Puerto Escondido Dolphin Turtle Tour with Whales

Board at dawn and watch dolphins leap in their natural habitat

A private dolphin and turtle sighting tour from Puerto Escondido's main bay, departing at 7 a.m. on a comfortable, equipped boat with a bilingual guide. You'll search for dolphins in open water, watch sea turtles swim, and between November and March, spot migrating whales. The tour runs 2.5 hours and includes a life jacket, bottled water and viewfinder.

The experience

How do you see dolphins without a car or a guide you don't trust? The boat leaves the main bay at 7 a.m., early enough that the water is calm and the animals are active. A bilingual captain handles the navigation and shares what the species are doing as you watch: the social behaviors, the jumps, the way they move through the Pacific. The boat itself is built for this: comfortable seating, safety equipment that actually fits, and a design that lets you see without leaning over the rail or fighting for space.

Dolphins are the draw, but the tour doesn't stop there. Sea turtles surface in open water, and manta rays sometimes appear. Between November and March, migrating whales pass through these waters, and the captain knows where to position the boat so you can watch them without disturbing them. The whole experience is built around what the marine life does naturally, not around forcing an encounter.

You get a life jacket, bottled water and a viewfinder to bring distant animals closer. The tour is 2.5 hours from start to finish, which is long enough to move offshore and search properly without burning the whole day. Bilingual staff means questions get answered in the language you speak, and the captain's knowledge of the Pacific coast and its animals is the reason you see what you see.

What’s included

• Life jacket, bottled water and viewfinder.
• a bilingual guide.
• a locker for your belongings.
• a comfortable, equipped boat designed for marine wildlife viewing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mariela Fishing Charters

Is this one for you?The 7 a.m. departure from the main bay means you don't need a car or a hotel transfer to reach the boat. It's walkable from most Puerto Escondido accommodations, and the early start catches the calmest water and the most active dolphins.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What time does the boat leave Puerto Escondido, and where do we meet?

The boat departs at 7 a.m. from the main bay of Puerto Escondido. Arrive a few minutes early to board and get fitted with your life jacket.

Will we definitely see dolphins and whales on this tour?

Dolphins are the primary focus and are regularly spotted on these waters. Sea turtles and manta rays also appear. Whales migrate through the area between November and March, and the captain will position the boat to watch them when they're present, though sightings depend on the season and conditions.

How long is the tour, and what's included?

The tour runs 2.5 hours. You get a life jacket, bottled water, a viewfinder to see distant animals, and a locker for your belongings. A bilingual guide leads the entire experience.

Is this tour suitable for children and infants?

Children and infants can join. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers due to the motion of the boat.

What should I bring, and what's the weather like on the water?

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat: the sun reflects off the water and the early departure means you'll be exposed for the full 2.5 hours. The sea breeze keeps things cool, but the sun is intense. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet if you lean over the rail to photograph.