Puerto Escondido: Family Private Boat Tour

If you’re eyeing a peaceful yet memorable escape in Puerto Escondido, a private boat tour could be just what you need. This 3-hour excursion offers a chance to get out on the water with your loved ones, away from crowded beaches and busy streets. It’s designed for those who want a flexible, intimate experience centered around nature and marine life — with the comfort of a 27-foot boat and personalized guidance.

What we love most about this trip is how it combines scenic beauty with the thrill of wildlife watching — dolphins, sea turtles, and maybe even humpback whales (depending on the season). Plus, the option to swim directly from the boat makes it feel like a true adventure. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this tour doesn’t include food or alcohol, so you’ll want to plan for snacks and drinks.

This experience suits families, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxed, private outing. It’s especially ideal if you prefer a flexible schedule and customized wildlife encounters over a regimented tour. If that sounds like your style, read on for the full scoop.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: Enjoy a personalized 3-hour trip with just your group.
• Wildlife encounters: Potential sightings include dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales (season-dependent).
• Comfortable boat: A well-equipped 27ft boat with shade, seats, and navigation gear.
• Flexible activities: Swim at your own pace, with snorkel gear provided.
• Scenic coastal views: Cruise along Puerto Escondido’s coastline and take stunning photos.
• Convenient pickup: Hotel or home pickup within the town makes logistics straightforward.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Marine Experience in Puerto Escondido

This private boat tour offers more than just a ride — it’s a chance to connect with the natural beauty of the Oaxaca coast. We loved the way the experienced captain navigates smoothly, making the experience feel both safe and relaxed. The boat itself is a comfortable 27 feet, shaded for sun protection, with plenty of seating and essential gear like GPS and radio, ensuring a worry-free adventure.

What makes this trip stand out is its focus on marine life. Your guide is not just steering you around but actively sharing insights about the different species you might see. The chance to spot dolphins bouncing alongside the boat or watch sea turtles glide beneath the surface is genuinely exciting. The highest seasonality is from December to March when humpback whales are visible, transforming an already impressive trip into a possible whale-watching expedition.

The route takes you along Puerto Escondido’s coast, offering views of beautiful bays and cliffs. It’s a chance to enjoy the scenery while learning about the area’s geography and marine ecosystem. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming, and the crew is happy to let you hop in and out as you wish — just give a heads-up. The included snorkel gear adds an extra layer of fun for those wanting to explore underwater.

What to Expect on the Tour

The tour kicks off with a pick-up service if you’re staying within a 2 km radius of Puerto Escondido, making logistics stress-free. Once aboard, you’ll be introduced to your local guide, who will explain the itinerary and safety instructions. From the outset, it’s clear this is a private experience: you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers, which means more flexibility and personalized attention.

While cruising along the coast, your guide’s knowledgeable commentary enriches the experience — sharing stories about local marine life and the best spots to see wildlife. The boat’s radio and GPS are used to navigate safely and locate whales or dolphins, especially during their peak season.

The highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Just tell the captain beforehand, and the crew will prepare the cooler with ice-cold water and make sure you’re ready to jump into the water. The ability to swim eye-to-eye with dolphins or watch a sea turtle up close is a true highlight, as echoed in glowing reviews.

The tour will pause at Mulligan’s Bar & Grill for a relaxing break. This stop is perfect for stretching your legs, grabbing some food, or simply soaking in the views — a nice touch that balances out the time at sea.

The Value of a Private Group Experience

At $327 for up to six people, this tour offers excellent value for a tailored, intimate outing. Compared to larger, more generic tours, the private option ensures you get a personalized journey without the crowds. It’s perfect for families or small groups wanting a special, flexible adventure.

The included gear, the cooler with water, and the professional guidance all contribute to a smooth, enjoyable trip. Plus, the ability to customize activities — swimming, wildlife viewing, photography — makes this a versatile option that can suit your interests.

Authentic Experiences and Customer Feedback

The one review available praises the guide, Alex, noting his knowledge and humor made the trip unforgettable. The reviewer particularly appreciated being taken directly to humpback whales and swimming with dolphins and a sea turtle, describing the experience as “one of the best tours I’ve ever had.” This highlights the potential for truly memorable wildlife encounters.

Such positive feedback suggests that this tour delivers on its promise of a personalized, engaging adventure, driven by a guide who knows how to find and interpret marine life. The flexibility and small-group setting mean you’re not just another face on a crowded boat — you’re part of an exclusive experience.

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Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring essentials: sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, camera, and comfortable clothes. Waterproof bags are handy for your valuables.
• Plan for snacks: since food isn’t included, pack some light bites or drinks to enjoy during the trip.
• Timing: check availability to see the best times for whale sightings (December-March).
• Book early: private tours are popular, especially in peak season.
• Transportation: take advantage of the included hotel pickup if staying within the town.
• Limitations: not suitable for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or those over 95.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Escondido private boat tour offers a relaxed, intimate way to explore the coastline and marine life of Oaxaca’s famed surf town. With a friendly local guide, comfortable vessel, and opportunities for wildlife sightings and swimming, it’s especially good for families and couples seeking a quiet, personalized outing. The focus on nature and freedom makes it a refreshing alternative to crowded beaches or commercialized tours.

While it doesn’t include food or alcohol, that’s a small tradeoff for the flexibility and quality of the experience. The overall value lies in the personalized attention, up-close wildlife encounters, and the chance to enjoy Puerto Escondido’s natural beauty at your own pace.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to add a memorable highlight to your trip, this tour offers a genuine connection to the coast and its creatures — a true highlight for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially for kids over 1 year old. However, it’s not recommended for babies under 1 year or pregnant women.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, offering plenty of time for wildlife viewing, swimming, and enjoying the scenery.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, camera, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and cash for any additional expenses.

Is there hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup is included for locations within 2 km of Puerto Escondido, and a driver will arrive about 15 minutes before the tour.

Are snacks or drinks provided?
No, but a cooler with ice-cold water is included, and you’re welcome to bring your own drinks or snacks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I want to see whales?
Seasonally, from December to March, there’s a good chance to see humpback whales during the tour.

This private boat trip in Puerto Escondido is a fantastic way to enjoy the coast’s natural charm while maintaining flexibility and comfort. It’s a memorable, truly local experience that’s worth considering for your next Oaxaca adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: