Huatulco: Bays of Huatulco boat tour

Exploring the Bays of Huatulco by Boat: A Detailed Look

If you’re considering a day on the water in Huatulco, the Bays of Huatulco boat tour offers a chance to see this stunning stretch of coast from a unique perspective. We’ve checked out what travelers are saying and what you can expect, and honestly, it sounds like a pretty solid way to spend a day—especially if you’re into scenic views, snorkeling, and fresh seafood.

One thing we really like is how this tour covers multiple bays, giving you a comprehensive look at the area without feeling rushed. Plus, the chance to snorkel in a protected underwater park and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch are definite highlights. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour may not be ideal if you’re looking for a more relaxed, low-key experience—it’s a full 7 hours, with some busy spots, especially at the snorkeling beach.

This experience suits those who appreciate a well-organized day out on the water, with plenty of opportunities for photos, swimming, and learning about Huatulco’s natural beauty. If you’re traveling with kids or elderly companions, keep in mind that this tour isn’t tailored for mobility issues, and it’s quite full-day. However, for active travelers and sea-lovers, it can be a fantastic way to see the area’s best features.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive Bay Coverage: The tour visits several stunning bays, including Santa Cruz, Organo, Maguey, Cacaluta, and Chachacual.
• Snorkeling in a Protected Area: The snorkeling stop in Bay of Chachacual offers a chance to see colorful fish and marine life in an ecological reserve.
• Scenic Views & Photo Opportunities: Expect breathtaking vistas of beaches, lush vegetation, and natural formations like the “Rostro Mixteco” face.
• Full-Day Experience: With around 7 hours of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and lunch, it’s a substantial trip.
• Delicious Seafood Lunch: The meal features local specialties like fish a la talla, lobster, and stuffed pineapple, adding a tasty cultural touch.
• Practical Details: The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, drinks, and an expert bilingual guide, making logistics easier for travelers.

What to Expect from the Tour

The journey begins in La Crucecita, where your guide picks you up and takes you to Santa Cruz pier, the starting point of this adventure. From there, you board a spacious boat that’ll be your home for the day, offering great views and the chance to relax as you cruise across the coastline.

The first stop is the Bay of Chachacual, part of the Huatulco National Park and a true ecological gem. This bay is untouched—no resorts or crowds—making it ideal for snorkeling. You’ll explore the shallow reefs, where vibrant fish, starfish, and sea urchins are common sights. The bay itself is quite wide (about 1,200 meters long), with moderate waves perfect for a quick swim and some underwater exploration. As one reviewer put it, “the service on board is very good and the views are spectacular,” which highlights the overall positive vibe here.

After snorkeling, the boat moves along to see some interesting natural sights like the bufadero, the “Rostro Mixteco” face carved by nature, and a turtle-shaped island. If luck is on your side, you might spot marine creatures like manta rays, dolphins, and turtles, adding a bit of magic to the cruise. This part of the trip offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially when passing by lush landscapes and unusual rock formations.

Next, you’ll head to Maguey Bay for more swimming and relaxation. This bay is known for its calmer waters and scenic beauty, perfect for a leisurely dip or just lounging on the beach. Here, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy the seafood lunch, which is often a highlight for many travelers. Expect dishes like fish a la talla, stuffed pineapple, lobster with butter, and shrimp au gratin—delicious, fresh, and well-presented.

The tour wraps up with a return cruise to Santa Cruz, where some reviews mention feeling like they had the beach to themselves during their early arrival. One traveler said, “we got to the beach earlier than any other, and it felt like we had the beach to ourselves,” which makes this a good option for those seeking a more private feel, even if only for a little while.

The Snorkeling and Beach Stops

Snorkeling in the Bay of Chachacual is a major selling point—it’s part of a protected ecological reserve, so the marine life tends to be lively and colorful. You’ll explore shallow waters, making it accessible even if you’re new to snorkeling, although rental equipment comes at an extra cost ($200 per person). Many reviews mention that guides are attentive and take care of you in the water, which is reassuring for those less experienced.

