Plan a CruiseHuatulco (pronounced wah-tool-co) is situated on Mexico's Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca. Once a haven for pirates, it is now recognized for its commitment to ecotourism and natural resource protection, boasting 22 miles of rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and exceptionally clear waters. Cruise ships dock at Santa Cruz Bay, which is conveniently located just south of the main town of La Crucecita. A major highlight is a great swimming beach right off the pier, where loungers are available for rent at $5.
Getting Around from the Port
The main town, La Crucecita, is approximately 1 mile from the pier, offering a pleasant 20-minute walk. Taxis are readily available at the pier and cost about $3 each way to La Crucecita. If walking, exit the port area, turn right onto the main street for about 100 yards, then turn left onto a broad footpath. This path is about 1.5 miles long and can be strenuous due to heat and lack of shade. Note that there is no sign indicating "La Crucecita" along this footpath. For excursions beyond walking distance, numerous tour operators are present at the pier.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore La Crucecita: Just 1 mile (20-minute walk or $3 taxi) from the pier, La Crucecita is the main town. It's ideal for shopping, particularly for the famous Oaxacan Alebrijes (carved wooden figures), beautifully embroidered clothes, and other local artisan works at the Handicraft Museum.
- Discover the Bays of Huatulco: The coast features nine distinct bays, with some accessible only by boat. You can hire a local guide for snorkeling and fishing, or take a guided tour by motorized catamaran to visit multiple bays. Tour operators offering these excursions are available directly at the pier.
- Visit Cascadas de Llano Grande: For a longer excursion, travel about 1.5 hours from Huatulco to the Cascadas de Llano Grande. Here you can swim in natural pools amidst lush surroundings and enjoy a series of beautiful waterfalls.
Dining & Shopping
Directly behind the beach (to the left of the pier), you'll find a selection of restaurant/bars, many of which offer free WiFi. Adjacent to these, a small retail center provides shops selling souvenirs, local tours, wines, liquors, and other services. For more extensive shopping, head to La Crucecita. It features a traditional open-air market where you can find everything from intricately embroidered clothing to the unique Alebrijes figures. The Handicraft Museum in La Crucecita also sells works by local artisans. At the beach right off the pier, loungers are available for $5.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The symbol for pesos ($) is the same as for US dollars, which can be confusing; prices in US dollars are usually marked "US$" or with an 'S' with a double stroke. The exchange rate is approximately 17 pesos to 1 US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards are not as universally accepted as in Europe or the USA, and some businesses may add an extra charge of around 5% for credit card transactions. Spanish is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist destinations.