Don't let Huatulco's Mexican colonial-style architecture fool you—most of it is just a few decades old. The brainchild of Fonatur, Mexico's tourism development agency, this is one of the country's newest Pacific-coast resorts and is an attempt to balance tourism and environmental preservation. Mexico set aside about 60% of Huatulco (pronounced
wah-TOOL-koh) as an ecological reserve, and all new construction adheres to strict codes: No buildings taller than six stories and plenty of open space and natural vegetation in between.
The result, so far, is a resort with a very different feel. No, Mexico visitors are not going to find ancient ruins in Huatulco, but you won't be overwhelmed with glitzy high-rises and rowdy crowds either. What you'll discover in Bahias de Huatulco are nine gorgeous bays and 36 golden-sand beaches, many ringed by coral reefs, underwater grottoes or canyons that attract shoals of fish.
It's not surprising, then, that cruise ships have begun stopping at Huatulco as part of their sailings along the Mexican Riviera. Myriad watersports as well as adventures to nearby coffee plantations and mountain streams mean there's something for most visitors to do—in addition to simply relaxing in deluxe seclusion.
Location
Huatulco has a cruise-docking terminal big enough for two ships in the Santa Cruz bay. There is also space for a third ship to anchor in the bay, with speed boats available to ferry passengers to shore. Between one and three scheduled cruise ships stop in Huatulco most weeks.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see Huatulco, but you won't have to spend valuable time making arrangements yourself—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship. Shore excursions and their prices vary from cruise line to cruise line. Some may include lunch and drinks or additional stops, while others may not. (Fees for children range from half price to full price.) Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for additional information.
Tourist information is available at Sedetur, the state tourism board. Hours are weekdays 8 am-5 pm. Located at Blvd. Juarez 10, in front of the Mision Fa-Sol Restaurant, Bahia Tangolunda. Phone 581-0177 or 581-0176.
Note: If your time is limited and you want to take a tour of the bays, some companies offer trips shorter than the ship-sponsored shore excursions. Prices vary depending on the number of bays visited and the distance from Santa Cruz Bay.
