One Day from Oaxaca Getaway to Puerto Escondido

A Full-Day Escape from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido: What to Expect

Travelers looking to squeeze a taste of the Pacific coast into a single day will find this Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido tour intriguing. For around $125 per person, you’ll spend approximately 11 to 13 hours exploring some of the most beautiful beaches along Mexico’s southern coast. Guided by experienced local hosts, the day kicks off early with a pickup from your Oaxaca hotel, followed by a scenic drive along the new speedway crossing the Sierra Madre del Sur—an impressive route that offers breathtaking views of rugged mountains and lush landscapes.

Once you arrive in Puerto Escondido, the real adventure begins. You’ll hop on a boat to cruise along the coast, with stops at key beaches like Puerto Angelito, Carrizalillo, Manzanillo, Playa Coral, and the famous Zicatela. The boat tour offers the chance to see sea turtles, dolphins, and possibly whales during their migration seasons — a highlight for nature lovers. Later, you’ll have time to relax at Zicatela beach, soak up the sun, and engage in optional activities such as surfing lessons, beach lounging, or even releasing baby turtles in a uniquely touching experience. As the day winds down, you’ll return to Oaxaca, tired but filled with new memories.

Two features stand out: the comfortable air-conditioned vehicle that makes the long drive more pleasant, and the insightful guides—noted for their friendliness and local knowledge—which turn a simple day trip into a more engaging and informative outing. However, there are some considerations. The trip’s success relies on good weather and traffic conditions, which can occasionally extend travel times or affect the experience, as some reviews have noted. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a well-organized day with a mix of nature, culture, and leisure, especially those with a moderate physical fitness level who don’t mind a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation makes the long drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido more manageable.
• Boat tours provide unique perspectives on beaches and marine wildlife, with chances to see turtles and dolphins.
• Guides like Eduardo and Ángel receive praise for their friendliness and local insights, enhancing the trip.
• Optional activities at Zicatela, such as surf lessons or turtle releases, add memorable personalized touches.
• Timing and weather can influence the overall experience, so flexibility is a plus.
• This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a full day of diverse sights and activities without the hassle of planning.

In-Depth Review: What Makes This Tour Special (and Not So Much)

The Journey Begins: Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive

Starting at 7:00 am, the tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in Oaxaca, a city famed for its vibrant markets and colonial architecture. The vehicle is described as air-conditioned, which is a real boon considering the early start and the potential for Mexican heat. The drive to Puerto Escondido takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes—just enough time to get comfortably settled and enjoy the scenery. While some reviews note road construction causing a slight delay, most travelers find the journey smooth and scenic, with stunning mountain vistas that make the trip worthwhile.

Exploring Puerto Escondido by Boat

The highlight for many is the boat tour along the coast, a captivating way to see the beaches from the sea. Stops include:

• Puerto Angelito: Known for its calm waters, ideal for snorkeling.
• Carrizalillo: An idyllic cove with clear water and soft sand.
• Manzanillo and Coral Beach: Less crowded, perfect for relaxing or short swims.
• Zicatela: Famous for its surfing waves, and a popular viewpoint for photographs.

The boat ride isn’t just about scenery; it’s a window into the local marine life. Several reviews mention the chance to spot sea turtles and dolphins, with some hope of seeing whales during migration. One reviewer said, “We ventured into the sea in search of turtles, dolphins, or whales,” emphasizing the thrill of wildlife encounters.

Zicatela Beach and Optional Activities

After the boat trip, your group will spend around two hours on Zicatela Beach, renowned for its powerful surf that attracts surfers from around the world. Here, you can simply relax on the hot sand or participate in optional activities. Many travelers appreciate the chance to:

• Take surf lessons, especially if you’re new to the sport.
• Rent bicycles or ATVs for further exploration.
• Join the turtle release, which some reviewers found particularly touching and unforgettable.

The guide will suggest local eateries or beach clubs, making the most of your leisure time. One reviewer praised José, the guide, for his caring attitude and helpful nature during these moments, which really enhanced the experience.

The Downside: Weather, Traffic, and Flexibility

While the day is well-planned, weather can throw a wrench into the works. Some noted that rough seas or landslides caused delays, and the drive back can sometimes extend beyond the expected time. For instance, one traveler commented that the trip was longer than anticipated due to road conditions, adding to the overall fatigue. Flexibility and patience are key.

The Return Journey

After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll head back to Oaxaca, arriving approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes later. The journey offers a chance to reflect on the day, perhaps sharing photos of the stunning views or wildlife sightings. Most travelers find the drive comfortable, especially with the air conditioned vehicle.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is tailored for those who want a full day of variety—beaches, wildlife, scenic views, and optional fun activities—without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal for adventurous travelers with a moderate fitness level, comfortable with a busy schedule and some variability in timing. If you’re someone who values insightful guides who can share local stories and likes scenic boat rides, this tour offers plenty of those.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or worry about long travel times, you might consider fewer stops or a dedicated day at each location. Also, travelers who are sensitive to weather delays should be prepared for the possibility of a longer day or schedule adjustments.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those eager to experience Puerto Escondido’s highlights in a single day from Oaxaca, this tour offers a convenient and lively package. The boat rides, wildlife sightings, and optional activities at Zicatela give you a taste of the coast’s natural beauty and laid-back vibe. The guides are praised for their warmth and local expertise, making the long drive more bearable and the experience more meaningful.

While the journey can be affected by weather and road conditions, most travelers find the value in the diverse sights and memorable moments, especially wildlife encounters and time spent on the beach. This trip works best for active, curious travelers who don’t mind a packed schedule and appreciate the comfort of a well-organized group adventure.

If you’re looking for a day that combines scenic views, wildlife, and beach fun with the convenience of a guided tour, this could be an excellent choice. Just keep in mind that some delays are possible, and flexibility will help you enjoy the day to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:00 am with hotel pickup, so expect to be ready early.

How long is the drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a boat tour of the beaches, and liability insurance.

Are there any meals included?
No, the tour does not include brunch or drinks, but you can purchase food and drinks during the day.

Can I participate in optional activities?
Yes, options such as surfing lessons, renting bikes or ATVs, and releasing baby turtles are available, but they are paid separately.

What are the main beaches visited?
Puerto Angelito, Carrizalillo, Manzanillo, Coral Beach, and Zicatela.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 30 travelers, making for a lively but manageable group environment.

Is this tour suitable for children or less mobile travelers?
A moderate physical fitness level is recommended; some walking and boat rides are involved, so consider your comfort level.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and a towel. Optional activities might require specific gear, which can be rented locally.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, a different date or full refund will be offered.

In all, this tour is a solid choice for those wanting a quick yet diverse getaway to Puerto Escondido, full of wildlife sightings, beach time, and scenic views—all wrapped into one memorable day.