Day Trips 7 Bays of Huatulco Tour
schedule 13 hours
$2500 MXN
/ person
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Tours
Bird watching in the lagoon
Laguna de Manialtepec, Puerto Escondido
Duration
4 hours
Departs
6:00AM / 4:30PM
Returns
10:30AM / 8:30PM
Location
Laguna de Manialtepec
From
$2,250 MXN
Trusted by travelers from around the world
Gallery — 7 photos
Manialtepec Lagoon is one of the richest birding sites on the Oaxacan coast — a labyrinth of mangroves, freshwater channels, and open water that supports over 200 species. This guided boat tour from Puerto Escondido takes you deep into the lagoon to observe herons, pelicans, egrets, parrots, roseate spoonbills, and dozens of species you have never seen before.
Your experience
What to Expect
We pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido and drive you to Manialtepec Lagoon, about 30 minutes west of town. Two departure times are available: 6:00 AM for peak morning bird activity, or 4:30 PM for golden-hour light, sunset, and a bonfire with bioluminescence experience.
On arrival, you board a well-equipped boat with your expert bilingual guide (English/Spanish). The guide knows exactly where each species feeds, nests, and hides — and carries binoculars for the group. The pace is deliberately slow and quiet, gliding through the mangrove channels to get close to the birds without disturbing them. By the end of four hours, most participants have spotted 40 to 60 species, many of them new life birds.
The afternoon tour is special: after the bird watching, you witness the sunset at the lagoon-sea connection point, enjoy a beach bonfire, and if conditions are right, observe the famous bioluminescence glowing in the water.
Hour by hour
Detailed Itinerary
Morning Tour 6:00 AM — Pickup from Your Hotel
Your driver picks you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido.
7:00 AM
Arrive at Manialtepec Lagoon
Arrive at the lagoon, board the boat, meet your expert guide, and receive your life jacket and binoculars.
7:15 AM
Bird Watching Begins
Glide through the mangrove channels, spotting herons, pelicans, egrets, parrots, and ibis. Your guide identifies each species and explains their behaviour and habitat.
8:30 AM
Explore the Mangroves
Venture deeper into the mangrove system, observing iguanas, raptors, and smaller forest birds in the canopy.
9:00 AM
Lagoon-Sea Connection Point
Reach the point where the lagoon meets the Pacific. This area attracts shorebirds, ospreys, and roseate spoonbills in large numbers.
10:00 AM
Return Journey
Head back across the lagoon, reviewing the species count with your guide.
10:30 AM
Hotel Drop-off
Your driver takes you back to your accommodation in Puerto Escondido.
Afternoon Tour 4:30 PM — Pickup from Your Hotel
Your driver picks you up from your hotel or Airbnb.
5:00 PM
Arrive and Board
Arrive at Manialtepec Lagoon, board the boat, and begin bird watching in the golden afternoon light.
5:15 PM
Bird Watching in Golden Light
Observe herons, pelicans, egrets, parrots, and returning flocks in spectacular late-afternoon conditions.
6:30 PM
Mangrove Exploration
Glide through the mangrove channels as the light changes, spotting iguanas and nocturnal species beginning to stir.
7:00 PM
Sunset at the Connection Point
Witness the sunset where the lagoon meets the sea — one of the most beautiful views on the Oaxacan coast.
7:30 PM
Bonfire and Bioluminescence
Enjoy a beach bonfire and, if conditions allow, witness the famous bioluminescence glowing in the lagoon water.
8:00 PM
Return Journey
Head back with photos and memories.
8:30 PM
Hotel Drop-off
Your driver takes you back to your accommodation.
What makes it special
Highlights
200+ possible speciesOne of the most biodiverse birding sites on the Oaxacan coast
Expert bilingual guideSpecies identification, behaviour, and ecology explained throughout
Guided boat tourQuiet, well-equipped boats that glide through the mangroves without disturbing wildlife
Roseate spoonbills and parrotsStriking species that are highlights of the lagoon
Two time optionsDawn for peak activity or afternoon for golden light, sunset, bonfire, and bioluminescence
Binoculars providedNo need to bring your own (though birders may prefer their personal pair)
All set
What's Included
Round-trip transportation from your hotel or Airbnb to Manialtepec Lagoon
Expert bilingual bird-watching guide (English/Spanish)
Boat ride on Manialtepec Lagoon (4 hours)
Binoculars for observation
Life jackets
Bonfire (afternoon tour only)
Bioluminescence experience (afternoon tour only, conditions permitting)
Pack light
What to Bring
Camera or smartphone — a zoom lens is ideal for bird photography
Personal binoculars if you have them (binoculars are also provided)
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Insect repellent — especially for the afternoon tour near dusk
Swimsuit and light clothing — swimming is allowed with life jackets
Towel
Water bottle and snacks — drinks and food are not provided
Cash for tips
Before you book
Good to Know
Transportation is included;
we pick you up and drop you back — door to door from anywhere in Puerto Escondido. Morning tour: 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Afternoon tour: 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
This is a boat tour, not a kayak;
you ride in a well-maintained, equipped boat with your guide. It is comfortable, stable, and suitable for all fitness levels — no paddling required.
No bird-watching experience needed;
the expert guide identifies every species and explains their behaviour. Binoculars are provided. Both beginners and seasoned birders will enjoy this tour.
Minimum age:
6 years; children are welcome with adult supervision. Limited mobility can be accommodated — please contact us in advance so we can prepare.
Minimum 2 participants;
if you are travelling solo, message us on WhatsApp and we will try to pair you with another group departing the same time.
Afternoon tour includes bonfire and bioluminescence;
after sunset, enjoy a beach bonfire and observe the bioluminescence glowing in the lagoon water (conditions permitting — strongest on dark, moonless nights).
Weather-dependent;
in case of poor conditions, we will reschedule at no extra cost or offer a full refund with 24 hours notice.
Best migratory birding:
November to March; migratory species swell the count significantly during winter months, but great birding is available year-round with resident species.
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From
$2,250 MXN