Puerto Escondido: Family Private Boat Tour

Travelers looking for a relaxed, personalized way to experience Puerto Escondido’s stunning coastline and vibrant marine life will find this private boat tour a perfect fit. This excursion, offered by Omar’s Sportfishing & Tours, combines comfort, intimacy, and a dash of adventure—all wrapped up in a three-hour trip ideal for families, couples, or small groups.

What stands out most about this experience are the knowledgeable guides, the peaceful scenic routes, and the chance to swim alongside sea creatures like turtles and dolphins. The option to spot humpback whales from December through March adds a special seasonal touch.

However, it’s worth considering that this tour does not include food or alcohol, so planning your snacks or drinks ahead of time is recommended. Plus, the tour is best suited for those who are comfortable with boats and outdoor activities. This trip offers a genuine, intimate encounter with nature without feeling rushed or crowded—a true highlight for authentic travelers seeking a memorable marine adventure.

Good To Know

• Private Experience: Perfect for couples, families, or small groups up to 6 people, ensuring personalized attention.
• Wildlife Spotting: Opportunities to see sea turtles, dolphins, sea birds, and seasonal humpback whales.
• Comfort & Convenience: A 27ft shaded boat with seats, snorkel gear, and a cooler with cold water.
• Flexible & Easy: Includes pickup from your hotel within Puerto Escondido and a straightforward 3-hour itinerary.
• Authentic Encounters: Guided by knowledgeable locals, with plenty of opportunities to swim and photograph marine life.
• No Food Included: Bring your own snacks and beverages for a fully tailored experience.

We’re big fans of boat trips that combine comfort with authentic wildlife encounters, and this private tour hits those marks. The boat itself is described as spacious and shaded—ideal for staying cool while enjoying the ride. The ride starts with a peaceful cruise along the scenic coastline, giving you a new perspective of Puerto Escondido’s bays and beaches.

The real magic happens once the boat stops at strategic spots where marine life is often spotted. The guide’s local knowledge, as highlighted in reviews, is a key advantage. One guest praised guide Alex—affectionately nicknamed “Big Baby”—for his knack for finding whales and turtles. His humor and expertise made the experience particularly memorable, especially when guests got to swim eye-to-eye with dolphins or observed humpbacks at close range.

Full Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start with hotel pickup: The tour includes a convenient pickup from your accommodation within Puerto Escondido, making logistics hassle-free. Expect a friendly driver to arrive 15 minutes before the trip begins, ready to escort you to the departure point.

Board the 27ft boat: Once aboard, you’ll settle into shaded seats and get familiar with the boat’s features—radio, GPS, and snorkel gear—all designed to enhance the experience. The boat is set up for comfort, allowing you to relax as the captain takes you along the coast.

Scenic cruise along the coastline: The ride is peaceful, designed for maximum enjoyment of the views. You’ll pass by lush, tree-lined areas along Bob Jones Trail, offering picture-perfect scenery. This stretch is perfect for capturing photos of bays, beaches, and possibly spotting local birds.

Wildlife viewing stops: The core of this tour is spotting marine creatures. Guests have reported seeing sea turtles swimming near the surface, playful dolphins jumping alongside the boat, and a variety of sea birds. During the season from December to March, whales—particularly humpbacks—may breach near your boat, providing an unforgettable spectacle.

Swim time: Whenever you see fit—just ask the captain—and you’re free to hop into the water. The review from John highlights how extraordinary it was to be swimming next to a turtle for ten minutes, thanks to the guide’s skill in locating these creatures.

Break at Mulligan’s Bar & Grill: After about two hours at sea, the boat anchors near Mulligan’s Bar & Grill, where you can stretch your legs, grab a drink, and enjoy the scenery. This is a relaxed spot to soak in the vibe before heading back.

Return and drop-off: The trip concludes with the return to your hotel or residence, completing a well-paced, immersive experience.

Wildlife & Marine Encounters

The chance to observe sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds up close is one of the trip’s biggest draws. The guide’s local expertise ensures your chances of encountering these animals are high, especially in the right season. The review from John praises the captain’s knowledge, noting how he led them directly to the whales and dolphins—highlighting the value of a skilled guide.

On top of that, the swimming opportunities elevate this experience from a simple boat ride to a memorable interaction with nature. The cooler with ice-cold water makes it easy to stay refreshed, especially under the Mexican sun.

Practical Insights on the Experience

This tour’s three-hour duration strikes a good balance, providing enough time to explore without feeling rushed. The private nature of the tour enhances intimacy—no noisy crowds or strangers—making it ideal for families or couples wanting a personalized adventure.

The cost of $327 for up to 6 people offers good value, especially considering the exclusivity and tailored guidance. When you factor in the included snorkel gear, the personalized pickup, and the chance for close wildlife encounters, it’s a compelling package.

What You Need to Know Before Booking

What to bring: Pack essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, sandals, sunscreen, camera, and beachwear. It’s wise to bring cash for any extra purchases and outdoor clothing for comfort.

Seasonality: If whale watching is your goal, plan your trip between December and March. Outside this window, you’ll still enjoy a scenic cruise and wildlife spotting, just without the whales.

Who should avoid this: Pregnant women, babies under 1 year, and those over 95 should consider safety and comfort, as the tour involves outdoor boat time and swimming.

Language: The tour is offered in both Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication.

Who Would Love This Tour

This private boat trip is perfect for those seeking a personalized, relaxed outing that combines scenic beauty with wildlife encounters. It’s excellent for families with children (over 1 year old), couples looking for an intimate adventure, or groups of friends wanting a fun day out. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to swim with sea creatures and witness marine mammals, especially during whale season.

If you value small-group experiences with knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a fantastic way to explore Puerto Escondido’s coastline away from the crowds. The inclusions—snorkel gear, water, and hotel pickup—add convenience and comfort, making it a stress-free adventure.

The ability to see dolphins, turtles, and whales in their natural habitat makes this trip memorable. Plus, the scenic cruise along tree-lined bays with plenty of photo opportunities is worth the cost alone.

However, it’s worth noting that food and alcohol are not included, so come prepared with your own snacks or drinks. The trip’s success hinges on good weather and marine activity, but the guides’ local knowledge maximizes your chances of wildlife sightings.

To sum it up, this private boat tour offers a rare combination of comfort, personalization, and authentic wildlife encounters that will delight nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. It’s a well-rounded choice for anyone wanting to experience the best of Puerto Escondido’s marine environment while enjoying a peaceful, scenic cruise.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel or residence within Puerto Escondido and will arrive about 15 minutes beforehand to make sure you’re ready.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the scenery, wildlife spotting, and swimming without feeling rushed.

Can I bring my own drinks or snacks?
Absolutely. While water is provided in the cooler, you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks to stay refreshed during the trip.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
It is suitable for children over 1 year old. However, pregnant women and those over 95 may want to consider safety and comfort before booking.

What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds. In season from December to March, humpback whales are also possible.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No experience is necessary. Snorkel gear is provided, and the guides are happy to assist beginners or those trying it for the first time.

This private boat tour in Puerto Escondido offers a perfect mix of nature, comfort, and personalized adventure—ideal for making your Mexico vacation truly special.