Puerto Escondido isn’t just a surf town — it’s a prime spot for marine adventures. The calm waters and abundant sea life make it ideal for boat tours and cruises. Whether you’re eager to swim with dolphins, watch whales, or relax during a sunset, there’s something here that will fit your style. For instance, the Puerto Escondido: Boat Tour to see Dolphins and Marine Life offers a combination of wildlife watching and snorkeling, which makes it a favorite among travelers. The chance to swim alongside dolphins or capture photos of whales is hard to beat. We also like the fact that this tour offers whale watching from November to March, perfect for winter travelers.
Another standout is the Boat Trip to See Marine Life in Puerto Escondido, which scores a perfect 5.0 with recent reviewers. It’s notable for being a flexible, small-group experience with snorkeling included, maximizing your chances of spotting whales, dolphins, turtles, and rays. For those seeking a more immersive cultural experience, the Boat Cruise and Market Visit combines wildlife sightings with a local market tour, giving a taste of Puerto Escondido’s vibrant community. Each option offers something unique, whether it’s wildlife, local culture, or pure relaxation.
Below, we’ll explore each of these top tours in detail, helping you decide which one fits your mood, your budget, and your travel plans.
1. Puerto Escondido: Boat Tour to see Dolphins and Marine Life
Set sail from Puerto Angelito Beach with a small group and get ready to encounter dolphins, turtles, whales, and other marine creatures in their natural surroundings. This tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure, especially when paired with beach lounging or other local activities.
What makes this trip stand out is the opportunity to swim with dolphins and turtles, which many travelers find unforgettable. You can also snorkel on the reef, admiring the colorful fish and corals. The boat is equipped with Bluetooth speakers, so you can listen to your favorite tunes while relaxing on the beds with drinks in hand. During the winter (November to March), whale watching adds an extra thrill. The reviews highlight a high rating of 4.8/5 from 337 travelers, praising its friendly crew and excellent wildlife sightings.
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxed, wildlife-focused trip with plenty of swimming and photo opportunities, this tour is a solid choice. It offers great value for money at just $44 per person.
2. Boat Trip to See Marine Life in Puerto Escondido
This 3-hour small-group boat tour provides a chance to see whales, dolphins, rays, and turtles in their ocean home. Starting from Puerto Escondido, the trip includes snorkeling gear and water, making it easy to jump in and explore. The flexible start times mean you can fit this adventure into your schedule, whether morning or afternoon.
The tour’s captain takes you offshore to the best spots for sightings, with a multilingual guide sharing insights about the marine life. Recent reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5.0 rating, mentioning sightings of humpback whales, dolphins, and turtles. One reviewer noted, “We saw a whale, loads of dolphins and turtles — the communication was clear, and the guides made sure we saw as much as possible.” This trip is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized marine safari with the chance to swim and take photos.
Bottom Line: For around $50, this tour offers excellent value, especially if your priority is seeing a wide variety of marine animals with expert guidance.
3. Puerto Escondido: Boat Tour among Dolphins and Turtles
This early-morning tour focuses on dolphin and marine life watching at sunrise, with a 3-hour window to catch the Pacific’s waking hours. It’s designed for those who want to see some of the largest mammals in the ocean while enjoying the peaceful early light.
The highlight here is watching dolphins jumping and playing right in front of the boat, with the added bonus of early-morning sunshine. The trip’s peaceful pace makes it perfect for nature lovers who enjoy quiet, scenic moments. While reviews are fewer, the experience ranks at 4.3/5, suggesting a dedicated niche for morning enthusiasts. The emphasis on observing marine mammals in their natural habitat makes it a serene, memorable outing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for early risers who enjoy tranquil, wildlife-focused excursions with a chance to see dolphins in action.
4. Sunset Mezcal Tasting on a Boat
For a different kind of adventure, this sunset cruise blends marine beauty with Mexican spirit as you enjoy an artisanal mezcal tasting. Priced at about $445.69 per group (up to 8 people), it’s a more intimate experience lasting around 2.5 hours on the water.
During the trip, you’ll savor special selections of mezcal, paired with orange slices, agave worm salt, and traditional Mexican peanuts. The guide shares stories about the history and production of mezcal, making it both a sensory and cultural journey. The boat provides a peaceful platform to watch the sunset, with the option to swim, listen to music, and relax.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups interested in Mexican spirits and stunning views, this tour combines tasting with beautiful scenery for a memorable evening.
5. From Puerto Escondido: Birdwatching on a Boat
This 5-hour birdwatching tour offers a chance to explore the Manialtepec Lagoon by boat, spotting migratory and native bird species. It combines mangrove ecology with the thrill of observing local and migratory birds in their habitat.
