Puerto Escondido

We kicked off the new year by trading the lake for the coast, heading to the beach for our first trip of 2026. Joe and I traveled to Puerto Escondido to visit friends from Asheville who are in the process of creating a second home there. 

Puerto Escondido is a laid-back beach town on Mexico’s Oaxaca coast, long loved by surfers, backpackers, and increasingly by people looking for a slower but still vibrant coastal lifestyle. 

It’s definitely younger and more bohemian than Lake Chapala, with a vibe that feels distinctly coastal. Colorful murals line the streets and  life here revolves around the ocean.

Beach Days, Snorkeling, and Ocean Time

Our friends’ place was just steps from the beach, with a wraparound balcony offering sweeping ocean views on both sides.  Maravilloso!

We fully embraced beach mode: lazy hours by the ocean, falling asleep stretched out in the sand, and letting time slow to the rhythm of the surf.  We snorkeled along the rocky coastline, where the diversity and sheer number of fish was outstanding—far more abundant than what I’ve seen in years.  I was thrilled to find myself swimming alongside a beautiful sea turtle, followed by a massive school of yellow-and-black fish moving together like a living ribbon through the water. Qué padre! Moments like these are a powerful reminder of how rich and alive the marine world is along this stretch of Mexico’s coast.

Whales, Dolphins, and Turtles—All in One Day

One of the highlights of the trip was a boat tour that took us out to see marine life along the coast. We were lucky enough to spot dolphins and sea turtles.

The real stars, though, were the humpback whales. I had never seen whales before, and watching these massive creatures rise out of the water and slip back beneath the surface was nothing short of breathtaking. Puerto Escondido is an excellent place to see humpbacks during their annual migration, which typically runs from December through March, when they travel from colder northern waters to the warmer Pacific to breed and give birth. Being so close to something that large and powerful was humbling and awe-inspiring all at once.