Huatulco (Santa María Huatulco)

Mexico

Glide through nine pristine bays with crystalline waters perfect for snorkeling and spotting tropical fish in this undiscovered Pacific paradise.

💱 Currency Mexican Peso (MXN)

🗣 Language Spanish

🕐 Time Zone CST (UTC-6)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Jan–Apr

🚢 Typical Duration 21-26 nights

💰 Price Range From $50 pp

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Huatulco is renowned for its pristine beaches, nine scenic bays, and access to Mexico's Pacific coast natural beauty, making it an ideal stop for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Cruises that visit Huatulco (Santa María Huatulco)

Build Your Day in Huatulco (Santa María Huatulco)

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM

Usually about 9 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Barceló Huatulco Would recommend Huatulco over Cancun any day! Hotel · ★ 4.8 · 28k

Parque Nacional Huatulco Absolutely love Huatulco and all the beautiful beaches it offers. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa It can get very hot in Huatulco so they also provided us a wet cold towel. Resort hotel · ★ 4.5 · 8k

Parque Central "La Crucecita" A must if you are in Huatulco City park · ★ 4.6 · 7k

Secrets Huatulco We loved the Huatulco area and hope to visit again. Resort hotel · ★ 4.5 · 6k

Lighthouse Bays of Huatulco My wife and I visited the faro in Huatulco, to watch the sunset. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Playa Santa Cruz The most touristy beach in Huatulco. Beach · ★ 4.6 · 6k

Bahias De Huatulco International Airport A restaurant, a convenience store, duty free and a few shops. International airport · ★ 4.5 · 5k

Centro de Bahías de Huatulco A lovely day in Huatulco. Park · ★ 4.7 · 5k

CHEDRAUI HUATULCO Great selection and love the pastries but so slow to check out and pay. Supermarket · ★ 4.1 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM

La Crema Bar Always a must-visit when we go to Huatulco. Grill · ★ 4.5 · 3k

Mirador de Huatulco El Mirador in Huatulco is absolutely worth the stop. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k

Playa Maguey Both were excellent and the best we have done so far in the Huatulco area. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Terra-Cotta Hands down the best restaurant in Huatulco. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Plaza El Madero Their prices are better than most of the tourist shops on the square. Shopping mall · ★ 3.8 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM

Playa La Bocana Worth getting off the all reclusive compound when in Huatulco. Public beach · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Playa de San Agustín I consider it best bay between Crucerita and Puerto Escondido, inclusively. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Restaurante La Chicatana This a a definite place to go eat when you’re in Huatulco! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Cascadas Magicas de Copalitilla A must when visiting huatulco.. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Hagia Sofia Huatulco It's only a few minutes past Santa María and about an hour from Huatulco. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Curandero Huatulco Dine-in·Drive-through·Delivery Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Luna Shop Huatulco Women's clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 8 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Huatulco (Santa María Huatulco)

About Huatulco (Santa María Huatulco)

Huatulco, nestled along Mexico's Pacific coast in the Panama Canal region, serves as a popular port of call for cruise travelers exploring Central America and beyond. Six major cruise lines including Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises regularly call here, with 35 upcoming sailings offering diverse itineraries. Most cruises departing from or visiting Huatulco span 21 nights, connecting passengers to exciting destinations like Cartagena, Puerto Vallarta, and San Diego. The port experiences peak activity during the winter and spring months from January through April, as well as in October, making it an ideal stop for those seeking warm-weather cruising.

Once ashore, cruise passengers discover a laid-back coastal town that offers a refreshing contrast to busier Mexican ports. The stunning natural beauty of Huatulco's nine bays invites exploration, while the charming town center provides opportunities for local shopping and authentic cuisine. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Huatulco delivers an accessible slice of Pacific Mexico that complements any Central American cruise itinerary.

Nine Pristine Bays Await

Huatulco's signature feature is its stunning collection of nine interconnected bays with crystalline turquoise waters and powdery sand beaches. Take a boat tour from the port to explore secluded coves like Bahía Maguey and Bahía Órgano, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting tropical fish in their natural habitat.

Fresh Seafood at Puerto

The waterfront restaurants near the cruise port serve some of Mexico's finest fresh catch, from grilled whole fish to ceviche prepared moments before serving. Dine al fresco with ocean views while sampling local specialties like huachinango (red snapper) and camarones (shrimp) prepared with authentic Oaxacan flavors.

Copalita River Jungle Adventure

Venture into the lush Copalita River valley, where guided tours lead through tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife including howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds. The river itself offers opportunities for swimming in natural pools surrounded by verdant jungle canopy and cascading waterfalls.

Artisan Markets & Local Crafts

Browse the colorful mercados near the port for handwoven textiles, carved wooden masks, and traditional Oaxacan pottery created by local artisans. The Central Market offers authentic souvenirs and handicrafts at reasonable prices, providing genuine connections to regional culture and craftsmanship.

Snorkel Among Coral Reefs

Huatulco's protected marine ecosystem features vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays visible just meters from shore. Half-day snorkeling excursions depart directly from the port, offering unforgettable underwater encounters in some of Mexico's clearest, most biodiverse waters.