Playa Chahue: What to do in Oaxaca’s Dream Beach

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Check out what to do in Playa Chahué, Oaxaca. Learn about one of Mexico’s dreamiest beaches and figure out when to go and what to pack.

Sunset on Playa Chahue with lighthouse

Playa Chahue is a gorgeous little beach along the Bahía Chahué in Oaxaca province, Mexico. This perfect slice of paradise is a great place to stop for a few days if you are traveling through Oaxaca and the southern portion of Mexico. 

Known for great surf, stunning golden sand beaches, and a hip and lively atmosphere, Playa Chahué is definitely somewhere that should be on your radar.

About Playa Chahue

lounge chairs on Playa Chahue in Mexico

The beach is located in the town of Santa María Huatulco. Like many places in Central and South America, locals loved the name Chahue (pronounced cha-way) so much that they have used it over and over again. 

You’ll find that Chahue refers to several different places in the area. For example, Bahía Chahué refers to the bay, and Playa Chahué refers to the main beach. Some people even refer to Chahue as the residential area located between the beach and Benito Juarez Blvd in town.

So, for this reason, we’ll differentiate between the bay and the beach by calling them Bahía Chahue and Playa Chahue or Chahue Beach, respectively. 

Things to do in Playa Chahue

Playa Chahue, Huatulco, is a dreamy little beach perfect for soaking up the sun for a few days. Check out some of the fantastic things you can do while visiting Oaxaca.

Hit the beach

overview of curved Playa Chahue in Huatulco

The most popular spot in Huatulco is Playa Chahue. The beach is about 500 m (⅓ of a mile) of straight, powder-soft sand, perfect for an afternoon of soccer, volleyball, or yoga. 

The water here is a brilliant, sparkling blue, and you can see straight to the bottom of the shallow sea. In addition, there are interesting rock formations that provide a stunning backdrop to the beach. 

Known as The Sleeping Giant to the locals, you can follow the hills that slope into the sea to see if you can spot the distinct shape of a sleeping man lying on the ocean floor.

In 2013 the beach earned its Blue Flag status, meaning it has excellent water quality, and is known for its safety and services, among other things. But to the beachgoer, it means it’s in pristine condition. 

Because temperatures consistently hover between 30-35℃ (86-95℉), you can enjoy the beach all year. 

Playa Chahue en Huatulco offers sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, showers and toilets, and a great beach restaurant on site. It has everything you need to have the perfect day at the beach. 

Pro Tip: Sometimes, the ocean has strong undercurrents and rip tides. There are lifeguards during the high season who use a color flag system to signify if the water is safe for swimming that day.

So keep an eye on children and only enter the water if you are a confident swimmer. Otherwise, take advantage of the amenities at the beach.

Visit a Playa Chahue beach club

image of wooden tables and chairs on the beach in Playa Chahue

Because the ocean can be tumultuous, head to one of the amazing beach clubs nearby! 

Here you can enjoy the stunning sea views, relax in the shade, and dip in a private pool. 

For a moderate fee, you can enjoy a day at one of the private clubs, many of which are located within a stunning Chahue beach hotel. For the price of admission, you will receive access to the beach club and other amenities, such as food and drinks, plus the use of pools and gyms. 

Some great options include Sea Soul Huatulco, Quinta Bella Huatulco, and Hotel Castillo Beach Club. 

Take a stroll

drone viewo f Chahue beach in Huatulco, Mexico

There is a lovely beach walk along Chahue Beach, Huatulco. This 1.6 km (about 1 mile) out-and-back trail takes about 30 minutes to complete and is excellent for birding, walking, or running. This is also the perfect spot to see an epic sunset, so make sure you have your camera ready.

If strolling along the champagne-colored sand sounds like your idea of heaven, head to the parking lot next to Parque Hundido Chahue. This will be the starting point of your walk.

Go surfing

Two Surfers going to Surf

The surf at Chahue Beach is perfect for intermediate surfers. 

The waves here are pretty consistent, thanks to the Pacific Shelf located about 3 km (1.8 miles) offshore. This protects the bay from the severe waves that the Pacific is known for and allows for decent-sized swells that surfers love.

June, July, and October are the best months for surfing. 

Check out Chahue Corner

two glasses with a reflection of the palm trees in them at sunset

Chahue Corner is a great place to spend an afternoon in Huatulco. 

Here you’ll find several small, locally owned businesses on the beach. From cafés to wine bars, this little plaza has something for everyone. So grab a coffee and watch the waves lap the shore, or enjoy a glass of wine as the sun goes down. 

Occasionally, the area even offers live music! 

