From Puerto Escondido: Huatulco 7 Bays Tour with Snorkeling — A Complete Guide

If you’re looking for a full-day exploration along Oaxaca’s coast, this Huatulco 7 Bays Tour with Snorkeling offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, cultural tastes, and some well-earned relaxation. Starting from Puerto Escondido, the tour whisks you across the coast into Huatulco, where you’ll discover seven beautiful bays by boat, indulge in local foods, and snorkel in protected waters.

What we love about this trip is how it combines natural beauty with culture — you’ll get panoramic views of the coastline, and the chance to taste quesillo, chapulines, and mezcal at local spots. Plus, the snorkeling in Huatulco’s national park is an experience that often leaves travelers speechless.

A small caveat is the long travel time — approximately 2.5 hours each way — which might be tiring for some. Also, the tour involves multiple stops, so if you’re looking for a quick getaway, this might stretch your patience.

This tour appeals best to those who love scenic boat rides, enjoy tasting regional specialties, and want a full day of diverse activities without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s ideal for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and a little adventure.

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Key Points

Scenic Coastal Views: Experience breathtaking vistas of the Oaxaca coast from multiple observation points.
Diverse Bays: Visit seven different bays, each with unique landscapes and features.
Snorkeling in Huatulco National Park: Calm waters perfect for exploring marine life, with the chance to see dolphins, turtles, or whales.
Taste of Oaxaca: Savor local foods like quesillo, chapulines, and mezcal at authentic spots.
Cultural Stops: Explore La Crucecita, its famous church, and viewpoints for memorable photos.
Value for a Full Day: A 10-hour tour offering a good mix of sightseeing, food, and relaxation.

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A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting from your hotel in Puerto Escondido, you’ll hop into a comfortable van for the approximately 2.5-hour drive to Huatulco. Along the way, the scenery shifts from lush tropical vegetation to small towns dotting the coast — it’s a pleasant journey that sets the tone for the day ahead.

The Bays and Boat Cruise

Your first stop is Santa Cruz Bay, where you’ll board a boat to explore the 7 bays of Huatulco. We loved the way the boat cruise offers a chance to see the coast from a different perspective, with panoramic views that make you appreciate the rugged beauty of the region. You’ll pass notable spots like Chahue Bay, La Entrega Bay, and the famous Cacaluta Bay, which has appeared in several Mexican films — a detail that adds a touch of cinematic glamor to your sightseeing.

The highlight is the stop at El Organo Bay, where the scenery is so striking that words often fall short. The natural formations, cliffs, and lush surroundings create a picture-perfect backdrop. Along the way, the boat ride may also reveal playful dolphins or even a passing sea turtle, depending on the season and luck.

Snorkeling at Chachacual National Park

One of the trip’s real treasures is the stop at Chachacual National Park, where calm waters and clear reefs invite you to snorkel. We appreciated how the water conditions are suitable even for less experienced swimmers, making it accessible for many. You might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, whales, or sea turtles, which makes the snorkeling experience even more memorable.

The reef is teeming with marine life, and the boat crew generally provides snorkel gear, though some reviews mention renting snorkel equipment separately — at around 250 pesos. If you’re a fan of underwater scenery, this is a highlight that justifies the trip.

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Relaxation and Beach Time

After snorkeling, the tour takes you to Maguey Bay for a break. Here, you can relax on the sandy beach or explore the shoreline. Some travelers find this a perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the natural tranquility away from crowds.

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Local Food and Cultural Stops

In the late morning or early afternoon, you’ll be taken to a local restaurant (not included in the tour price) to enjoy Oaxacan dishes and seafood. The reviews are mixed here — some mention the food as a highlight, praising its freshness and flavors, while others note that it costs extra.

Later, your guide will lead you through La Crucecita, a vibrant village where you can admire the main church and take photos from the viewpoint. The town also offers opportunities to sample mezcal, quesillo, chapulines, and mole — perfect for those curious about local flavors.

Scenic Drive Back

As the tour winds down, you’ll hop back into the van for the return trip to Puerto Escondido. On the way, your guide may stop at scenic spots to capture the bays from different angles, giving you more chances to appreciate the region’s rugged beauty.

The Real Value of This Tour

When evaluating the value, consider the full-day itinerary: a mix of boat rides, cultural visits, snorkeling, and local tasting experiences. While the price includes port taxes and transportation, food and extra activities like snorkel gear rental are additional costs.

The long drive might seem like a downside, but it also provides a scenic overview of Oaxaca’s coast. For those who want to avoid planning every detail and prefer an organized, guided experience, this tour offers a convenient way to see many highlights in one day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who are comfortable with a full day of outings, enjoy coastal scenery, and want a balance of adventure and culture. It’s suitable for those who appreciate snorkeling in calm waters and are keen to taste regional specialties. However, it’s not ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a very short or relaxed day.

If you’re someone who loves a photo opportunity, enjoys local food, and is excited to see several bays in one trip, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, your pickup from your Puerto Escondido hotel is included, making the start of your day hassle-free.

How long is the drive to Huatulco? Expect about 2.5 hours each way, giving you ample time to enjoy scenic views along the coast.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a towel, camera, cash, and a change of clothes are recommended. Remember, no large luggage or bags are allowed.

Can I snorkel if I’m a beginner? Yes, the waters in Huatulco’s national park are calm and suitable for snorkelers of all levels, but renting snorkel gear may cost extra.

Are meals included? No, food at the restaurant is extra. You can enjoy fresh local seafood and dishes, which many find to be a highlight.

Is this tour suitable for children? Generally, yes, but it’s best for those who can handle a long day and are comfortable on boat rides and walking around.

What if I want to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Huatulco 7 Bays Tour with Snorkeling is a well-rounded day out that combines natural beauty with cultural flavor, making it ideal for travelers eager to experience Oaxaca’s coastline in a single trip. The boat ride offers impressive views and a chance to see wildlife, while the snorkeling adds a memorable underwater component. Tasting local foods like quesillo and mezcal enriches the experience, giving you a taste of regional tradition.

While the long travel time might be tiring for some, the variety of stops and activities ensures you’ll feel like you’ve seen a good cross-section of Huatulco’s coast and culture. This tour suits those who enjoy a mix of adventure, scenery, and local flavor, especially if you’re happy to spend a full day exploring.

If you want a guided, stress-free way to see some of Oaxaca’s most beautiful bays, this trip delivers on that promise with a good balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

Enjoy your trip and the wonderful sights, tastes, and experiences this tour has to offer. Oaxaca’s coast awaits!