Puerto Escondido’s top tours deliver authentic Mexican experiences without tourist traps. I especially love the early morning dolphin watches – you’ll spot entire pods playing in their natural habitat. For a perfect evening, the sunset horseback rides along remote beaches can’t be beat. Nature enthusiasts should try the bioluminescent lagoon tours, where the water glows with each movement. The mangrove kayak adventures offer peaceful wildlife viewing, while street food walking tours reveal the real flavors of Oaxaca. These are our favorite tours worth your time and money, ranked from best to good.
Key Points
- The Dolphin Watching Tour is a popular 15-30 minute boat excursion that offers the chance to spot dolphins, whales, and turtles in their natural habitat.
- The River, Ocean & Sunset Horse Riding Tour is a scenic 4-hour experience that allows riders of all skill levels to traverse farmland, cross rivers, and witness a breathtaking sunset.
- The Bioluminescent Night Tour provides a unique opportunity to swim in the glowing waters and stargaze, though it has some limitations for certain travelers.
- The Puerto Escondido: Sunrise and Dolphin Watching Tour is a 3-hour boat tour that offers wildlife viewing, including whales, dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and sharks.
- The Mangrove Kayaking Tour is a 3-hour nature experience that allows visitors to explore the Manialtepec ocean, lagoon, and river while paddling through picturesque mangrove tunnels.
Dolphin Watching Tour
One of the most popular tours in Puerto Escondido is the Dolphin Watching Tour. This 97% recommended tour is ideal for nature and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an intimate encounter with dolphins and other marine life.
The tour includes hotel pickup, a local guide, and a boat with shade and life vests, taking visitors on a 15-30 minute range journey to search for five dolphin species and enjoy views of secluded beaches.
Priced at $64.87 per person, the tour offers a free cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee. Travelers can expect to spot not only dolphins, but also whales, turtles, and have snorkeling opportunities.
Reviews praise the knowledgeable and skilled captains, though some note the presence of multiple boats during wildlife spotting. Seasickness tablets are recommended due to the potentially bumpy rides.
With a maximum of 20 travelers per tour, this tour provides an immersive and respectful nature experience.
Read our full review: Dolphin Watching Tour Review
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River, Ocean & Sunset Horse Riding Tour
Visitors seeking an unforgettable adventure in Puerto Escondido can embark on the River, Ocean & Sunset Horse Riding Tour. Priced at $143.03 per person, this 4-hour excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the Oaxacan coast on horseback.
Suitable for all experience levels, the tour includes hotel pickup, bilingual guides, and tamed horses to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Throughout the tour, riders will traverse local farmland, cross rivers, and canoe through picturesque landscapes. Along the way, they’ll have the chance to interact with wildlife and take in the stunning mountain backdrops.
The tour culminates with a scenic ride along the beach, allowing riders to witness a breathtaking sunset. With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on customer reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for adventure-seekers.
While some feedback mentions the pricing being on the expensive side, the tour’s inclusions and the guide’s ability to match horses with riders’ experience levels suggest a worthwhile investment.
Read our full review: River, Ocean & Sunset Horse Riding Tour Review
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Bioluminescent Night Tour
Travelers in Puerto Escondido can embark on a captivating Bioluminescent Night Tour to witness the mesmerizing glow of the ocean.
The tour, rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 52 reviews, offers the unique opportunity to swim in the bioluminescent waters and stargaze. Priced from $115 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and provides air-conditioned transportation.
While the experience isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions, most travelers can participate. The warm thermal waters are said to enhance the bioluminescence effect, creating a truly memorable experience.
However, some travelers have reported the experience as underwhelming or overpriced, with concerns about language availability and guide professionalism.
The tour’s cancellation policy offers flexibility, and the operator communicates changes in advance. Travelers can expect to swim in the bioluminescent waters for approximately 40 minutes, with the possibility of spotting stars during the tour.
