The coastal waters around Puerto Escondido pack serious value for boat-loving travelers. Several operators run reliable half-day excursions focused on marine wildlife watching – you’ll spot whales, dolphins, and rays in their natural habitat. The standout tour here is the evening trip to Manialtepec Lagoon’s bioluminescent waters, where the water literally glows beneath your boat. Another winner combines dolphin watching with a guided walk through the bustling Benito Juarez Market. Most tours hover between $34-50 per person, offering good bang for your peso. Check out our favorite boat tours below.
Key Points
- The Marine Life Boat Trip offers a small-group whale, dolphin, and ray watching experience with snorkeling and a high traveler recommendation.
- The Birdwatching Boat Tour explores the Manialtepec Lagoon and mangroves, with a visit to Puerto Suelo beach for walking, swimming, and dining.
- The Bioluminescent Lagoon Experience provides a boat ride and swimming in bioluminescent waters, with some variability in glow intensity reported.
- The Dolphin and Turtle Swim Tour allows visitors to swim with dolphins and turtles near coral reefs, with a high rating and natural beauty of Puerto Angelito Beach.
- The Cultural Boat Cruise and Market Visit combines a boat cruise with a visit to the Benito Juarez Market for exploring local organic products.
Boat Trip to See Marine Life in Puerto Escondido
A boat trip to see marine life in Puerto Escondido offers visitors a chance to spot whales, dolphins, and rays in their natural habitat off the Oaxacan coast.
The half-day small-group tour is led by a multilingual guide and includes snorkeling equipment and water. With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, the experience provides an intimate and flexible sightseeing adventure.
Though wildlife sightings can vary, the tour boasts a 93% traveler recommendation and an average rating of 4.7 based on 60 reviews.
Round-trip transportation from Puerto Escondido hotels is included, and the tour meets at a designated pickup point.
Priced at $45.14 per person, the boat trip offers a low-price guarantee and a reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Boat Trip to See Marine Life in Puerto Escondido Review
Book now: Check availability
From Puerto Escondido: Birdwatching on a Boat
For those seeking a more tranquil and nature-focused activity during their time in Puerto Escondido, the birdwatching boat tour offers a chance to take in the area’s diverse avian life.
Priced at ₹5,192 per person, the 5-hour tour departs from Puerto Escondido, exploring the Manialtepec Lagoon and its mangroves in search of wood storks, cormorants, and other local and migratory birds.
The tour also includes a visit to Puerto Suelo beach, where travelers can walk, swim, and dine.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a scenic and wildlife-focused experience, though the food quality at the beach is reportedly average.
Read our full review: From Puerto Escondido: Birdwatching on a Boat Review
Book now: Check availability
Bioluminescent Lagoon Boat Ride and Swim From Puerto Escondido
Travelers can embark on a mesmerizing bioluminescent lagoon boat ride and swim from Puerto Escondido, seeing the area’s natural wonders.
The 5-hour tour includes a boat ride and swimming in the illuminated waters, with life jackets provided. Highlights include exploring the Puerto Escondido region.
The tour is accessible for most, though not wheelchair-friendly, and infants must sit on laps. With a 4.5-star rating from 101 reviews, the tour offers a magical experience, though some note the glow may be less intense than expected.
Priced from $50 per person, the tour provides a reserve now, pay later option and a lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: Bioluminescent Lagoon Boat Ride and Swim From Puerto Escondido Review
Book now: Check availability
Puerto Escondido: Boat Tour to Swim With Dolphins & Turtles
Puerto Escondido offers an exhilarating boat tour to swim with dolphins and turtles. Priced from $34.32 per person, this 2.5-3 hour experience allows you to observe pinto dolphins, olive ridley turtles, and other marine life.
Snorkel near coral reefs and colorful fish using the provided equipment. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, and Bluetooth music.
While not suitable for those with back problems or seasickness, this boat tour offers incredible value with a 4.7/5 rating from over 100 reviews.
Admire the natural beauty of Puerto Angelito Beach and make the most of your time in Puerto Escondido with this unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Read our full review: Puerto Escondido: Boat Tour to Swim With Dolphins & Turtles Review
Book now: Check availability
Puerto Escondido: Boat Cruise and Market Visit
Visitors to Puerto Escondido can embark on a 6-hour boat cruise and market tour that promises an immersive cultural experience. Priced from $41.18 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a boat ride to admire wildlife and coastline, and a visit to the iconic Benito Juarez Market.
Travelers can encounter dolphins, turtles, and whales, then explore the market for local organic products like mole, chocolates, and hibiscus jellies. With a live guide available in Spanish and English, the tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Puerto Escondido’s natural and cultural attractions.
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and cash are recommended for this excursion, which boasts a 4.2/5 overall rating from past participants.
Read our full review: Puerto Escondido: Boat Cruise and Market Visit Review
Book now: Check availability
Puerto Escondido: Lagunas De Chacahua Day Trip and Boat Ride
The Lagunas de Chacahua Day Trip and Boat Ride offers an immersive excursion into Puerto Escondido’s stunning natural landscapes. Priced at Kč 3,536 per person, this 9-hour tour includes a boat journey through mangrove labyrinths, birdwatching, and swimming at the Chacahua lagoon and beach.
Hikers can reach the Arc of Love for sunset views, while night owls can experience the magic of bioluminescent waters. With complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, a local nature guide, and provisions, this tour provides a well-rounded experience.
While it may not be suitable for wheelchair users, the tour’s 4.4/5 rating from past participants suggests a worthwhile adventure.
Read our full review: Puerto Escondido: Lagunas De Chacahua Day Trip and Boat Ride Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Puerto Escondido offers a variety of boat tours and cruises to explore its stunning marine life, birdwatching opportunities, and scenic lagoons. Whether you’re interested in swimming with dolphins, witnessing bioluminescence, or taking a day trip to the Lagunas De Chacahua, there’s a boat tour to suit your interests. With so many options, visitors can easily find the perfect way to experience the coastal wonders of this picturesque Mexican destination.