21 Adventurous Things to Do in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca (2023)

LOOKING FOR IDEAS ON WHAT TO DO IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO?

When you think of Puerto Escondido, the first thing that comes to mind is its stunning surf and beaches. But this beautiful Mexican beach town in the state of Oaxaca has so many other adventurous activities.

From snorkeling to kayaking, waterfall chasing to releasing sea turtles, here are the 21 best things to do in Puerto Escondido!

Is It Worth It to Go To Puerto Escondido?

Since the first day I arrived in Mexico, I heard the best things about Puerto Escondido. A hippie paradise, they said. Although its hippie paradise days have gone, it is still a backpacker’s paradise with a dash of hipster.

Pristine crowdless beaches, excellent surf barrels, secret EDM parties, international food, and amazing things to do in and near Puerto Escondido made this beach town worth visiting. I even managed to cross off two bucket list items here!

Top Things to Do in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca 

1. Explore Puerto Escondido’s Beaches

As a top surf destination, it’s no surprise that Puerto Escondido has a long list of amazing beaches to visit! The main beach in town is Playa Zicatela, followed by Playa La Punta, a popular area just south of Puerto Escondido. But my absolute favorite beach is Playa Carrizalillo!

Best Beaches to Visit:

• Playa Carrizalillo: Most Beautiful Beach in Puerto Escondido
• Playa Zicatela: Best Surfing Beach, known for its pipeline
• Playa La Punta: Less crowded side of Playa Zicatela
• Playa Principal: Main beach popular for swimming and eating at
• Playa Bacocho: Beach that releases baby turtles every day

There are so many other lesser-visited beaches, so rent a scooter and discover them yourself.

Looking for other great Mexican beach towns? Find more information on other great Pacific coast destinations like Zihuatanejo, Isla Ixtapa, Huatulco.

2. Beach the Day Away at Beautiful Carrizalillo 

As you pull up to the stairs of the secluded Playa Carrizalillo and the swaying palm trees come into view, you already know you are in for a treat. Start burning those thighs on the long stairway down (and up!) and enjoy the sight of this picturesque bay.

It’s insanely beautiful with its white sand and sapphire waters, making it to the top of my list of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido.

I’ve seen many people come here for sunrise and sunset, and it also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities when the tide is low.

During the dry season, the waves are generally too small to ride. However, when the rest of Puerto Escondido’s surf isn’t beginner-friendly, Playa Carrizalillo has got you covered!

Plus, you can easily get surf lessons and rentals right from the beach!

3. Release your own Baby Turtle and Hope They Make it

Releasing baby sea turtles has been on my bucket list, and it’s an absolute must-do! Trust me, if you only have time to do one thing in Puerto Escondido, this should be it.

Mexico is a major player in the world of turtle conservation! That’s why many of their beaches have fantastic turtle-releasing programs.

At Puerto Escondido, you can contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in exchange for releasing your very own baby turtle in a cute coconut shell. And it happens every day!

You have two options: 

1. Click here to join a tour releasing turtles at Playa Palmarito
2. Show up at Vivemar at Playa Bacocho Beach and pay 100 pesos (but your own turtle is not guaranteed) 

Vivemar Baby Sea Turtle Release

Every day at 5pm, people line up outside Vivemar, pay, and get this super interesting 10-minute talk about turtles. After that, you get your very own turtles to release.

Then comes the tricky part: making sure your baby turtle doesn’t get snatched by a hungry seagull. Just keep throwing wet sand at them!

On most days, Vivemar will have enough baby turtles to give to everyone as hundreds of them are hatching daily. But come early if you want a guarantee.

👉 If you’d rather not be with hundreds of people and have a guarantee to get baby turtle, book a tour at Playa Palmarito

Address: Playa Bacocho, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico 

Cool Turtle Facts

1. Every morning, conservationists comb the beaches to dig up newly nested eggs and relocate them onto conservation grounds to protect them from predators.
2. The temperature of the sand determines male and female genders.
3. Turtles will return to the same beach they were born on after 20 years, using their remarkable magnetic field memory.

