THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Descend 176 steps to Carrizalillo’s sheltered cove, take in panoramic views from the Tortugas Mirador, ride the surf-side energy of Zicatela, and witness a guided turtle release at Palmarito—an all-day private tour that blends beach time with wildlife conservation.
Descend 176 steps to Carrizalillo’s sheltered cove, take in panoramic views from the Tortugas Mirador, ride the surf-side energy of Zicatela, and witness a guided turtle release at Palmarito—an all-day private tour that blends beach time with wildlife conservation.
You step down 176 carved steps and the ocean folds open below—clear water slapping smooth rock, a sheltered cove that dares you to dive in. The first hour at Playa Carrizalillo is easy company: snorkeling around outcrops, sun on your shoulders, and the hush of cliffs channeling the Pacific breeze.
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Operated by Ocean Travel · Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
You step down 176 carved steps and the ocean folds open below—clear water slapping smooth rock, a sheltered cove that dares you to dive in. The first hour at Playa Carrizalillo is easy company: snorkeling around outcrops, sun on your shoulders, and the hush of cliffs channeling the Pacific breeze.
Puerto Escondido’s coast tells a layered story. The cliffs are volcanic and eroded limestone, shaped by tectonic uplift and relentless swell from the North Pacific. Zicatela—more than three kilometers of sand—wears its reputation as the site of the “Mexpipe,” waves that grow into towering walls during the April–November swell season. The Tortugas viewpoint sits high above these dynamics, where fishermen and visitors watch the light fracture across the horizon as the sun drops.
The day closes at Playa Palmarito with a guided turtle release: a conservation practice tied to local cooperatives and nesting seasons. Expect to learn about olive ridley turtles and community stewardship efforts while watching hatchlings scramble toward the surf—an intimate, slow-motion race against raptors and currents.
Practical edge: this private tour runs roughly 11–12 hours with private transportation, bottled water and soft drinks included. Bring reef shoes for rocky entries, reef-safe sunscreen, cash (the release fee is commonly collected locally), and a moderate fitness level to handle stairs and beach walking. Respect roped-off nest sites, keep lights low during releases, and time your visit for late afternoon to catch the sunset and turtle activity.
The tour is about 11–12 hours and includes private transport, bottled water, and soft drinks; specific stops are Carrizalillo, Tortugas Viewpoint, Zicatela, and Playa Palmarito for the turtle release.
Yes—Carrizalillo is sheltered and good for snorkeling and swimming, but bring reef shoes and check the guide’s advice about currents and entry points.
Releases depend on nesting and hatching timing; when available the tour includes a guided release, but dates and availability can vary with season and conservation schedules (a local fee is often applied).
Yes—access to Carrizalillo requires descending about 176 steps; participants should be comfortable with stairs and uneven terrain.
Ocean Travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step down 176 carved steps and the ocean folds open below—clear water slapping smooth rock, a sheltered cove that dares you to dive in. The first hour at Playa Carrizalillo is easy company: snorkeling around outcrops, sun on your shoulders, and the hush of cliffs channeling the Pacific breeze.
You step down 176 carved steps and the ocean folds open below—clear water slapping smooth rock, a sheltered cove that dares you to dive in. The first hour at Playa Carrizalillo is easy company: snorkeling around outcrops, sun on your shoulders, and the hush of cliffs channeling the Pacific breeze.
Puerto Escondido’s coast tells a layered story. The cliffs are volcanic and eroded limestone, shaped by tectonic uplift and relentless swell from the North Pacific. Zicatela—more than three kilometers of sand—wears its reputation as the site of the “Mexpipe,” waves that grow into towering walls during the April–November swell season. The Tortugas viewpoint sits high above these dynamics, where fishermen and visitors watch the light fracture across the horizon as the sun drops.
The day closes at Playa Palmarito with a guided turtle release: a conservation practice tied to local cooperatives and nesting seasons. Expect to learn about olive ridley turtles and community stewardship efforts while watching hatchlings scramble toward the surf—an intimate, slow-motion race against raptors and currents.
Practical edge: this private tour runs roughly 11–12 hours with private transportation, bottled water and soft drinks included. Bring reef shoes for rocky entries, reef-safe sunscreen, cash (the release fee is commonly collected locally), and a moderate fitness level to handle stairs and beach walking. Respect roped-off nest sites, keep lights low during releases, and time your visit for late afternoon to catch the sunset and turtle activity.