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Surfing/wave sports
Puerto Escondido, and especially Zicatela Beach , is world renown for its fantastic surf. Only experienced surfers and boogie boarders should brave the surf at Zicatela, as this is an extremely powerful beach break and even the most experienced surfers have been critically injured and have even drowned at Zicatela. All who surf at Zicatela should use utmost caution. 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 can be big or small depending, of course, on the swell. 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 wind 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 is a dive shop on the Adoquin that takes dive trips to local ship wrecks and the San Andreas fault which is not far off the shores of Puerto. Dive certification classes are offered and prices are often dependent on season. Some of the best snorkeling in Puerto can be found right here at Carrizalillo 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 Like the fishing trips, most anyone that has a boat down in Puerto probably offers some type of Turtle and Dolphin (in winter months) watching tour as well. 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. Turtle and Dolphin watching tours usually run between $20-$30 per hour.
Puerto is not known for its great shopping; however, the Adoquin after 6 PM closes off to road traffic 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. The main market for Puerto is located in the Central just a few blocks up from the Super Market. The Market is a great place to find cheap fruits and vegetables as well as a variety of local crafts and clothing. 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. |
