Snorkeling in Huatulco Mexico: A Guide to the Best Spots

Huatulco snorkeling is some of the best along the coast of Oaxaca.

This is due to its numerous protected coves that act as a large fish bowl, protecting the marine life from larger predators and strong currents.

Many visitors will tell you to go to Playa La Entrega for the best snorkeling in Huatulco. It’s one of my top spots. But by mid morning it’s usually too crowded for me to really enjoy snorkeling there.

So I have found some alternative places to go snorkeling in Huatulco Mexico as well as a hidden gem that I discovered on my latest trip to the coast.

I’ve also included a few affordable snorkeling tours in Huatulco because some spots are only accessible by boat. Let’s jump in!

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5 Best Snorkeling Beaches in Huatulco

In my opinion, the 9 bays and 36 beaches in Huatulco are some of the most beautiful on the coast of Oaxaca. 

Because of the protected bays, there are several Huatulco snorkeling beaches to choose from. The best one for you to visit will depend on a few factors, including if you’ve decided to rent a car in Huatulco (which I highly recommend).

The other condition to think about is the weather. The first time I went snorkeling in Huatulco, a storm was passing off shore and the water was murky.

You’ll also find some of the best Huatulco snorkeling from a boat, so I’ve included those options as well. And bonus, getting on a boat here doesn’t cost as much as you’d think!

1. La Entrega – Best Snorkeling Beach in Huatulco

If you ask around, most locals and visitors will tell you Playa La Entrega is the best snorkeling beach in Huatulco. And when the conditions are good, I would agree.

Playa La Entrega is also one of the few places in Huatulco to snorkel from the shore. But it gets crowded by mid morning, especially during the high season in Oaxaca.

I recommend arriving early so that you can snorkel in the morning and have lunch on the beach or in town. Alternatively, I’ve been snorkeling at Playa La Entrega multiple times on a boat tour.

Tip – There’s a small cave at Playa La Entrega that’s cool to enter if conditions are good (and that’s a big if during the rainy season). The first time I swam in with a local friend. We had to time it with the waves and it was a little scary, possibly dangerous.

The second time I took my dad and it was much more calm, like swimming in a river. The time of day and weather conditions certainly play a role so take precautions and only enter if it feels safe. The cave is located on the far left if you’re standing on the beach, looking out to the ocean.

2. Playa La India – Huatulco Snorkeling by Boat

This Huatulco snorkeling spot is only accessible by boat. But it’s worth coming for the beach alone which was named one of the top beaches in the world by National Geographic.

There are two places to snorkel along the rocks and reef. One is on the left side as you approach the bay and it seems to be most popular with big boats. Although my preference is on the right side because there’s more of a ledge where fish hang out.

To get here, I recommend you book a spot on this boat tour of the Huatulco bays. I’ve been several times and a stop for snorkeling at Playa La India is always on the agenda (weather permitting of course).

Tip – It’s best to avoid coming here on the weekends when larger boats arrive full of people.

3. Bahía La Guerrilla

This is my new secret spot to go snorkeling in Huatulco. My father and I were taken here during our Huatulco whale watching adventure (Dec – March only). 

Bahía La Guerrilla is located in front of Casa Mixteca, a former vacation home of the President that is now privately owned. The surrounding area is also privately owned, so this is another Huatulco snorkeling spot that you can only reach by boat.

When you jump in, there’s plenty of reef to swim around, which looked fairly healthy. I saw several large schools of fish here and zero other people which is a win-win in my book.

4. San Agustín Bay

Bahía San Agustín is a wide bay with a rock outcrop and reef that provides a sanctuary for marine life. It’s another place to snorkel in Huatulco from shore.

If you decide to rent a car in Huatulco (which I highly recommend), you should drive to San Agustín Bay which is located on the other side of the Huatulco National Park. 

As you approach the bay by car, you’ll be persuaded to park at the various restaurants before you can actually seeing the restaurant and view to determine what you like. I recommend one of the first few restaurants since the middle of the beach is the busiest.

Last time I went to Bahía San Agustín, we ate delicious aguachile at Los comales de lichita and Palapa Chalo’s next door looks good too.

On the far end is El Capi Beach Club. I’ve always wanted to try this place but I always seem to go on a Monday which is the day they are closed. The only issue with choosing this spot is that it’s further from the water which isn’t ideal for families with young children.

How to Get There  – It takes about 45 minutes to San Agustin Bay from Huatulco. The last 30 minutes is along a dirt road but it’s a fairly flat, easy to drive road (depending on the rain). I’ve also stopped at San Agustín to snorkel as a way to break up the drive from Oaxaca to Huatulco.

It’s also possible to hire a taxi to take you to San Agustín Bay. But you’d need to pay for the taxi to wait and take you back so it may only be worth the cost if you’re traveling as a group.

5. Playa Estacahuite

Technically Playa Estacahuite is not a Huatulco snorkeling spot since it’s located in Puerto Angel. But it’s one of my favorite beaches in Oaxaca.

And if you plan to explore other beach towns such as Zipolite or Mazunte, it’s on the way and easily overlooked.

There is one caveat. Sometimes the ocean in this small cove is surprisingly rough. I’ve visited in both summer and winter (when you’d expect calmer seas). As always, I recommend observing the ocean before getting in.

The last time I snorkeled at Playa Estacahuite it was winter and much stronger than I expected. Although we had no issues there are some large rocks to watch out for.

This beach is split into two bays with steep steps to access the beach on either side. The place to snorkel is along the rocks and reef on the left. When I come here just to swim, I prefer the right side. But it also depends on the winds that day.

Huatulco Snorkeling Tours

You really need to book a Huatulco snorkeling tour if you want to snorkel beyond Playa La Entrega and Bahía San Agustin. But the good news is, the boat snorkeling tours are surprisingly affordable.

My top pick is this dolphin and snorkeling tour led by a group of marine biologists who will share their insights into the lives of the dolphins, whales, sea turtles and coral reefs in Huatulco. From mid December through late March, you’ll want to book their dolphin and whale watching tour.

Plus your tour supports their research and conservation of dolphins and whales in Huatulco. They even have an underwater microphone so that you can listen to the dolphins! How cool is that?

If you want to blend a snorkel tour with seeing the famous 9 Bays of Huatulco, then you should book this Huatulco bay tour which includes snorkeling in 1-2 spots depending on the weather conditions. When I took this tour we went snorkeling at Playa La India and La Entrega.

And for the more adventurous, this private sunrise kayaking tour in Huatulco guides you along the rugged coastline and to a beach to snorkel. It includes all the equipment you need from the kayak and lifejacket to dry bags and snorkel gear.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see why Huatulco snorkeling is the best in Oaxaca. It’s numerous bays, often protected from the waves by rocky cliffsides are the ideal bathtub like atmosphere.

That being said, it’s always important to check the conditions before you jump in the water. I also recommend watching the waves for bit and following where others are swimming and snorkeling.

Questions About Huatulco Snorkeling