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Puerto Escondido is much more than idyllic beaches and golden sunsets. It's a natural sanctuary where marine life thrives, and where ecotourism allows for a deep connection with the environment. Here, visitors have the unique opportunity to experience magical encounters with dolphins and sea turtles , two of the most fascinating creatures of the Oaxaca coast .
One of the most popular nature tours in Puerto Escondido is, without a doubt, dolphin watching . This tour takes place early in the morning, usually at 6:30 am, when the sea is calm and dolphins are most frequently seen. During the tour, you can have an authentic experience with free-roaming dolphins , observing them in their natural habitat, swimming and jumping near the boat.
Among the species that can be seen are:
Bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus )
Spinner dolphin ( Stenella longirostris )
Striped dolphin ( Stenella coeruleoalba )
Spotted dolphin ( Stenella attenuata )
The best time to spot dolphins in Oaxaca is year-round, although during the winter months you can also see manta rays and, with luck, even humpback whales that migrate through these waters.
In the afternoon, as the sun sets, another magical moment awaits on the beaches of Palmarito or Escobilla: the turtle release . This experience, besides being deeply moving, is part of Mexico's turtle protection efforts . The hatchlings, which are born in protected nests, are released just before dusk, when the risk of being seen by predators decreases.
The star species of this experience is the olive ridley sea turtle ( Lepidochelys olivacea ), one of the smallest sea turtles and also one of the most abundant in the Pacific. Escobilla Beach is one of the most important turtle sanctuaries on the Oaxacan coast , and every year it becomes the scene of the famous Arribada , when thousands of turtles arrive at the same time to lay their eggs.
If you're interested in learning more about this impressive natural phenomenon, don't miss our article:
Turtle Arrival at the Escobilla Beach Sanctuary
If you're wondering where to see turtles in Puerto Escondido , these two spots are ideal. And the best part: you can do both tours in one day. Dolphins at sunrise, turtles at sunset. A full day of connecting with nature.
Puerto Escondido is a place where marine life on the Oaxaca coast is respected and protected. Tours are organized by cooperatives and local guides who follow responsible practices, ensuring that interaction with the animals is ethical and sustainable. Participating in these experiences also means supporting local communities and conservation efforts.
At Raíz Hotel Boutique, we invite you to discover these nature tours in Puerto Escondido , where the sea offers you moments that will stay with you. Because when we respect and value wildlife, the encounters become truly magical.
