Puerto Escondido: The Best Adventure for Dolphin Watching

If you’re heading to Oaxaca and looking for a memorable marine adventure, a dolphin watching tour in Puerto Escondido might just be the highlight of your trip. This experience promises a chance to see large groups of dolphins in their natural habitat, and if you’re lucky, even swim among them. While it’s not a full-day excursion, the three hours of this tour pack a punch with wildlife sightings and spectacular ocean views.

What I appreciate about this tour is the emphasis on respecting nature and the local guides’ dedication. Plus, the chance to encounter multiple species of dolphins—spinner, common, spotted, and bottlenose—means you’ll likely see a variety of marine life. That said, it’s worth noting that this tour is quite dependent on the weather and sea conditions, which can affect how long you spend observing the dolphins.

A key consideration is the group size—limited to 10 participants—which keeps the experience intimate and manageable, but might feel a little crowded if you’re hoping for complete solitude with the dolphins. This tour is best suited for those who love wildlife and are comfortable spending a few hours on a boat, with an appreciation for the natural environment.

In short, if you’re after a guided tour with knowledgeable locals, a focus on eco-friendly practices, and plenty of dolphin sightings, this trip could be perfect. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with friends or a small group who enjoy marine life, and don’t mind the possibility of a slightly longer or shorter outing depending on nature’s mood.

Key Points

• Respect for nature is core to this experience, ensuring the dolphins aren’t disturbed.
• Small group size makes for a more personal and engaging trip.
• Multiple dolphin species can be seen, with groups sometimes numbering up to 1,000.
• Wildlife encounters include turtles, manta rays, and seabirds on the return journey.
• Guides are local experts, sharing knowledge about marine species and the environment.
• Snorkeling gear is provided if you want to get closer to the dolphins and marine life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on Your Dolphin Watching Trip

When you sign up for this tour, you’re in for a well-organized trip starting at Puerto Angelito Beach, a charming spot that’s easy to reach and perfect for an early morning adventure. The meeting point is straightforward: just look for Omar and mention the boat names, BLACK PEARL or PRINCESA DEL MAR. Aim to arrive about 15 minutes before the 7 a.m. departure—to give yourself plenty of time for a smooth start.

The Itinerary

The tour lasts roughly three hours, usually scheduled in the morning, which is ideal for calmer seas and better wildlife spotting chances. From the beach, you’ll set out on a watercraft equipped with shade, seats, life jackets, GPS, and radio—all designed to keep you comfortable and safe.

Your captain will take you further from the coast in search of dolphin pods, which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand individuals. The four types of dolphins you’re likely to see are spinner, common, spotted, and bottlenose—each with unique behaviors. Spinner dolphins, for example, are known for their acrobatic leaps, while bottlenose dolphins tend to be more curious and approachable.

Searching for Dolphins

The guides are committed to finding dolphins without disturbing them, selecting locations where other boats aren’t present. This helps ensure the dolphins are free to behave naturally and that your experience feels authentic. When the groups are located, the boat slows, and you’ll get the chance to see these playful creatures up close. Sometimes the dolphins come toward the boat, curious and friendly, allowing for fantastic photo opportunities.

Swimming and Snorkeling

One of the tour’s highlights is the opportunity to swim with the dolphins—a rare chance to get in the water and hear their sounds directly. It’s a magical experience, but do remember that the guides prioritize respecting the animals’ space, so interactions are natural and non-intrusive.

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Wildlife on the Return

After the dolphin encounter, the boat heads back toward Puerto Angelito, with a good chance to spot sea turtles, manta rays, and seabirds. The guides will point out and share interesting facts about these creatures, making the trip both fun and educational.

The Experience and Its Value

The price of $52 per person is quite reasonable given the length of the trip, the guided nature, and the inclusion of snorkel gear. Compared to larger, more commercialized tours, this one feels more personal—especially with a limit of only 10 participants. You’re paying for not just the chance to see dolphins, but also for local guides who respect the environment, which makes a difference if you’re conscious about sustainable tourism.

The reviews highlight some mixed experiences—while many loved the abundance of dolphins and the professionalism of the guides, others noted issues like crowding (with multiple boats around the dolphins) or language barriers. One reviewer mentioned feeling uncomfortable due to the presence of many boats surrounding the dolphins, which shows that wildlife encounters can vary depending on how many boats are out that day.

Another review mentions, “We saw so many dolphins it was amazing! We were Able to swim with them! Yoni was an amazing tour guide! Highly recommend!” This indicates that the guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Conversely, some travelers experienced sea sickness or discomfort due to the boat’s movement or length of time out at sea, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, it might be wise to prepare accordingly.

Practical Details and Tips

• Timing: Tours typically run in the morning to take advantage of calmer seas and better wildlife activity.
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes are essentials. Beachwear and outdoor clothes are recommended.
• What Not to Bring: Bicycles or alcohol and drugs, as these aren’t allowed.
• Group Size: Small groups mean more personal attention, but if you prefer more solitude, keep that in mind.
• Language: Guides are bilingual (English and Spanish), so language barriers shouldn’t be an issue.
• Cancellation Policy: Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility.

Is This Tour Family-Friendly?

While this tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-oriented, it can be suitable for older children and teenagers comfortable on boats. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or those with a cold, mainly due to the boat ride and the nature of wildlife viewing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a true wildlife adventure with a focus on respect for marine life, this dolphin watching tour in Puerto Escondido offers a genuinely engaging experience. You’ll enjoy the thrill of spotting multiple dolphin species, the chance to swim with them, and the beauty of the ocean environment—all with local guides who know their stuff.

The tour’s success largely depends on sea conditions and luck, but given the number of dolphins and other marine creatures reported, it’s often a rewarding outing. It’s a great choice for nature lovers, small groups, or anyone wanting a meaningful interaction with marine wildlife in a beautiful setting.

For those who want a relaxed, eco-conscious trip that prioritizes authentic encounters over crowds, this tour checks many boxes. Just be prepared for the unpredictability of nature—sometimes you hit the jackpot, and sometimes it’s a quiet day with fewer sightings. Either way, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s incredible creatures.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is typically 3 hours long but can range from 2 to 3 hours depending on how quickly dolphins are located and other sea conditions.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Puerto Angelito Beach, with Omar waiting nearby. Just ask for Omar and mention the boat names, BLACK PEARL or PRINCESA DEL MAR.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkel gear is provided, allowing you to get closer to marine life and enjoy the experience of hearing and seeing dolphins underwater.

Can I swim with the dolphins?
Yes, you’ll have the chance to swim with dolphins if conditions allow and if the guides deem it appropriate, respecting the animals’ space.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best suited for older children and teenagers who are comfortable on boats. It’s not recommended for very young children, pregnant women, or those with health issues like colds.

Are there any extra costs?
No, everything included in the price of $52 per person. However, the tour does not include breakfast or music, and there’s no mention of additional fees.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

If marine wildlife adventures excite you, and you’re after an authentic, eco-respectful experience, this dolphin tour in Puerto Escondido could be a real treat. Just remember to go with an open mind, patience, and a sense of wonder—you might find yourself captivated by the playful dolphins and the stunning ocean views.

You can check availability for your dates here: