Located in the far west Bay of Huatulco, the quaint village of San Agustin Bay is so far off the beaten path that many travelers miss it completely. With shaded palmpalapas (shelters) and rustic beachside restaurants, the village attracts determined scuba divers, snorkelers, and beach enthusiasts. All-terrain vehicle adventure rides around Huatulco usually stop in San Agustin Bay for a swim and seafood lunch. Remember to ask for the catch of the day.
Travelers can also take a short hike to the nearby hillside where a shrine honors the town’s namesake, St. Augustine. Hikers are also rewarded with expansive views of rolling hills, thick forests, and crashing waves.
San Agustin Bay is one of the Huatulco Bays (Las Bahias de Huatulco), which comprise nine bays and 36 beaches.
When snorkeling, be careful not to touch or disturb the coral, and remember it is illegal to remove coral from the sea.
Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera to snap photos underwater.
San Agustin Bay is accessible by road or boat. Travelers can rent a private boat or purchase a ticket on one of the local catamarans. Micro buses and taxis also travel the banana tree-lined road to San Augustin. If you decide to drive, keep in mind that you’ll need to travel down about 10 miles of rocky dirt road; the bay is about 25 minutes from the Santa Maria intersection.
Mornings at San Agustin Bay can be busy because that’s when tourists arrive via catamaran or other boats to snorkel. Plan to visit in the late morning, if you can, to avoid the crowds. Like most tourist destinations, the area draws more visitors during the high seasons around Christmas and Easter, and more locals on weekends.
Another of the Huatulco Bays, Maguey Bay also boasts a white sandy beach and calm waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, because the area is protected by rock formations. As in San Agustin Bay, there are also plenty of seafood restaurants, and it’s more accessible than San Agustin.