The beach at Chachacual is sizable and offers a decent stretch for swimming and relaxing after your underwater adventure. However, keep in mind that the beach can get crowded later in the day, so arriving early might give you a quieter experience. The water quality and natural beauty are praised, but it’s worth noting that the sun can be intense, so bringing biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water is advised.

Maguey Bay provides a more relaxed environment where you can swim and unwind. The calmer waters make it a favorite for some travelers who prefer less wave action and more lounging. Plus, the seafood lunch here is often described as fresh and flavorful, making it a true highlight of the tour.

The Scenic Cruise and Natural Highlights

The boat ride itself is a relaxing way to see the coastline, with views of green vegetation and striking rock formations. Notable sights include the bufadero, a natural blowhole, and the turtle-shaped island, both perfect for quick photos. If you enjoy observing wildlife, keep an eye out for seabirds and, with a bit of luck, some marine mammals.

Several reviewers commented on the knowledgeable guides, who are bilingual and well-versed in the area’s natural features and ecology. One said, “the guides are very friendly and attentive,” which adds confidence that you’ll be in good hands.

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Practicalities and Considerations

The tour costs $48 per person, which we find to be good value considering the length and variety of activities. Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, drinks (water and soda), and the guidance of an expert bilingual guide. You will need to handle the port tax ($5.50) and, if you want to snorkel, rent equipment ($200). The seafood lunch is part of the experience, but drinks or snacks outside that are not included in the price.

The duration is approximately 7 hours, so it’s a full-day outing. It starts early, with hotel pickups beginning about 45 minutes before the trip, and it wraps up back in La Crucecita around 5 PM. Be prepared for a modest amount of cash expenditure for extras and a busy schedule that might not suit those seeking a very relaxed, slow-paced day.

Some reviews mention that the initial gathering could be a little chaotic and that the trip sometimes starts later than planned. But overall, most travelers find the organization sufficient for a full-day adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat tour is well-suited for active travelers who love exploring nature and don’t mind a full day on the water. It’s perfect if you’re looking to see multiple bays, snorkel in a protected area, and enjoy a hearty seafood meal. It’s also a good fit if you value knowledgeable guides and scenic views.

If you’re traveling with children or have mobility issues, you might find this tour challenging—it’s a lengthy, physically active day with some walking and swimming involved. Not ideal for those seeking a relaxed, low-key beach day without a schedule.

For anyone wanting to experience Huatulco’s natural beauty, scenery, and marine life in a single day, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse at the area’s best features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While snorkeling is optional, the tour involves some swimming and beach time. If you’re not comfortable in the water, you can still enjoy the views and relaxing boat ride, but snorkeling might be less enjoyable.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers hotel pickup and drop-off, drinks on board (water and soda), and the guidance of a bilingual expert. The seafood lunch is also part of the package.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes. You need to pay a port tax ($5.50), and snorkel equipment rental ($200) if you choose to snorkel. The conservation bracelet ($58) is an optional purchase.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, from pickup in the morning to return in the late afternoon.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s generally not recommended for small children or those with mobility limitations, due to the full-day nature and physical activity involved.

What kind of boat is used?
The tour typically uses a spacious boat that can accommodate a group comfortably, making the ride pleasant even for those prone to seasickness.

How crowded does it get?
The early arrival at Chachacual Beach helps some travelers avoid crowds, but late in the day, beaches may be busier. Arriving early is advised for a quieter experience.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Huatulco: Bays of Huatulco boat tour offers a solid way to experience the area’s natural beauty and marine life. With scenic cruising, snorkeling, and a tasty seafood lunch, it’s a full package for those craving adventure and outdoor fun. Most travelers find the guides to be knowledgeable and attentive, and the views are often described as breathtaking.

This tour is best suited for active, curious travelers who want to see multiple bays in one day, enjoy some snorkeling, and indulge in fresh seafood. It’s not for those seeking a slow, relaxing day on the beach, but if you’re ready for a full, engaging trip, it’s definitely worth considering.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler looking to tick off a must-do activity in Huatulco, this boat tour balances natural beauty, wildlife, and good food—delivered with a friendly touch and practical organization.

You can check availability for your dates here: