Bahias de Huatulco

Dive Conditions to Respect

• Swell and surge: exposed points can surge even when a bay looks calm. Stay off the bottom, keep buoyancy neutral, and avoid tight swim-throughs if surge is running.
• Boat procedures: use an SMB for ascents, listen for prop noise, and follow the guide's pickup protocol.
• Variable visibility: after rain, runoff can reduce visibility and add debris. Choose sheltered sites and shorten exposure if conditions degrade.
• Park timing: the park lists visiting hours and notes restrictions on night scuba within the protected area.

Personal Safety Basics

• Dive within training and keep conservative profiles if you are doing repetitive days.
• Travel with dive insurance and have your policy number accessible.
• Hydrate and manage heat, especially between dives.

Medical Support Reality Check

Huatulco has local clinics and emergency response via municipal services and the Mexican Red Cross. For serious dive injuries, start with local emergency services and then coordinate with your dive insurance and DAN for evacuation and chamber referral.

Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities exist in Oaxaca, but not every chamber is equipped or staffed for emergency decompression illness treatment 24/7. Treat chamber planning as part of your pre-trip research:

• Ask your dive operator what their emergency action plan is.
• Save local emergency numbers in your phone.
• Call DAN for coordination in a suspected dive injury.

Follow the Park's Conservation Rules

Parque Nacional Huatulco publishes visitor regulations and emphasizes "look, do not touch." Key behaviors:

• Do not touch coral, turtles, rays, or any wildlife.
• Do not stand on reef when snorkeling.
• Avoid flash photography and never chase animals for a shot.
• Use moorings when available and never anchor on reef.

Sunscreen Guidance

The park explicitly discourages sunscreen use during swimming and snorkeling. Use long sleeves, hats, and shade instead. If you must use sunscreen, choose reef-safer mineral options and apply well before entering the water.

Support Good Operators

Choose licensed operators that brief rules, limit group sizes, and use moorings. Your choice directly affects reef health.