Port of Call...Huatulco, Mexico

During the night our cruising to Panama voyage took us to Huatulco where we awoke to see condos lining the shoreline as we headed to the dock. It is a tourist development in Mexico. It is located on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca, south of Acapulco.

Bahia de Santa Crus is the center of commercial and tourist activities with a large pier where cruise ships dock. Playa Santa Cruz is the best known of the beaches here and it has white sand and turquoise blue water. If you are ever cruising to Panama this is a good stop with numerous optional tours. The Bays of Huatulco are made up of a series of nine bays and many small coves stretching along approx. 15 miles of jagged coastline.

The dock accommodated both of the Celebrity ships. Celebrity Infinity (ours) and the shadow ship, Celebrity Millennium. Cruising to Panama seems to include the port stop of Puntarenas (sand point). It is the capital and largest city in the province od Puntarenas, Costa Rica at the Pacific coast. Its port is Caldera which is an attraction for surfers. The temperatures range from 86-99 degrees and it was muggy and humid when we were there at the beginning of October. Excursion Tours offered:

Copalita River Float Tour
ATV Off-Road Adventure …navigate through tropical paths aboard an ATV. Goggles and helmet are provided. Must have a valid driver’s license.
River Kayaking Adventure
Temazcalli Prehispanic Steam Experience…A healthy and mystical traditional steam bath in a prehistoric spa decorated with replicas of the murals of Bonampak painted on the walls of the “Temazcalli”.
Oaxaca's Towns & Villages …Discover the local culture, history and people of Oaxaca in 2 unique towns. Walk among the red, thatched roof buildings and visit the town church of Santa Maria. Relax with a cup of coffee in the isolated village of Pluma Hidalgo, located in the 2nd finest coffee-producing region in the world. A snack is included.
Mexican Cooking Demonstration
Huatulco Towns & Traditions Off the beaten path you get a glimpse into Oaxaca’s and Mexican roots.
Ancient Huatulco & La Crucecita…Experience the best of Huatulco. Visit Copalis Point Eco-Archaeological Center, the most remarkable archaeological find in the last 20 years, sightseeing the natural resorts beauty on your way to La Crucecita to shop independently for 45 minutes.
Scenic Drive & La Crucecita Sightseeing tour by motor coach in the Tangolunda Bay Hotel District. Conejo Bay with its breathtaking scenery and Mescal Plaza for a 30 minute stop for shopping. Next, visit La Crucecita, a quaint town where you have 60 minutes of free time
Mexican Folkloric Fiesta Music and dance representation of Mexico
Walking Tour…This tour allows you to see La Crucecita at a slower pace. Most of the walking is in shaded areas and you’ll be able experience the garden areas of Huatulco, the Central Park and church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadelupe. There is also time to shop for handicrafts.
Eco Tour and Crocodile Sanctuary…Experience nature and learn about the local ecology of Oaxaca. Travel approx.. 85 minutes through Oaxaca’s countryside to La Ventanilla Lagoon and Crocodile Sanctuary. Take a canoe ride through the vegetation of the lagoon and observe various species of wildlife. Visit an island where tree nurseries help the reforestation effort. Explore the island and learn more about the natural environment. Take a canoe trip to the mainland for the drive back to the ship.
Tropical Flowers and Fruit Extravaganza…See an amazing array of flowers and fruit crops and have the opportunity to do a dip in a pond. A snack of fruit will be provided. Wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, a hat, bug repellant and have good walking shoes.
Bird Watching & Eco Tour…Discover the rich diversity of the wetland bird life and unspoiled low growth jungle beauty. The area is rich in wildlife such as iguanas and deer and home to over 227 species of birds, including 20 varieties of hummingbirds. You’ll receive a souvenir list of birds complete with a color print of the 25 most seen species. 20 minute photo stop and a cool beverage
Huatulco Land & Sea Tour…Experience Huatulco by land and sea vising the downtown area of La Crucecita, its Central Park, the church and shops offering handicrafts. The tour continues on a catamaran to take in more highlights of the shoreline and “Bufadora”.
Las Brisas Resort Beach Break…A Las Brisas day pass allows you to use the facilities and activities (swimming pool, beach, tennis courts, squash, basketball, volleyball and beach volleyball courts, snorkeling equipment and gym).
Two Bays Snorkeling for the Experienced…For the snorkeling enthusiast, this tour combines two of the best locations. Mask, snorkel fins, snorkel vest and bottled water are included
Five Bays by Catamaran Cruise & Swim Go by catamaran for a sightseeing cruise to Organo Bay for swimming. Complimentary snacks and drinks are provided.
Sailing & Swim Excursion…set sail aboard a 44 foot Cutter sloop and cruise some of the best bays. A 45 minute stop will be made for swimming. Margaritas, beer, bottled water and complimentary drinks are provided.
Ocean Discovery Beach Snorkel…This tour is perfect for the less experienced snorkeler. Explore the amazing underwater world of Huatulco from the beaches of La Entrega and El Arrocito

Upon returning to the ship we'd continue cruising to Panama and the next stop would be Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Details of this port will be in the next segment of cruising to Panama.

Port of Call...Huatulco, Mexico

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