Huatulco 7-Bay Snorkel Cruise: Bays of Huatulco, Snorkeling & Beach Lunch
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—need to board/disembark the boat, swim and stand on deck for periods.
Overview
Board at Santa Cruz Pier for a seven-hour cruise through Huatulco's sheltered bays, where morning light and calm water reveal coral gardens, tropical fish, and secluded beaches. The tour pairs two snorkeling stops with a local lunch and bilingual commentary—perfect for travelers who want an accessible, conservation-minded taste of Oaxaca's coast.
Huatulco 7-Bay Snorkel Cruise: Bays of Huatulco, Snorkeling & Beach Lunch
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The morning you board at Santa Cruz Pier the sea already has a voice: a steady hiss under the hull, gulls ironing the air, and the Sierra Madre del Sur folding itself into the horizon like an ancient wall. The boat slips out of the marina and the bays begin to reveal themselves—curved coves of sand and rock, small beaches that seem to have been left for a single family, and reefs that catch sunlight and throw it back as green and blue. You anchor, slide into a mask and fins, and the water takes over: fish weave through coral fingers, and the current nudges you along as if encouraging careful exploration.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
To protect coral and marine life, use only reef-safe sunscreen and reapply before snorkeling and after swimming.
Know your pickup time
Hotel pickups start about 30 minutes before the tour; confirm your exact pickup time with the provider and be in the lobby early.
Floatation available on request
If you are not a confident swimmer request a flotation vest from your guide before entering the water.
Bring small cash
Lunch and gratuities are not fully covered—carry small bills for restaurant dishes, drinks or tips.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtle
- Parrotfish
History
The Huatulco bays have long supported coastal fishing communities; the area later became a focus for eco-tourism and protected-area efforts to balance development with habitat preservation.
Conservation
Portions of the bay complex fall under federal protection; visitors are asked to use reef-safe products, avoid touching coral and follow guides instructions to limit impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in La Crucecita (Huatulco)
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask, snorkel and fins
Having your own gear ensures a better fit and clearer views when exploring reefs.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the fragile coral ecosystems you will visit.
summer specific
Quick-dry towel and change of clothes
Useful for after-swim comfort and dressing for the return trip.
Waterproof phone case or small dry bag
Keeps valuables dry and lets you snap photos from the boat without risk.