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  • Oaxaca
  • Santa María Huatulco
  • Beach

Bahia de Cacaluta

Bahia de Cacaluta is a stunning, secluded beach located within the larger Bahia de Huatulco area of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 266 reviews.
Water
Fair
Crowds
Low
Location
Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca
Open map

Pacífico · 15.72° N · 96.16° W

What to know

Overview

It’s renowned for its pristine beauty, calm waters, and tranquil atmosphere, offering a welcome escape from the busier beaches of the resort area. The bay itself is characterized by its sheltered, calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is a mix of fine white sand and rocky outcrops, creating a diverse and visually appealing landscape. The surrounding area is lush with vegetation, contributing to the overall sense of natural beauty. It’s a protected area, helping to maintain its pristine condition. Visitors consistently highlight Cacaluta’s peacefulness and natural beauty, describing it as a hidden gem and a welcome contrast to the more developed beaches. Many travelers note the need to bring their own supplies (food, drinks, sunscreen) as there are limited facilities on-site. The journey to reach the bay is often considered part of the experience, adding to the feeling of adventure. Currently, there are very limited facilities at Bahia de Cacaluta. Visitors should bring their own food, drinks, and beach gear. There are no restrooms or restaurants directly on the beach. Some tour operators may offer transportation and basic refreshments. Direct contact information for Bahia de Cacaluta is limited. It is best to inquire through tour operators or local travel agencies in Huatulco. Information regarding the specific history of Bahia de Cacaluta is scarce. It’s generally understood to be a naturally formed bay within the larger Huatulco biosphere reserve, preserving its natural state.

About this listing

Compiled from Google Places and verified listing. Ratings and review counts come from Google Places; beach conditions and facilities can change. Last updated September 2026. Send a correction

The details

At a glance

Practical details for Bahia de Cacaluta in Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Good for familiesGood
ParkingLimited
Water sportsYes, Snorkeling
AccessibilityNo
Nearest airportHuatulco (HUX), about 10 km as the crow flies
Watch out forPossible - Strong currents and potential for rip tides exist, requiring caution when swimming. There are also reports of wildlife such as snakes and spiders in the surrounding area.

Guides · Oaxaca

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Before you go

Common questions

Is Bahia de Cacaluta good for families?

Our listing data rates Bahia de Cacaluta "good" for families. A reasonable pick with kids, but the sea changes day to day: check the flags and the lifeguard post when you arrive.

How is the water quality at Bahia de Cacaluta?

Our listing data rates the water at Bahia de Cacaluta as fair. Visibility and conditions shift with weather, swell and sargassum, so check locally before you swim.

Is there parking available at Bahia de Cacaluta?

Parking at Bahia de Cacaluta is limited. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season.

How crowded is Bahia de Cacaluta?

Our listing data puts crowds at Bahia de Cacaluta as low. Usually a quiet one, though weekends and holidays fill most beaches.

Are there restaurants near Bahia de Cacaluta?

Our listing data rates food options at Bahia de Cacaluta as fair. Limited dining options are available - consider bringing snacks or meals.

Getting there

Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca

15.7233° N, 96.1633° W

Nearby

Beaches within 20 km

Pacífico · 15.73° N · 96.16° W

Playa Cacaluta

<1 km awayRated 4.9 out of 5 on Google from 42 reviews.

Playa Maguey: Playa el Maguey - panoramioPhoto: ArCaRa · CC BY 3.0

Playa Maguey

2 km awayRated 4.6 out of 5 on Google from 2,372 reviews.

Pacífico · 15.74° N · 96.15° W

Playa del Órgano

3 km awayRated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 593 reviews.

Pacífico · 15.71° N · 96.20° W

Playa La India

4 km awayRated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 227 reviews.

Playa La Entrega: Playa La Entrega HuatulcoPhoto: Grisiproo · CC BY-SA 4.0

Playa La Entrega

4 km awayRated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 13,820 reviews.

Pacífico · 15.71° N · 96.20° W

Chachacual Beach

5 km awayRated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 167 reviews.

Pacífico · 15.75° N · 96.13° W

Playa Santa Cruz

5 km awayRated 4.6 out of 5 on Google from 5,457 reviews.

Hotel occupancy · Bahías de Huatulco

When it's busy

DataTur hotel occupancy for Bahías de Huatulco (Oaxaca). DataTur reports by tourism destination: these are the figures for Bahías de Huatulco as a whole, not for Santa María Huatulco alone.

Busiest, on average
March, April, December

Occupancy averages about 72% in December. Book ahead.

Quietest, on average
June, August, October

Occupancy averages about 45% in September, so rooms are easier to find.

In 2024: busiest March (78.2%) · quietest September (42.9%)

January 2024 to December 2024, 0–100% occupancy scale.

Source: Official hotel occupancy statistics from DataTur (SECTUR Mexico). Aggregated across registered lodging categories.

Close by

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Where to stay

Hotels near Bahia de Cacaluta

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