If you’re looking to escape the city and experience a slice of Mexico’s coastal paradise, this Puerto Escondido with Beach and Nature tour offers a well-rounded day trip. It promises a blend of scenic drives, beautiful beaches, and authentic natural encounters—all wrapped into a manageable 12-hour adventure. While the tour isn’t a full-blown vacation, it packs enough highlights for those wanting a taste of the Pacific without breaking the bank or losing a day.
What sets this experience apart are its photo-worthy beaches like Carrizalillo, renowned for its calm waters and stunning scenery, plus the chance to participate in meaningful activities like turtle releases. The fact that the trip includes breakfast, bottled water, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle makes for a convenient, comfortable outing. But as with any organized tour, the key is recognizing what might or might not suit your style—such as the limited group size or the optional activities that can add to the experience.
One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is best suited for travelers who value natural beauty and authentic experiences over luxury or extensive sightseeing. It’s a good fit for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, like to connect with nature, and are open to a flexible schedule that caters to the group’s interests.
Key Points

- Personalized Group Size: Small groups of up to 6 travelers mean more intimate, engaging experiences.
- Flexible Activities: Options like surfing lessons and turtle releases are available but not compulsory.
- Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle with phone chargers makes the trip pleasant and practical.
- Local Connection: Breakfast at a hidden port adds an authentic touch beyond typical tourist spots.
- Timing and Pacing: A 12-hour day allows a good balance of travel, relaxation, and adventure.
- Value for Money: At $122.38 per person, it offers a comprehensive day with transportation, meals, and some activities included.
The Itinerary in Detail
The day begins early, with pickup at the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca at 7:00 am. From there, we drive roughly 2.5 hours through the southern mountain range of Oaxaca. This scenic route is part of the charm, winding through lush landscapes that hint at the diverse ecosystems of the region. The drive itself is an opportunity to settle in, enjoy the views, and prepare for a day away from the city.
The first stop is a breakfast at a hidden port, which adds an element of local discovery. While the details of the breakfast aren’t specified, it’s likely to be a simple but hearty meal, providing the energy needed for the day ahead. This quiet port setting is perfect for starting your coastal adventure with a sense of authenticity and calm.
Next, the tour heads to Carrizalillo Beach, one of Oaxaca’s most photographed beaches. This bay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, sandy shores, and impressive cliffside views. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, relaxing, and snapping photos—and an optional surf lesson is available if you’re feeling adventurous. The calm, inviting waters suit beginners and experienced surfers alike, making it a highlight for many travelers.
If you’re interested in wildlife and conservation, the turtle release is a meaningful activity. This part of the experience allows visitors to assist in releasing hatchlings into the ocean—an impactful way to connect with local efforts to preserve marine life. While optional, those who participate often find it to be a memorable, heartfelt moment.
The tour wraps up with the drive back to Oaxaca, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Throughout the day, the focus is on relaxation, connection with nature, and enjoying the simple pleasures of coastal Mexico.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Oaxaca City.
What Makes This Tour Special

The greatest appeal of this tour is its focus on natural beauty and authentic experiences. The stops are carefully chosen to showcase Puerto Escondido’s best features, like its picturesque beaches and local wildlife, rather than just ticking off touristy sites. The inclusion of breakfast, bottled water, and transportation adds value, reducing the hassle of planning individual parts of the day.
The small group setting means you’re more likely to receive personalized attention, ask questions, and enjoy a more relaxed vibe. Plus, the optional activities like surfing lessons and turtle releases allow you to tailor the day to your interests—whether you want to paddle out into the waves or contribute to conservation efforts.
However, because the tour is about 12 hours long, it’s a fairly full day. Travelers should be prepared for a long drive and an active schedule, especially if they choose to partake in surf lessons or the turtle release.
Transport and Comfort

The transportation is an air-conditioned vehicle with a capacity for up to 7 passengers, and it’s equipped with phone chargers—details that make a big difference on a long day. Traveling in comfort allows you to relax between stops, and the small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd.
The meeting point at Jardín Etnobotánico is centrally located, making it easy for travelers to access, and the tour ends back at the same spot, avoiding the hassle of additional pickups or drop-offs.
Price and Value Analysis

At $122.38 per person, this tour offers a lot—transport, breakfast, bottled water, and optional activities—making it a practical choice for those wanting a guided experience with minimal planning. When you consider the cost of arranging transportation, meals, and activities independently, the price is quite reasonable.
For travelers interested in nature, beaches, and authentic local experiences, the value increases further. The chance to relax at Carrizalillo, participate in turtle releases, and enjoy a scenic drive through Oaxaca’s mountains makes this a well-rounded day trip.
The Experience From Other Travelers’ Perspectives

Though no reviews are currently available, the description and structure suggest a trip suited for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, natural surroundings, and small group interaction. The inclusion of optional activities indicates that it’s flexible for different interests—some might spend the whole day in the water, while others prefer to simply soak up the scenery.
Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a day away from city life, craving a mix of beach relaxation and natural encounters. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, photo opportunities, and engaging in light activities like turtle releases or surf lessons. It’s also suited for those who value small groups and personalized attention, making for a more intimate experience.
However, if you prefer a more structured or luxurious tour, or if you’re not comfortable with a full day of activity, you might want to explore other options. Also, since the tour depends on good weather, be prepared for potential rescheduling if weather conditions aren’t ideal.
The Sum Up

For anyone seeking an authentic, nature-focused day trip from Oaxaca, this tour provides genuine value. It combines scenic drives, stunning beaches, and meaningful wildlife engagement, all in a small-group setting that promotes connection. The inclusion of breakfast and transportation simplifies your planning, while optional activities allow you to customize your experience.
It’s well-suited for travelers who love the outdoors, enjoy relaxed pacing, and want a taste of the Pacific’s natural beauty without the hassle of organizing a DIY trip. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned explorer, this tour offers an accessible, enjoyable way to discover the coastal charm of Puerto Escondido—minus the crowds and fuss.
FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast, bottled water, toll fees, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Phone chargers are available, and the experience is designed for small groups.
How long is the drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
The drive is approximately 2.5 hours through scenic mountain terrain, offering a chance to enjoy the views before arriving at the beaches.
Are the activities optional?
Yes, activities like the turtle release and surf lessons are optional. You can choose to participate or relax at the beaches instead.
What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a towel. Since meals are included, no need to bring extra food, but water is provided.
Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
What time does the tour start and end?
It begins at 7:00 am at the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca and typically concludes back at the same location in the late afternoon or early evening.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. Less notice may result in non-refund, so plan accordingly.
This tour offers a balance of natural beauty, relaxed exploration, and local flavor, making it a compelling choice for those wanting a meaningful taste of Puerto Escondido’s beaches and wildlife—without the hassle of doing it all alone.
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