From Oaxaca City: Puerto Escondido Freediving Experience

Planning a day trip from Oaxaca City to explore the waters of Puerto Escondido through freediving might seem ambitious, but this guided experience offers a surprisingly accessible and rewarding way to connect with the ocean. If you’re curious about the art of freediving but hesitant about jumping into deep waters alone, this tour provides a safe, instructional environment woven into an enjoyable day of sightseeing and local flavor.

What we love about this experience is how it combines the thrill of learning a new skill with the beauty of the Pacific coastline. The scenic drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido sets the tone, offering glimpses of Mexico’s diverse landscapes. Plus, the guided boat session makes the underwater world approachable—no prior experience needed. That said, one thing to consider is that this is a full day of travel and activity, which might be tiring if you’re not used to long days on the move. This trip suits travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, coastal scenery, and culture all rolled into one.

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just someone eager to try something new, this tour is well-suited for those comfortable in water and curious about freediving. It’s also a good choice for travelers who want a mix of adventure with a dash of local cuisine and a taste of Puerto Escondido’s vibrant atmosphere.

Key Points

• Accessible Introduction: Perfect for beginners curious about freediving in a safe environment.
• Comprehensive Day Trip: Combines scenic travel, practical lessons, and local food exploration.
• Scenic Views and Coastal Charm: Enjoy the journey and the sights of Puerto Escondido and La Punta.
• Value for Money: Price includes transportation, a guided class, and a food tour, making it a well-rounded experience.
• Educational and Fun: Learn breathing techniques and stretching exercises that are fundamental to freediving.
• Authentic Local Experience: Savor Puerto Escondido’s local delicacies and explore a charming seaside neighborhood.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Begins: Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido

The trip starts early in the morning with round-trip transportation from Oaxaca City. The drive itself offers a chance to enjoy the changing landscape—mountains, valleys, and glimpses of the Pacific coast. It’s about a 6- to 7-hour round trip, including stops, so you’ll want to bring snacks and patience. The scenic views along the way are a highlight, giving travelers a broader appreciation of Mexico’s diverse geography.

Once in Puerto Escondido, the day truly kicks off with a 3-hour introductory freediving class on a boat. Unlike typical lessons, this session is designed to be accessible and safe, with seasoned instructors guiding you through breathing techniques and stretching exercises. These are essential skills that help extend your breath-hold capacity and improve comfort beneath the waves. The boat provides a stable, safe platform, removing the anxiety of being in open water for beginners.

Many reviewers note that the guided immersion practice is the true highlight of this experience. One said, “The instructor made me feel comfortable immediately. I loved the way I could focus on my breathing and relax, thanks to the calm guidance.” This part of the tour offers a chance to try under supervision, making the ocean less intimidating for first-timers.

Freediving in Puerto Escondido: What to Expect

The guided boat session is designed for beginners and provides a hands-on introduction to freediving. Participants learn fundamental breathing techniques that help conserve oxygen and stay relaxed underwater. The actual immersion is brief but meaningful, giving you a taste of what it feels like to breathe calmly and move effortlessly beneath the surface.

You will be in warm Pacific waters, which are generally inviting and comfortable—ideal for those new to freediving. The boat’s stable environment makes it easier to focus on the techniques rather than worry about safety. The instructor-to-participant ratio is typically small, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions.

Many reviews highlight that no previous experience is necessary, and the equipment is provided—so you can just show up ready to learn and enjoy. The combination of instruction and practical application helps demystify freediving, making it accessible and ultimately fun.

Exploring La Punta: A Foodie’s Delight

After the underwater adventure, the tour switches gears to a food tasting in La Punta, a lively and colorful neighborhood at Puerto Escondido’s edge. Here, you’ll get to sample local dishes and recharge before heading back.

The food tour lasts about an hour and includes local delicacies—and vegetarian options are available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the flavors. Many travelers comment on the vibrant atmosphere and how this part of the tour provides a genuine taste of Puerto Escondido’s local culture. It’s a perfect way to unwind, reflect on your freediving experience, and enjoy some of Mexico’s regional cuisine.

Returning to Oaxaca: An Evening Debrief

After a full day of adventure, scenic views, and culture, it’s time to head back to Oaxaca City. Expect to arrive in the evening, with plenty of stories and photos to share. The long day might be tiring, but many find the mix of coastal scenery, new skills, and tasty food well worth it.

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Pricing and Value

At $272 per person, the tour offers a lot for the price: transportation, a comprehensive freediving lesson, the boat session, and a local food experience. When you consider that the trip includes instruction and cultural bites, it represents good value—especially for those wanting an active, memorable day without the hassle of planning multiple activities independently.

It’s a fairly compact package that balances adventure with cultural exploration, making it attractive for travelers who want a meaningful taste of Puerto Escondido without overextending their schedule.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy the outdoors and are comfortable in water. It’s not ideal for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with heart problems or who are non-swimmers. If you’re curious about trying freediving but unsure if you’re ready for open water on your own, this guided introduction will help you gain confidence.

Travelers interested in local cuisine and scenic coastal views will also find this tour appealing. It’s especially good for those who appreciate a mix of activities—learning, sightseeing, and tasting—packed into one day.

The Sum Up

This full-day experience from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido offers a rare combination of learning to freedive, enjoying stunning coastal scenery, and tasting the best local flavors. It’s a practical choice for curious travelers who want an immersive, safe introduction to the underwater world, complemented by cultural enrichment.

The guided nature of the tour guarantees safety and personalized instruction, making it accessible even for first-timers. The scenic drive and the lively food tour add layers of enjoyment, giving a well-rounded snapshot of Puerto Escondido’s charm.

While it’s a full and sometimes tiring day, the memories you’ll create—floating in warm waters and tasting authentic local dishes—are well worth the effort. This trip is ideal for active, open-minded travelers seeking a meaningful adventure that combines outdoor learning with cultural exploration.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The price covers round-trip transportation from Oaxaca City, a 3-hour introductory freediving class on a boat, and a food tour in La Punta.

Is prior experience needed for freediving?
No, participants do not need previous freediving experience. The session is designed for beginners, with instruction on breathing techniques and stretching exercises.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel, and consider applying biodegradable sunscreen to protect the marine environment.

How long is the trip?
The entire tour lasts around 10-12 hours, including travel, activities, and the return trip to Oaxaca City.

What are the age restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or people with heart problems. Participants should be comfortable in water and non-swimmers may find it challenging.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the food tour includes vegetarian options, accommodating different dietary preferences.

What is the weather like?
Participants should check weather conditions before the trip and dress accordingly, as activities are weather-dependent.

Is this experience suitable for non-swimmers?
No, since participants must be comfortable in water for the freediving session, it’s not recommended for non-swimmers.

This Puerto Escondido freediving experience offers a wonderful taste of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty—perfect for those ready to add a splash of excitement to their Oaxaca trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: