Mexico’s Puerto Escondido delivers excellent value with its well-organized tours. Local food tours stand out – particularly the Mexico Magico and Made in Oaxaca options – offering authentic tastes and cooking insights you won’t find on your own. I especially love the early morning dolphin watching trips, when the waters are calm and marine life is most active. For nature buffs, the bioluminescent night swims and mangrove kayaking provide unforgettable encounters with local wildlife. Active travelers should consider the Mazunte-Zipolite coastal excursions or horseback rides through the countryside. Most tours include reliable transportation and expert local guides who know their stuff. Check out our favorite tour picks below.
Key Points
- For a diverse culinary experience, consider the Mexico Magico Food Tour or the Made in Oaxaca Food Tour, both highly rated by travelers.
- Witness the beauty of nature and wildlife with tours like the Dolphin Watching Tour, Sunrise and Dolphin Watching Tour, and Bioluminescent Night Tour.
- Explore the local culture and landscapes through activities such as the Puerto Escondido: Mazunte and Zipolite Day Tour and the Sunset Horse Riding Tour.
- Tours offer a range of pricing options, group sizes, and accessibility considerations, catering to various travel preferences and needs.
- Travelers consistently provide positive feedback on the quality of guided tours, knowledgeable guides, and memorable experiences in Puerto Escondido.
Mexico Magico Food Tour
The Mexico Magico Food Tour offers travelers an immersive culinary excursion through the vibrant streets of Puerto Escondido. This half-day tour allows a maximum of 8 travelers to explore local culinary secrets, with tastings of 8 to 10 dishes.
Guests can enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including beer or mezcal tastings, as they tour both old and new parts of the city. The intimate setting and knowledgeable guide provide a personalized experience.
Inclusions cover bottled water, lunch, gratuities, and fruit water at each tour location. The tour starts at 3:00 PM, meeting at the Agencia Municipal de Puerto Escondido and ending at Disfruta.
Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Most travelers can participate if comfortable walking for 1 hour total.
At $96.00 per person, the Mexico Magico Food Tour is a highly recommended culinary adventure, with 18 total reviews and a 5.0 average rating.
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Puerto Escondido: Mazunte and Zipolite Day Tour
Offering a comprehensive exploration of Mexico’s Pacific coast, the Puerto Escondido: Mazunte and Zipolite Day Tour takes travelers on a 10-hour excursion to discover the region’s natural wonders and cultural highlights.
Priced at $8878 for up to 3 participants, the tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a bilingual driver. Visitors will explore the Turtle Museum, learn about Pacific turtle species and conservation efforts, and relax on the renowned Playa Zipolite, known as Mexico’s first nudist beach.
The tour also includes a hike to Punta Cometa for panoramic views and sunset. However, customers should note the potential for communication issues, Turtle Museum closures on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the need to bring a copy of the paid receipt.
To ensure a streamlined experience, it’s recommended to visit Playa Zipolite before Punta Cometa.
Read our full review: Puerto Escondido: Mazunte and Zipolite Day Tour Review
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Dolphin Watching Tour
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Puerto Escondido, the Dolphin Watching Tour provides an immersive opportunity to search for five species of dolphins and view secluded beaches.
With a 96% traveler recommendation based on 97 reviews, this tour is ideal for those seeking a memorable wildlife experience.
The tour includes hotel pickup, a local guide, a shaded boat, and a life vest, with transportation costs ranging from $15 to $40 depending on the distance.
The tour starts at 7:00 AM, and pickups are available within a 3.5 km radius of Puerto Escondido, with additional fees for pickups beyond this range.
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, and the tour also offers the chance to spot humpback whales, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Travelers are advised to wear casual attire, bring sunscreen and insect repellent, and be prepared for activities like dolphin watching, swimming, and snorkeling.
The tour is priced from $64.87 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Puerto Escondido: Sunrise and Dolphin Watching Tour
What better way to start the day in Puerto Escondido than with a stunning sunrise and up-close encounters with dolphins and marine life? This 3-hour boat tour offers just that, taking you on a journey through the Pacific Ocean to spot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks.
Priced from $54.25 per person, the tour includes pickup from your hotel lobby and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Board the sightseeing boat at the beach and let the expert captain guide you to the best viewing spots.
While swimming isn’t permitted during the cruise, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Oaxacan coast and the relaxing experience of witnessing the sunrise colors on the water.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 46 reviews, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Puerto Escondido. Highlights include sightings of whales, dolphins, and turtles, as noted by travelers.
Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sandals, and sunscreen for a memorable morning on the water.
Read our full review: Puerto Escondido: Sunrise and Dolphin Watching Tour Review
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Bioluminescent Night Tour
Although it may come at a higher price point, the Bioluminescent Night Tour in Puerto Escondido provides a truly unique and captivating experience for visitors. Priced at $115 per person, the tour allows a maximum of 15 travelers to swim in the bioluminescent waters of the local lagoon, surrounded by a stunning night sky.
While the tour duration is just 40 minutes of swimming, the memories are sure to last a lifetime. The tour offers air-conditioned transportation, though pickup locations may vary.
It’s important to note that the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. Guests have provided mixed feedback, with some citing language barriers and a short boat ride as downsides, but the majority have praised the friendly staff and the overall memorability of the experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, the Bioluminescent Night Tour is an enticing option for those seeking a truly extraordinary encounter in Puerto Escondido.
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Puerto Escondido: Boat Tour to Swim With Dolphins & Turtles
One of the top boat tours in Puerto Escondido is the excursion to swim with dolphins and turtles. This 2.5-3 hour activity departs from Puerto Angelito Beach and costs $3453 per person.
Guests can expect to observe dolphins in their natural habitat and even swim alongside them. The tour also includes snorkeling to see the vibrant reef and its colorful fish. During the winter months, guests may even spot humpback whales.
