Ventanilla Lagoon & Mazunte tour: Crocodiles, turtles, locals

Eight hours watching crocodiles and iguanas in the lagoon, then learning how turtle hunters became conservationists

An eight-hour shore excursion from Santa Cruz port to Ventanilla Lagoon and Mazunte combines wildlife viewing in natural habitat with support for local sanctuaries. Roundtrip transport from the pier, a live guide in English, Spanish or French, and guided access to the lagoon are included. The Mexican Turtle Centre and the natural cosmetics project founded by Anita Roddick of The Body Shop are optional stops where you can purchase products that fund the community directly.

The experience

The day starts with a drive north from Santa Cruz through small coastal towns, ending at La Ventanilla Lagoon where crocodiles, iguanas and birds live in open water. A guide leads you through the habitat on foot, pointing out species in their natural setting rather than behind glass. The lagoon sits in a national park. Entry to the park itself is optional and costs extra.

Mazunte, the second stop, is home to the Mexican Turtle Centre, where you see every species of marine turtle found along the Mexican coast. The town also hosts a natural cosmetics project that started when Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, worked with former turtle hunters to shift from poaching to ecotourism. You can buy these products directly, and the money goes to the people who make them and their families. The whole excursion takes eight hours from pickup to return.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dusty. The terrain around the lagoon is uneven and unpaved. Bring cash for the park fee if you choose to enter it, for the turtle sanctuary if you add that stop, and for any products you want to buy. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French depending on your group's preference, and transport runs roundtrip from your ship's pier.

What’s included

• Roundtrip transport from Santa Cruz pier.
• live guide in English, Spanish or French.
• guided tour of Ventanilla Lagoon with wildlife viewing in natural habitat.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 22

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Huatulco Travel Experience

Is this one for you?Choose this excursion if your ship docks at Santa Cruz and you want eight hours on the water and in small towns rather than a quick port stop. The walk on uneven terrain and the eight-hour commitment mean it suits travelers with moderate fitness who can spend most of the day away from the ship.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 animals will I actually see at Ventanilla Lagoon?

Crocodiles, iguanas and birds live in the lagoon's open water and you view them in their natural habitat with a guide, not in enclosures.

What is the Mexican Turtle Centre and why is it in Mazunte?

The centre displays every species of marine turtle found along the Mexican coast. Mazunte was once a turtle-hunting town. The centre and the cosmetics project there now employ former hunters in conservation and ecotourism instead.

Can I buy anything at Mazunte, and where does the money go?

Yes. The natural cosmetics made there were part of a project started by Anita Roddick of The Body Shop to give ex-hunters income from ecotourism. Money from purchases goes directly to the people making the products and their families.

How much walking is involved and what kind of ground will I be on?

You walk on unpaved and uneven terrain around the lagoon and through Mazunte. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

Does the tour price include the national park fee or the turtle sanctuary?

No. Roundtrip transport, the guide and access to Ventanilla Lagoon are included. Entry to Ventanilla National Park costs extra (200 Mexican pesos), as does the Escobilla turtle sanctuary if you choose to visit it.

What time does the tour leave and return to the ship?

The tour departs from Santa Cruz pier and runs for eight hours total. You must confirm your ship's arrival time in advance so the operator can coordinate the pickup.