Manialtepec Mexico - Your Gateway to Adventure

  • Bioluminecent Lagoon for kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching and adventure

    Manialtepec Lagoon

    Join the adventure... Laguna de Manialtepec is 15 km long surrounded by jungle and mangroves.

  • Bioluminecent Lagoon for kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching and adventure

    Riding Horses

    Explore the river and canyons by horseback and relax at the healing natural hotsprings that is protected by nature itself...

  • Bioluminecent Lagoon for kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching and adventure

    The Gateway

    Your adventure awaits... See our list of things to do when visiting this nature friendly region!

Eco-Tourism Excursions

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Excursion Reviews

Bioluminescence Swim

One of the many gems of the Puerto Escondido and Manialtepec area is the Manialtepec Lagoon or as Laguna de Manialtepec. The lagoon is one of 5 large bodies of water that produces micro-organisms that produces bioluminescence when disturbed. Bioluminescence is when light is emitted and at nighttime it is truly a spectacular sight. Move your arm in the water and when you pull it out it will seem as the stars are sparkling on your skin. The faster you move in the water the brighter the light.

The best time to see this natural phenomenon is on moonless nights, however, do not despair because if the moon is bright you can see this natural wonder under one of the covered floating platforms...

 

Horseback Adventure to the Thermal Hot Springs of Manialtepec

Who says Puerto Escondido has all the fun? Experience the back country by horse. Feel like to true explorer riding through winding valley trails, crossing rivers and gazing at the mountains while making your way to a sanctuary in the middle of nature.

After a 30-minute horseback ride you can get off the horse and enjoy the healing properties of the thermal hot springs. In the middle of the jungle you will be able to soak and swim and enjoy moments of solitude. Connecting with nature and refreshing your soul before the adventure back to where is started.

 

Lagoon Birdwatching

As with all great bodies of water the Manialtepec lagoon in Puerto Escondido is home to both resident and migratory birds. From the comfort of your boat you will be in an ornithologist’s paradise for a truly magical visit. Whether in the early morning or late afternoon the mangroves surrounding Laguna de Manialtepec becomes an epic visual for birdwatching. You will witness local fisherman catching fish and shrimp as we explore the lagoon and various portals created by the mangroves. Any exploration of the lagoon would not be complete without seeing the convergence where the lagoon, the river and the ocean connect. Some of the birds you will see include: herons, parrots, northern jacanas, ibis, roseate spoonbills and parakeets.

Our friends at eBird.org have put together a birdwatcher's checklist with pictures of over 85 observed species that make Laguna de Manialtepec in Oaxaca Mexico home! It truely is a ornithologist's dream come true!

 

Help Baby Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles are an endangered species and you can book an excursion to help baby turtles reach the sea and improved their chances of survival!

Doing good things for other species helps create joy in our souls… imagine releasing baby sea turtles into the wild so they can start their own adventure! Be surrounded by sand, surf and magical sunsets in Puerto Escondido.

There are several hatcheries and places to experience this including the Baby Turtle Release Centre Charity in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico

Centre Charity in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico

 

Dolphin/Whale Watching

Seeing dolphins always bring joy especially when they are playing in the wake of your boat. This is a popular tour with many guides that want you to watch and if you choose swim with the dolphins. Along the Pacific coast there are 5 types of dolphins that include spotted, spinners, bottle nose, pilot and river dolphins. All of which have been seen in the area.

But that is not all you will see… Puerto Escondido and Manialtepec is an eco-system mecca for wildlife that includes dolphins, whales, sea turtles, flying fish and birds. Whale watching season is November through April.

 

Surfing Lessons

Puerto Escondido is home to the world’s 3rd surfing beach. How can you be in Puerto Escondido and not take a surfing lesson! Professional instructors are there by your side in the heart of the tourism districts of Punta Zicatela and Carrizalillo Beach. Step by step instructions, tips and techniques will all be shared and confirmed with the watchful eye of your instructor. Once everyone is comfortable it will be time to “hang 10” and try out what you learned on the water.