Puerto Escondido: Dolphin Watching Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Early morning dolphin watching in Puerto Escondido with locals

You’ll set off early from Puerto Escondido on a shaded panga boat with a local guide, searching for dolphins as the sun rises. Watch them swim alongside or slip into the water with provided snorkel gear if you feel brave. Expect laughter, salty air, and those rare quiet moments you’ll remember long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the boat — literally. My phone alarm didn’t go off, so I jogged down to Puerto Beach, hair still wet, clutching a coffee that was way too hot. The sun wasn’t up yet but there were already a few of us blinking at the water, and our guide, Javier, waved us over with this easy “no worries” grin. The panga was smaller than I pictured (27 feet, he said), but it had shade and felt sturdy enough for whatever the Pacific wanted to throw at us that morning.

The air smelled salty and clean once we got moving. There’s something about the sound of a small boat engine before 7am — kind of meditative, actually. Javier started telling us about the dolphins around Puerto Escondido; apparently they’re here year-round, which I didn’t know. He pointed out a fishing boat in the distance and said sometimes you see turtles or even whales if you’re lucky. We all leaned over the side when someone shouted — “there!” — and suddenly there were these smooth gray backs slicing through the water right next to us. It’s weird how quiet everyone got for a second.

Javier handed out snorkel gear for anyone who wanted to try swimming near them (he made it clear: only if the dolphins seemed relaxed). I hesitated but ended up slipping in — the water was cooler than I expected, almost fizzy against my skin. Didn’t get close enough to touch one (probably for the best), but just floating there while they darted around was… I don’t know, kind of humbling? At one point Javier laughed when I tried to ask what kind of dolphins they were in Spanish — my accent is hopeless.

We headed back as the sun started burning through some low clouds. Everyone looked a little dazed in that happy way you get after doing something quietly wild before breakfast. My hair dried salty and tangled on the ride back. I still think about that first moment when they appeared beside us — just these flashes of movement in all that blue, like we’d stumbled into their world for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin Watching Adventure

• Depart from Puerto Beach at 7 am
• Boat ride on 27-foot panga with shade

Top questions

What time does the dolphin watching tour start?

The tour departs at 7 am from Puerto Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Where does the dolphin watching tour leave from?

The tour departs from Puerto Beach in Puerto Escondido.

Is this dolphin watching tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Is this dolphin watching tour recommended for people with heart problems?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes an early morning departure from Puerto Beach aboard a shaded 27-foot panga boat with a local guide and use of snorkeling equipment during your dolphin watching adventure before returning to shore.