Bays of Huatulco Boat Tour

Exploring the Bays of Huatulco Boat Tour: An Honest Review

Taking a boat tour of Huatulco’s stunning coastline is a popular way to explore its many beaches and hidden coves, but how does this specific tour measure up? Based on numerous traveler reviews and detailed descriptions, we’re here to give you a balanced look at what you can expect from the Bays of Huatulco Boat Tour offered by Amigo Tours.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see several beaches in one day, the inclusion of soft drinks and water, and the presence of a bilingual guide who helps make the journey smoother. The beautiful scenery and the opportunity for snorkeling are definite highlights. However, some travelers mentioned that the boat’s age and the separation of drinks from onshore costs could be potential downsides. Still, this tour suits those looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water with manageable expectations and an eye for authentic coastal views.

If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of laid-back beach days, some light snorkeling, and the chance to see a variety of bays without breaking the bank, this tour might be a good fit. Keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown of what’s on offer and what to consider before booking.

Good To Know

• Scenic Coastal Stops: Multiple beaches and bays along Huatulco’s coast are visited, offering varied views.
• Snorkeling Opportunity: About an hour and a half is dedicated to snorkeling at Chachacual, where coral reefs and local marine life can be observed.
• Comfort and Convenience: Includes round-trip air-conditioned transportation, hotel pick-up, and drop-off, which simplifies logistics.
• Limited Food Options: While drinks are provided on board, meals and drinks at stops are not included, so packing snacks might be wise.
• Cost-Effective: Priced at $47 per person, this tour offers a decent balance of value and experience, especially with guided commentary.
• Group Size and Flexibility: Max of 400 travelers, which keeps the experience lively but can also mean some crowding during stops.

An In-Depth Look at the Bays of Huatulco Boat Tour

Starting Point and Transport

The tour kicks off early at 8:50 am, with hotel pick-up included—no need to worry about organizing transport yourself. The journey begins aboard an air-conditioned bus, which is a real plus in the warm Huatulco climate. This transfer helps set a comfortable tone for the day before hopping onto the boat for the coast excursions.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Santa Cruz Huatulco
Your adventure begins at Santa Cruz Bay, the main hub of Huatulco. Here, travelers board the boat for the day’s cruise, setting sail along the coast to see several beaches and bays. Reviewers noted that the guide, García, was particularly friendly and bilingual, providing helpful commentary in both English and Spanish. Expect a scenic ride with excellent views of the shoreline, with the chance to snap photos of the colorful boats and lush landscapes.

Stop 2: Playa La Entrega
Next, you’ll arrive at Playa La Entrega, where the views are peaceful and perfect for a quick photo. This stop is about 25 minutes, offering a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of this sheltered beach. Reviewers mentioned this as a “wonderful view,” highlighting how easy it is to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Stop 3: Playa Organo
Another 25-minute stop takes you to Playa Organo, one of several bays making up the region. The reviews don’t specify any particular activities here, but the pristine environment invites leisurely strolling and soaking in the coastal atmosphere.

Stop 4: Chachacual — Snorkeling at the Submarine Park
One of the tour’s main highlights is the 1.5-hour stop at Chachacual. This part of the trip offers snorkeling in a protected reef, where you might see sea urchins, clownfish, and vibrant coral. Reviewers appreciated the underwater experience, noting the reef’s health and marine diversity. It’s a great chance for beginners or casual snorkelers to enjoy marine life in relatively calm waters. According to one reviewer, the coral reef was notably well-preserved, making the snorkeling worthwhile.

Stop 5: Bahia Maguey y el Organo & Lunch Break
After snorkeling, the tour moves to Maguey Bay for around two hours of free time. Here, you can swim, sunbathe, or even enjoy a paid seafood meal at your own expense. Travelers appreciated the flexibility of this stop, but some mentioned that food and drinks at local restaurants are not included, so plan accordingly. The waters here are calm, ideal for relaxing or paddling.

What’s Included and Excluded

Included:

• Round transportation in an air-conditioned bus, making the journey comfortable.
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off, removing the hassle of arranging transfers.
• A professional bilingual guide providing live commentary, which adds cultural context and enhances the experience.
• Water and soft drinks during the boat ride, keeping travelers refreshed.

