Imagine sailing along the coast of Huatulco in a sleek private yacht, with the gentle sea breeze and sunshine warming your skin. That’s what this private yacht cruise offers—a full day of personalized exploration, stunning views, and genuine relaxation. We’ve gathered details and feedback to help you decide if this experience fits your travel style.
What we love most? The freedom to customize your itinerary, the chance to snorkel in clear waters, and the chance to sit back with drinks and enjoy panoramic vistas. A potential consideration? The snorkel spots can get busy, which might affect your experience, especially if you’re after quieter underwater moments.
This trip is perfect for travelers seeking a luxurious, flexible day on the water, especially those who appreciate scenic views, some swimming, and a laid-back vibe. If you love being on the ocean with a private group, this cruise could be just the ticket.
Key Points
- Private and customizable experience tailored to your interests
- Includes drinks, port tax, and insurance—value for a full-day outing
- Snorkeling opportunities and scenic stops make it active but relaxing
- Efficient pickup and drop-off from La Crucecita enhances convenience
- Suitable for groups up to 11, ideal for families, friends, or couples wanting privacy
- Not including park entry or snorkeling gear, which offers flexibility in planning
Overview of the Experience
This private yacht trip tends to capture the essence of a laid-back yet adventure-filled day. It starts with hotel pickup in La Crucecita, where a friendly driver wearing a blue Paraiso Huatulco shirt will greet you. From there, it’s a short drive to Huatulco’s marina, where your vessel awaits. The yacht accommodates up to 11 people—meaning it’s intimate enough to feel exclusive but lively enough for fun.
Once onboard, the captain, an expert in local waters, will set the course along the coastline, pointing out key sights and marine life. You’ll cruise past notable bays and beaches, including Santa Cruz, Organo, Maguey, Cacaluta, and Chachacual. Keep an eye out for dolphins—several reviewers mentioned spotting them along the way, adding a touch of magic to the ride.
The cruise is a well-balanced mix of relaxation and activity. You can sunbathe on deck, sip a cold beer or soda, or dive into the water for a swim or snorkeling. The snorkel spots tend to be popular, sometimes crowded, as large party boats ferry visitors to some areas, which might make the waters busier than you’d hope. Nonetheless, many found the smaller, less crowded snorkeling areas more enjoyable, with clearer water and fewer boats.
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Detailed Breakdown of the Day
The Journey Begins
The day kicks off with the hotel pickup, usually about 15 minutes before the scheduled start. The driver is prompt, and the process is straightforward. Once at the marina, you’ll meet your captain and crew, who are familiar with the area and eager to tailor the experience.
Cruising Past Iconic Bays and Beaches
As the yacht slips away from the dock, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Huatulco’s white sand beaches and coves. The captain will likely point out spots like Santa Cruz, a popular hub, and Cacaluta, known for its beauty. The experience of cruising along these coastlines is relaxing, and the chance to spot marine life makes it even more engaging.
More Great Tours NearbySnorkeling and Swimming Options
You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in search of vibrant fish and marine creatures. Although some spots can get crowded, the less trafficked areas provide better water quality and fewer large boats. One reviewer noted that the smaller snorkeling spots were notably superior, with clearer water and less hassle.
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Lunch and Shore Strolls
While food isn’t included in the tour price, you can choose to stop at a bay for a leisurely walk on the sand or explore local seafood restaurants. Some travelers mentioned that the cost for lunch can be unexpectedly high—around $700 MX per person—so planning accordingly is a good idea if you want to dine ashore.
The Day Winds Down
As the sun begins to set, the yacht heads back to the marina. The drop-off at your hotel is smooth, often with the captain checking in to ensure you had a good experience. The entire trip lasts about 8 hours, making it a full but comfortable day out.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, a private yacht for up to 11 guests, and an experienced captain. You’ll also receive 24 bottles of beer, sodas and water, and the port tax. Plus, liability insurance provides peace of mind.
However, Huatulco National Park tickets (around $4 USD per person) and snorkel gear (about $12 USD) are not included. If you wish to snorkel, bringing your own gear or renting on-site is recommended. Food and additional drinks from local restaurants are also extra, giving you control over your dining experience.
Authentic Insights from Reviews
One guest described the tour as “great,” but also pointed out that communication about the visiting spots could improve. This suggests that while the captain knows the area well, some travelers might wish for more detailed itinerary information beforehand.
Another reviewer appreciated the scenery and drinks, but noted that some snorkeling spots were crowded with large boats ferrying people, which can detract from the underwater experience. However, they found the smaller snorkeling areas better and enjoyed the smooth ride, suggesting the importance of choosing your spots carefully.
Practical Tips for Booking and Preparing
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat, and water-resistant camera to protect yourself and capture memories.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for a boat.
- If you’re planning to snorkel, consider renting gear in advance or bringing your own.
- Remember to budget for lunch if you plan to eat ashore—the seafood options are tempting but can be pricey.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This cruise is best suited for groups seeking privacy and flexibility, such as families, friends, or couples wanting a tailored day on the water. If you’re after a relaxing yet adventurous outing, with the opportunity to snorkel and enjoy stunning coastlines, this is a solid choice.
Travelers who appreciate authentic local scenery and don’t mind managing their own meals and gear will find great value here. However, those looking for a completely structured tour with included meals and guided visits** might prefer a different option.
The Sum Up
The La Crucecita private yacht cruise stands out as a fantastic way to explore Huatulco’s coast in a private, relaxed setting. The ability to customize your stops, combined with the sweeping views, snorkeling, and drinks, makes it a memorable day for those who enjoy being on the water. The thoughtful inclusion of drinks, the professional captain, and the convenient pickup all add to the overall value.
While some reviews point out the crowded snorkeling spots and higher lunch costs, these are manageable with some planning. The experience offers a good balance of adventure, comfort, and privacy—ideal for travelers looking for a personalized, scenic day on the sea.
This tour offers a genuine taste of Huatulco’s natural beauty, perfect for those who want to soak up the sun, see marine life, and enjoy a flexible itinerary. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a peaceful escape on the water, this cruise might just hit the spot.
FAQ
Is the tour private for my group?
Yes, the yacht accommodates up to 11 people and is booked as a private experience for your group.
What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the private yacht, the captain, 24 bottles of beer, sodas, water, port tax, and liability insurance.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
The tour does not include food or additional drinks, so bringing your own snacks or drinks is fine, though food from restaurants is extra.
How long does the trip last?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.
Are there snorkeling options?
Yes, snorkeling is available, but some spots can be crowded with large party boats. Smaller, less busy areas are recommended for a better experience.
Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the private, relaxed nature makes it suitable for families, especially with supervision.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, waterproof camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for extras.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.
In all, this private yacht cruise in Huatulco offers a splendid blend of scenic beauty, customization, and relaxation. With careful planning, it’s a great way to enjoy the coast with friends or family, creating authentic memories in Mexico’s stunning surroundings.
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