Dolphin Watching

Our review focuses on a highly-rated dolphin watching tour offered by ROBERT’S ECOTOURS in Puerto Escondido. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews, consistent high ratings, and detailed itinerary suggest this experience offers a memorable glimpse into the region’s vibrant marine life.

What we love about this tour are the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural environment, and the expert guidance that enhances the whole experience. It’s an adventure that seems to combine fun, education, and the chance to connect with nature.

One possible drawback? The price point of $85.72 per person might seem steep for some, especially considering the variable nature of wildlife sightings. Sometimes, marine life is unpredictable, and seeing whales or dolphins isn’t guaranteed, but the reviews indicate most travelers get plenty of spectacular sightings.

This tour suits travelers who are eager for an authentic, active ocean experience and don’t mind paying a bit for a well-organized, guided adventure. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers looking to add a splash of excitement to their stay in Puerto Escondido.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters: Expect to see dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, with some lucky travelers witnessing spectacular breaches and close-ups.
• Guided expertise: Knowledgeable guides, especially Roberto, are praised for their customer service and local insights.
• Flexible experience: The tour is weather-dependent, with a full refund available if canceled due to poor conditions.
• Group size: Limited to a maximum of 18 travelers, offering a more personal and less crowded experience.
• Timing and duration: A 3-hour trip departing early at 7 am, ideal for capturing wildlife at their most active.
• Value for price: Includes snorkeling equipment, which adds to the fun, though bottled water is not provided.

The Itinerary in Detail

The adventure kicks off bright and early at 6:30 am with a pickup from Puerto Beach. This early start aims to catch the marine activity when animals are most lively—dolphins often feed and play in the morning hours before the afternoon winds pick up.

The boat, a 27-foot panga with shade, offers a comfortable platform for wildlife watching, providing protection from the sun while allowing ample space for viewing. The vessel’s size ensures a good balance between intimacy and stability, suitable for groups up to 18 people.

The first stop is simply departing from Puerto Beach, heading out to open water. The captain and crew aim to locate pods of dolphins—sometimes swimming alongside the boat or jumping out of the water. Many reviews mention whale sightings, particularly breaching whales, which are among the most breathtaking marine spectacles. Sea turtles are also common, adding to the diversity of the experience.

Snorkeling gear is included, giving you the option to jump into the water and get closer to the marine life or explore the underwater landscape. However, bottled water isn’t included, so bringing your own is advised—especially considering the early start and the heat.

While the exact route isn’t specified, the goal is to reach waters where dolphins and whales have been seen historically. The trip lasts around 3 hours, but some reviews mention being out on the water for approximately 3.5 hours, which adds a bit of extra time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a picture of a mostly positive, well-organized tour with some memorable moments. Elizabeth raves, “We saw two whales fully breach! Also dolphins and sea turtles.” This highlights how exciting the wildlife encounters can be. Ron praises the “spectacular whale sightings” and swimming with dolphins, calling it “a must-do activity in Puerto Escondido.”

Another reviewer, Jennifer, emphasizes the excellent customer service provided by Roberto, the guide, who went above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. She notes, “Roberto was an amazing tour guide with the best customer service!”

However, not every experience was perfect. Katherine expressed disappointment, mentioning that the rest of the tour went downhill after hotel pickup, with the captain seeming disinterested in getting the group out quickly. This reminds us that wildlife tours can sometimes be unpredictable, and a positive attitude from the crew can make a significant difference.

Despite that mixed feedback, the majority of reviews are glowing, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 45 reviews. This suggests that most travelers find the experience worthwhile, especially if they’re excited about marine wildlife and appreciate knowledgeable guides.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The pick-up service from your hotel is a major convenience, saving you time and effort. The 6:30 am start is ideal for early risers and wildlife enthusiasts, aiming to maximize sightings during the animals’ most active periods.

The boat’s maximum group size of 18 ensures that everyone gets a good view and the crew can give more personalized attention. The three-hour duration strikes a good balance—it’s long enough to see a variety of marine life without feeling overly tiring or rushed.

Is it Worth the Price?

At $85.72 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive look at local marine life, with the chance to see whales, dolphins, and turtles in their natural habitat. The inclusion of snorkeling gear adds value, especially for those keen to get closer to the underwater world.

Given the reviews and the high likelihood of sightings—many travelers report seeing whales breach and dolphins leap—you’ll probably find this trip a good investment in memorable experiences. It’s not a cheap outing, but most agree it’s worth the price for the excitement, scenery, and professional guides.

The Sum Up

For those seeking an authentic marine adventure in Puerto Escondido, this dolphin watching tour delivers in many ways. The early start, expert guides, and potential for close-up wildlife encounters make it a standout activity, especially for nature lovers and families. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the positive reviews and enthusiastic reports from travelers suggest you’re likely to experience some truly remarkable moments.

Keep in mind that the tour’s success hinges on good weather and marine conditions, but the flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind. The intimacy of the small group size and inclusion of snorkeling gear make this a practical choice for travelers wanting to combine excitement with comfort.

Overall, if you’re ready for a lively, visually stunning experience that’s focused on authentic encounters with ocean animals, this trip is well worth considering. It’s especially fitting if you’re passionate about wildlife, eager to learn from knowledgeable guides, or simply looking to add a real splash of adventure to your Puerto Escondido stay.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickups at 6:30 am, with departure from Puerto Beach around 7 am.

How long does the trip last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, though some travelers have been out on the water for about 3.5 hours.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, allowing you to explore underwater if you wish.

What animals might I see?
Most likely you’ll see dolphins, sea turtles, and potentially whales, especially breaching whales. Sightings depend on marine conditions.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and less crowded experience.

Is bottled water provided?
No, bottled water is not included, so it’s advisable to bring your own along.

How do I get picked up?
The tour offers hotel pickup from Puerto Escondido, making it convenient to start your adventure without extra hassle.

Who is the tour operator?
ROBERT’S ECOTOURS is the provider, known for friendly guides and eco-conscious adventures.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, making it a family-friendly activity, provided children are comfortable on a boat.

To sum it up, this dolphin watching tour in Puerto Escondido is a well-rounded, authentic experience that combines the thrill of marine wildlife sightings with the comfort of expert guides and small-group intimacy. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or seeking a memorable family outing, this trip offers a genuine chance to connect with the ocean’s most captivating creatures.