Not Included:

• Meals and beverages at the restaurant or during the stops.
• Beers and other alcoholic drinks, which travelers might want to bring along or purchase separately.
• Snorkel equipment, which costs MX$180 per person if rented.
• Dock tax at Chachacual (MX$5.50 per person), a small fee but worth noting.

The Boat and Its Atmosphere

While the boat’s age wasn’t specifically criticized, one reviewer pointed out that it felt a little old, which could influence comfort levels. The boat travels at a speed that can make the water feel choppy, especially for those sensitive to motion. The experience is generally lively, with some travelers noting the boat’s rapid pace creates a sense of excitement, but it might also mean a bumpy ride for light travelers.

The soft drinks and water on board are a nice touch, but the drinks aren’t available during beach stops, which means you might want to bring your own water or snacks. Some reviews mentioned that drinks outside the boat can be pricey, so packing a small cooler could be wise.

Review Insights: Authentic Experiences

García, the guide, received praise for his friendly attitude and bilingual skills, helping non-Spanish speakers feel more included. One reviewer said, “García and his crew were extremely pleasant and made the experience very enjoyable,” emphasizing how a good guide can elevate a trip.

However, some reviews pointed out less favorable experiences. A traveler from Italy expressed dissatisfaction with the boat’s condition and the loud, unprofessional entertainment during another tour, which, while not directly related to this one, highlights that not all experiences are perfectly polished.

Value for Money

At $47 per person, this tour offers a fair deal considering the transportation, guide, and multiple stops. Compared to the cost of individual beach entries, snorkeling gear, and transportation, the price is likely justified for travelers seeking a day of scenic cruising and light adventure without extra surprises.

The opportunity to snorkel in protected reefs and visit multiple bays makes this a good choice for those who want variety. But if you’re a foodie, be prepared to spend extra on meals at the stops, as food isn’t included.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed day on the water, with the chance to see several beaches and snorkel without planning multiple logistics. It’s suitable for families, groups, or solo travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity and a group atmosphere.

Those looking for authentic coastal scenery and snorkeling in calm waters will enjoy this experience, especially if they appreciate guided commentary in multiple languages. However, if you prefer luxury comfort or highly personalized service, this might not meet those expectations.

Final Thoughts

The Bays of Huatulco Boat Tour by Amigo Tours offers a solid, value-packed way to explore the coastline, combining scenic views, snorkeling, and relaxed beach stops. The inclusion of hotel transfers, an engaging bilingual guide, and soft drinks on board make it accessible and hassle-free, especially for first-time visitors.

While the boat’s age and the extra costs for food and snorkel gear are worth considering, they don’t overshadow the overall experience for most travelers seeking a fun, scenic day at sea. It’s a practical choice if you want a taste of Huatulco’s beautiful bays without spending a fortune or committing to an all-day adventure.

If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable boat trip with opportunities for snorkeling and sunbathing, this tour fits the bill nicely—just remember to bring your own snacks and be prepared for a lively, sometimes bumpy ride.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient to start your day without worrying about transportation.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, from the morning pickup to returning to your hotel.

Are drinks provided during the boat ride?
Yes, soft drinks and water are included on board, but beverages are not available during stops unless you buy them separately.

Can I snorkel at Chachacual?
Absolutely. The snorkeling stop lasts about 1.5 hours at the protected reef, providing a good opportunity to observe marine life like sea urchins and clownfish.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel, some cash for snacks or souvenirs, and optionally, your own snorkel gear if preferred (though it can be rented for MX$180).

Is there a dock tax at Chachacual?
Yes, there’s a small dock fee of MX$5.50 per person, payable on site.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 400 travelers, so expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of fellow adventurers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate physical activity and snorkeling make it suitable for children comfortable in water and with outdoor activities. Always check with the provider for age restrictions.

In summary, the Bays of Huatulco Boat Tour offers a well-rounded taste of the coast, combining scenic cruising, snorkeling, and beach relaxation at a reasonable price. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a low-stress, authentic day of exploration, especially if guided commentary and multiple beach visits appeal to you.