Day Trips from Puerto Escondido
The finest day trips from Puerto Escondido are the Manialtepec lagoon by night, the Chacahua lagoons, Mazunte with its sunset at Punta Cometa, and the bays of Huatulco. Each fits into a single day from Casa Leah, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, and our front desk is glad to help you plan them.
Day trips at a glance
Approximate driving times from Brisas de Zicatela. They vary with traffic and road conditions.
| Trip | Time from Puerto | How long | What you do | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manialtepec lagoon | About 20–30 min | 2 to 3 hours (night tour) | Boat or kayak; bioluminescence at night, birds by day | July to September, moonless nights |
| Chacahua lagoons | About 1.5 h to the El Zapotalito dock | A full day, 6 to 8 hours | Boat through mangroves, beach, fresh fish | Year-round; best in the dry season |
| Mazunte and San Agustinillo | Just over 1 h | Half a day or a full day | Sunset at Punta Cometa, the Mexican Turtle Center | Year-round |
| Bays of Huatulco | About 2 h (120 km) | A full day, 8 to 10 hours | Boat tour of the bays, snorkeling | Dry season |
| Carrizalillo and Puerto Angelito | 4.5 km, about 14 min by car (Carrizalillo) | 2 to 4 hours | Swimming, snorkeling, a first surf lesson | Year-round, in the morning |
| Whale watching by boat | From Puerto's main bay | About 3 hours | Humpbacks, dolphins, turtles | December to March |
Manialtepec lagoon: water that glows
West of Puerto along the coastal road lies a mangrove-fringed lagoon that, on certain nights, begins to shine. Microscopic plankton light up blue wherever the water is disturbed: by a paddle, a hand, a swimmer.
The best time is July through September, during the rains, on nights without a moon; under a full moon the glow all but disappears. Evening tours leave at dusk and return before midnight.
By day, the lagoon is a peaceful place for birdwatching from a boat or kayak.
Chacahua lagoons: mangroves and an endless beach
A national park to the west of Puerto. You drive or take a colectivo to the dock at El Zapotalito, then continue by boat through mangrove channels to the village of Chacahua, where the lagoon meets the sea.
Along the way there are herons, iguanas and, with some luck, crocodiles. At the end waits a long beach, palapas serving the day's catch and, if you linger, one of the finest sunsets on the coast.
Plan for a full day, and leave early.
Mazunte and San Agustinillo
Just over an hour to the south. Mazunte is one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos: sandy lanes, yoga shalas, cafés and the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, an aquarium devoted to the country's sea turtles.
The ritual here is Punta Cometa, a rocky headland where people gather to watch the sun sink into the Pacific. Neighboring San Agustinillo curves around a calm bay that is lovely for swimming.
Go in the afternoon and stay for sunset.
The bays of Huatulco
About two hours along the coast. Huatulco has nine bays and 36 beaches, many of them reachable only by sea.
The classic way to see them is by boat, bay by bay, with stops to snorkel. The water is often clearer than in Puerto. It makes for a full, unhurried day.
Without leaving Puerto: Carrizalillo and Puerto Angelito
For a shorter outing, the calm bays are a few minutes away by taxi. Carrizalillo, reached by 167 steps, has palms, palapas and gentle waves. Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo have clear water for swimming and snorkeling.
Go in the morning, when the water is stillest and the beaches are quiet.
Whales, dolphins and turtles by boat
From December to March, humpback whales pass along the Oaxacan coast, with December, January and February the strongest months. Boats leave early from the main bay, and dolphins and turtles often join the journey.
For releasing turtle hatchlings you need not travel at all: Vivemar at Playa Bacocho and Campamento Palmarito hold sunset releases whenever there are hatchlings.
Planning your excursions
There is no need to search for operators or negotiate on the beach. Our reception at Casa Leah, open from 7 am to 11 pm, can arrange tours, boats and transport with guides we trust.
When you return, your suite is waiting: air conditioning, a rain shower, a kitchen, and the pool.
A few practical notes
- Leave early; the sun is fierce after midday.
- Carry Mexican pesos in cash for boats, palapas and entrance fees.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen in the lagoons and bays.
- Bring insect repellent for Manialtepec and Chacahua.
- Check the moon phase before a bioluminescence tour.
FAQ
What are the best day trips from Puerto Escondido?
The most loved are the bioluminescence at Manialtepec lagoon, the Chacahua lagoons, Mazunte and Punta Cometa, the bays of Huatulco, and boat trips to see whales, dolphins and turtles.
When can you see bioluminescence at Manialtepec?
From May to November, at its best from July to September on moonless nights. Under a full moon it is barely visible. Tours leave at dusk and return before midnight.
How do you get to Chacahua from Puerto Escondido?
By car or colectivo to the El Zapotalito dock, about an hour and a half, then by boat through the mangroves to Chacahua. It is a full-day trip, so start early.
How far is Mazunte from Puerto Escondido?
Just over an hour's drive south. Go in the afternoon, visit the Mexican Turtle Center, and stay for sunset at Punta Cometa.
Can you visit Huatulco on a day trip from Puerto Escondido?
Yes. It is about two hours, roughly 120 km, along the coastal highway. The classic plan is a boat tour of its nine bays with snorkeling stops. Allow a full day.
When is whale season in Puerto Escondido?
December to March, best from December to February. Boat trips leave early in the morning and often spot dolphins and turtles as well.
