Nestled in one of the nine well-known bays in Huatulco, Mexico, is Playa Tangolunda. With crystal clear aquamarine water, the 500-meter stretch of golden sand is popular for luxury holiday goers with high-end hotels in the exclusive bay area.
If you think the hotels may be out of your budget, don’t stop reading—Tangolunda Beach is still accessible to the public. With romantic ocean views, delicious seafood restaurants and water sports activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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The details about Playa Tangolunda
Consisting of both public and private areas, Playa Tangolunda, Huatulco, is paradise on earth.
Where is Playa Tangolunda?
Whether you have or haven’t heard of Playa Tangolunda before, let’s start by telling you where this beach is located in Mexico.
Situated in the state of Oaxaca on the Pacific Coast is an area known as Huatulco. Its nine bays are known as the Bahias of Huatulco.
Bahia Tangolunda is home to Playa Tangolunda and four additional beaches.
The Playa de Tangolunda
Time to visualize what Playa Tangolunda looks like.
Imagine a secluded bay stretching for 500m (0.31 miles) with sublime swimming conditions. The waves in Tangolunda Bay are not very strong, making it a perfect place for families.
For those who can’t sunbathe and relax for the day, check out the numerous water sports available, including sup-surfing, sea kayaking and beach volleyball.
Pro tip: There is no public access for wheelchairs along the beachfront.
The Restaurants in Tangolunda
If you need to retreat from the sun, why not check out some of the Tangolunda restaurants and cafes in the hotel zone.
For a delicious brunch (because why not sleep in on holidays!), head to Cafe Juanita, where you can enjoy a mix of Mexican and international cuisine with tables by the waterfront.
For fresh seafood in the area, head to Don Porfirio for delicious prawns and lobsters. Be sure to order the mezcal shrimp, which are cooked tableside.
All-inclusive Playa Tangolunda Resorts
Playa Tangolunda, Oaxaca, is home to numerous all-inclusive resorts. Besides waking up in the morning to the sound of crashing waves and gorgeous ocean views, you can keep your wallet in your room as you enjoy the included services.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway, some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico are in the area.
The Best Things to do Around Playa Tangolunda
Visit the Neighboring Beaches
Playa Tangolunda, Oaxaca, is just one beach within the nine-bay areas comprising Huatulco’s 25 km (15.5 miles) coastal strip. All in, there are 36 beautiful beaches with soft sand and light blue and emerald water.
Below are just some of the beaches to check out, each with a distinct energy and vibe.
- Ventura Beach: Only seven minutes away by car, this small beach is perfect for those looking to relax and swim in the gentle waves. Great sea life, coral, and fish make it idyllic for snorkeling.
- Arrocito Beach: Another small beach that can get busy during the high season. On the plus side, some shade makes it ideal for families.
- Rincón Sabroso Beach: Located in Tangolunda Bay, you’ll find a picture-perfect sandy white beach with beautiful clear water. The waves can be slightly more intense here.
- Playa La Entrega: This has to be one of the most photographable beaches and is only 11 minutes by car from Playa Tangolunda. You will find a row of seafood restaurants serving some of the freshest in the area.
- Bahia de Cacaluta: You must take a boat or hike to this beach, but it’s certainly rewarding. Due to the remoteness, you will almost have the beach to yourself.
- La Manzanilla: If you are coming with a younger family, this is a great beach to visit, as the waves are calm. Access is by a staircase, so it’s not advised for people with mobility issues. Otherwise, you can take a boat there.
- La Tornillo: This beach is easy to get to as it’s also located in Tangolunda Bay. If you prefer to avoid crowds, this is a great choice. You can also get a day pass to Las Brisas Huatulco Hotel.
Head to Huatulco National Park
This is a must for nature lovers. Framed by the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, you’ll see low jungle vegetation, mangroves, seasonal wetlands and beaches.
Can you believe the area is home to 130 species of mammals, 282 species of birds, 400 species of butterflies, and a large variety of fish and water wildlife?
You can visit on your own or as part of a tour.
Whether you decide to explore the trails, relax on an isolated beach or join a snorkeling/scuba diving tour, it will be a fun day of activities.
Take a Boat Tour Around the Nine Bays
If you are short of time or don’t fancy driving far to visit neighboring beaches, you should opt for a boat tour.
You’ll be able to visit numerous beaches in one day, including the off-the-grid paradise of Playa La India, see the various bay areas of Huatulco and enjoy snorkeling with abundant marine life and coral.
Playa Tangolunda Weather
Before getting into the ins and outs of Tangolunda weather, the key thing to understand is that this bay area is beautiful year-round.
While the average temperatures remain between 21°C (69.8°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), it’s worth noting when the low and high seasons are.
The high season occurs between December and April, coinciding with the Christmas break and snowbird season. You can expect higher prices for flights and accommodation with people booking up to a year in advance.
Pro tip: Humpback whales can be commonly spotted from December to the end of March as they migrate to the more southern areas of the Pacific.
The low season occurs between May and November. The benefit of visiting during these months is that there will be fewer crowds, and the visibility in the water is insane.
May is the warmest month, and the humidity is high with no rainfall.
What about rainfall? If visiting between November and May, it’s almost guaranteed that there will be no rain. There will likely be thunderous tropical downpours for the other months of the year, but in general, they are short-lived.
Through your research, you may discover that in May 2022, Hurricane Agatha hit the area. While possible, Huatulco does not get hurricanes regularly, only about one every 15-20 years.
Packing List Essentials for Playa Tangolunda
You have booked your flights and accommodation in anticipation of your Tangolunda Beach Huatulco holiday. Now it’s time to work out what to pack.
Of course, you’ll need all the beach necessities, including swimwear, a bathing suit cover-up, some light clothing, sunscreen and a hat. Besides these critical items, here are a few more essentials to add to your suitcase:
- Mosquito repellent – Mosquitoes are at their worst if you visit in July and August, so don’t ruin your holiday break by getting bitten.
- Dry bag – If you plan to bring valuables to the beach, be smart and bring a bag that will keep everything inside dry.
- Snorkel gear – If you own a snorkel and mask, why not pack them? It will save you the cost of hiring the gear when you are here.
- Sandshoes – Even though you may be primarily going for a beach holiday, there are plenty of excellent hikes in the area. After a few miles in flip-flops, your feet may hurt.
- A water bottle – With hot temperatures year-round, bring your own water bottle to fill up before hitting the beach.
Playa Tangolunda Map
Check out this interactive map of Playa Tangolunda and the surrounding bays that make Huatulco such a popular place for beach vacations.
How to Get to Playa Tangolunda
Playa Tangolunda is located in Southern Mexico in the state of Oaxaca.
The closest airport to the area is Bahías de Huatulco International Airport which has direct flights from Mexico City, Tijuana, and Oaxaca, as well as some seasonal flights from places in America and Canada.
The flight time from Mexico City to Bahías de Huatulco International Airport is 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the airport to Playa Tangolunda, it is another 40-minute transfer in a minivan to the beach.
If you arrive in the state’s capital, it will take you approximately six hours by car from Oaxaca City to La Crucecita, the next town over.
FAQ
Bahias De Huatulco International Airport is only 40 minutes away by car.
Tangolunda happens to be one of the best beach towns in Huatulco, with numerous hotels, restaurants and activities to enjoy.
Yep. This beach and the area around Tangolunda are one of the safest in Mexico. The locals are friendly, and there are low crime rates. But, as with any destination, it’s always wise to be cautious, particularly in the evening.
Yes. It is located in a secluded bay area, so the conditions are perfect for swimming. However, at times the waves can get strong depending on the tides.
