Morning Light at La Entrega: Snorkel, Kayak and Sail the Secret Cove of Huatulco
A sheltered cove where snorkeling, kayak dawns and bay cruises converge—your practical guide to Huatulco’s clearest waters
The first light over Playa La Entrega pushes a thin, pink seam across the Pacific and the cove answers with a slow, receptive shimmer. You stand at the edge of a protected reef with fins in hand, the rhythm of small waves ticking like a borrowed metronome. Behind you, the low, green shoulders of the Sierra Madre del Sur slope into the bays; ahead, the sea is a glassy door into a world of parrotfish, butterflyfish and a patient hawksbill turtle that seems to assess you before resuming its grazing. This is La Entrega: a small beach with a big reputation among Huatulco’s bays for calm water, clear visibility and an easy, immediate intimacy with the ocean.
Trail Wisdom
Go at dawn for calmer water
Sunrise kayaking and early-morning snorkeling reduce boat traffic and often give the best visibility and still water.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Choose mineral-based sunscreen and apply at least 20 minutes before entering the water to protect coral and marine life.
Wear reef shoes for shore entries
Sandy channels and rocky patches near the shore make water shoes useful for entering and exiting during snorkeling stops.
Book small-group tours
Smaller boats and guided snorkel trips reduce crowding on the reef and improve the quality of your experience.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early-morning paddle to a small sand spit visible at low tide near Chahue Bay
- •Forest trail lookouts on the short hike into Cacaluta Bay for island and reef panoramas
Wildlife
Hawksbill and green sea turtles, Bottlenose dolphins and seasonal whales offshore
Conservation Note
Local operators follow park rules and many tours limit group size and promote reef-safe products; visitors are asked to avoid single-use plastics and to not touch coral.
The Bahías de Huatulco area has long been used by Mixtec and Zapotec peoples as coastal fishing grounds; modern protection balances tourism with traditional uses.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Snorkeling visibility, Kayaking, Wildlife watching
Challenges: Occasional spring winds, Higher visitor numbers
Spring brings clear water and warm temperatures, ideal for snorkeling and kayaking, but expect more tour boats and occasional onshore wind.
summer
Best for: Warmest ocean temperatures, Lush coastal jungle hikes, Evening boat cruises
Challenges: Rain showers, Higher humidity and choppy afternoons
Summer is hot and humid with afternoon showers; mornings can still be excellent for water activities before wind builds.
fall
Best for: Lower crowds, Snorkeling, Boat-based wildlife sightings
Challenges: Residual rainy-season swell, variable visibility
Fall sees fewer visitors and pleasant water temps, though periodic swell from early storms can reduce visibility.
winter
Best for: Whale watching offshore, Dry-season calm, Clear visibility
Challenges: Higher tourist demand, Cooler mornings
Winter is the dry season with the best visibility and steady seas; it’s popular for whale migration viewing and ideal for boat tours.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Snorkel set (mask, snorkel, fins)Essential
Having your own well-fitting mask improves comfort and visibility in the reef water.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin while minimizing damage to coral and marine life.
Light waterproof daypack or dry bag
Keeps essentials dry during boat transfers and beach stops.
Water shoesEssential
Protects feet on rocky shore entries and reef sandbars.
Common Questions
How deep is the snorkeling area at La Entrega?
Most snorkel zones are shallow, typically 1.5–5 meters, with sandy channels and coral patches ideal for surface snorkelers.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
Many tours provide basic gear but a personal, well-fitting mask is recommended for comfort and fit.
Can beginners safely snorkel here?
Yes, the bay is sheltered and calm; guided snorkel tours and short lessons are available for first-timers.
Are there opportunities to see turtles and dolphins?
Yes, sea turtles are regularly seen around La Entrega and many bay tours report sightings of dolphins; whales are seasonal further offshore.
Is the reef protected and are there park rules to follow?
La Entrega is within the Bahías de Huatulco protected area; avoid touching coral, take out all trash and follow guide instructions.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning offers the calmest conditions and best visibility; late afternoon has fewer tourists but can be windier.
What to Pack
Mask and fins for fit and comfort, reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral, water shoes for shore entries, light dry bag for camera and valuables
Did You Know
Bahías de Huatulco National Park protects nine bays and 36 beaches and was declared a federally protected area in 1998 to conserve marine and coastal ecosystems.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning departures for calmer waters; bring cash for small beach restaurants; confirm whether snorkel gear is included; choose reef-safe sunscreen
Local Flavor
Huatulco blends low-key coastal life with Oaxacan culinary tradition; sample mezcal, fresh ceviche and the region’s stuffed pineapple specialty in El Maguey while chatting with local fishers.
Logistics Snapshot
Access: short boat rides from Santa Cruz or Chahue docks; Time needed: half-day for focused snorkeling, full-day for multi-bay tours; Essentials: reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable swimwear, cash for beach eateries.
Sustainability Note
Choose operators that limit group size, use proper waste disposal and promote reef-safe practices; never stand on coral and pack out all trash.