Huatulco

Embark on a drive to the Bay of Tangolunda, where a photo stop will be made for you to admire a lovely panoramic view. From there, your drive will continue passing the Bay of Conejos before proceeding to La Crucecita.

A visit to the town of La Crucecita is a perfect way to become acquainted with Huatulco. See the beautiful church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe and take your time to browse its local shops. You’ll find a wide variety of typical products, including Mezcal, the original Oaxaca version of the well-known Tequila and black pottery.

On your return, a photo stop will be made at the Santa Cruz Viewpoint. Here, you’ll have a bird’s-eye-view of Playa Entrega, one of Huatulco’s many beaches, with the ship docked close by.

The secluded coves and sandy beaches of this region provide the ideal environment for sunshine holiday getaways. Step aboard a comfortable, motorised catamaran vessel for a relaxing cruise from Huatulco Harbour to Organo and Maguey Bays.

Your captain will make a brief stop for you to take a dip and cool off in the inviting Mexican waters, before continuing your cruise.

Admire the area’s natural beauty and surrounding resorts as you sail past the curious rock formations of pristine Organo Bay and the peaceful Maguey Bay. You’ll also pass by Santa Cruz Bay with its beautiful beaches and see the impressive blowhole. Nearby, you’ll find Chahue and Tangolunda Bays.

Whilst taking in the sights you can enjoy an open bar offering beer, Margaritas, soft drinks and freshly-sliced fruit.

The destination for your rafting adventure is the Copalita River. After a safety briefing, you’ll set off on a river journey downstream. Enjoy the sights as the water flow silently ‘whorls’ you along for around an hour, taking you past the jungle-filled banks of the Copalita. Your rafting experience is along the peaceful part of the great white water run of the Copalita River.

The lush vegetation of the unspoiled jungle is a natural habitat for the local tropical birds. Parrots, egrets, herons, frigate birds, sandpipers and kingfishers are just a few of the 100 species of birds that can be found here. Several endangered, protected and rare species are also present in this area.

During the journey, you’ll enjoy the fun of rafting, paddling here and there as your guide expertly navigates the river.

Take a scenic drive to the fabulous viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Tangolunda, a luxury resort area. You’ll continue to downtown La Crucecita, where your guide will point out the evergreen Central Park and Church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Whilst in La Crucecita, you’ll have an opportunity to shop for some of the wonderful local products such as black pottery, rugs, coffee, local chocolate, cheeses and liqueurs such as Mezcal - the original Oaxacan version of the well-known Tequila.

You’ll head to the Marina of Santa Cruz to board your catamaran for a scenic cruise. Enjoy the sights of Huatulco’s wonderful shoreline, passing by many small bays with more than 36 beaches, scattered between rough cliffs and mountains. The cruise continues to ‘La Bufadora’, the blowhole, to take a closer look at the natural features of an Indian face, engraved into the cliff over the years by the sea and wind. Sit back and relax as you cruise by more secluded bays enjoying some welcome refreshment.

Las Brisas Resort began operation as the largest Club Med in the western hemisphere, their second largest in the world. After its closure, it was reopened in 2003 by Las Brisas, the renowned operator of the traditional ‘Pink Casitas’ in Acapulco. The resort is perfectly designed to cater for active guests and those who simply want to relax.

Relax with a book by one of the pristine swimming pools, stroll along the beach or participate in one of the sporting activities available on the day. The hotel resort also offers restaurants, a boutique and numerous water-sport facilities.

Enjoy a fun ride on a Jungle Truck taking in a myriad of ocean blues as you pass the breathtaking shoreline of Huatulco.

At La Entrega Beach you’ll find an abundance of coral, which provides shelter for millions of colourful fish. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to don some snorkel gear and view the fascinating marine life. The experienced snorkellers may wish to head to the ‘Bat Cave’, located just a few yards from the beach. Afterwards, you can enjoy some time to simply relax on the sand and soak up the sun.

Your return journey will take you back along the shoreline, stopping en route at the Santa Cruz viewpoint. Here, you’ll capture lovely views of the surrounding landscape before returning to the pier.

Enjoy a short drive to visit the neighbouring communities of the Huatulco resort area, and learn about the local culture and traditions.

At Piedra de Moros, you’ll discover a variety of different species of edible and medicinal herbs and plants and learn how they are used. You’ll also enjoy the opportunity to see how tortillas and tamales are made in a traditional kitchen and the uses of Nopal, the cactus that is a popular ingredient in many local dishes.

Afterwards, you’ll head to Santa Maria Huatulco and visit the church, with its graphic representation of the history of Huatulco painted on the walls. You’ll also enjoy a visit to a local blacksmiths artisan shop.

Just a short drive from Santa Maria Huatulco is a local Mezcal Factory. Here you’ll discover the distillation process of Oaxaca’s local tipple and the uses of the Maguey Plant, before the return drive to the port.

Huatulco is a resort that comprises of 3 areas, the port town of Santa Cruz, Tangolunda and La Crucecita, all located within the state of Oaxaca.

Leaving Santa Cruz, a short drive will take you to the downtown area of La Crucecita, where you’ll have the opportunity to browse the local shops. You’ll also visit ‘La Probadita’, where you may wish to sample the traditional local tipple, Oaxaca’s Mole and Mezcal.

Afterwards, you’ll return to Santa Cruz to enjoy a true taste of Mexico at a traditional Mexican Fiesta folkloric show. Let your senses be delighted with the many colorful costumes of the dancers and the rhythmic Mexican beats, from ‘La Bamba’ to ‘Polkas’ and ‘Tamboras’.

The folkloric show venue is located just a short walk from the port so you may choose to remain in town and return at your own leisure, or your guide will escort you on the walk back to the ship.

Embark on a scenic drive, enjoying 2 photo stops en route. The viewpoints of La Bocana and Tangolunda look out over the sweeping coast of Huatulco.

Afterwards, you’ll continue to Copalita, one of the most remarkable archaeological findings in the country over the last 20 years. This recent discovery is said to be a mixture of Mayan and Olmeca cultures. Experts estimate that excavations could take another 40 years, with the site currently consisting of pyramid vestiges, a ball court and burial sites dating from 500 BC.

During your visit, there will be an opportunity to visit the Zone Museum, which houses important archeological pieces, before the return drive to the port.

The tropical climate surrounding the bays of Huatulco still preserves its jungle environment and provides the perfect habitat for bird watching.

A short transfer will take you to the Copalita River Estuary where you’ll observe the wetland species, including heron, kingfisher and cormorant. Afterwards, you’ll head to Huatulco Golf Course, which attracts a large proportion of Huatulco’s birdlife. During a walk around the lake and gardens you may encounter woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, parrots and 20 varieties of hummingbirds. If you have your own binoculars, bring them along to spot the more camouflaged and shy species.

You’ll receive a souvenir checklist of the bird species and your guide will give explanations of the ecology, birds and points of interest.