Snorkeling in Huatulco: Bays cruise with lunch

Coral reefs and three bays in one morning, then lunch at the water's edge.

Snorkel Huatulco National Park's coral reefs on a guided cruise through the bays with roundtrip hotel pickup, soft drinks onboard and a local lunch at Maguey Bay. The boat carries a live guide in English and Spanish, and you choose whether to snorkel or relax on the beaches instead. Children under three ride free.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and local lunch experience

• Snorkel at Huatulco National Park
• Enjoy local lunch at Maguey Bay

The Experience

You get picked up from your Huatulco hotel 15 minutes after you're ready in the lobby, then head to Marina Chahue pier where the boat departs for a guided cruise through the protected bays. The guide narrates in English and Spanish as you pass the Sierra Madre Mountains in the distance and move between the bay stops. Soft drinks are onboard throughout the seven hours.

At Huatulco National Park, you snorkel the coral reefs in crystal clear water, or stay on the beach if you'd rather not enter the water. The park is a federal protected area, so the reefs and wildlife stay intact — you're seeing the bays as they're meant to be seen. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent it on the boat (250 MXN per person, paid separately). You'll need swimwear and a change of clothes; bring spending cash for the rental and the park fee (70 MXN per person).

Lunch happens at Maguey Bay, where you choose from the restaurant's menu and eat at a table overlooking the water. The boat returns you to your hotel by late afternoon. If you prefer to meet the boat directly instead of hotel pickup, you can go straight to Marina Chahue pier — just let the operator know when you book.

What’s included

• Roundtrip hotel pickup (if selected).
• guided cruise through the bays with live commentary in English and Spanish.
• soft drinks onboard.
• lunch at Maguey Bay restaurant of your choice.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Huatulco Travel Experience

Is this one for you?You'll share a boat with other travelers and follow a set route with stops at multiple bays—choose this if you want snorkeling and beach time without deciding where to go, or pick a private charter if you prefer to plan your own stops.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What exactly will I snorkel in Huatulco National Park?

Huatulco National Park protects coral reefs in crystal clear water where you snorkel among the reef fish and structures. The park is a federal natural protected area, so the reefs are intact and the wildlife stays close. You can also choose to stay on the beach instead of entering the water.

Is snorkel gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

You can bring your own snorkel gear or rent it on the boat for 250 MXN per person, paid at the time. Swimwear and a change of clothes are your responsibility.

How long is the whole activity, and what time does it start?

The activity runs seven hours total. Hotel pickup happens 15 minutes after you're ready in the lobby at your scheduled time, and the boat departs from Marina Chahue pier. You'll be back at your hotel by late afternoon.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Roundtrip hotel transportation, the guided bay cruise, soft drinks onboard and lunch at Maguey Bay are included. The snorkel gear rental (250 MXN), the national park fee (70 MXN) and any food or drinks beyond what's listed are paid separately. Gratuity is left to your discretion.

Can I choose to skip snorkeling and just relax on the beach instead?

Yes. You can snorkel the coral reefs or stay on the beach at Huatulco National Park — the choice is yours when you arrive. Either way, you're part of the same guided cruise through the bays.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the boat, or is pickup included?

Roundtrip transportation from your Huatulco hotel is included if you select that option at checkout. If you prefer, you can meet the boat directly at Marina Chahue pier instead and skip the pickup.