Dolphin and whale watching in Puerto Escondido is by far one of the most exciting activities you can experience in this small Oaxacan town.
Not only can you watch these magnificent creatures up close when you go on a boat tour, but if you’re lucky you may even get the chance to swim with them which is in our opinion an experience that should be on everyone’s ultimate bucket list.
Within this guide, we will break down the different species of dolphins and whales you may encounter as well as let you know the best time of year to witness these majestic creatures.
The Dolphins of Puerto Escondido
Throughout the waters surrounding Puerto Escondido, there are several different species of dolphins that can be found however the following are the main ones you may find yourself lucky enough to come across on a dolphin tour.
You can see dolphins all year round and large pods of dolphins can be seen from both the shore and from a boat if you wish to try and swim with them.
Bottlenose Dolphin
The Tursiops truncatus, commonly known as the bottlenose dolphin, is a diverse species that can be found in the waters off the coast of Puerto Escondido.
This dolphin is known for its intelligence and social behavior and can be found in a range of coastal and offshore environments around the globe.
Characterized by their grey coloring, long snout, and curved dorsal fin, bottlenose dolphins are easily recognizable.
Striped Dolphin
The Stenella coeruleoalba is commonly known as the striped dolphin which is found in the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean.
The striped dolphin is normally 2 to 2.5 meters in length weighing approximately 80 – 100 kilograms making them a ‘medium-sized dolphin’.
If you’re lucky to spot these off Puerto Escondido you’ll notice the blue and white stripes on their side which are the identifying feature.
Spotted Dolphin
As indicated by the name the Stenella attenuata (spotted dolphin) is identifiable by the dark spots on its sides.
A little bit smaller than striped dolphins, they range from 1.5 meters to 2.5 meters in length weighing as little as 50 kilograms.
They have a darkish grey upper body and are light grey underneath.
Spinner dolphin
Spinner dolphins are the most common and exciting dolphins that can be seen on tours from Puerto Escondido. They love to jump out of the water and spin before hitting and re-entering the water.
Their scientific name is Stenella longirostris and this species of dolphin is common in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
These are the smallest of the species found off the Oaxacan coast measuring from 1.5 meters to 2 meters and weighing as little as 40 kilograms.
The Whales of Puerto Escondido
There are several types of whales that can be seen in the waters off Puerto Escondido, and the best time of year to see them varies depending on the species.
The most common type of whale that can be seen in Puerto Escondido is the humpback whale which can be seen from December – April.
This is the time of year when whales pass through the Pacific waters off Oaxaca as they make their way to the warm water breeding grounds in Central America.
These humpback whales are renowned for their distinctive singing and acrobatic displays and being witness to them when they breach the surface of the water is a truly unforgettable experience.
Another type of whale that can be seen in Puerto Escondido is the gray whale. These whales migrate through the area from January – March, and they are typically seen close to the shore.
Gray whales are known for their friendly disposition and are often seen interacting with boats and swimmers.
If you’re interested in seeing whales in Puerto Escondido, the best time to visit is from December through April. During this time, the chances of seeing a variety of whale species are highest.
Whale watching & dolphin tours in Puerto Escondido
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a unique and memorable experience, a whale-watching and dolphin-watching tour is a must-do activity during your visit to Puerto Escondido.
It is important to note that whale watching & dolphin tours are the same thing and regardless of where you book your activity you’ll be looking for both whales and dolphins.
Puerto Escondido dolphin tours depart from either Playa Principal or Playa Angelito early in the morning and head out to look for dolphins and whales allowing you to experience sunrise while on the water.
There are a number of tour operators however we’d recommend booking through Viator as they work with reputable operators with the appropriate licensing.
Swimming with dolphins on a tour
In order to swim with the dolphins in Puerto Escondido, it is advised that you go with a certified tour operator on a dolphin-watching tour.
The advantage of going on a tour is that the captains are on the radio with each other and will normally know the best places to look for the large pods of dolphins.
After locating the dolphins the captain will position the boat in front of the pods in the direction they are heading allowing you time to jump in the water and experience thousands of the majestic creatures swimming by.
Whale watching on a tour
While the chance of seeing whales on a tour is not guaranteed, you’ll almost always see dolphins and other marine life such as turtles.
The tours are usually led by experienced guides who know the best places to look for whales. While the primary focus is to see whales and dolphins you’ll also have the opportunity to see a variety of other marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of fish.
The whale watching aspect of a tour is great as it is suitable for people of all ages and if you don’t want to get in the water with dolphins you can still witness these majestic creatures up close.
It’s important to note that while the chances of seeing whales on a tour are good, they are not guaranteed.
The whales are wild animals, and their movements and behaviors are often unpredictable. However, you’ll almost always see dolphins and other marine life on a tour, so you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience regardless.
Zipolite & Mazunte Dolphins & Whales
Every morning at 8 am, Mazunte Beach offers an incredible opportunity to embark on boat tours in search of dolphins and turtles.
While the prospect of encountering whales is a possibility, it’s important to note that this sighting can’t be guaranteed, as it depends on the specific season.
However, the true marvel lies in the winter season, where luck may bless you with a sighting of magnificent whales, making for an awe-inspiring spectacle.
FAQ
Can you swim with dolphins in Puerto Escondido?
Swimming with dolphins in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, is indeed a possibility, but it’s important to choose responsible and ethical options that prioritize the well-being of these animals.
The captain steering your tour is the sage custodian of this maritime realm, holding the key to the dolphins’ whimsical dance with the waves.
Their discerning eye, attuned to the subtleties of the ocean, will determine whether the enchanting rendezvous with these marine companions is in the cards for the day.
Are there orcas in Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido, located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is not a typical habitat for orcas. Orcas are more commonly found in cooler waters and are known to inhabit various ocean regions, including the open ocean, coastal areas, and colder climates.
While it’s not impossible for orcas to occasionally venture into different regions, their presence in the waters near Puerto Escondido would be quite unusual.
What time of day are dolphins most active?
The activity patterns of dolphins can vary, but in Puerto Escondido, on the Pacific coast of Mexico, dolphins are often most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
These times are generally favorable for dolphin-watching excursions. During the cooler morning hours, they may engage in hunting and socializing.
In the late afternoon, you can often observe them as they continue to be active in their feeding and play
Is swimming with dolphins in Mexico ethical?
Swimming with dolphins in Mexico can be ethical if done in a responsible and environmentally sensitive manner.
Opt for wild dolphin encounters in their natural habitat and choose programs that prioritize animal welfare, conservation, and education.
Avoid captive dolphin experiences that may raise ethical concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact.
Dolphin & Whale Watching in Puerto Escondido Summary
Although you can see dolphins and whales from the beach often they are very far out on the horizon so the best way to see them up close and personal is on a dolphin and whale watching tour.
Although it is never guaranteed to see these magnificent creatures as they are in the wild, you have a VERY good chance of seeing dolphins all year round.
For the best chance of seeing whales the best time of year is between December and March however we would still recommend this experience regardless of what time of year you visit.
Watching the dolphins jump and spin out of the water as well as swimming with them is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido by far.
