Top tours in and around Puerto Escondido<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When people go on an African safari, their aim is to see \u2018The Big Five\u2019 ( lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo). When it comes to a boat tour in Puerto Escondido<\/a>, it\u2019s The Big Three: whales, dolphins and turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best time to see all three of these majestic animals is between December and March. Outside of these months, the whales will have migrated to another area. You can still spot dolphins and turtles all year round, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When going, we recommend taking one of the early morning boat trips to increase your chance of seeing whales. Dragging yourself out of bed at 06:30 might be hard in the moment, but once you see the colossal whales crashing around in the water, all tiredness will be gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This boat trip will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your Mexico adventure. There\u2019s nothing quite like gliding through the ocean, whilst a pod of over 100 dolphins jump and play alongside the boat. You\u2019ll be able to spot five different species of dolphins which call Puerto Escondido their home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re spoilt when it comes to whales too. In Puerto Escondido\u2019s waters, you\u2019ll be able to find Humpback whales, orcas, fin, Whale sharks, and Grey whales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the turtles, you won\u2019t even have to look for them, there are so many. As you’re going along, you\u2019ll spot little heads bobbing on the water coming up for air and peacefully going about their day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You simply can\u2019t leave Puerto Escondido without doing one of these boat trips! We\u2019d recommend going with Robert\u2019s Ecotours<\/a>. Robert is extremely friendly and very efficient at organising the tours. He can tell you everything you want to know about the animals and is always conscious not to disturb them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prices start at 800 MXN ($44.50) per person but can be negotiated down if you’re with a group of friends. If you search around, you should be able to find the tour for as low as 350 MXN ($19.60).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puerto Escondido is teeming with sea turtles, which is partly due to the efforts of the number of conservation groups in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The volunteers work day and night to protect the turtles that frequent Puerto Escondido\u2019s beaches. A big part of the job is collecting turtle eggs and providing a secure environment for them until they\u2019re ready to hatch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help fund their efforts, some of the charities run turtle releases. You can do this at Playa Bacocho<\/a> for only 100 MXN ($5.60).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The turtle release happens every day from 17:00 and is just the most magical experience. You have the opportunity to witness the start of a new life and help the turtle on its way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a brief introduction and education on the turtles, you\u2019re given a carved coconut bowl to house your newborn baby turtle. Some of the turtles may even be just 5 minutes old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You then take your new baby turtle to the water and watch it start its journey! You can\u2019t help but feel like a proud parent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do keep an eye out for the pesky crabs and birds that are looking for a snack, though!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to get to the turtle release site is by taxi. This should cost around 40 MXN ($2.20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask anyone where the best places to surf in Mexico are, and Puerto Escondido will be on that list. Playa Zicatela<\/a> in particular has become world famous for its massive barrels and waves that can reach over 12 metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re a beginner or an expert, there\u2019s a beach in Puerto Escondido that can provide the right-sized waves for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve never ridden a wave in your life, it\u2019s probably best to head to Carrizalillo beach<\/a> where you\u2019ll find plenty of surfing schools. La Punta<\/a> is your intermediate beach once you\u2019ve become comfortable with the board and Puerto\u2019s strong waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re keen to learn how to surf then Oasis Surf School is a great option and offers packages starting at $220 for a week<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For those not ready to commit a whole week to surfing, you can book a 2-hour surf lesson<\/a> with Waves of Puerto Escondido for $47.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To just rent a surfboard for the day, prices start at around $15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manialtepec<\/a> is a deep lagoon situated 20 minutes outside of Puerto Escondido. The reason why most people visit this lagoon is due to the bioluminescent plankton that lights up in the water like the stars in the sky!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here you get the chance to take a boat ride amongst the mangroves before jumping in to join the shining plankton. As you splash around and move the plankton, the water comes alive with light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sight is stunning and even better when there\u2019s a new moon. During a new moon the sky will be darker and the plankton more dazzling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something to keep in mind is the fact that crocodiles may also be lurking around in the water. It is a lagoon after all. Don\u2019t worry though, nobody has become a crocodile\u2019s dinner recently!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expect to pay around 350 MXN ($19.60) for this tour, but this price can be negotiated down if you have a larger group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Witness this magical act of nature on this bioluminescent lagoon boat ride and swim<\/a> for $54.