You’ll disembark at Puerto Suelo beach for some walking or swimming, making it a versatile trip. The tour’s in-depth focus on mangroves and bird species makes it particularly attractive for nature enthusiasts. With a perfect 5/5 review, it’s praised for its informative guides who share their knowledge about the lagoon’s ecology.
Bottom Line: Best for birders and eco-travelers, this tour offers a peaceful, educational experience in a scenic setting.
$68 per person
6. Puerto Escondido: Family Private Boat Tour
This private 3-hour boat trip is tailored for families or small groups seeking a personalized, relaxed marine adventure. The boat is around 27 feet long, offering comfort and space to enjoy marine life in a tranquil setting.
The tour’s private nature allows customization — you can choose to snorkel, fish, or just cruise. It’s also convenient, with round-trip transportation included. While limited reviews exist, a 5/5 rating indicates high satisfaction among those who value exclusivity. The trip is perfect for families with children or small groups wanting flexibility and privacy.
Bottom Line: For a peaceful, customizable experience with loved ones, this private boat tour offers comfort and focus on your interests.
$327 per group up to 6
7. Puerto Escondido: Boat Cruise and Market Visit
This 6-hour combo tour combines marine viewing with a visit to the Benito Juarez Market, connecting you with Puerto Escondido’s local culture. The boat tour offers glimpses of marine life and coastline, while the market visit allows you to taste organic products and meet locals.
The tour offers an authentic look at local life, making it suitable for travelers interested in both nature and culture. While the reviews are modest (6 reviews, 4.2/5), they mention the opportunity to experience local markets and organic foods alongside wildlife sightings.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a mix of marine adventure and cultural exploration, especially for those keen on tasting authentic local products.
8. Puerto Escondido: Boat tour to enjoy the sunset
This 3-hour sunset cruise is designed for those who want to relax and enjoy the beautiful Puerto Escondido bays as the sun sets. It’s flexible, allowing you to bring drinks, swim, and even listen to your favorite music onboard.
The tour promises the chance to see dolphins, turtles, and whales in season, with a focus on the spectacular sunset views. The boat has snorkeling gear available, and you can request personalized experiences. Reviews aren’t available yet, but the itinerary suggests a leisurely, flexible outing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups wanting a tailored, scenic experience with opportunities to swim and relax during sunset.
$327 per group up to 10
9. Puerto Escondido: Fishing Boat Trip with Buffet Lunch
For those who love fishing, this private boat trip includes learning to fish with a local captain, with a buffet lunch of the catch at a local restaurant. Lasting around 6-6.5 hours, it’s the most extensive tour on our list.
The experience is both practical and fun, with a chance to try catching fish and releasing small ones. The trip is also good for wildlife viewing — look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales. The included round-trip transportation adds convenience, making it a stress-free day for anglers.
Bottom Line: Best suited for fishing enthusiasts or those wanting a full-day marine experience combined with local cuisine.
$517 per group up to 3
10. Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Trip in Puerto Escondido
Although reviews are not yet available, this 3.5-hour adventure promises to take you through the Pacific Ocean’s lively waters, where dolphins, whales, turtles, and sometimes manta rays can be seen.
Led by an engaging captain with a focus on wildlife spotting, this trip offers a spacious, comfortable boat and plenty of chances for photo moments. It’s designed for travelers who love the thrill of marine wildlife without the fuss of a packed tour.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, wildlife-focused experience for those who want reliable sightings in a comfortable setting.
$42.46 per person
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Puerto Escondido
When selecting your boat adventure, consider your budget, time, and interests. For wildlife lovers, the Boat Trip to See Marine Life or the Dolphin and Whale Watching are excellent choices for active wildlife watching. If you prefer a more cultural or relaxed experience, the Boat Cruise and Market Visit or the sunset Mezcal Tasting might suit you better.
Timing also matters: winter is best for whale watching, while early mornings and sunsets offer more serene views. For families or private groups, the Family Private Boat Tour provides intimacy and flexibility.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season (November to March), to secure your spot and ensure you get the experience that best matches your travel style.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Escondido offers a diverse range of boat tours and cruises, from wildlife safaris and cultural trips to sunset sails and fishing adventures. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of spotting whales or prefer a peaceful sunset with mezcal, there’s an option here for you. For a lively wildlife tour, the Marine Life Trip is hard to beat, while families or those craving privacy might prefer the Private Boat Tour.
We encourage travelers to book early, especially if visiting during peak whale season or holiday periods. With so many options, your marine adventure in Puerto Escondido will surely be memorable.