Santa Cruz Bay
Santa Cruz Bay
4
About
Lively harbor area that is the loading dock for all boating activity.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
694 reviews
Excellent
315
Very good
261
Average
97
Poor
11
Terrible
10

James Bradley
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
The restaurant scouts are aggressive here (to put it mildly). They will literally jump out at your car and try to stop you in the middle of the road. We thought something was terribly wrong with our first encounter. We quickly got wise to these patron piranhas (as we called them) and got used to saying no... A LOT! We parked elsewhere and actually tried walking down the street -- it was just outrageous to the point of comical just how many times we were asked to sit and eat, do a tour, braid our hair 15..20...probably more. Worse still, we were in the end unsuccessful in actually getting to the water as the restaurants have completely monopolized the shoreline (you have to walk through a restaurant to get to the water).

Now, I understand this is the culture here and the workers need to be paid - but unfortunately it just feels that this beach has been sold to to the food industry and you will need to pay to experience it. Other bays nearby are just as beautiful and you can actually get to the water. On the upside, if you need a sit down meal, you know where to go where you will be eagerly patronized.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CottenVillaRidge
Villa Ridge92 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Here you will find a small Mercado(market with souvenirs) a few restaurants the marina (book boat tours) but for 60 pesos you can go downtown Lacrucicieta. Very beautiful city. Oh and there is a Banemex bank in St. Cruz.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Leanne_E_12_12
Rimbey89 contributions
Feb 2022
this is a great calm beach for swimming. not really for snorkeling though. not a lot of shade - you have to sit at a restaurant to access the umbrellas and can do so for free if you order something. cant imagine it on cruise day though......
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

G6686QUsusanh
Toronto, Canada29 contributions
Feb 2020
Many resort areas call themselves paradise, but if you are looking for perfect weather, I can vouch for it from December to March at least ( have not been here in other months). It is hot, 33degrees at least every day, but the combination of gentle breezes and a pool or the ocean, make it comfortable. There are a variety of accommodations available at a variety of prices. The ocean is very gentle in the bay and you have many other bays to swim in. And the restaurants in the area are terrific.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katherine D
Penticton, BC171 contributions
Jan 2020
waters are generally calm, not crazy crowded and the restaurants offer a great choice. We did notice that the beach is being eroded infront of Ve El Mar. Other than that its a nice place to go and relax drink some beers and enjoy some great food.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BennettMom
Snohomish, WA38 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Arrived via cruise ship and had a fabulous few hours here. Just set up at one of the beach restaurants for the day. We swam, ate, and drank. The beach is very nice and the water calm. However, the massage from Alma was exceptional and I have had a lot of massages! Highly recommend her-she’s just on the beach near the restaurants after you get off the ship.
Written October 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AnneCrt
Niagara Falls, Canada237 contributions
Mar 2022
We hired a boat one day and had a great boatman, Nestor. He took us around all the bays. We saw a hump backed whale jumping from the sea. Flying fist and a seagull hitching a ride on the back of a manta ray. Fantastic and unforgettable experiences!
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Zolike78
New Westminster, Canada303 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We walked from downtown La Crucecita (there's a nice pedestrian path) to this beach. Very still waters, great for swimming, with restaurants right on the beach. Water very clean and nice color. Cruise ships dock here, it was quite busy even without one. Not the best of the bays but worth checking out if in the area.
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joan H
38 contributions
Jan 2020
Stayed with a friend and this was the starting point, daily walk to the beach, 3 blocks, comfy chairs with shade at LaPlaya. Be sure and order a beer or cold drink. Daily quick swim in warm clear water. Only crowded when cruise ships arrived.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jude19572018
Crystal Lake, IL222 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Santa Cruz Bay is a delightful port that has wonderful streets lined with great shops and restaurants. The people are very friendly and there are many boating excursions you can take. It is breathtaking settled into the Bay with the mountains behind; just a beautiful area . Big cruise ships can come in but we were able to take a small private boat for a tour and snorkeling. This is definitely a must see; it is a hidden gem!
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Santa Cruz Bay Information

Excellent Reviews

315

Very Good Reviews

261

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