Tangolunda Bay lies just east of Bahia Chahue on the south coast of Oaxaca. The bay has been developed with high end resorts but the beach to the east of the river mouth is open to the public. Bahia Tagolunda is open to the southeast and any swell from the southern sector can make this a rolly anchorage. It is well sheltered from the north and west.

Approaches

Approaching Tangolunda Bay is straight forward.

Anchorage

For protection from a southwesterly swell tuck in behind the western point of the bay in 6.1m on sand. Some cruisers anchoring here have reported being charged a small anchoring fee. Anchorage can be taken on the northeast side of the bay to shelter from the southeast swell. Dinghy ashore at the public beach near the river mouth or at the Playa Pescadores, inside the breakwater on the left, to avoid the swell.

Facilities

All the hotels have fancy restaurants but for something a little more down home try the road behind the Dreams Huatulco Resort. There is an ATM on the road that runs along the left bank of the river.

The tiny beach of Playa Consuelo lies in Bahia La Esperanza, a small cove on the northern side of Bahia Chahue just to the east of the marina entrance. The shallow cove is more of a roadstead anchorage with little shelter from east through south to west and open to swell from the southern sector. This is recommended as a day anchorage only except in mild conditions.

In June 2020 the area was hit by a 7.4 earthquake and the seafloor around Huatulco was deformed and uplifted more than 0.5m in places. The charts for the area are no longer reliable and should be used with caution.

Approaches

Entering Bahia Chahue passage can be taken either side of the isolated rock lying 0.3NM due west of the headland on the east side of the bay. Keep well clear of Islas las Blancas if approaching from the west.

Anchorage

Anchor in the centre of the bay in 6.1m on sand. Dinghy ashore taking care when landing in the surf. Alternatively for visiting town or for clearance procedures tie up at the dinghy dock in the marina.

Facilities

None.