The knowledgeable bilingual guides provide an informative and enjoyable experience. Amenities like a Bluetooth stereo, cooler, and hotel transportation are included.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems or seasickness. Overall, with a 4.7/5 rating from 142 reviews, this boat tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to interact with the diverse marine life around Puerto Escondido.
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Made in Oaxaca Food Tour
The Made in Oaxaca Food Tour offers visitors a delightful opportunity to enjoy the rich culinary heritage of the region. This highly-rated small group walking tour, with an average of 4.9/5 stars from 60 reviews, takes guests on a journey through 8-9 local joints, including markets and restaurants, to experience authentic Oaxacan food and drink.
Guided by knowledgeable locals like Indra and Sofia, the tour provides personalized attention and cultural insights into the origins, significance, and history of the region’s cuisine. Highlights include a leisurely exploration of the city’s atmosphere, a delectable lunch, and tastings of coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages.
The tour starts at 3:00 PM in front of the Benito Juarez Market and ends near the main streets, allowing for easy access to further transportation.
While not wheelchair accessible, the experience is suitable for curious travelers seeking an immersive culinary journey in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.
Read our full review: Made in Oaxaca Food Tour Review
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Puerto Escondido: Sunset Horse Riding Tour
For visitors seeking a unique and memorable experience in Puerto Escondido, the Sunset Horse Riding Tour offers a captivating escape into the Oaxacan wilderness. Priced at $107.28 per person, this 7-hour small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) promises scenic horse riding through the jungle, migratory bird sightings, a relaxing bonfire, and breathtaking Pacific Ocean sunset views.
The tour includes round-trip hotel pickup and a 20-minute van ride to the starting point. Guests will be introduced to saddled horses and guided through the lush jungle, crossing the Manialtepec River. The highlight is a canoe ride across the Manialtepec Lagoon, with the horses swimming alongside.
The tour concludes with a hotel drop-off. This experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or young children. Participants are advised to bring essential items like towels, water, and insect repellent.
With an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 14 reviews, the Sunset Horse Riding Tour is a must-try for nature enthusiasts visiting Puerto Escondido.
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Mangrove Kayaking Tour
Although Puerto Escondido boasts numerous scenic tours, the Mangrove Kayaking Tour stands out as a must-try experience for nature enthusiasts.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 10 glowing reviews, this tour takes adventurers on a sunrise adventure through the ocean, lagoon, and river of Manialtepec.
Paddling through the mangrove tunnels, guests can spot an array of endemic and migratory bird species, including rosetta spoonbills, storks, herons, hawks, and parrots.
The tour also includes an authentic regional Oaxacan meal featuring sopes, quesadillas, and aguas frescas, as well as all necessary equipment like life jackets, kayaks, and paddles.
Conveniently, pickup is available from any hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido, with a maximum of 10 travelers per tour.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant travelers, it offers a memorable and immersive experience in the area’s natural beauty.
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Puerto Escondido: Chacahua Lagoon Bioluminescence Tour
Expanding beyond the serene mangrove kayaking experience, the Chacahua Lagoon Bioluminescence Tour offers a captivating nighttime adventure in Puerto Escondido.
This 4-hour tour allows visitors to witness the enchanting bioluminescent waters at dusk, exploring the region’s diverse ecosystems. Participants will embark on a scenic boat ride through the intricate mangrove networks, where they’ll encounter a variety of bird species and rich aquatic life.
The tour also includes a visit to the accessible crocodile habitat on Chacahua Island, providing an opportunity to learn about the ecological significance of the area.
Priced at €544.76 for groups of up to 6 participants, the tour is available in both English and Spanish, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment and take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
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Puerto Escondido: Manialtepec Lagoon Bioluminescence Tour
What makes the Manialtepec Lagoon Bioluminescence Tour in Puerto Escondido a must-do activity? This 4-hour guided tour offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence.
For $50,802 per group (up to 6 participants), you’ll witness the glowing waters of the lagoon and gain insights from a knowledgeable guide.
The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as comfortable air-conditioned transportation and a boat for exploring the lagoon. Offered in both English and Spanish, the tour highlights the unique ecosystem and organisms responsible for the captivating luminous display.
However, it’s important to note the mixed customer feedback, with one traveler reporting no contact from the tour providers and a missed pickup.
The opportunity to experience the bioluminescence of Manialtepec Lagoon makes this tour a tempting option for nature enthusiasts visiting Puerto Escondido. Flexible booking and free cancellation policies provide added convenience.
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River, Ocean & Sunset Horse Riding Tour
For nature enthusiasts visiting Puerto Escondido, the River, Ocean & Sunset Horse Riding Tour offers a captivating way to experience the region’s breathtaking landscapes.
Priced at $143.03 per person, this 4-hour tour takes riders on a journey through farmland, wildlife-rich areas, and across rivers, culminating in a sunset ride along the Oaxacan coast.
Guests are picked up from their hotels and transported to the starting point, where they’ll saddle up on trained horses under the guidance of bilingual local experts.
Along the way, participants can expect to encounter diverse flora and fauna while crossing rivers by canoe with the horses swimming alongside.
The tour’s highlight is the sunset experience, as riders trot along the beach, soaking in the stunning natural scenery.
With a 4.8/5 rating from previous guests, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to take in the beauty of Puerto Escondido.
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Recap
Puerto Escondido offers an array of captivating tours catering to diverse interests. From food and dolphin watching to bioluminescent night experiences and horseback riding, there’s something for all. These tours provide an immersive way to explore the stunning natural beauty and cultural richness of this Mexican coastal destination. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique perspective, Puerto Escondido’s tour offerings don’t disappoint.