Huatulco snorkeling: bays and beaches near Zipolite
Huatulco snorkeling is the sea day to plan when the surf at Zipolite is too rough to swim. The tours here leave from Huatulco, roughly 1 hour by car from Zipolite, and head into the Huatulco National Park, where the official park site lists boat trips and snorkelling among its activities. The park's boat departures run from the Santa Cruz pier.
The four options differ in length and mood: a 7-hour bay cruise, a 3-hour family outing and a 3-hour swim at first light. Prices are per person, as of November 2026.
Our picks: Huatulco snorkeling tours
Choose a long boat day through the bays, a short family trip with gear, or a sunrise swim at La Entrega beach.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of November 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Snorkel at sunrise at La Entrega beach
An early start with a sunrise stop at the Faro viewpoint, snorkelling at La Entrega beach and a visit to the bat cave.
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Bays of Huatulco and snorkelling cruise
- Guided cruise of the bays
- Soft drinks onboard
- Commentary in English and Spanish
A guided cruise through the bays with time to snorkel. Hotel transfer is available as an option, and snorkel gear can be added for 250 MXN per person.
Check availability →Premium family snorkelling experience
A short outing with a certified guide, with snorkel equipment and hotel transfer included.
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Huatulco bays boat tour with snorkelling
Hotel transfer, water and soft drinks. The national park ticket is not included.
Check availability →Snorkelling tours in Huatulco
Bay boat days, a family trip and a sunrise swim, with live prices and availability.
Huatulco bay boat tours: the full-day options
Two of the trips are full days of about 7 hours. The 37 USD tour picks you up at your hotel in Huatulco or Tangolunda, takes a boat from Santa Cruz, stops to snorkel at Chachacual and then visits Maguey. The 7 hours are the whole programme, not 7 hours in the water. Water and soft drinks are included, the national park ticket is not, and the tour is rated 4.2 from 54 reviews.
The 65 USD cruise meets at the Santa Cruz pier and gives a guided tour of the bays with commentary in English and Spanish. Hotel transfer is an option you select when booking, and snorkel gear costs 250 MXN per person on top. It has a 3.9 rating from 14 reviews.
A short snorkelling trip with a guide
The 40 USD family trip lasts 3 hours and includes a certified guide, snorkel equipment, commentary in English or Spanish and the ride from your Huatulco hotel. It suits first-timers and families who want a few hours at sea instead of a whole day.
Snorkel at sunrise at La Entrega
The 107 USD trip is the most specific. It starts in La Crucecita, stops at the Faro viewpoint for sunrise, then goes snorkelling at La Entrega beach in the early morning and visits the bat cave. It is 3 hours in total, with an air-conditioned vehicle, a bilingual certified guide, snorkel gear and bottled water. No previous experience is needed. The provider lists limits: not suitable under 3 or over 80 years, over 130 kg, or with claustrophobia, heart or breathing problems, epilepsy or high blood pressure.
Seasons, swell and park rules
The national park recommends visits all year and names June to November as the rainy season. Rough swell can close the water: on 9 June 2026 the Huatulco municipality asked people to stay out of the sea because of high waves. The park fee is 125 MXN per person and day, free for children under 12. Park guidance recommends a life jacket when snorkelling, long sleeves instead of sunscreen, at least 1 m from coral, and no feeding or touching marine life. The 65 USD cruise asks for medium fitness and is not suitable for heart conditions.
For other days of your stay, our Huatulco guide covers the bays and beaches, and the tours page lists trips along the Oaxaca coast.
Huatulco snorkeling: frequently asked questions
How much does snorkeling in Huatulco cost?
The four trips cost 37, 40, 65 and 107 USD per person. Two people pay 74, 80, 130 or 214 USD in total. The park fee of 125 MXN per person and day comes on top of the 37 USD tour.
How long are the trips?
Two are about 7 hours and two are 3 hours. The 7 hours cover the whole boat programme, not just the time in the water.
Do I need to swim?
The 37 USD tour states that swimming skills are not required. Park guidance recommends a life jacket while snorkelling for everyone.
Can I start from Zipolite?
The trips leave from Huatulco, La Crucecita or the Santa Cruz pier. The drive from Huatulco to Zipolite takes about 1 hour, so most people plan it as a full day.