Surfing/wave sports
Puerto Escondido, and especially Zicatela Beach, is world renown for its fantastic surf. It is the site of several annual International Surfing contests and was the host of the 2005 ESPN X Games. Be forewarned that only experienced surfers and boogie boarders should brave the surf at Zicatela, as this is an extremely powerful and dangerous beach break. Even the most experienced surfers have been critically injured here and numerous people have even drowned. All who surf at Zicatela should use utmost caution and respect the power of this awesome break. For those looking for good waves but not the punishing consequences of Zicatela's beach break, head to the far southern end of Zicatela Beach known as La Punta or "the point". La Punta is a consistent left point break that provides excellent waves, especially in the summer and fall months. This forgiving break has long workable rides and is an excellent place for beginners through advanced surfers to hone their skills. Playa Carrizalillo can also be an excellent surf spot. Depending on the swell direction, Carrizalillo can produce a left or a right break and many times it will produce both. Carrizalillo has very forgiving waves, though you need to be cautious of rocks on both sides of the cove when surfing here.

Snorkel/Diving
For those looking to do some scuba diving, there are two dive shops near Playa Principal that take dive trips to local ship wrecks and offshore reefs. Dive certification classes are offered through both shops and prices are often dependent on season. Some of the best snorkeling in Puerto can be found right here at Carrizalillo in and around the rocky points between Carrizalillo and Bacocho. Best times to snorkel are usually during the winter months when the sun is abundant and the water is at its calmest and clearest. Best viewing times are usually midday when the sun is high in the sky.

Fishing
Before Puerto Escondido became a hot tourist spot and surfing mecca, it was originally known as a fishing village. The waters of Puerto are teaming with big game fish such as Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Sailfish, Marlin and various other sport fish. Rarely does a fishing boat go out into the waters around Puerto and come back empty handed. Just about anyone who has a boat in Puerto offers fishing trips at various prices. Some captains have better reputations than others, and there are relatively few English speaking captains. If you would like a recommendation on a good captain or would like us to arrange for a fishing outing, please let us know at the office. Most boats go out for 3-5 hours depending on the fishing, and most captains charge anywhere from $30-50 US an hour.

Turtle/Dolphin Watching
For those not interested in angling pursuits yet wish to get out on the water and see the area from a different perspective, Turtle and Dolphin watching tours are a great option. These tours are aimed at getting you up close and personal with the turtles and dolphins. For those who wish, swimming and handling the massive sea turtles is possible, and can be quite enthralling. Our bi-lingual guide Omar has recently bought a new boat specially designed for these types of tours and provides great insight and information along the way.

Ecotours
Puerto Escondido is surrounded by pristine ecological enviornments that are often breathtaking and well worth exploring. There are two large Lagoons especially worth touring, one is the Laguna Manaltepec and the other is the Lagunas Chacahua. Laguna Manaltepec is a prime roosting spot for migrating birds and boasts one of the most diverse populations of bird species in all of Mexico!!! Due to its close proximity to Puerto this is a perfect half day trip, recommended either early in the morning or as an afternoon/sunset trip. Tours to Manaltepec can be arranged in the reception. Lagunas Chacahua is a protected national park and a must trip for people interested in bird life and eco conservation. For those looking simply to relax under a palapa and enjoy a book, Chicahua provides one of the most tranquil settings you can imagine. Because the Lagunas are about 1 1/2 hours from Puerto this is definitely a full day trip, but it can be done as an overnight trip as well to ensure you don't miss out on all that Chicahua has to offer. The effort to get these pristine Lagunas is well worth it, as the scenery and exotic bird life are extraordinary. Chicahua also happens to be a great place to surf. Other excursions around Puerto include hikes to hidden waterfalls, horseback trips to hot springs, kayaking trips down the Colotepec river, sea kayaking and snorkeling trips, mountain bike trips on quality singletrack, surf trips to hidden sweet spots, and day trips to small oaxacan villages of historical interest. Our priciple tour guide Javier is also willing to customize his eco-adventures to suit your personal needs, ensuring that you get the very most satisfaction out of your adventures.

Shopping
Puerto is not specifically known for its great shopping opportunities, however the Adoquin on Playa Pricipal closes off the road for foot traffic only after 6 PM and provides vendors a chance to display a variety of Oaxacan souvenirs and authentic arts and crafts. The Adoquin is probably the best place to shop in Puerto for local arts and crafts. The main market located in the Central is the best place to find fresh fruits and vegetables as well as seafood and meats. The best days to visit the Market are on Wednesday and Saturday, as these are the days when most vendors come to market and there is the greatest variety of goods.