Guided Tours of the 7 Bays of Huatulco Oaxaca in Catamaran

Guided Tours of the 7 Bays of Huatulco Oaxaca in Catamaran

Imagine cruising along the coast of Huatulco on a spacious catamaran, with the turquoise waters of seven different bays unfolding around you. For about 7 and a half hours, you’ll witness some of Mexico’s most spectacular scenery—crystal-clear waters, unspoiled beaches, and lush natural areas. With a price of $52 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and sightseeing that feels like a steal when you consider the memorable experience packed into one day.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning views from the boat—you’ll get a panoramic perspective of Huatulco’s coast and its protected bays, including the famous Maguey Bay with its gentle waves and vibrant hues. Second, the authentic feel of visiting pristine, less-developed beaches like Cacaluta and Chachacual—these are within the Natural Area, offering a glimpse of untouched nature.

A couple of considerations: the tour is quite full-day, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns, it’s worth planning accordingly. Also, since the tour is primarily conducted in Spanish, English-speaking travelers might want to prepare for some language limitations among the crew.

This adventure is well-suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, snorkeling, and beach exploration—especially those eager to see natural, less-commercialized beaches and who appreciate knowledgeable guides sharing insights along the way.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal vistas from the boat, including protected natural bays.
• Multiple beach stops with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
• All-day transportation included, making logistics easier.
• Affordable price considering the length and variety of sites visited.
• Authentic untouched beaches within the Huatulco National Park.
• Limited food options onboard—bring snacks or plan to eat at the stops.

The Experience: An In-Depth Look

Cruising aboard a spacious catamaran from Santa Cruz dock, you’ll start your adventure around 10:30 am. The boat is described as well-equipped, with space to move comfortably and a friendly crew—something many reviews highlight as a big plus. The boat’s upper deck offers excellent views, perfect for snapping photos of the bays, while the lower deck provides a more shaded, relaxed spot for sightseeing or chatting.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Santa Cruz Bay is the starting point, setting the tone with its calm waters and charming setting. From here, the journey along the coast unveils Delivery Beach—a popular spot among travelers, though not part of the scheduled stops, you’ll get a good look at its inviting shoreline.

Next, your eyes will catch the striking Maguey Bay, with soft, fine sand and waters that shift from green to blue. Its calm waves make it suitable for swimming, and many travelers comment on how clear and warm the water is—perfect for a refreshing dip. The views here make for fantastic photos, and it’s a favorite among those who love picture-perfect beaches.

One of the highlights is Cacaluta Beach, a virgin beach within the protected Natural Area of Huatulco National Park. From the boat, you’ll appreciate its untouched beauty—no buildings or resorts mar the landscape, just lush cliffs and pristine sands. Several reviews mention how this view alone makes the trip worthwhile.

The Stops: Combining Beauty with Adventure

Chachacual Bay sees the most activity, with approximately 90 minutes to explore. Here, you’ll have the option to snorkel in calm waters, with some reviews highlighting how the crew is attentive and eager to help you see marine life. We loved the way guides described the environment, making snorkeling accessible even for beginners, and the feeling of floating in clear water was a favorite for many.

Bahia San Agustín follows with a two-hour stay—ample time to swim, sunbathe, or grab a meal. Many travelers find this the perfect spot to relax, with some mentioning how the food options at the local restaurant are not included but worth exploring. Reviewers liked the atmosphere here and appreciated the chance to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

The final stop is another virgin bay within the protected natural area, offering a spectacular panoramic view. The entire route balances nature observation with opportunities to swim, snorkel, or simply bask in the sun.

The Guides and Comfort

Narration by the guide—a feature that reviews praise highly—is bilingual, with some reviews noting the descriptions are mainly in Spanish but with enough English to understand the main points. The crew is described as friendly, attentive, and eager to ensure everyone’s comfort, especially during snorkeling and swimming.

Water and soft drinks are included, which helps stay refreshed during the long day. However, if you want to enjoy alcoholic beverages or food, you’ll need to pay extra, with a typical meal costing around MX$600. Some reviews mention bringing their own snacks and drinks, which can boost value and comfort.

Value and Practicalities

At $52 per person, considering transportation, guided narration, and access to multiple incredible bays, this tour offers good value. It’s a full-day experience, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, especially for travelers unfamiliar with local transportation.

However, some travelers note that the pick-up process can be chaotic at first, especially if you’re not familiar with the procedure or if language is a barrier. Arriving punctually is essential, as the tour departs promptly.

The Cons

While most reviews are positive, a few mention the lack of English narration, which might limit understanding for non-Spanish speakers. Also, the loud music onboard has been noted as a minor annoyance by some, but it’s easily avoidable if you prefer a quieter setting.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those who want a full-day cruise of Huatulco’s stunning bays and enjoy being on the water. It suits active travelers comfortable with snorkeling and beach activities, and who value authentic, less-developed beaches. If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic, and affordable experience, this tour delivers—especially for nature lovers and those eager to see protected natural areas.

It’s also a good fit for families or groups who appreciate organized transportation and guided narration. However, if you’re seeking a very quiet, private experience or have specific language needs, you might want to explore other options or prepare for some communication gaps.

The Sum Up

This guided tour of the 7 Bays of Huatulco is a well-rounded, value-packed way to explore some of Mexico’s most beautiful natural landscapes. It combines scenic boat rides, opportunities for snorkeling, and several pristine beaches that are largely untouched by development. The included transportation makes it convenient, and the knowledgeable guides add a personal touch that many reviews appreciate.

While not the most luxurious or secluded experience, it strikes a good balance between adventure and comfort, making it a solid choice for travelers eager to see the coast from a different perspective. The multiple stops allow for plenty of swimming and relaxing opportunities, with some reviewers even calling the food and atmosphere “amazing”—a big plus for a day on the water.

If you’re a traveler who loves scenic views, nature, and water-based activities, and you’re okay with a full schedule, this tour offers a memorable slice of Huatulco’s natural beauty at a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel to the activity area, which simplifies logistics and ensures you won’t have to find your way there on your own.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. Keep in mind that actual times may vary slightly depending on weather and group size.

What is the group size?
The tour typically accommodates up to 200 travelers, so it can be quite lively, but the boat itself provides enough space to move around comfortably.

Are there food and drinks on board?
Water and soft drinks are included, but food and additional beverages are available at the stops or can be purchased onboard or at the restaurant. A meal at the restaurant costs around MX$600.

Is snorkeling included?
Snorkeling is optional and available during the stop at Chachacual Bay. Equipment rental costs around MX$200 if you don’t bring your own.

Can non-Spanish speakers participate?
Yes, but the guide’s narration is mainly in Spanish, with some descriptions in English. Be prepared for some language barriers, although the scenery speaks for itself.

This Huatulco catamaran tour offers a fantastic way to see the coast’s natural splendor without breaking the bank. With its scenic routes, friendly crew, and opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, it’s a strong choice for travelers eager to explore Mexico’s hidden bays.