Santa Cruz Bay is just south of the village of La Crucecita. Only a mile away or a 20 min. pleasant walk, from the Pier, La Crucecita is worth a visit, if only to shop for the famous Oaxacan Alebrijes figures. Taxis are available. About $3 each way.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video.

Once a haven for pirates and weary sailors traveling from the Far East, today Huatulco (pronounced wah-tool-co) is a relatively undiscovered Cruise Port. Located on the Pacific Coast in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, it's one of the first destinations in the western hemisphere to focus on ecotourism and the protection of natural resources. And with 22 miles of jagged coastline, pristine beaches and spectacular crystal-clear waters – it's easy to see why.

Great swimming beach right off the pier. $5 for lounger.

Visit one of the Bays of Huatulco. There are nine individual bays along the coast, some of which are accessible only by boat. A local guide can show you the best spots for snorkeling and fishing, or if you'd like to see more than one bay, take a guided tour by motorized catamaran.

It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here.

The main destination for shopping is La Crucecita. Here you'll find a traditional open-air market with everything from beautifully embroidered clothes to alebrijes, animals carved in wood. You may also want to visit the Handicraft Museum where you can purchase the works of local artisans that are displayed.

From the Pier, the beach is on the left side, and the marina is on the right side. Just behind the beach you'll find a number of restaurant/bars and a small retail center, with shops selling souvenirs, tours, wines and liquors and other services.

The currency of Mexico is the peso (MXN). The symbol for pesos is the same as for US dollars, which can be slightly confusing. Prices in dollars (in tourist areas) are labeled "US$" or sport an S with a double stroke. There are about 10 peso to 1US$.

US dollars are widely accepted in the far north and in tourist locales elsewhere.

Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in Europe or the USA. Some companies make an extra charge of around 5% on such transactions.

Currency Converter

Spanish is the main language. English is largely spoken in border cities with the United States as well as tourist destinations.

• January 1st
• February 2nd: The Candelaria Virgin Day, celebrated in many places around the country
• February 5th: Constitution Day(1917)
• February 24th: Flag Day
• March 21st: Birth of Benito Juárez (1806). 2006 was the bicentennial year.
• May 1st: Labor Day.
• May 5th: The Battle of Puebla against the French army, 19th century. (Not an official holiday)
• September 1st: Dia del Informe. Although no longer official, it is still important as it is the day in which the Mexican President addresses to the Nation of the progress his administration on a yearly basis. Every President makes six Informes
• September 16th: Independence day (from Spain - 1821).
• October 12: Discovery of America (Descubrimiento de America)
• November 2nd: Day of the dead (Not an official holiday)
• November 20th: Revolution day (1910)
• December 12th: Guadalupe Virgin Day. Unless is not official, is one of the most important Mexican Holidays
• December 25th: Christmas

Easter is widely observed nationwide, according to the yearly Catholic calendar (the first Sunday after the first full moon in Spring

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