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manialtepec Lagoon<\/a> is also worth visiting during the day for a kayaking tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The saltwater from the Pacific Ocean, fresh water from the Manialtepec River and the deep water of the lagoon help to create a thriving ecosystem. It’s home to 300 different species of tropical birds and animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can rent a kayak for around $6 per hour. To get to the lagoon from Puerto Escondido, you\u2019ll need to take either a 30-minute taxi costing around 300 MXN ($16.80) or a colectivo heading to Rio Grande for 18 MXN ($1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, you can join this 3.5 hour kayaking tour<\/a> which arranges everything for you. All you’ll need to do is paddle!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puerto Escondido is a beach destination, so what better way to spend your time than experiencing all that its beaches have to offer? Each of the beaches has a unique feel and look to it, so it\u2019s worth trying different ones out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are our top 3 favourite beaches in Puerto Escondido:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An hour south of Puerto Escondido, the sleepy little town of Mazunte<\/a> is still waiting to be discovered. Mazunte can be visited as a day trip, but we recommend spending a few days there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s the appeal? Mazunte is the perfect place to disconnect from the rest of the world and truly relax. It\u2019s a simple way of life in this quirky town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There aren’t many things to do apart from enjoying Mazunte\u2019s stunning beaches and letting your body get used to not being in a rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can get to Mazunte from Puerto Escondido in just over an hour by car or by the local bus. Get the local bus from outside the Super Che Supermarket<\/a> and ask the driver to stop at Las Cruces de San Antonio. This bus costs 40 MXN ($2.20). From that stop, you\u2019ll have to get a taxi the rest of the way to Mazunte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need to get rid of some tricky tan lines, or simply love the freedom of being naked, then head to Zipolite beach<\/a>. It\u2019s Mexico\u2019s only nudist beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s only a small section of the beach where you can go nude, so make sure you find the right part before stripping off and baring all. You can find it in front of the aptly named Hotel Nude<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If getting naked isn\u2019t your kind of thing, Zipolite is still worth a visit. There are a number of bars and restaurants to explore, plus the golden-sand beach is perfect to relax on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A local taxi will cost you around 600 MXN ($33.50) to get there, or alternatively, you can get the bus. Get the bus heading to Pochutla before grabbing either a taxi or a colectivo to continue your journey to Zipolite. This whole journey should cost you around 35 MXN ($2) and take around 1.5 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re looking to pick up a new skill or you\u2019re already an avid fisherman, going fishing in Puerto Escondido is a great way to spend the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plenty of species inhabiting the waters of Puerto Escondido including blue marlin, pacific sailfish, red snapper and yellow fish tuna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the fish, such as the marlin are released back into the water, but other fish, such as tuna, can be kept and cooked for dinner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Omar\u2019s Sportfishing<\/a> has over 25 years of experience and top-quality gear. If you\u2019re new to fishing they\u2019ll teach you how to hook your own fish and catch your dinner for the night!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boat for half a day costs $300 or $450 for a full day. Also, don\u2019t forget to keep your eye out for dolphins and turtles along the way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chacahua<\/a> is an off-the-beaten-track hidden gem. That should be enough to persuade you to go there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s an island not too far from Puerto Escondido that boasts the perfect blend of jungle and ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best thing to do in Chacahua is… absolutely nothing. It\u2019s a laid-back island where your day should consist of surfing or simply lounging on the beach. An ideal spot to escape the more busy Puerto Escondido.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spend a few days here and we guarantee you\u2019ll come back feeling refreshed and relaxed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n All good things in life tend to require a bit of effort and getting to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido is no different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, you\u2019ll need to take a colectivo towards Rio Grande and get off at the intersection with El Zapotalito. Next hop in a taxi to El Zapotalito, before taking a direct boat to Chacahua. This trip should cost you around 270 MXN ($15.10) in total and take around 2 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puerto Escondido is a pretty popular party town. It\u2019s no wonder with the number of bars that are clustered within the small town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The days may seem lazy and laid-back, but once the sun has set, the town comes alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a number of great bars to spend the night in, such as Casa Babylon<\/a> for some live music and a great atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What really puts Puerto Escondido on the map as a party destination are its jungle raves. You\u2019ll have to do some investigative work to find out where these secret raves are located, though, as they\u2019re often at least half an hour away hidden in the jungle. Trust us, they\u2019re on a whole other level!