From Oaxaca: One day in Puerto Escondido

Traveling from the bustling streets of Oaxaca to the lively shores of Puerto Escondido, this day-long excursion offers a fantastic glimpse of one of Mexico’s most celebrated coastal spots. While it’s a long day—about 13 hours—it’s packed with diverse experiences, stunning views, and plenty of opportunities to relax or explore.

What we love about this tour are three main points: the chance to see Puerto Escondido from the water, the variety of beach options (from swimming to surfing), and the flexibility to enjoy optional activities like turtle releases or beachside dining. The only potential hiccup is the long transfer time to and from Oaxaca, which might be tiring after a while.

This trip is perfect for travelers craving a full day of sun, sea, and scenery, especially those who appreciate outdoor adventures, marine life, and authentic beach time. If you’re keen to experience Puerto Escondido beyond just lounging by the shore, this tour offers a well-rounded package.

Key Points

Stunning Coastal Views: The boat tour provides a unique perspective of Puerto Escondido’s beaches from the sea.
Diverse Beach Experiences: From the bustling Zicatela to quiet coves like Carrizalillo, there’s something for all.
Marine Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to spot turtles, dolphins, and whales make this trip special for nature lovers.
Flexible Optional Activities: Surf lessons, turtle releases, and beachside leisure make the day customizable.
Convenient Transportation: Comfortable hotel-to-hotel transport simplifies logistics for a seamless adventure.
Cost-Effective: At $130, you get a full-day experience with guides, boat tours, and insurance included, representing good value given the comprehensive itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Exploration of the Tour

Starting Early: Leaving Oaxaca for Puerto Escondido

The adventure kicks off early, with pickup from your Oaxaca accommodation, setting the tone for a full day of discovery. The 2.5-hour drive along the superhighway through the Sierra Madre del Sur offers travelers breathtaking vistas of lush mountains and dramatic landscapes. Many reviews mention how scenic the drive is—something that makes the long hours worth it, especially if you’re a fan of natural beauty.

The comfort of the transportation, provided by a reputable provider like PARAISO HUATULCO, ensures a smooth start. The guides are often praised for their friendly, informative manner, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

Arrival and First Impressions: Puerto Escondido

Once in Puerto Escondido, the tour’s highlight is the boat cruise exploring the main beaches from the water. This isn’t your typical beach visit—here, you get to see Puerto Angelito, Carrizalillo, Manzanillo, Playa Coral, and Zicatela in a single trip.

The boat ride offers captivating views of the coastline, with many reviewers noting how the coastline looks even more stunning from the sea. During the cruise, there’s a good chance you’ll spot marine creatures, including sea turtles—an experience many travelers say is unforgettable. The guide often points out wildlife and shares interesting facts about the area’s marine ecosystem. Some guests mention that they even saw dolphins and whales during the migration season, adding a magical touch to the experience.

The Marine Life Experience

One of the unique aspects of this tour is the opportunity to see marine life in action. You might find yourself in the water searching for turtles or dolphins, which adds an interactive element many visitors cherish. The boat crew is experienced in wildlife spotting, and the chance to witness these creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight. It’s also a chance to learn about conservation efforts like the baby turtle releases, which some guests participate in during optional activities later in the day.

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Beach Time and Relaxation at Zicatela

After the boat tour, you’ll visit Zicatela beach, famous worldwide for its formidable surf breaks. Here, you can soak up the sun on hot sands, take a dip, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Many reviews emphasize how lively and vibrant Zicatela is, perfect for those who want to experience the energetic beach scene, yet still have options to retreat to quieter spots like Carrizalillo if preferred.

The tour allows for free time at Punta Zicatela, where you can choose to lounge at beach clubs, rent bicycles, or try a surf lesson. The flexibility means you can tailor your experience—whether craving total relaxation or an adrenaline rush. For those interested, some optional activities include renting ATVs or participating in the turtle release, which many guests describe as moving and memorable.

Lunch and Local Flavors

While the tour includes a visit to a food market, it doesn’t cover meals at restaurants. This is worth noting for travelers who want a sit-down meal—many find that exploring local eateries is part of the fun, offering authentic flavors and fresh seafood. Bringing some snacks or extra cash for a quick bite might be a good idea, especially if you’re eager to make the most of your beach time.

Sunset and Wildlife at Escobilla

A standout moment is the sunset at Escobilla, which many reviewers describe as spectacular. This stretch is renowned for wildlife, including nesting sea turtles—an incredible sight for nature enthusiasts. The three-hour stop here offers a chance to enjoy wildlife viewing and appreciate the natural beauty of the coastline during dusk.

The Return Journey

After a full day of exploring, relaxing, and possibly participating in optional activities, the group heads back to Oaxaca, with an estimated 3.5-hour drive. The return is usually quieter, as guests process the day’s adventures, but many reflect on how the trip’s variety kept things interesting throughout.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour covers the essentials: hotel-to-hotel transportation, a certified guide, beach boat tour, and liability and traveler insurance. The price of $130 per person offers good value considering the length and variety of activities.

However, extras like surf lessons, ATV rides, the turtle release, or food and beverages are not included, so if you want to indulge in these, budget extra. Guests often say that the optional activities are worth considering, especially the turtle release, which many find profoundly moving.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This journey is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see the coastline from a boat, enjoy marine life, and get a taste of local culture through market visits. It also suits those who appreciate a full-day excursion that mixes nature, wildlife, and beach relaxation. Keep in mind, it’s a long day, so if you prefer shorter trips or traveling with very young children, it might be less suitable.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido offers a well-rounded experience that combines stunning coastal scenery, marine wildlife encounters, and lively beach scenes. The boat ride provides a different perspective on Puerto Escondido’s natural beauty, and the optional activities allow for personalized touches that can make the day extraordinary.

At $130, the value is solid, especially given the comprehensive itinerary, guide service, and insurance included. It’s a fantastic way to sample Puerto Escondido’s beaches without committing to an overnight stay, making it perfect for those with limited time or looking to add a coastal adventure to their Oaxaca itinerary.

If you love the idea of spending a day on the ocean, relaxing on warm sands, and experiencing Mexico’s vibrant coast, this tour is a compelling choice.

FAQs

How long is the transportation to Puerto Escondido?
The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, crossing scenic Sierra Madre del Sur landscapes.

What does the boat tour include?
It explores the main beaches from the sea: Puerto Angelito, Carrizalillo, Manzanillo, Playa Coral, and Zicatela, with wildlife viewing opportunities.

Are marine animals visible during the tour?
Yes, there’s a good chance to see turtles, dolphins, and whales during migration seasons. Many guests mention spotting turtles and dolphins.

Can I participate in activities like turtle releases?
Yes, turtle releases are an optional activity during the day, often described as an unforgettable experience.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, food and beverages are not included, but a visit to a food market offers authentic local options.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
The tour starts early in the morning and lasts about 13 hours, with sunset at Escobilla being a highlight.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 7 or travelers with certain health issues, including back or heart problems.

How many people are in each group?
The minimum needed for the tour to operate is four people, and group sizes can vary, but guides are known for their friendly, engaging approach.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, extra cash for optional activities, and a sense of adventure.

Is the tour flexible if I want to skip certain parts?
While the itinerary is structured, optional activities and free time allow some level of customization, especially at Punta Zicatela.

This detailed review should help you decide if a day in Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca suits your travel style. It offers a good mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic coastal experiences—plus the chance to see some of Mexico’s incredible marine wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here: