Puerto Escondido: Boat Tour to see Dolphins and Marine Life

Experience Puerto Escondido’s Marine Wonders with a Boat Tour

If you’re visiting Puerto Escondido and love the idea of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, along with turtles, whales (in season), and colorful fish, then this boat tour is a fantastic choice. For just $44 a person, you’ll spend around 2.5 to 3 hours cruising from Puerto Angelito Beach aboard a small, personable boat with guides who speak both Spanish and English.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how flexible and engaging it feels — you get ample time to relax, take photos, swim, or just soak up the ocean views. The tour also includes snorkeling gear and a cooler for your drinks, which makes it a laid-back, social experience.

One thing to consider is that sometimes dolphins swim quickly and may not always come close enough for swimming. Also, the ride can be a little bumpy if the seas are rough, so if you’re prone to seasickness, pack your remedies. This tour is perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone wanting a real taste of ocean life with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Chance to see dolphins, turtles, whales (seasonal), manta rays, and flying fish.
• Snorkeling Opportunities: Swim near turtles and dolphins, with gear provided.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Bring your own drinks, play music, and lounge on the boat’s beds.
• Experienced Guides: Guides are bilingual, knowledgeable, and dedicated to maximizing your wildlife sightings.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve with pay later.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, excluding those with back problems or seasickness.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Setting Out from Puerto Angelito

The adventure begins at the charming Puerto Angelito Beach, a slow-paced spot with clear waters, perfect for a mellow start. Upon arrival, look for the boat named ‘Fanny’ and ask for your guide, Mike or Hector, who are known for their friendly attitude and deep knowledge of the marine environment. The tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, generally in the morning or afternoon, which strikes a good balance between warm weather and good wildlife visibility.

Marine Life Watching & Dolphin Encounters

From the moment you set sail, you’re in the right environment for wildlife spotting. The guides are excellent at finding various dolphin species such as Pinto Dolphins, White Belly, and Whitenose Dolphins, as well as bottlenose and screw dolphins. As one review states, “We saw about one hundred dolphins and even swam with them,” highlighting how close and playful these creatures can be.

While dolphins are generally eager to show themselves, some reviews note that “dolphins swim fast and sometimes don’t come that close,” which is normal in the wild. But don’t worry — even seeing a pod from a distance is impressive, and the guides do everything possible to find them.

More Great Tours Nearby

Snorkeling with Turtles and Fish

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, allowing you to dip below the surface and get a closer look at the underwater world. Travelers frequently quote how “swimming with turtles and dolphins was incredible,” with some even “swimming with a sea turtle and dolphins at the same time.” The reef near the shore is home to colorful fish and corals, making the snorkeling a highlight.

If the waves are calm, you’ll have the chance to snorkel at the end of the trip, adding a relaxing element to the tour. Guides are attentive and happy to show you the best spots, making it suitable for beginners or experienced snorkelers alike.

Seasonal Whale Watching

From November to March, the experience is amplified by the chance to see Humpback Whales, often from a respectful distance but sometimes quite close. Multiple reviews mention seeing whales and even baby humpbacks jumping, making this part of the tour a truly memorable highlight. This seasonal feature is well worth noting if you’re visiting during those months.

Relaxation and Personal Touches

What sets this tour apart is the laid-back vibe. You’re encouraged to play your own music via Bluetooth speaker, sip drinks from the cooler, and stretch out on the boat’s beds. As one happy customer put it, “We enjoyed listening to music, relaxing, and just enjoying the ocean.” This makes it an ideal option for those who want a mixture of wildlife sightings and downtime.

Practical Considerations

The tour is operated in small groups or private settings, which enhances the sense of intimacy and allows guides to focus on your interests. The guide‘s bilingual skills help ensure everyone understands what they’re seeing, and reviews frequently praise their enthusiasm and knowledge.

It’s important to note that no large luggage, baby strollers, or pets are allowed, and the boat ride can be bumpy, especially if seas are rough. The activity isn’t suited for people with back problems or those prone to seasickness, so pack accordingly.

Value for Money

At $44 a person, this tour offers excellent value considering the amount of wildlife you see, the opportunity to snorkel, and the personalized service. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, life jackets, and a cooler for drinks enhances the experience without hidden costs.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Start at Puerto Angelito: A peaceful beach with good access to the boats.
• Set Sail: Guided by experienced locals, heading out to search for dolphins.
• Wildlife Watching: Expect to see various dolphin species, and possibly whales in season. Observing these animals in their natural habitat is a privilege, not a show.
• Snorkeling Stops: Nearshore reefs are perfect for swimming with turtles and colorful reef fish. Guides will offer tips and ensure your safety.
• Return to Shore: Back at Puerto Angelito, you can stay longer at the beach, relax, or explore local eateries.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Multiple reviews emphasize the dedication of guides like Hector and Mike in finding dolphins and whales, with one noting, “Hector was very nice and I would definitely book a tour with them again.” Several mention that “the guides explained everything in English and Spanish,” making the experience accessible for diverse travelers.

Others highlight the spectacular sightings: “We saw hundreds of dolphins, whales, and turtles,” and “swam with a turtle and dolphins in the same trip,” which speaks to the richness of this adventure.

Many reviews also mention the warm, friendly atmosphere — travelers felt well-cared for, and some appreciated the opportunity to swim with marine animals right next to the boat. The small group size ensures personalized attention, a big plus for travelers wanting an authentic, intimate experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re eager to see marine life in its natural environment and enjoy a relaxed, flexible boat trip, this tour delivers. It’s especially appealing if you love dolphins, turtles, and whales (seasonally) and value bilingual guides with local expertise. The opportunity to snorkel and swim adds an active element, making it suitable for adventurous spirits and families alike.

However, if you’re seasick-prone or traveling with very young children, you’ll want to consider your comfort level with boat rides. The duration is manageable, and the small group setting maximizes chances for close encounters, but the ride can be bumpy if seas are rough.

This experience is an excellent way to connect with nature, enjoy authentic marine encounters, and make memorable stories — all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic boat ride with the chance to see incredible animals, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQ

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Yes, but keep in mind that the boat ride can be bumpy, and the activity isn’t recommended for those with back problems or seasickness.

• What animals are typically seen?
  Dolphins of various species, sea turtles, whales (seasonally), manta rays, flying fish, and sometimes small sharks.

• Can I swim with the dolphins and turtles?
  Yes, snorkeling is included, and you can swim near dolphins and turtles when conditions allow. The guide will coordinate the best spots.

• What should I bring?
  Bring your own drinks (the cooler is provided), sunscreen, a hat, and possibly a change of clothes if you want to snorkel or swim.

• Are there any restrictions?
  Pets, large bags, baby strollers, bikes, and explosive substances are not allowed. Seasickness and back issues are considerations to keep in mind.

• How do I book?
  You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Meet at Puerto Angelito Beach and ask for Mike or the boat ‘Fanny.’

Final Verdict

This boat tour of Puerto Escondido is a genuinely valuable experience for those wanting to see marine animals in a natural setting while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere. The knowledgeable guides, good value for money, and opportunity to swim with dolphins and turtles make it stand out. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone craving a memorable ocean adventure.

If your goal is to witness dolphins jumping and whales breaching or to snorkel amidst colorful reef fish, you’ll find this tour delivers on all those fronts. Coupled with the friendly guides and flexible booking options, it’s a well-rounded choice for an authentic ocean encounter in Puerto Escondido.

You can check availability for your dates here: