The 9 Best Puerto Escondido Bioluminescence Tours

Best Puerto Escondido bioluminescence tours 

3. Horseback Riding and Bioluminescence Tour in Puerto Escondido

Are you ready for a jam-packed day of fun? If so, this is the Bioluminescence Puerto Escondido Tour for you.  

Kick off the adventure by releasing baby turtles on the renowned brush beach, a sanctuary where thousands of turtles arrive annually. Next, saddle up for a horseback ride through local crop fields and cattle ranches.

Then you’ll board a boat on the lagoon and witness the mesmerizing Manialtepec Lagoon bioluminescence natural phenomenon. Spend the evening enjoying this incredible sight before heading back around midnight.

Best Puerto Escondido bioluminescence tours 

4. Turtle Release & Bioluminescence Tour from Huatulco

Embark on a mesmerizing adventure on this Turtle Release & Bioluminescence Tour, discovering the best of what the Oaxaca Coast has to offer. The tour departs from Huatulco, which is near Puerto Escondido.

Begin at Santuario La Escobilla (or Palmarito, depending on conditions), where dedicated volunteers protect endangered sea turtles. Lend a hand in releasing these little adventurers into the ocean while watching the sunset.

Next, soak in the majestic views at Playa Zicatela, one of Puerto Escondido’s most iconic beaches. Finally, plunge into the extraordinary world of bioluminescence at Laguna Manialtepec.

Swim among millions of glowing microorganisms as they sparkle like underwater fireflies. Don’t forget a towel and a swimsuit.

Best Puerto Escondido bioluminescence tours 

5. Puerto Escondido Bioluminescent Night Tour

Experience a rare and magical phenomenon in Puerto Escondido with this unique Bioluminescence Tour, where darkness becomes your ally in uncovering nature’s hidden wonders.

With a convenient pick-up from your hotel, you’ll be whisked away to the enchanting Manialtepec Lagoon Puerto Escondido. Board a boat and prepare to immerse yourself in the world of bioluminescence.

Take the plunge and swim alongside these shimmering microorganisms. After this enchanting experience, return to your hotel with unforgettable stories of a truly one-of-a-kind adventure.

🤿 Pro Tip: Bring a bathing suit if you want to swim. The water is not very deep.

Best Puerto Escondido bioluminescence tours 

7. Sunset Horse Ride at Laguna Manialtepec

Embark on a journey through a native Oaxacan coastal town on this Sunset Horse Ride at Laguna Manialtepec adventure.

Ride through picturesque landscapes that form the economic and cultural foundation of the local community. The diverse horse trail includes river, lagoon, and beach terrains.

You’ll also visit an estuary where the lagoon converges with the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you can stop at a beachside cabin owned by a native family to purchase drinks and savor delicious shrimp or fish dishes.

This Puerto Escondido tour is perfect for anyone seeking an immersive cultural experience, picturesque landscapes, and an unforgettable adventure.

Best Puerto Escondido bioluminescence tours 

8. Tour to the Bioluminescent Lagoon of Manialtepec

Witness the spellbinding glow of the bioluminescent lagoon in Puerto Escondido on this Tour of Manialtepec Lagoon.

Board a boat to explore the magical phenomenon occurring within the lagoon’s waters. Experience the surreal sensation of swimming among shooting stars in the water as the bioluminescent plankton illuminates your surroundings.

This rare occurrence can only be found in two Mexican lagoons, Manialtepec Lagoon and Lagunas de Chacahua (Chacahua Lagoon). And one of the biggest advantages of this tour is that locals from the area organize it.

Best Puerto Escondido bioluminescence tours 

9. Baby Turtle Release & Bioluminescent Lagoon Tour

Experience bioluminescence and sea turtles on this wonderful Baby Turtles & Bioluminescent Combo Tour.

Led by expert guide Abi, you will first be transported to a turtle sanctuary. Here you’ll learn about the turtles directly from the people that work there, including how to preserve these endangered species.

You will then be whisked away to the Manialtepec Lagoon to experience the breathtaking beauty of the bioluminescent waters as they sparkle and shimmer beneath the night sky.

Puerto Escondido Bioluminescence FAQs

📍 Puerto escondido Map

It’s a favorite destination among backpackers, surfers, and local Mexican families. It sits in between two bioluminescent lakes (one roughly two hours west of Puerto Escondido, and the other about two hours to the east).

Puerto Escondido means “hidden port” in Spanish, but is known as Zicatela, “place of the large thorns” in Nahuatl. In case you’re wondering, Nahuatl is the Aztec language.

