Playa La Entrega is the beach most people picture when they think of Huatulco. It is a small, sheltered cove a few kilometres from Santa Cruz, with calm water, a line of casual palapa restaurants and enough shallow reef near the rocks to make snorkelling easy for beginners. It can be reached by road or by a short boat ride from the marina, and boat tours of the bays pass it without stopping, so a visit means a deliberate beach day. Its calm water makes it a favourite with families, and the shade and food mean you can stay all afternoon. The beach has had a good deal of recognition from tourism bodies, and the municipal government of Huatulco says it carries out permanent conservation work there, including a recent clean-up of the beach strip, the mangrove area and the car parks. That attention shows in how well kept it is, but also in how much traffic it gets. The best way to enjoy it is to treat it as a morning swim and snorkel, then head elsewhere once the crowds arrive.
Getting there
The beach is within about five kilometres of the Santa Cruz hotels, so a taxi or a short water-taxi ride from the marina is easy. Boat transport is the most fun, and a small number of operators run snorkelling trips that stop here, but you can also simply go by road and rent a lounger from one of the restaurants. Parking is available, and the municipal clean-up reached the car-park areas too.
What to do
Swim, snorkel and eat. The water near the rocks on either side holds fish and some coral, and a basic mask and snorkel are enough for a first try. Restaurants serve fresh fish, ceviche and cold drinks, and they usually provide loungers and umbrellas if you order. Walk to the end of the beach for a view back across the cove, and look out for pelicans and frigatebirds.
Making it better
Go in the morning when the water is clear and the sand is quiet, bring cash, reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes, and avoid touching the coral or feeding the fish. Holiday weekends are very busy, so avoid them if you want space. Because the beach sits inside a sensitive coastal zone, take your rubbish with you and avoid single-use plastic where you can. Combine it with a visit to the Copalita archaeological park later in the day for a mix of sea and history.
What to expect
The experience
A small sheltered cove with calm water, palapa restaurants and beginner-friendly snorkelling, reached by road or a short boat ride.
Best time
Morning, when the water is clearest and the beach is quietest.
How long
Two to four hours for a swim, a snorkel and lunch.
Tips
Go early, bring cash and reef-safe sunscreen, avoid holiday weekends and take your rubbish with you.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and beginners who want calm water and easy food.
- Families
- One of the best choices on the coast, with shallow, sheltered water and simple restaurants.
- Couples
- A pleasant swim and long lunch if you arrive early and leave before midday crowds.
- Pair with
- The Copalita archaeological park or a sunset in Santa Cruz.
- Time needed
- A half day.
Good questions
How do I get to Playa La Entrega?+
It is within a few kilometres of the Santa Cruz hotels, so a taxi or a short boat ride from the marina both work. Bay boat tours pass it without stopping.
Is it good for snorkelling?+
Yes, the rocks on either side of the cove hold fish and some coral, and the calm water suits beginners. Bring your own mask or rent one on site.
Is there an entrance fee?+
The beach itself is free to enter. Loungers, umbrellas, food and boat rides cost extra.
When is it busiest?+
Midday, weekends and holiday periods fill the cove quickly. Arrive in the morning for the best experience.
Is it protected?+
The municipal government says it carries out permanent conservation work there, including clean-ups of the beach, mangrove and car parks. Visitors can help by taking rubbish away and not touching the coral.