Explore other nearby beaches

flat golden beach with a palapa, palms and hills

Playa Chahue in Bahías de Huatulco is just one of several beaches in the area. You can easily spend an afternoon at Playa Tejon, a quaint beach named after the cute animal you can spot scampering through the trees near the shore.

You can also explore Playa San Andrés. Located at the edge of Chahue Bay on the Santa Cruz peninsula. You’ll find that the beach isn’t great for swimming or snorkeling because it is so exposed, but it is a great spot to explore.

To reach this beach, you’ll have to hike down a slightly steep path, but the views of the crystal-clear waters and fascinating rock formations are definitely worth it.

Playa La Esperanza is a secret beach located only 2 km (1.2 miles) east of Playa Chahue. You can only get here on foot or on a bike, making this small, undeveloped beach feel like your own private island.

The list of incredible beaches in Huatulco is practically endless. If beach hopping is your thing, rent a car to make it easier. Otherwise, taxis are plentiful.

Weather in Playa Chahue

sunset on Playa Chahue with paddle boats on the shore

Dry season runs from December through April. And when they say dry, they mean dry. As in you won’t get a drop of rain during these months. 

Rainy season lasts from May through November, but don’t let this deter you from traveling then. You’ll typically see one large storm each day, usually in the evenings, lasting 2-4 hours. That means you’ll still have plenty of time to hit the beach!

While the ocean is warm enough to swim year-round, certain times are better to visit. January and February are the most popular months to visit, especially for Canadian and American tourists. The weather is lovely, with temperatures averaging 31℃ (88℉) during the day and a pleasant 21℃ (70℉) in the evenings. 

This is also peak whale season. You can catch humpback whales migrating from the Arctic Ocean to the southern Pacific if you’re lucky. 

Keep in mind that because this is peak season, it will be a bit more expensive and is often more crowded. So if you are keen to visit during this time, book your accommodation early.

September is typically the least visited month in Playa Chahue because it is often overcast and dreary. Avoid traveling then if you are after ample sunshine and time on the beach. 

Packing List Essentials for Chahue Beach

a couple's sandy feet with their kids in the background playing on Chahue Beach

When visiting Playa Chahue, Oaxaca, you’ll want to pack the following items:

  • Plenty of bathing suits
  • Hat/Sunglasses
  • Rash guard for surfing
  • Strong SPF Sunscreen that is also reef safe
  • After sun lotion
  • Sand resistant towel
  • Portable safe/lockable bag
  • GoPro or waterproof camera
  • A good book

Map of Playa Chahue

If you’re wondering where Chahue Beach is located, fear not! We’ve got you covered. You’ll find this charming little beach town right along Bahía Chahue on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Check out this map.

How to get to Playa Chahue

drone view of end of Playa Chahue with rocky outcrops

Once you’re in Mexico, your best bet is to find transportation to Santa María Huatulco or Tangolunda (another nearby town) and then make your way to the beach from there. 

For example, if you are starting your trip to Mexico City, hop on a domestic flight to Huatulco (HUX). There are four daily flights, and tickets are extremely reasonable on domestic airlines. The airport is only 17 km (10.5 miles) from the beach, and you can easily grab a taxi or shuttle once you land.

It is also possible to fly from Oaxaca to Huatulco. Flights from Oaxaca only take an hour and 15 minutes.

Another option is to get to Tangolunda first, then head on to Playa Chahue. Tangolunda Beach is only 5.2 km (3 miles) east of Playa Chahue. So if you want to spend a few nights there or are passing through, you can easily grab a 7-minute taxi to bring you to Chahue. 

No matter how you decide to get to Playa Chahue, you’ll be glad you added this quaint little beach town to your Mexican adventure. 

FAQ

Is Playa Chahue safe?

Yes. Huatulco’s crime rate is relatively low, but always keep an eye on your belongings. It’s just good practice wherever you travel.

Can you swim at Playa Chahue?

Yes–but use caution. A lifeguard on duty uses a flag system to note currents and safety levels, but the sea can be rough and unpredictable. Be mindful if you aren’t a confident swimmer.

What is the closest town to Playa Chahue?

Santa María Huatulco is the closest town.

What is the closest airport to Playa Chahue?

Santa María Huatulco International Airport (HUX) is the closest.

Posted May 25, 2023
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Samantha Bryant
Samantha has been wandering the globe since 2010, when she hopped on a plane for a gap year in order to wait out an age restriction for a job application. Twelve years, four continents, and countless experiences later she has decided that she is perfectly content embracing her wanderlust. Samantha works as an English and ELL teacher at an international school in South Africa, but her passion for writing has kept her busy in what spare time she can find. If she isn't working or writing, you can find Samantha exploring a new city in an off-the-beaten-path destination or relaxing on a beach somewhere.
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