Puerto Escondido: Oaxaca Coast Wildlife Ecotour

The Puerto Escondido Ecotour offers an immersive journey along Oaxaca’s stunning coastline. Travelers can observe crocodiles and birds at La Ventanilla Reserve, explore the charming town of Mazunte, and relax at Playa Zipolite. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this affordable adventure promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. What secrets might this ecotour unveil about Oaxaca’s vibrant coastal ecosystems?

Key Points

• The Puerto Escondido Ecotour offers an 8-hour guided experience exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of the Oaxaca coast.
• The tour includes a boat ride in the La Ventanilla Reserve to observe crocodiles and birds, as well as visits to the towns of Mazunte and Playa Zipolite.
• Transportation is provided via air-conditioned vehicles, and the tour is led by English and Spanish-speaking guides.
• Guests can optionally enjoy a seafood brunch at Estacahuite Beach for an additional fee.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and certain items such as pets and oversized luggage are prohibited.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Puerto Escondido Ecotour is a comprehensive wildlife and nature exploration along the Oaxaca coast.

Priced from $42.20 per person, this 8-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide.

The highlight is a boat ride through the La Ventanilla Reserve to observe crocodiles and birds.

Other stops include the towns of Mazunte and Zipolite, with an optional seafood brunch at Estacahuite Beach.

Itinerary and Highlights

After hotel pickup in Bacocho, Carrizalillo, or Playa Zicatela, the tour first visits the La Ventanilla Reserve.

Guests take a boat ride through the mangroves to observe crocodiles and a variety of birds.

Next, the tour explores the town of Mazunte for an hour.

Afterward, guests have 20 minutes to explore Playa Zipolite.

The tour also stops at Estacahuite Beach, where an optional seafood brunch is available for an additional fee.

Finally, the tour returns to Puerto Escondido.

Included Services

The Puerto Escondido Ecotour includes several key services to provide a seamless and comprehensive experience.

Pickup and drop-off at the hotel lobby in Bacocho, Carrizalillo, or Playa Zicatela is included. Air-conditioned transportation and an English/Spanish-speaking tour guide are also provided.

The Panga Boat Tour ticket to explore the mangroves of La Ventanilla Reserve ($250.00 MXN per person) is covered, payable onsite. However, personal expenses, food, and drinks are excluded.

Important Information and Requirements

This ecotour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Participants should contact the local partner 1 day before the tour to reconfirm their booking. The tour has the following important requirements:

Participants must contact the local partner 1 day before the tour to reconfirm their booking and review important requirements.

1. Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash.

2. Pets and oversized luggage aren’t allowed.

3. The tour guide speaks both English and Spanish.

4. A panga boat tour ticket in Ventanilla ($250.00 MXN per person) must be paid onsite.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have shared their positive experiences with this ecotour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 39 reviews.

Reviewers praised the tour guides, with Francisco described as "very easy going, funny and patient" and Edgar praised for explaining everything well.

The transportation also received high marks, earning a 4.8/5 rating.

Customers felt the tour offered good value for money, giving it a 4.5/5 rating in that category.

Exploring La Ventanilla Reserve

What sets the La Ventanilla Reserve apart as a highlight of this ecotour? This serene mangrove lagoon offers a unique opportunity to witness a thriving ecosystem up close.

Visitors board a traditional panga boat and glide through the tranquil waters, spotting:

1. Crocodiles basking on the banks

2. A diverse array of birds including herons, egrets, and kingfishers

3. The tangled roots of the mangrove trees providing shelter for countless species

4. Schools of fish and other marine life swimming below the surface

This intimate encounter with nature is an unforgettable experience, immersing guests in the rich biodiversity of the Oaxacan coast.

Discovering the Charming Town of Mazunte

After exploring the serene mangroves of La Ventanilla, the ecotour moves on to the charming coastal town of Mazunte.

Nestled along the Oaxacan coastline, Mazunte enchants visitors with its laid-back vibe and stunning ocean views.

Nestled along the Oaxacan coastline, Mazunte enchants visitors with its laid-back vibe and stunning ocean views.

The group has an hour to wander the quaint streets, browse local shops, and take in the picturesque scenery.

Travelers can enjoy the town’s relaxed atmosphere, with its colorful buildings, artisan crafts, and friendly locals.

This stopover offers a chance to experience the authentic charm of Mexico’s Pacific coast before continuing the adventure.

Relaxing at Playa Zipolite

After the visit to the charming town of Mazunte, the ecotour then takes travelers to the stunning Playa Zipolite.

This pristine beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking views.

Visitors can:

1. Stroll along the soft, golden sand and take in the crashing waves.

2. Explore the vibrant beach community and browse local shops and restaurants.

3. Relax in the warm, tropical sun and enjoy the serene, tranquil setting.

4. Witness the stunning sunset, as the sky bursts with vivid colors over the Pacific Ocean.

The 20-minute stop at Playa Zipolite allows travelers to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the Oaxacan coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not explicitly stated in the information provided. As the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the group size is likely small enough to accommodate transportation in a single vehicle. However, the exact group size is not specified.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour allows guests to bring their own food and drinks. However, an optional seafood brunch is available at an additional cost during the tour. Participants are advised to bring necessary personal items like sunscreen and insect repellent.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, but it may not be suitable for very young children. It’s recommended to check with the tour provider if you’re traveling with infants or toddlers to ensure their safety and comfort.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Binoculars?

Binoculars aren’t required for the tour, but they can enhance the wildlife viewing experience. Participants are welcome to bring their own binoculars if they have them, but the tour doesn’t provide them.

Can I Extend My Stay at Any of the Locations?

The tour doesn’t seem to offer the option to extend your stay at any of the locations. However, you could check with the tour operator about the possibility of adding extra time at the sites if you’d like to explore them further.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Escondido Ecotour offers an immersive and affordable way to explore Oaxaca’s stunning coastline. Visitors can observe crocodiles and diverse bird species at La Ventanilla Reserve, visit the charming town of Mazunte, and relax at the picturesque Playa Zipolite. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this ecotour promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: