Snorkeling in Huatulco: 7 Bays & Coral Reefs

Snorkel coral reefs in two virgin bays without arranging the boat or transport

A full-day snorkeling tour in Huatulco takes you by boat through seven bays of the national park, with two dedicated stops for snorkeling and beach time. Hotel pickup and a bilingual guide are included. Refreshments come on board. The snorkeling itself is optional, so swimmers and sunbathers join the same tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Chachacual Baypass by
2. Maguey Bay2h · entry included

Full day boat tour of Huatulco bays

• Depart from hotels to Santa Cruz dock
• Board boat and start bay tour
• Observe 7 bays within Huatulco National Park
• Stop at Chachacual Bay for snorkeling and beach
• Stop at Maguey Bay for swimming and sunbathing
• Optional lunch at Maguey Bay restaurant
• Return to dock and hotels

The experience

The boat departs from Santa Cruz dock after pickup from your hotel and heads into Huatulco National Park to explore seven of the nine bays. The first snorkeling stop is Chachacual Bay, a protected virgin beach where you spend roughly 1 hour 45 minutes in the water and on sand. The snorkeling lasts about 40 minutes and focuses on the coral and fish reefs. If you'd rather stay on the beach, that's equally fine. The second stop is Maguey Bay, where you have around 2 hours to swim, sunbathe or walk down to a beachside restaurant (meals there are separate from the tour price).

Along the route you'll pass the Bufadero, one of the largest blowholes on the coast, and sail past Cacaluta Bay, known from films and commercials. Depending on the season, you may spot dolphins, turtles or migrating whales from the boat. A bilingual guide narrates the journey, and the air-conditioned vehicle that picks you up means you're not arranging separate transport to the dock.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide throughout the day.
• hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport to Santa Cruz dock.
• refreshments on board.
• liability insurance.
• access to Huatulco National Park and two dedicated snorkeling stops at virgin bays.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (6 to 90 years) · Child (1 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 3.15

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by ParaViajantes Tours

Is this one for you?The full-day length means you're committed to the boat from morning through afternoon, so plan the rest of your day around an early pickup and late return. If you want snorkeling without renting your own gear, bring your own mask and fins or plan to snorkel without them: rental is not included and must be arranged separately.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 5 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I snorkel on in Huatulco during this tour?

Chachacual Bay holds coral and fish reefs that you explore during a roughly 40-minute snorkeling window. The snorkeling is optional, so you can spend the time on the beach instead if you prefer.

How much time do I actually spend in the water versus on the boat?

You have two beach stops totaling roughly 3 hours 45 minutes combined: Chachacual for 1 hour 45 minutes and Maguey for around 2 hours. The rest of the day is spent on the boat viewing the bays and wildlife.

Does the tour include food, or do I need to bring my own?

Refreshments come on board. At Maguey Bay, a restaurant sits on the beach where you can order lunch separately and pay directly there. Meals are not included in the tour price.

What wildlife might I see from the boat?

Dolphins and turtles are common sightings. During migration season, whales pass through the bays. You'll also pass the Bufadero, a massive blowhole, and Cacaluta Bay, which appears in films and television.

Is hotel pickup included, and how early does the tour start?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour price. The boat departs from Santa Cruz dock after you're collected, and the full experience runs 7 to 8 hours from start to finish.