4. Swim with the Bioluminescence Plankton

This is the second item on my bucket list that I was able to check off! Even though I’ve seen bioluminescent plankton before, I’ve never had the chance to swim in it. (Although since then, I’ve also seen them sailing in the BVI’s and in Railay Beach, Thailand)

The plankton’s glow illuminates your body’s outline with every stroke of your limbs. Spring up from the water, the plankton will momentarily glisten against your skin.

You couldn’t miss the bioluminescence tour because everyone sells it. Shop around to find the best price, as this is by far one of the best tours in Oaxaca!

Bioluminescent Lagoon Locations

In Puerto Escondido, there are two lagoons where you can take a dip with bioluminescent plankton: Manialtepec Lagoon and Chacahua Lagoon.

🛶 Laguna de Manialtepec 

Laguna de Manialtepec is where most people go to see the bioluminescent plankton. It’s just a quick 20-minute drive from Puerto Escondido.

It is the cheapest to find a tour vendor in Puerto Escondido, with most tour schedules being pretty much the same. However, if you would like to pre-reserve a tour, book this swimming with the bioluminescent tour online.

Tip: It doesn’t hurt to ask for a discount if you go on multiple tours with the same operator. We managed to get 100 pesos off per person when we bought two tours from the same vendor.

Tips to View the Plankton Better

1. Go out on a night of the new moon or wait for the moon to set. You won’t be able to see the plankton if there’s any light around.
2. Tour operators have devised viewing shelters to block moonlight, but you’ll share the experience with others.
3. You may get a non-English-speaking tour guide describing how bioluminescence plankton biology works.

👉 Unfortunately, our guide only spoke Spanish for our tour. Get an English-speaking guide for your bioluminescence trip here.

🛶 Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua

With or without the moon, the bioluminescence in Laguna de Chacahua shines brighter than in Laguna de Manialtepec. However, getting to Chacahua National Park is a journey of at least 2.5 hours one way.

I only asked one vendor about a guided tour. An all-day tour would cost you around 1200 pesos (~60 USD) per person.

Tip: Chacahua deserves more than just a few hours. If you can get there yourself, you don’t even need to purchase Bioluminescence Boat Tours. Just jump in.

5. Boat Trip alongside Jumping Dolphins & Floating Sea Turtles

We were lucky to spot at least 30 dolphins and 8 turtles on this fantastic dolphin watching tour!

Of course, you can never expect wildlife to show up just for you, but dolphin sightings are almost guaranteed. Puerto Escondido is famous for this popular activity. If you go in the winter, you may even see a bonus creature: whales!

The bus will pick you up in the wee hours of the morning, and the boat ride lasts around 3-4 hours.

It’s also mind-boggling to think you can stumble upon turtles surfacing for air, 10 miles from land. They’re just out there, peacefully floating on their own. Imagine, in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, how many turtles are silently swimming right beneath the surface, right next to you.

6. Go on a Whale Watching Boat Tour (Only in Winter)

Whale-watching season in Puerto Escondido is from December to April, but December to February is best.

During this time, the most common species to see are humpback whales, but you may see other kinds even from land. But the absolute best way to catch sight of them is via a boat tour.

You can get multiple opportunities to glimpse the whales as many species migrate south to give birth to their calves. Then, they bring their little ones along on their way back north.

During the season, most dolphin boat tours in Puerto Escondido also give you the chance to spot whales. But on your whale-watching trip, you might also see dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and manta rays!

7. Visit an Actual Hippie Paradise – Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua 

No other Mexican destination has so unexpectantly kept as permanent a smile on my face as much as the village of Chacahua, another beach town on the Oaxacan coast. Chacahua is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets.

Chacahua is home to the Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua, a natural habitat of lagoons, tropical jungles, mangrove trees, and wildlife galore.

There are no resorts, beautiful beaches, and amazingly friendly vibes. It is the hippie paradise that Puerto Escondido most likely used to be.

Here, you can visit a crocodile sanctuary, surf every day, camp right on the beach, and the best part? They have their own bioluminescent lagoon, and this one shines much brighter than at Laguna de Manialtepec.

