Snorkeling in Puerto Escondido: Dolphins, Whales & Sea Turtles

Spot dolphins and whales on your own terms in the water

Snorkel in Puerto Escondido's Pacific waters on a shared boat capped at 12 travelers, searching for dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles and seasonal manta rays with a captain who shares facts about local marine life. The trip runs 3.5 hours with morning and afternoon departures. Snorkeling equipment, shade and pickup are included, and you swim in designated safe areas the captain identifies.

The experience

You arrive at Puerto Escondido with a free afternoon or morning and want to get on the water without arranging your own boat. This snorkeling trip departs twice daily and takes you out into the Pacific to search for marine life in its natural habitat. The boat stays small, capped at 12 people, so you're not packed in with crowds, and the captain navigates based on where dolphins, whales and turtles are actually spotted that day rather than following a fixed route. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you swim when the captain identifies safe areas. The rest of the time you watch from the boat under shade while he shares information about the species you're seeing and the local waters.

The 3.5-hour trip gives you real time in the water rather than a quick dip. Humpback whales show up seasonally, manta rays appear at certain times of year, and sea turtles are a regular sighting. Dolphins are the main draw (Puerto Escondido's Pacific waters hold several types), and spotting them is the captain's objective each trip. You're not on a passive tour. You're actively looking, swimming and moving with the boat as sightings happen.

Pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport to the dock. Morning and afternoon departures let you fit the trip around the rest of your day. Children from age 2 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended if you have spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• pickup from your hotel or nearby location.
• shade on the boat.
• captain guide in English or Spanish.
• time to swim in safe areas the captain designates.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (19 to 70 years) · Senior (71 to 85 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (2 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Puerto Journeys

Is this one for you?Groups stay under 12 people, so you're snorkeling with a small crew rather than a large tour group. Choose this if you want to search for marine life actively (spotting dolphins and whales as they appear) rather than following a fixed itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (2 to 4 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of marine life will I actually see snorkeling in Puerto Escondido?

Dolphins are the main sighting: Puerto Escondido's Pacific waters hold several types. Sea turtles appear regularly. Humpback whales breach seasonally, and manta rays show up at certain times of year. The captain navigates based on where animals are spotted that day, so sightings vary by trip.

Can I swim and snorkel the whole time, or do I watch from the boat?

You swim in designated areas the captain identifies as safe and secure. The rest of the time you watch from the boat under shade while the captain explains what you're seeing and shares facts about the local wildlife and beaches.

How long is the snorkeling trip and when do boats depart?

The trip runs 3.5 hours. Morning and afternoon departures are available, so you can choose the time that fits your day in Puerto Escondido.

Is snorkeling equipment included, and do I need to bring anything?

Snorkeling equipment is provided. Pickup from your hotel or a nearby location is included, and the boat has shade for time on the water between swims.