Read our full review: Bioluminescent Night Tour Review
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Puerto Escondido: Sunrise and Dolphin Watching Tour
Embarking on the Puerto Escondido: Sunrise and Dolphin Watching Tour, travelers can enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.
This 3-hour boat tour offers the chance to spot a variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks, against the backdrop of the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Oaxacan coast.
The tour begins with a 7:00 AM hotel pickup, followed by boarding the sightseeing boat at the beach. An expert captain guides the vessel to the best spots for marine life viewing, ensuring an engaging and informative experience.
Travelers can relax and enjoy the serene morning ambiance as they cruise along the coast.
Priced from $54.25 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a live English and Spanish-speaking guide, and gratuities.
While swimming isn’t permitted during the cruise, visitors are encouraged to bring essentials like sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 46 reviews, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Puerto Escondido.
Read our full review: Puerto Escondido: Sunrise and Dolphin Watching Tour Review
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Made in Oaxaca Food Tour
Although Puerto Escondido is renowned for its stunning beaches and surfing, the Made in Oaxaca Food Tour offers visitors a chance to dive deeper into the region’s rich culinary heritage.
This highly-rated walking tour, with a 98% recommendation rate, takes participants on a flavorful journey through local eateries and markets. Over the course of 3 hours, groups of up to 8 travelers will savor authentic Oaxacan dishes, sip on refreshing beverages, and gain insights into the area’s vibrant food culture from knowledgeable guides.
The tour includes a delectable lunch, as well as coffee, tea, water, and even alcoholic drinks. While not wheelchair accessible, the experience is suitable for most travelers, except those with certain medical conditions.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews highlighting the tour’s engaging guides and immersive food experiences, the Made in Oaxaca Food Tour is a must-do activity for anyone seeking to truly taste the flavors of this Mexican Pacific coast destination.
Read our full review: Made in Oaxaca Food Tour Review
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Mexico Magico Food Tour
The Mexico Magico Food Tour offers visitors an immersive culinary experience in Puerto Escondido. Rated 5.0 overall with 100% traveler recommendation, this half-day tour takes guests on a tasting journey through both the old and new parts of the town.
Over 8-10 dishes, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, participants can enjoy a sizable lunch. With a maximum group size of 8 travelers, the tour provides an intimate setting to explore Puerto Escondido’s vibrant food scene.
The walking involved, about an hour total, allows guests to work up an appetite between restaurant stops. The meeting and end points are conveniently located, and the guide is easy to identify.
Included in the tour price are bottled water, fruit water, and gratuities at each restaurant. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, except those with back problems, serious medical conditions, or mobility issues.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Mexico Magico Food Tour is a must-do activity for foodies visiting Puerto Escondido.
Read our full review: Mexico Magico Food Tour Review
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Mangrove Kayaking Tour
Visitors seeking an immersive nature experience in Puerto Escondido can embark on the Mangrove Kayaking Tour, an adventure that showcases the region’s diverse ecosystems.
The sunrise tour explores the Manialtepec ocean, lagoon, and river, allowing participants to navigate through picturesque mangrove tunnels and spot endemic and migratory birds like rosetta spoonbills, storks, and parrots.
The tour lasts around 3 hours and is priced at $135 per person, with a maximum capacity of 10 travelers. Included amenities cover kayaks, paddles, life jackets, bottled water, and an authentic Oaxacan meal.
Pickup and drop-off are provided in an air-conditioned vehicle from any hotel or Airbnb in the Bacocho to Punta Zicatela area.
With a 4.9 overall rating from 10 reviews, the Mangrove Kayaking Tour is widely recommended for its stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and memorable experience.
Travelers are advised to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and dress casually with a hat and sunglasses.
Read our full review: Mangrove Kayaking Tour Review
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Sum Up
Puerto Escondido offers a diverse array of tours that allow visitors to explore the region’s natural wonders. From dolphin watching and bioluminescent night tours to food and mangrove kayaking experiences, there’s something for all. With so many options, travelers can curate their perfect Puerto Escondido adventure and create lasting memories of this captivating destination.