👉 Book a full-day trip to hit all the Chacahua highlights (mangroves, all 5 lagoons, Corral Island, Bird Sanctuary) without needing to deal with the complicated transport

Related Post: Read my Full Post on Why I love Chacahua so much   

8. Surf Some Gnarly Waves

In case you didn’t know, Puerto Escondido is famous for its world-class surfing. Pros and beginner surfers alike come to ride the long Mexican pipeline along this coast of Oaxaca. Professional competitions are held in Puerto Escondido throughout the year.

Here’s a surf report to know what you are getting yourself into. The best beaches have rentals and surfing lessons right on the beachfront. If surfing is not on your mind, you can try paddleboarding too.

Pros should head to Playa Zicatela for the famous pipeline that reaches 10-12 feet. Playa Carrizalillo is a better beach for beginners and intermediates with smaller, more manageable waves.

Surfer pro or just trying to stand up, check out these other great surf spots in Mexico. 

👉Not a confident surfer? Book a 2 hour surf lesson from a reputable surf instructor guaranteed to make you better than before you started

9. Ride to La Reforma Waterfall 

The province of Oaxaca’s has got its fair share of great waterfalls to visit, like Copalitilla Cascades and Hierve el Agua.

Well, here’s another one to add to the list. About an hour and a half drive away from Puerto Escondido is La Reforma Waterfall, a grand cascade 150 feet in height.

You can either go for a day trip with a tour for about 800 pesos or DIY it by renting a scooter for the day.

10. Try Finding Manta Rays While Snorkeling

Aquamarine crystal clear waters make snorkeling super pleasant in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. You can book a tour or rent/bring your gear and explore near the shores.

Many beaches have boring sandy bottoms, but I have even heard that in Playa Carrizalillo, you can go out to the rocks to try your luck there. You might even spot a manta ray.

11. Kayak the Nearby Lagoons 

The nearby lagoons of Puerto Escondido are not only a bioluminescent night activity, but during the day, you can also rent or book a kayaking tour to watch birds and fish while navigating through the mangrove tunnels.

Although you can go any time of day, the ideal time to go kayaking is in the early morning to catch the rising sunrise or in the afternoon for the glassy sunset views.

Glide smoothly across the ocean, lagoon, and riverways, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere with nothing but the sound of chirping birds and the gentle paddle through the mangroves.

12. Birdwatch in the Lagoons

The adventures on the lagoons don’t stop with kayaking. For birding enthusiasts, join a birdwatching tour to spot some of the many species that live in Puerto Escondido with a knowledgeable local guide.

Hop on a small boat and cruise along the lagoons while spotting different rosetta spoonbills, storks, herons, hawks, and parrots.

Most tours will also provide binoculars for a better view.

13. Be on the Invite List to Secret Parties 

Besides the tons of beach bars in town and in La Punta, there’s also my favorite scene: the techno scene. Although we missed the weekend, plastered all over town are live music and events.

A little birdie told me: Try to get on “the list.” Find out about parties organized in secret jungle locations. A text will be sent to tell you the location a few hours beforehand.

Is Puerto Escondido a Party Town?

Puerto Escondido’s nightlife isn’t mainstream like Cancun or Cabo. You won’t find the spring-breakers scene or massive venues like Senor Frog or Mandala, but instead, it’s all about laid-back beach vibe parties.

14. Walk through a Mezcal Distillery

Mezcal is the national drink of Mexico, and it’s like tequila but much smoother. It has a unique smoky flavor which…but enough of that: Why not go to a local mezcal distilleries to sample some yourself?

A tour through a mezcal distillery usually includes a walk through the production area, where you can see the process from beginning to end.

Mezcal originates from the agave plant, a succulent native to Mexico. The process begins with harvesting mature agave plants, which can take 7 to 30 years to grow!

After walking through the creation process, it’s time for the mezcal tasting!

15. Take a Macrame Class

Now hanging in all hotels in Tulum, Macramé is a craft where knots are meticulously tied to create intricate, decorative patterns and designs. This centuries-old technique is resurfacing as a popular modern art form, adding a bohemian touch to home décor.

Macramé creations can range from wall hangings to plant hangers or jewelry, adding a unique, handmade accent to any outfit.

In Mercado Zicatela, I passed a sign for Macrame classes. Here, you can take an intro class lasting 2hrs for 350 pesos.

16. Eat Non-Mexican Food in La Punta

It’s great to have a bunch of foreign tourists because, you know what that means? International food is finally here! All kinds of restaurants can be found in the hipster part of town, La Punta.

On the other side of Playa Zicatela, you’ll find La Punta, where you can discover the local restaurants that go beyond Mexican cuisine. Think Thai, healthy eats, endless cafes, and even an Italian mix!

👉 Don’t know where to start? Join this Puerto Escondido food tour to eat local cuisine at the best restaurants while mountain biking!

Bonus: There is also a neat little lookout right at the start of the one-way drive overlooking the whole Playa La Punta.  

17. Skydive out of a Plane

On our first day, 12 parachutes floated slowly back to Earth in front of us. If you want to be one of them, neighboring the restaurant, Spirulina is your opportunity to go Skydiving!

Phone: +52 954-120-0556 | WhatsApp: +52 954-108-8744

Address: Av. las Brisas, Playa Zicatela, 70934, Oax., Mexico

18. Sport Fish Out on Deep Seas

A fisher friend once told me, “I fish for the adrenaline you get from a big catch.” Give it a try deep-sea sport fishing off Puerto Escondido.

Book a charter with guides with decades of experience who will teach you the ropes and bring you to the hottest spots to try your luck hooking in marlin, sailfish, and tuna.

Most places will hook you up with fishing equipment, bait, transport, and rods. You do have to get a fishing license, but your boat captain can help you get one from the local marinas.

19. Lookout for Crocodiles near Bocana Colotepec

I recommend only taking a gander here if you have a scooter. Drive to the land’s end of the next town, Bocana Colotepec to catch some unique architecture thrown amongst the mix of more authentic living.

As you go towards the mouth of the river, signs warn you of a wild crocodile habitat.

Once you arrive, walk towards the sounds of the ocean, realizing how vast this isolated beach is. It is the perfect place to come and stare into the nothingness by yourself.

20. Try Hang Gliding

If a posted sign advertising a hang-gliding club piques your interest, contact the organizers with the information below. If anyone has been, please let me know: 1. If it exists. 2. To tell me, I should definitely try it!

GPS Location: (15.818352, -97.028080) 

21. Shop at Unique Local Markets

There are always markets in Mexico. Two areas stood out in Puerto Escondido:

• Mercado Zicatela
• Night market on Calle Perez Pazga.

🧃 Drink Juice at Mercade Zicatela

We were surprised when we passed this by chance on the scooter, as it looked more like a orderly mall than the usual busy Mexican markets.

But, of course, it is still filled with street food, fresh fruit juices, and handicrafts. I can attest that the two juice kiosks beside each other are absolutely fire.

Address: Carr. Costera, Sta Maria, 70934 Brisas de Zicatela, Oax., Mexico

👒 Find Artisanal Souvenirs at the Night Market 

Calle Perez Pazga, located right on the beachfront of Playa Zicatela Beach, is a lively street filled with restaurants, tour operators, and shops during the day.

But wait until nightfall, and you’ll witness a magical transformation as it becomes a bustling row of street markets. The vendors start setting up their stalls around sunset. By 7-8 pm, they’re in full swing, ready to offer you a delightful experience.

Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido

What Area of Puerto Escondido is Best to Stay?

The main areas to stay in are Centro or La Punta. Centro is close to the bus stop and has more of a local feel. It is also less expensive.

La Punta around Zicatela Beach is the go-to spot for most people, especially surfers, thanks to its impressive waves and lively surf culture. This is the area where you’ll find a variety of international cuisine options and bars, catering more to foreigners.

Tip! Puerto Escondido is a great digital nomad destination, with many accommodations specified for adults only & amenities and gear for remote workers.

Best Hotels in Centro Puerto Escondido

• Luxury | Villas Carrizalillo – Incredible view overlooking Carrizalillo Beach
• Mid Range | Casa Losodeli & Coworking – Great for digital nomads
• Hostel | Hostel Mayflower – 3 floor cheap hostel right by the beach 

Best Hotels in La Punta, Puerto Escondido

La Punta, in general, is considerably pricier than the main part of Puerto Escondido. However, there are still a number of budget-friendly hotels available here. It’s about an hour’s walk from the main town, so it might be worth staying overnight in both areas to experience the unique vibe of each place.

