Santa Cruz Huatulco
Discover Huatulco's nine breathtaking bays, offering pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and a tranquil escape on Mexico's Pacific coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Santa Cruz Huatulco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Huatulco's nine breathtaking bays, offering pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and a tranquil escape on Mexico's Pacific coast.
"Huatulco is the tourist destination with the most bays in Mexico, so when you visit you have to visit them all."
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular bay tours, especially the 7-bay option, to ensure availability.
☀️ Avoid Cruise Ship Crowds
Visit Santa Cruz Bay before 11:30 AM to miss the influx of cruise ship passengers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Santa Cruz Bay
Main bay
The vibrant heart of Huatulco, perfect for swimming, dining, and boat tours. A lively hub with a beautiful beach.
Bahía San Agustín
Southern Huatulco
A tranquil oasis known for its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families and a peaceful escape.
Playa Riscalillo
Southern Huatulco
Stunning natural beauty with unique colors, offering a picturesque setting for relaxation and enjoying the ocean.
Seven Bays Tour
Various bays
An essential experience to discover the diverse beauty of Huatulco's coastline by boat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bays
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular bay tours, especially the 7-bay option, to ensure availability.
☀️ Avoid Cruise Ship Crowds
Visit Santa Cruz Bay before 11:30 AM to miss the influx of cruise ship passengers.
🤿 Snorkeling Gear
Bring your own or rent gear for amazing underwater views in the clear bays.
👶 Family-Friendly Beaches
Playa Santa Cruz and Bahía San Agustín are recommended for their calm waters, perfect for kids.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular bay tours, especially the 7-bay option, to ensure availability.
☀️ Avoid Cruise Ship Crowds
Visit Santa Cruz Bay before 11:30 AM to miss the influx of cruise ship passengers.
🤿 Snorkeling Gear
Bring your own or rent gear for amazing underwater views in the clear bays.
👶 Family-Friendly Beaches
Playa Santa Cruz and Bahía San Agustín are recommended for their calm waters, perfect for kids.
🚲 Cycling Adventures
Explore scenic routes like Miahuatlán to Huatulco bays by bike for a unique perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Huatulco is praised for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its nine pristine bays and calm, family-friendly beaches. Visitors love the relaxed atmosphere, the variety of boat tours, and the delicious fresh seafood. Some find it less developed than other Mexican beach towns, which is a positive for those seeking tranquility, though it might lack the bustling nightlife of larger resorts.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The closest airport is Huatulco International Airport (HUX). From there, you can take a taxi or pre-booked shuttle to Santa Cruz Huatulco, which is about a 30-40 minute drive.
Taxis are readily available for getting around the main tourist areas. For exploring the different bays, boat tours are the most popular and convenient option.
Yes, you can drive to Huatulco. The highway from Puerto Escondido is scenic but can be winding.
Boat tours, including catamaran trips and private boat rentals, are the best way to explore the nine bays of Huatulco.
While taxis and tours are common, local buses might serve some routes, but they are less frequently mentioned by tourists compared to other transport options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most beaches in Huatulco are free to access. However, some private beach clubs or specific activities might have entrance fees or minimum consumption requirements.
The cost of bay tours can vary. A 7-bay tour on a catamaran typically ranges from $500-$800 MXN per person, often including lunch and drinks. Private tours will be more expensive.
While the bays are generally accessible, some areas within the national park might have small conservation fees. It's best to check with your tour operator.
Yes, booking tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred dates and times.
Most bay tours include stops at several bays, opportunities for snorkeling, and often lunch and drinks. Some packages may include airport transfers and accommodation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Bahía San Agustín and Playa Santa Cruz are highly recommended for families due to their calm, shallow waters and family-friendly atmosphere.
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, boat tours to explore the bays, kayaking, and dining at beachfront restaurants.
Yes, snorkeling is excellent in many bays, particularly in areas like Bahía Cacaluta and Bahía Chachacual, where you can see diverse marine life.
Evenings are best spent enjoying dinner at one of the many restaurants along Santa Cruz Bay, watching the sunset, or taking a leisurely stroll along the marina.
While not as developed as some other destinations, there are opportunities for cycling, such as the route from Miahuatlán to the bays, offering scenic views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of fresh seafood, traditional Oaxacan dishes, and international cuisine. Beachfront restaurants offer a great dining experience.
Yes, Santa Cruz Bay is lined with numerous restaurants offering everything from local specialties to international fare, with many providing beautiful ocean views.
Don't miss out on fresh ceviche, tlayudas (Oaxacan pizza), and mole. Seafood is a highlight, prepared in various delicious ways.
Many restaurants are accommodating and can prepare vegetarian or vegan dishes upon request, especially with fresh local produce.
Most hotels are located near Santa Cruz Bay, offering easy access to a wide range of restaurants, from casual beachfront eateries to more upscale dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The nine bays themselves, especially during sunrise and sunset, offer stunning photographic opportunities. Playa Riscalillo and Bahía San Agustín are particularly beautiful.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – provide the most beautiful light for capturing the landscapes and beaches.
Drone photography is possible, but be aware of any local regulations or restrictions, especially in protected natural areas or near airports.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bays and beaches. Waterproof cases or bags are useful for beach and boat activities.
Yes, various points along the coast and from boat tours offer excellent vantage points for panoramic shots of the bays and coastline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
adventure seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Huatulco's Nine Bays
For a more tranquil experience, Bahía San Agustín is a top recommendation, known for its calm waters and family-friendly environment. Playa Riscalillo captivates with its unique colors and natural beauty, offering a picturesque escape. Other notable bays include Bahía Cacaluta, often cited for its pristine beauty, and Bahía Chachacual, ideal for snorkeling.
To truly appreciate the diversity, taking a Seven Bays Tour is highly recommended. These tours, often on catamarans, allow you to hop between several bays, providing opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the coastal scenery. It's an efficient way to experience the best of Huatulco's natural wonders in a single day.
Activities and Adventures
Boat tours are the quintessential Huatulco experience. Whether you opt for a group catamaran tour exploring multiple bays or a private charter, it’s an unforgettable way to see the coastline. Some tours even include stops at secluded beaches accessible only by sea. For the more adventurous, cycling routes, like the one from Miahuatlán to the bays, offer a unique way to explore the landscape and enjoy stunning views.
Evenings in Santa Cruz are best enjoyed with a stroll along the marina, taking in the sunset, and dining at one of the many beachfront restaurants. The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Family-Friendly Fun
Boat tours are a great family activity, allowing everyone to enjoy the coastal scenery and discover different beaches without the hassle of driving. Many tours are equipped to cater to families, and some guides even offer tips for keeping children entertained. The relaxed pace of Huatulco allows families to create lasting memories without feeling rushed.


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