Cacaluta Bay (Bahia de Cacaluta)
The Basics
Two distinctly different beaches make up this scenic bay in Huatulco. Cacaluta Beach is the larger of the two, with soft white sand and blue-green water that stretches around a secluded cove. The bay’s smaller, pebbly Arroyo Beach is just as pretty, but with gentler waves. Visit Cacaluta Bay independently or on a Huatulco Bays sightseeing cruise. Tours typically visit five or seven of the nine bays and include stops for swimming and snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
Huatulco’s Bahia de Cacaluta is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.
Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
Plan to carry enough food, water, and supplies for a day at the beach, as there are no amenities here.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Cacaluta Bay is by boat. You can also hike for about 20 minutes along a well-marked trail that leads from the main road to the beach. Taxis can drop you at the entrance to Cacaluta, but you’ll need to walk to the taxi stand at Maguey Beach, about half a mile (1 kilometer) away, to get a ride back into town.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Cacaluta Bay is lovely year-round; mornings offer better conditions and calmer waters for swimming and snorkeling. The rough, unpaved road that connects Cacaluta Bay with Huatulco’s other bays can be difficult to navigate during rainy season (May to October).
Cacaluta Bay Wildlife
Cacaluta Bay is home to an impressive array of wildlife and lots of indigenous birds, including several different kinds of sea birds. Many of the birds and other small animals make their home in the jungle surrounding the bay. In addition to bird-watching, the bay’s clear waters and ease of snorkeling from shore make it one of the best spots to see tropical fish and rays.
- La Ventanilla
- Copalita River (Río Copalita)
- Finca La Gloria
- Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga)
- Zipolite Beach (Playa Zipolite)
- Huatulco National Park (Parque Nacional Huatulco)
- La Crucecita
- Órgano Bay (Bahía Órgano)
- Tangolunda Bay (Bahía Tangolunda)
- Santa Cruz Bay (Bahía Santa Cruz)
- Copalita Ecological Park and Ruins (Parque Eco Arqueológico Copalita)
- Playa La Entrega (La Entrega Bay)
- Maguey Bay (Bahía Maguey)
- Chachacual Bay
- San Agustin Bay (Bahía San Agustín)