Playa Maguey
A serene Oaxacan gem in Huatulco, Playa Maguey boasts crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and beachfront dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Playa Maguey
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Oaxacan gem in Huatulco, Playa Maguey boasts crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and beachfront dining.
"Beautiful, quiet, warm water, lots of food to choose from, mostly seafood and there is no fee or wait time to enter the beach."
🚶♀️ Navigate the Beach
Walk right from the entrance, past bathrooms/showers, to find the public path to the beach. :athletic_shoe:
🐠 Snorkel Spot
The far left end offers a public swimming area for snorkeling with small fish. :tropical_fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Main beach area
Enjoy incredibly clear, warm, and calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Seafood Delights
Beachfront restaurants
Savor fresh, delicious seafood and local Mexican dishes with your toes in the sand.
Relaxing Ambiance
Quieter sections of the beach
Find a peaceful spot to unwind, listen to Mexican music, and soak up the sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Restaurant Approach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Navigate the Beach
Walk right from the entrance, past bathrooms/showers, to find the public path to the beach. :athletic_shoe:
🐠 Snorkel Spot
The far left end offers a public swimming area for snorkeling with small fish. :tropical_fish:
🍹 Sip on Margaritas
Enjoy refreshing margaritas and beachside drinks while relaxing. :tropical_drink:
💰 No Entrance Fee
Enjoy the beach without any admission fees or wait times. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Navigate the Beach
Walk right from the entrance, past bathrooms/showers, to find the public path to the beach. :athletic_shoe:
🐠 Snorkel Spot
The far left end offers a public swimming area for snorkeling with small fish. :tropical_fish:
🍹 Sip on Margaritas
Enjoy refreshing margaritas and beachside drinks while relaxing. :tropical_drink:
💰 No Entrance Fee
Enjoy the beach without any admission fees or wait times. :moneywithwings:
🎶 Enjoy the Music
Soak in the vibrant atmosphere with local Mexican music playing. :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Maguey is widely praised for its beautiful, calm, and clear waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors appreciate the abundance of beachfront restaurants offering delicious seafood and the relaxed atmosphere, often enhanced by Mexican music. While the persistent approach from restaurant staff is noted, most find the service excellent once seated, and the lack of an entrance fee is a significant plus.
"Beautiful, quiet, warm water, lots of food to choose from,mostly seafood and there is no fee or wait time to enter the beach."
Rene Simon
"Once you arrive, you will be approached immediately by restaurant staff trying to convince you to go into their restaurants.
Facing the beach, walk to the right look for the bathrooms & showers & take the public path to the beach.
The water was calm, lovely & incredibly clear.
Be aware that in the afternoon numerous boat tours show up quickly and their customers are herded into the restaurants to be fleeced.
I simply walked to a quiet area of the beach & set up my space and had an enjoyable time."
Cameron Hay
"Beautiful beach and loved the Mexican music in the background. Restaurant staff tries hard to get your business, but that’s just how it is in almost any touristy place in Mexico. You just smile and keep walking til you get to where you want to go. Once you choose a place, their service is top notch."
jonathan Fisher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa Maguey is located in the Bahías de Huatulco. You can reach it by taxi or by taking a boat tour that includes stops at various bays. Some visitors mention taxi prices can vary, so it's good to confirm rates beforehand. +1
Yes, Playa Maguey is conveniently located about 10 minutes from the center of La Crucecita, Huatulco. This makes it an easily accessible option for a day trip.
While direct driving access might be limited, many visitors arrive via taxi or tour boats. If driving, you'll likely park nearby and walk to the beach entrance.
Absolutely! Boat tours are a popular way to explore Huatulco's bays, and Playa Maguey is often a featured stop. This can be a convenient way to visit multiple beaches in one day.
Playa Maguey is in Huatulco, which is a separate destination from Puerto Escondido. You would need to arrange transportation between the two, which can be a significant journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no fee to enter Playa Maguey. You can enjoy the beach and its amenities without any admission cost.
