Playa Maguey is one of the most well-rounded beaches in Huatulco, offering a great balance between a relaxed atmosphere and enough activity to keep things interesting.
It’s a bit more tucked away than Santa Cruz, but still easy to access, and is a great option if you’re looking for a laid-back beach day with a little more space and a slightly quieter feel.
Best for: Balanced beach day, relaxed vibe, families
Water: Calm with occasional small waves
Vibe: Laid-back and less busy
Amenities: Restaurants, vendors, rentals
Access: Easy, but requires taxi or short drive
Jump to a Section
What to Expect
Playa Maguey has a wide sandy shoreline with calm water that’s still easy for swimming, but can have slightly more movement than Santa Cruz, making it a bit more fun to be in the water.
It tends to feel less crowded than La Entrega and Santa Cruz, giving it a more relaxed and spacious atmosphere while still having everything you need for the day.
Many of the Bay Tours will stop at Playa Maguey for lunch, so there can be an increase in crowds around this time as boats come in.
Getting There & Back
Playa Maguey is a short drive from La Crucecita and Santa Cruz and is most easily reached by taxi.
When arriving, taxis will drop you off near the entrance, and you’ll walk a short distance down to the beach.
For the return trip, it’s important to plan ahead:
- You can wait for a taxi near the main sign/structure at the top of the hill
- Wait times can be long, especially later in the day
- You may need to share a taxi if it’s busy
A better option is to:
- Get your driver’s number
- Or ask your restaurant to call a taxi for you
Plan to call at least 30 minutes before you’re ready to leave
Food & Drink
There are several beachfront restaurants offering food, drinks, and shaded seating. Unlike Playa Santa Cruz and Playa La Entrega, the classic white lounge chairs are common on Playa Maguey. So, if you like to lay out on a lounger in the sun, this is the beach for you!
Similar to other beaches, staff may approach you when you arrive to invite you to their restaurant. If you’re taking a taxi, they may ask you which restaurant you want to be dropped at. If you don’t know, they will suggest one. If you don’t have a preference, it’s fine to go with their suggestions.
Most restaurants offer similar menus and pricing, so choosing one is more about location and availability than anything else. The pricing at Playa Maguey Restaurants is slightly higher than Playa Santa Cruz and Playa La Entrega.
Activities & Vendors
You’ll find some activities and rentals available on the beach, though generally less than Santa Cruz.
Vendors will also walk along the beach selling:
- Jewelry
- Coffee
- Fresh fruit and snacks
- Small souvenirs
The overall feel is a bit more relaxed, with fewer direct sales approaches compared to Santa Cruz.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling at Playa Maguey is best toward the far left side of the beach when facing the water, near the rocky areas.
While it’s not as well known for snorkeling as La Entrega, you can still see fish depending on conditions. It’s more of a bonus activity here rather than the main draw.
Tips
- Consider arranging your return taxi in advance
- Call for a taxi at least 30 minutes before leaving
- Great option if you want a quieter beach without giving up amenities
- Good balance between relaxed and active
Who This Is Best For
• Travellers looking for a balanced beach
A mix of relaxation, space, and available amenities.
• Families who want something a bit quieter
Still easy and comfortable, but with fewer crowds.
• Visitors who don’t mind a bit of planning
Slightly less convenient than Santa Cruz, but worth the extra effort.