Playa La Entrega (La Entrega Bay)
The southernmost beach in the Santa Cruz area, Playa La Entrega—or La Entrega Bay—offers over 600 feet (182 meters) of sandy shoreline; beautiful coral reefs; and clear, calm waters ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Highlights include a variety of tropical fish, on-site seafood stalls, and proximity to the scenic Huatulco Bay Lighthouse lookout.
The Basics
A popular spot to visit independently, most visitors come for the swimming and snorkeling in the roped-off area just off the coast; you can buy or rent snorkel gear from vendors on the beach. Many boat tours of Huatulco Bay include a stop at Playa La Entrega, typically alongside spots such as Playa Organo and Chachahual, another snorkel-friendly bay. City tours sometimes include a beach visit too, while snorkeling-specific experiences in Huatulco can feature Playa La Entrega.
Things to Know Before You Go
Playa La Entrega is a popular spot for families, both local and visiting.
There are palapas lining the beach where you can buy seafood, snacks, and drinks; take change and small bills.
You can buy or rent snorkel gear from the north end of the beach.
Playa La Entrega is not easily wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Playa La Entrega is situated just 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) from Santa Cruz on foot or by private vehicle along a winding road. You can also reach the beach from Santa Cruz by motorboat in under five minutes. Plus, some Huatulco Bay boat tours include a stop at Playa La Entrega.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
There’s no real bad time to visit Playa La Entrega, but summers can be oppressively hot on the Oaxaca coast; it’s also the rainy season from roughly July to October, which can sometimes bring hurricanes. For the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds, visit in spring (not Easter) or fall. Like many coastal destinations in Mexico, winter is the peak season here.
Why is it Called Playa La Entrega?
In 1831, Insurgent General Vicente Guerrero was betrayed by a Genoese sea captain and delivered to his enemies on this beach, where he was taken as prisoner and subsequently shot by a firing squad days later. “La Entrega” means “The Delivery,” and pays homage to the betrayal.
- Santa Cruz Bay (Bahía Santa Cruz)
- Órgano Bay (Bahía Órgano)
- La Crucecita
- Maguey Bay (Bahía Maguey)
- Huatulco National Park (Parque Nacional Huatulco)
- Tangolunda Bay (Bahía Tangolunda)
- Finca La Gloria
- Chachacual Bay
- Copalita Ecological Park and Ruins (Parque Eco Arqueológico Copalita)
- San Agustin Bay (Bahía San Agustín)
- Copalita River (Río Copalita)
- Zipolite Beach (Playa Zipolite)
- Mexican Turtle Center (Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga)
- Cacaluta Bay (Bahia de Cacaluta)
- La Ventanilla