Puerto Escondido is far more than idyllic beaches and golden sunsets. It is a natural sanctuary where marine life unfolds in freedom, and where ecological tourism allows a deep connection with the environment. Here, visitors have the rare chance to experience magical encounters with dolphins and sea turtles, two of the most fascinating inhabitants of the Oaxaca coast.
Dolphin watching in Puerto Escondido: an unforgettable experience
One of the most sought-after nature tours in Puerto Escondido is, without doubt, dolphin watching. This tour takes place early in the morning, usually at 6:30 a.m., when the sea is calm and dolphins show themselves most often. During the trip you can have a genuine experience with dolphins in the wild, watching them in their natural habitat, swimming and leaping near the boat.
Among the species you may spot are:
- Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
- Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris)
- Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)
- Spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata)
The best time to see dolphins in Oaxaca is all year round, though in the winter months you can also see manta rays and, with luck, humpback whales migrating through these waters.
Turtle releases in Oaxaca: a mindful, moving activity
In the afternoon, as the sun goes down, another magical moment awaits on the beaches of Palmarito or Escobilla: the turtle release. As well as being deeply moving, this experience is part of the turtle protection efforts in Mexico. The hatchlings, born in protected nests, are released just before nightfall, when the risk of being spotted by predators is lower.
The star of this experience is the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), one of the smallest sea turtles and also one of the most abundant in the Pacific. Playa Escobilla is one of the most important turtle sanctuaries on the Oaxaca coast, and every year it becomes the stage for the famous Arribada, when thousands of turtles arrive at the same time to lay their eggs.
If you'd like to know more about this impressive natural phenomenon, don't miss our article:
Turtle Arribada at the Playa Escobilla Sanctuary
If you're wondering where to see turtles in Puerto Escondido, these two spots are ideal. And best of all: you can do both tours on the same day. Dolphins at dawn, turtles at dusk. A full day of connection with nature.
Ecological tourism in Puerto Escondido: caring for what we love
Puerto Escondido is a place where marine life on the Oaxaca coast is respected and protected. The tours are organised by cooperatives and local guides who follow responsible practices, making sure that interaction with the animals is ethical and sustainable. Taking part in these experiences also means supporting local communities and conservation efforts.
From Raíz Hotel Boutique we invite you to discover these nature tours in Puerto Escondido, where the sea gives you moments that stay with you. Because when we respect and value wildlife, encounters become truly magical.