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you fancy getting out of Puerto Escondido and exploring some of the surrounding areas, then La Reforma waterfall<\/a> is the perfect place to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n La Reforma waterfall is hidden within the jungle, creating a lush and idyllic surrounding for a swim in its refreshing water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s 1 hour 45 minutes from Puerto Escondido and can be visited with either a tour or you could add to the adventure and rent a bike for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A tour will cost around 800 MXN ($44.50) per person, whereas renting a motorbike for the day will cost around 400 MXN ($22.50). Entrance to the waterfall is practically free, costing just 10 MXN ($0.60).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your accommodation doesn\u2019t have a pool or you just fancy spending the day surrounded by good vibes, then head to Club de Playa Villasol<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a luxury beach club with a swim-up bar, delicious cocktails and food, and it\u2019s metres away from the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To spend the day here, the beach club asks for a minimum spend. This means that you have to spend a certain amount of money on their food and drink. From Monday to Thursday it’s 200 MXN ($11.20), whilst on Fridays and the weekend it\u2019s 300 MXN ($16.80). Update:<\/strong> it seems the price has increased to 600 MXN ($33.50) now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This way it basically feels like you\u2019re spending the day enjoying their brand-new facilities for free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for something to get the blood pumping and your heart racing, then jumping out of a plane over Puerto Escondido will get you there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most popular company to go skydiving with is Skydive Puerto Escondido<\/a>. All of their instructors are certified by the USPA (United States Parachute Association) so at least you don\u2019t need to be nervous about that part! <\/p>\n\n\n\n A tandem jump, where you\u2019re attached to an instructor, costs $220.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
#1 Go dolphin, turtle and whale watching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dolphins](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1.-Dolphins-swimming-in-Puerto-Escondido-Oaxaca-Mexico.jpg\")
When is the best time to go on a boat safari?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What can you see on the boat trip?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Who to book the boat tour with?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#2 Release baby turtles on the beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2.2-Newborn-turtles-run-to-the-sea-wave-close-up-turtle-turtle-sanctuary-hatchery-located-on-the-beach.jpg\")
How it works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2.1-Women-with-wooden-bowl-in-hands-take-newborn-turtles-on-handbrede-turtle-sanctuary-hatchery-located-on-the-beach.jpg\")
#3 Go surfing at one of Mexico\u2019s best surfing spots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Surfer](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3.-Surfer-in-the-Pipeline-of-Playa-Zicatela-in-Puerto-Escondido-Mexico.jpg\")
![\"Surf](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/La-Punta-Puerto-Escondido-Oaxaca-Mexico.-learning-to-surf.jpg\")
#4 Take a bioluminescent tour at Manialtepec Lagoon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bioluminescence](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/4.-Bioluminescence.-Illumination-of-plankton.jpg\")
#5 Kayak around Manialtepec Lagoon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Manialtepec](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/5.-Laguna-de-manialtepec.jpg\")
#6 Beach hop along the coastline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Carrizalillo](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/6.-Turquoise-waters-of-Puerto-Escondido-Carrizalillo-Beach.jpg\")
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#7 Do nothing but relax at Mazunte<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sunset](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/7.-Mazunte-Oaxaca-Mexico-chill-out-tiki-bar-at-playa-Mermejita.jpg\")
How to get to Mazunte<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Mazunte](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/7.Mazunte-one-of-Mexico_s-more-beautiful-beaches.jpg\")
#8 Get naked at Zipolite beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Beaches](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/8.2-First-beach-closer-is-Playa-del-Amor-and-the-second-beach-is-Zipolite.jpg\")
How to get to Zipolite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#9 Spend the day out at sea fishing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#10 Escape to the idyllic island of Chacahua<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Laguna](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Laguna-de-Chacahua-Mexico.jpg\")
How to get to Chacahua<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Chacahua](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/102-LA1.jpg\")
#11 Party the night away in Puerto Escondido<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Night](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/11.-Mexico-Puerto-Escondido-night-vision-of-schalets-on-the-beach-palm-trees-in-the-backgroundsky-with-clouds.jpg\")
Jungle parties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#12 Splash around at La Reforma waterfall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"La](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12.-Cascada-de-la-Reforma-Oaxaca-Mexico.jpg\")
#13 Spend the day at Club de Playa Villasol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Playa](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/13.2-Playa-Villasol.jpg\")
#14 See Puerto Escondido from above by skydiving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Drone](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Puerto-Escondido-Beach-Drone-Shot-1.jpg\")
![\"Skydiving](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/14.-paratroopers-land-on-the-beach-sea-background-with-setting-sun-and-village-Puerto-Escondido.jpg\")
How to get to Puerto Escondido<\/h2>\n\n\n\n