One of the most memorable things to do in Puerto Escondido happens out at sea, at dawn: dolphins swimming alongside the boat, turtles floating on the surface and, in season, humpback whales.
How the tour works
Boats leave Playa Principal or Puerto Angelito between 6:00 and 7:00 am, when the sea is calm. The trip lasts two to three hours and includes a life jacket and, in many cases, snorkelling in a sheltered bay.
What you see and when
Dolphins: all year, in groups that sometimes top twenty.
Sea turtles: all year, floating near the surface.
Humpback whales: from December to March.
Manta rays and sailfish: variable season.
Responsible tourism
Choose local cooperatives that keep their distance from the animals, don't chase the whales and don't allow anyone to touch the turtles. A good guide explains the animals' behaviour and respects the rhythms of the sea.
Practical tips
Have a light breakfast, take something for seasickness if you're prone to it, and bring a cap, biodegradable sunscreen and cash. Book a day ahead.
Where to stay
The boats leave very early, and from Raíz Hotel Boutique, in La Punta Zicatela, the ride to the jetty is short and doesn't require an impossible alarm. Write to us on WhatsApp at +52 954 124 0793: we'll tell you which season matches your dates and help you arrange the outing.
Being in La Punta, the port is 10 minutes by taxi, so you can come back to the hotel for breakfast after the tour.