• Luxury | Casa TO – Insanely unique architecture and minimalist decor
• Mid Range | Punta Zicatela Hotel – Colorful accommodation with ocean views
• Hostel | Casa Karma – One of the cheapest private options in La Punta 

Related Post: If you’re looking for more options, check out this guide to the best hotels in Puerto Escondido.

How to Get to Puerto Escondido, Mexico

From Mexico City to Puerto Escondido 

Stops in Puebla & Oaxaca City

If you are trying to come straight from Mexico City with public transportation, this will be a very long ride of 19 hours. Most people opt to spend a few days in Puebla and Oaxaca before ending up in Puerto Escondido.

I always use these two bus aggregators in Mexico to find busses: Check my Bus and ClickBus.  

Direct Flights

Check flights if you are set on going to Puerto Escondido directly. Internal flights within Mexico can usually be found at affordable prices.  

From Acapulco to Puerto Escondido

Altamar was the only company we could find who did the route from Acapulco to Puerto Escondido. The trip drives for 7 hours overnight or 9 hours in the day.

Acapulco has three main stations: Acapulco Ejido, Papagayo, or Centro.

Departing busses will leave from differing stations every day. The station Papagayo (near the Home Depot) neighbors the Estrella de Oro bus station, so make sure you don’t get confused about which station you are going to.

How to Get Around Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is not big. You can walk to most places. For slightly distant locations or when the weather gets too hot, minibus and taxi services are available throughout the day. It takes less than 15 minutes to reach almost anywhere in this small town by car.

I recommend renting a scooter for yourself. Daily rentals start at around 300 pesos (~$15/one day), with discounts available for longer rental periods. Negotiate or compare prices since there may be cheaper options available.

At Hostel Mayflower, they offer scooter rentals at:

• 1 Day: 300 pesos
• 1 Week: 1700 pesos
• 1 Month: 3500 pesos

We had it for 2 days, with the second day costing 250 pesos. Typically, renting an actual motorcycle is pricier.

👉 For groups or those who would like to avoid bumpy dirt roads, compare and book the best-priced rental car in Puerto Escondido here

Things to Know before Visiting Puerto Escondido

Missing Traditional Mexican Culture 

Puerto Escondido is famous for its beautiful beaches and exciting activities, I recommend exploring other destinations if you’re seeking a deeper immersion in Mexican culture.

Puebla and Oaxaca are nearby cities that exude a more authentic vibe and traditional town layout.

Lots of Mosquitos 

As someone who seems to attract mosquitoes (probably because of my excessive sugar consumption), my first day in Puerto Escondido was a complete mosquito massacre.

Coming from Acapulco where I barely got a single bite, Puerto Escondido does not have the same mosquito-free luxury.

The worst time is mostly limited to being along the beaches at dusk. During all other times of the day, the mosquito population appears to be under control.

Bucket List Worthy? What to do in puerto escondido

If you’ve been traveling in Mexico for a while, you’ve probably already heard whispers of Puerto Escondido. Well, I am here to back up all the claims on how awesome it is and how many fun things there are to do in Puerto Escondido.

If you don’t have time to do everything adventurous Puerto Escondido has to offer, make sure to hit these highlights!

• Release baby turtles
• Swim amongst the glowing bioluminescent plankton (even better if you bring your own snorkel!)
• Learn to surf around the best Puerto Escondido beaches
• Take at least a day trip to Chacahua National Park

Going Elsewhere? Discover Other Mexico Adventures and Resources

• Best Things to Do in Tepoztlán, Mexico
• Fun Things to Do in Acapulco, Mexico
• Best Things to Do in Taxco, Mexico
• Best Things to Do in Zihuatanejo – Ixtapa, Mexico
• Ixtapa Island: A Perfect Beach Day at La Isla Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo
• How to Visit Chacahua, Oaxaca – A Secret Mexican Beach Paradise
• Day Trip to the Magical Waterfalls of Copalitilla and Llano Grande
• Things to Do in Huatulco, Mexico and Why I Won’t Be Back
• Never Lost in Mexico: Transporation Guide to Getting Around Mexico