Playa Maguey is a public beach and is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Restaurants and services operate during daylight hours.
While not strictly necessary, booking in advance might be wise during peak season or if you have a specific restaurant in mind, especially for larger groups.
There are no specific entry restrictions mentioned for Playa Maguey, making it a welcoming destination for all visitors.
While you can bring your own, supporting the local beachfront restaurants is encouraged. They offer a wide variety of food and drinks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, snorkel in the calm waters, relax on the sand, and enjoy delicious food at the beachfront restaurants. Some boat tours also offer activities.
Yes, the calm and clear waters make it ideal for families. Kids can safely swim and play in the gentle waves.
You'll find restrooms and showers available, which are convenient after a day at the beach.
It can get busy, especially in the afternoons when boat tours arrive. Weekday mornings are generally quieter.
Typically, when you patronize a beachfront restaurant, they will provide chairs and umbrellas for your use.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The beach is lined with restaurants offering a variety of fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and refreshing drinks like margaritas. +1
While seafood is the specialty, many Mexican restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. It's best to ask your server about options.
Prices can vary, but expect typical tourist prices for beachfront dining. Many visitors find the food to be good value for the quality and experience.
Restaurante Las Hamacas and Enramada Don Ramón are frequently mentioned and recommended for their seafood and ambiance. 
While some places might allow it, it's generally expected that you'll order food or drinks if you're using their seating and facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, perfect for serene shots. Sunsets can also be stunning, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Yes, drone footage can capture the stunning beauty of Bahía Maguey and its surrounding coastline, showcasing the turquoise waters and lush landscape.
Capture crystal-clear water, sandy shores, beachfront restaurants, and the vibrant Mexican coastal atmosphere.
Mornings and weekdays are your best bet for unobstructed photos. Be prepared for more people in the afternoon, especially from boat tours.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. Waterproof gear or a good phone case is advisable for beach activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While restaurant staff can be enthusiastic, a polite refusal is usually enough. Once you settle at a restaurant, the service is generally excellent, and they are accustomed to catering to families. The overall atmosphere is very welcoming, making it easy to enjoy a stress-free day by the sea.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays when prices might be more stable. If you opt for a taxi, confirm the fare before your journey. Exploring the beach and enjoying the natural beauty is completely free, making it an accessible destination for all.
couples
+1The clear, calm waters are ideal for a refreshing dip together, and the gentle sound of the waves creates a soothing atmosphere. It's a place where you can truly unwind, enjoy each other's company, and create lasting memories in a beautiful, natural setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bahía Maguey
The beach itself is characterized by soft sand and gentle waves, creating an inviting environment for swimming and relaxation. Unlike some of the more developed beaches, Playa Maguey retains a sense of natural beauty, often described as 'almost virgin' by visitors.
When visiting Bahía Maguey, you'll find a selection of beachfront restaurants, often referred to as 'enramadas,' that offer a delightful culinary experience. These establishments provide a perfect setting to enjoy fresh seafood while gazing out at the picturesque bay.
+1The Beachfront Dining Experience
These restaurants, like Restaurante Las Hamacas and Enramada Don Ramón, are known for serving delicious, fresh seafood and traditional Mexican cuisine. Dining here means enjoying your meal with the sound of the waves and a beautiful ocean view. Many visitors praise the quality of the food and the attentive service once they've chosen a spot.
While there's no strict rule, it's customary to order food or drinks if you're utilizing the restaurant's seating and facilities. This practice supports the local businesses that contribute to the beach's vibrant atmosphere.
Activities and Water Fun
For the more adventurous, the far left end of the beach offers a public swimming area where snorkeling is a popular pastime. Here, you can observe a variety of small fish in their natural habitat. The gentle waves and currents are suitable for both swimming and snorkeling without significant concern.
Beyond swimming and snorkeling, the primary activity is simply unwinding on the soft sand, listening to the background Mexican music, and enjoying the laid-back vibe. It's a place to disconnect and soak in the natural beauty of the Oaxacan coast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit