Playa Santa Cruz is one of the most accessible and convenient beaches in Huatulco, located right near the marina where the cruise ships dock. It’s within walking distance from Santa Cruz and La Crucecita, and just a short taxi ride from nearby areas like Chahué, Arrocito and Tangolunda.
It’s a great option for a relaxed, low-effort beach day, especially for families or first-time visitors. While it can be one of the busier beaches—particularly when cruise ships are in port—the atmosphere remains calm and easygoing rather than loud or party-focused.
This is our favourite beach for when we wanted something simple without too much planning, or just wanted to go for a quick beach visit, rather than a full day.
Best for: Families, convenience, first-time visitors
Water: Calm and swimmable
Vibe: Busy but relaxed (not a party beach)
Amenities: Restaurants, umbrellas, nearby shops
Access: Very easy (walkable from town or short taxi)
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What to Expect
Playa Santa Cruz is a wide, sandy beach with calm water that’s great for swimming and spending time in the ocean. It’s one of the more developed beaches in Huatulco, with plenty of restaurants, activities, and amenities all within easy reach.
Because of its central location and proximity to the marina, it can be one of the busier beaches—especially when cruise ships are in port—but it still maintains a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Getting There & Back
Playa Santa Cruz is one of the easiest beaches to access in Huatulco.
- Walkable from Santa Cruz and La Crucecita
- Very short and inexpensive taxi ride from nearby areas
- Easy to get taxis both to and from the beach
Because of its central location, you won’t need to worry much about transportation here.
Food & Drink
There are many beachfront restaurants offering food, drinks, and shaded seating. Most will set you up with a table and umbrella if you’re ordering from them.
When you arrive—whether by taxi or on foot—it’s common for restaurant representatives to greet you and invite you to sit at their restaurant. This is normal and not something to be concerned about.
Most restaurants offer similar menus and pricing, so if you don’t have a specific one in mind, it’s perfectly fine to go with someone who approaches you. They typically speak English and can help answer questions or accommodate preferences, including where you’d like to sit.
Tip: Even if you don’t see something on the menu, it’s worth asking. In our experience, they’re often able to prepare simple items on request—we would regularly ask for a fruit plate for the kids even if it wasn’t listed.
Activities & Vendors
Playa Santa Cruz has a wide range of activity options available right on the beach.
You’ll often see vendors offering:
- Banana boat rides
- Jet ski rentals
- Water trike rides
- Fishing trips
- Bay tours
Because the marina is right there, you may also have people approaching you directly to offer tours or excursions.
There is also a small playground located just behind the beachfront restaurants, near the road where taxis drop you off, which is a nice option for kids to take a break from the beach. This playground was just constructed in 2024, so it’s in excellent shape compared to many of the older playgrounds around town, and more comparable to playgrounds you would encounter in Canada.
In addition, there are vendors walking along the beach selling:
- Jewelry
- Coffee
- Fresh fruit and snacks
- Small souvenirs
They are generally friendly and not overly pushy — a simple “no gracias” is enough if you’re not interested.
Just across from the marina, near Santa Cruz Beach, there is a small square with a café located beside the Santa Cruz market.
On Saturday mornings, this area hosts an organic market with local vendors. On other days, you’ll often still find people selling snacks and drinks such as cold coconuts, tamales, and other quick bites.
It’s a convenient spot to grab something before or after heading to the beach.
Snorkeling
While Playa Santa Cruz isn’t known as a main snorkeling beach, you can still see some fish.
If you’re facing the water, the best area to try snorkeling is toward the far right side near the rocks. Visibility and marine life are more limited compared to beaches like La Entrega, but it can still be a fun option if you already have gear with you.
Tips
• Visit earlier in the day to avoid peak crowds, especially when cruise ships are in port
• Bring small cash for food, rentals, and vendors
• Great first beach to visit when you arrive in Huatulco
• Ideal if you want a simple, low-effort beach day
One of the biggest advantages of Playa Santa Cruz is how close it is to shops and small markets.
If you forget anything, it’s easy to find nearby:
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes
- Floaties for kids
- Snorkeling gear
- Beach toys
This makes it a great “low planning” beach where you don’t need to bring everything with you.
Who This Is Best For
• Families and first-time visitors
Easy access, calm water, and lots of amenities make this a very comfortable choice.
• Anyone staying nearby
If you’re in Santa Cruz, La Crucecita, or Chahué, this is one of the easiest beaches to reach.
• Travellers who want convenience
Everything is close by — food, shops, activities — making it a very simple beach to enjoy.