Snorkeling in Huatulco: Hiking, viewpoints and marine life

Three and a half hours combining reef snorkeling, coastal hiking and panoramic overlooks

A guided snorkeling and hiking tour in Huatulco picks you up and takes you to Santa Cruz Bay for a protected snorkel in clear water, two elevated viewpoints over the bays, and a hike through wetlands and mangrove forest with a certified guide trained in birdwatching and local flora. The tour includes air-conditioned transport, snorkeling equipment, water, sodas and fresh fruit. A guide speaks English or Spanish and the minimum age is 12.

The experience

The morning starts with pickup and a drive to Santa Cruz Bay, where you enter a protected snorkeling area in shallow, clear water stocked with reef fish and marine life. The guide stays with the group in the water, so you're not navigating solo. Before and after the snorkel, two viewpoints frame the geography: the first overlooks Santa Cruz Bay and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. The second is the Lighthouse viewpoint, a 180-degree vista stretching from Tangolunda Bay to Maguey Bay.

Between the water and the views comes a hike through a shaded landscape of wetlands, mangroves and native trees. Your guide is certified in birdwatching and can point out the flora and any birds moving through the canopy. The route leads to El Órgano beach, where the snorkeling happens in a designated protected zone. The terrain is moderate, not a scramble, but the operator notes you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

After the snorkel, the group refreshes with bottled water, sodas and fresh fruit before heading back. The whole outing runs three and a half hours. Snorkeling equipment, liability insurance and the air-conditioned vehicle are all included. You bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with pickup.
• snorkeling equipment and liability insurance.
• bottled water, sodas and fresh fruit.
• a certified guide trained in birdwatching and local flora.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Senior (71 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 30

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$ 3.47

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Paraíso Huatulco

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a guide leading the group through both the hike and the snorkel, so it suits anyone who wants instruction and company rather than independence. The moderate fitness requirement and minimum age of 12 mean it's built for adults and older teens comfortable with a few hours of walking and water time.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 will I see when I snorkel in Santa Cruz Bay?

Santa Cruz Bay's protected snorkeling area holds reef fish and other marine life in clear, shallow water. The guide enters the water with your group, so you're not snorkeling alone.

How difficult is the hiking part of this tour?

The hike moves through shaded wetlands and mangrove forest on a scenic route to El Órgano beach. It's moderate in difficulty. The operator asks that you have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to join.

What do the two viewpoints show?

The first viewpoint overlooks Santa Cruz Bay and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. The second, at the Lighthouse, gives a 180-degree view stretching from Tangolunda Bay to Maguey Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour. You'll need to bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.