Puerto Escondido: Dolphin & Whale Watching with Pickup

Summary

Morning boat ride from Puerto Angelito to spot dolphins and whales

You’ll cruise along Puerto Escondido’s coast with a local guide, spotting wild dolphins up close and searching for humpback whales as you head offshore. Expect fresh ocean air, cold water on board, hotel pickup included, and plenty of chances to photograph sea turtles or rays drifting past — plus those small moments you’ll remember long after the boat ride ends.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to see a whole stretch of Puerto Escondido’s coastline before most people have had their coffee? We met our guide, Luis, at Playa Puerto Angelito just after sunrise — the sand was still cool under my feet and the boats bobbed quietly. There was this salty breeze mixing with the smell of sunscreen (I always overdo it) and someone nearby was laughing about forgetting their hat. I liked that nobody seemed in a rush.

Once we got going, the engine’s hum faded into background noise and we started tracing the bays — Carrizalillo, Zicatela, all those names I’d seen on maps but never from this angle. Luis pointed out little fishing boats and told us which families had been working these waters for generations. He handed out cold water from a cooler (which felt great because it gets hot fast), and then suddenly he shouted — “¡Delfines!” — and there they were. Dozens of wild dolphins weaving around us, so close you could hear them exhale. I tried to film but mostly just stared. I didn’t expect to feel so giddy about it at my age.

We kept heading offshore for a while — the sun higher now, everything brighter and louder. Someone spotted a sea turtle drifting by (Luis said they’re common here), and then further out we saw the spray from humpback whales. It’s hard to describe that first glimpse: everyone went quiet except for one kid who just whispered “wow.” We didn’t get to swim with dolphins this time (maybe next trip), but honestly, watching them leap beside us was enough. On the way back west along Puerto Escondido, Luis slowed down so we could take photos of the main bays — I probably took too many but whatever.

I still think about that moment when everything went silent except for the splash of a tail somewhere out there. If you’re thinking about a dolphin & whale watching tour in Puerto Escondido, just go early and don’t worry if your Spanish is rusty — Luis laughed when I tried anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marine Life Boat Trip

• Dolphin & whale watching tour

Top questions

Where does the dolphin & whale watching tour start?

The tour starts from Playa Puerto Angelito in Puerto Escondido.

How long is the boat trip?

The dolphin & whale watching trip lasts about 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for participants.

What marine life can I expect to see?

You may see wild dolphins, sea turtles, sea rays, and humpback whales.

Can we swim with dolphins during this tour?

If possible on your day, swimming with dolphins may be offered but isn’t guaranteed.

Are drinks provided on board?

Bottled water is provided for everyone on board; there’s a cooler with ice.

Is this dolphin & whale watching tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are guides multilingual?

The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide depending on availability.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup in Puerto Escondido, bottled water chilled in an onboard cooler, and guidance from a local expert as you explore bays and search for marine life before returning after about three hours at sea.