The area is still developing as a tourist center, which makes it highly attractive to surfers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts (but not to luxury tourists). It has a casual vibe and a plethora of fun activities to enjoy.

Travelers to Puerto Escondido enjoy horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, chilling on the beach, eating seafood, surfing, and experiencing bioluminescence.

Puerto Escondido has been called “Mexico’s best-kept secret beach town.” Of course, the secret is out now, so plan your trip soon!

Bioluminescent organisms include fish, bacteria, jellyfish, fireflies, and certain kinds of fungi.

The bioluminescence in Puerto Escondido is caused by dinoflagellates. These are a type of plankton that can produce their own luciferin, which is a light-producing chemical.

Dinoflagellate ecosystems are quite rare because they typically only form in a warm bio lagoon that is connected to the ocean via a narrow opening.

However, it is generally best to go when the skies are dark and there is a New Moon (i.e., when we see no moon).

🌙 Pro Tip: Don’t plan a trip to see bioluminescence in Puerto Escondido on a full moon.

If possible, plan your trip to see the bioluminescent planktons sometime between July and December. Choose a night when the moon phase is in your favor, as the inky darkness will make the glittering water even more spectacular.

But don’t go on any night in September. Instead, choose a night where there is a New Moon (NOT a full moon) or dark skies (when the moon rises late). These dark conditions will make it easier to see the phosphorescent plankton.

Of course, if you can’t go in September, don’t worry! You can see bioluminescence in Puerto Escondido year round.

A New Moon is optimal since the night will be darker, and you’ll be able to see the glowing plankton better. Bioluminescence is not visible during daylight hours.

✨ Pro Tip: If you don’t have the flexibility to choose a night with a New Moon, you can still see the bioluminescence. Your Puerto Escondido guide will know of places in the lagoons where trees shade the water.

This will protect you from the sun (if your tour starts in the daytime or is a full-day tour) and from insect bites. If your tour includes walking or horseback riding, wear close-toed shoes with sturdy soles.

For the boat ride, wear a bathing suit and sandals or water shoes. Take along a towel, this water bottle, and snacks.

It can also be helpful to take along a waterproof camera or phone case, a waterproof flashlight, insect repellant, and cash for tips.

🧳 Not sure what to pack for Puerto Escondido Oaxaca Mexico? Check out this guide to Packing for Mexico, and for outfit inspiration, head to Cute Outfits for Mexico.

If you Google “crocodile bioluminescence Puerto Escondido Reddit” or “bioluminescence Puerto Escondido crocodile,” you’ll come across the story of two British women who were attacked by crocodiles while swimming in a river connected to Manialtepec Lagoon.

As there are crocodiles, fish and other wildlife that live in and near the lagoon, make sure you exercise caution. Specifically, make sure to ask your guide about crocodiles before swimming.

🦺 It’s also advisable to wear a life jacket, even if you are a strong swimmer, and do not ingest the fluorescent plankton. For this, make sure to keep your mouth closed while swimming.

Joining a guided tour like this one offers numerous advantages, such as expert knowledge about the best viewing spots, safe and convenient transportation, and assistance navigating the lagoon.

Furthermore, experienced guides can provide valuable insights into the natural phenomenon, enhancing your overall experience. With an inexpensive per person cost, these tours won’t break the bank.

Ultimately, a tour ensures a more enjoyable and memorable adventure in the bioluminescent bay.

Final Thoughts: Best Puerto Escondido Bioluminescence Tours

As you can see, there are many wonderful tours available to get you out on the waters of Puerto Escondido’s bioluminescent lagoons.

Still not sure which one to pick? Our #1 choice is this Bioluminescent Lagoon Boat Ride and Swim, which is rated 4.5 out of 5 Stars — the highest rating we’ve seen!

Do you want a quick there-and-back adventure? The chance to birdwatch, visit tiny islands in a nature reserve, and snorkel? Would you enjoy a romantic sunset horseback ride followed by a swim in shimmering water?

No matter what your preferences are, you’re sure to find an incredible option on this list of the best Puerto Escondido bioluminescence tours available.

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Looking for more info on traveling to Puerto Escondido Mexico? Check out these additional Puerto Escondido travel guides:

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• Best Puerto Escondido Hotels
• Best Puerto Escondido Tours
• 30 Best Things to Do in Puerto Escondido
• Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido
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• Ultimate Guide to Puerto Escondido Mexico