Puerto Escondido: Dolphin Watching & Swim with Pickup

Summary

Wild dolphins, sea turtles, and open Pacific waters near Puerto Escondido

You’ll feel your heart race as wild dolphins appear beside your boat off Puerto Escondido. Swim or snorkel near them (if you want), spot sea turtles gliding by, and hear stories from your local guide. Hotel pickup makes things easy — just bring your sense of adventure and let yourself get caught up in the moment.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly dropped my water bottle when the boat rocked harder than I expected — not from a wave, but because someone yelled “¡Allá!” and suddenly everyone was pointing. There they were: a whole school of dolphins slicing through the water just off Puerto Escondido. Our guide, Martín, grinned like he’d been waiting for this all morning. He told us there are four kinds of dolphins out here but honestly, in that moment I couldn’t even count them. Just flashes of grey backs and that salty Pacific air in my nose. I still think about that first sighting.

The engine cut out and everything got quiet except for the splashing and the weird squeaky sounds dolphins make — which I’d never really heard before. Martín explained which ones were spinner dolphins (they jump like acrobats) while another guest tried to get the name right in Spanish. Li laughed when I tried to say “delfín moteado” — probably butchered it. The sun was already pretty high by then but not too hot yet; you could feel it on your shoulders if you forgot sunscreen (I did). We drifted for a bit before he asked if anyone wanted to swim. I hesitated — wasn’t sure how cold it’d be — but ended up sliding into the water anyway. It’s colder than you think at first, then you just forget because there’s a dolphin maybe five meters away, and you’re floating in this huge blue space that feels way bigger than it looks from shore.

On the way back along the coast we spotted sea turtles — they look so slow compared to dolphins, just kind of bobbing along like old uncles at a family picnic. Some rays too, gliding under the surface if you looked close enough. Martín pointed out different bays around Puerto Escondido and told stories about fishermen he knew growing up here. The boat smelled like sunscreen and saltwater and everyone was quiet for a minute or two, just watching the coastline go by. Not sure why that part stuck with me so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin watching and snorkeling tour

• Travel along Puerto Escondido coastline
• Listen to guides explain main bays
• Head to dolphin habitats
• Observe four kinds of wild dolphins
• Swim or snorkel with dolphins
• Spot sea turtles, rays, and sea birds

Top questions

Can I swim with dolphins on this tour?

Yes, there's an opportunity to swim or snorkel near wild dolphins during the trip.

Is hotel pickup included in Puerto Escondido?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for this dolphin watching experience.

What animals might we see besides dolphins?

You may also see sea turtles, sea rays, and various sea birds along the way.

How many types of dolphins can be seen?

The tour area is home to four kinds of wild dolphins.

Is this dolphin watching tour suitable for kids?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation nearby for this activity?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to departure points.

Should pregnant travelers join this dolphin watching tour?

This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Puerto Escondido, bottled water to keep you cool under the sun, swimming or snorkeling with wild dolphins if you’re up for it, plus a professional local guide who shares stories along the way before dropping you back at your hotel.