bike, or hike through the nature preserve at La Bocana.

Step 3

Watch birds, collect shells or simply relax on the beach.

Experience Small Town Mexican Life

Step 1

Stroll through the town of La Crucecita, the gathering place for Huatulco's inhabitants. Listen to the music that fills the air in the zócalo, or town square, or have a meal at one of the cafes that line the plaza. Savor the regional fish specialties with garlic butter, green chile sauce or spicy tomato sauce, among others.

Step 2

Shop in the market for local crafts such as black pottery and palm weaving, and for the variety of tropical fruit available year-round.

Step 3

Enjoy the pleasant company of families that gather in the plaza for the cool evening air and companionship.

Article Written By Karen Hursh Graber

A native of New York City, Karen Hursh Graber is a food and travel writer. A graduate of Fordham University, she is a regular contributor to El Restaurante Mexicano magazine and National Geographic Books. A winner of the magazine industry's Folio Award, she divides her time between Puebla, Mexico and Sarasota, Florida.

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