“Peaceful morning paddle through the mangroves at Manialtepec. So quiet and full of birds — herons, kingfishers, egrets. Our guide pointed out things we never would have noticed. Perfect for anyone who wants a slower, nature-focused activity.”
Tours
Kayaking in the mangroves
Laguna de Manialtepec, Puerto Escondido
Duration
3 hours
Departs
6AM / 3PM
Returns
9AM / 6PM
Location
Laguna de Manialtepec
From
$1,700 MXN
Trusted by travelers from around the world
Gallery — 10 photos
Paddling a kayak through the mangrove channels of Laguna de Manialtepec feels like entering a different world — green tunnels, absolute stillness, and wildlife so accustomed to quiet that eagles and kingfishers perch motionless an arm's length from your bow. This three-hour tour from Puerto Escondido trades the crashing Pacific for the calm, tidal waterways where the jungle meets the sea.
Your experience
What to Expect
We pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido and drive you to the Manialtepec lagoon, about 15 minutes west of town. Two departure times are available: 6:00 AM for a calm morning paddle, or 3:00 PM to catch the golden-hour light and sunset over the mangroves.
On arrival, your guide gives you a brief kayaking tutorial — no prior experience is needed. You receive your kayak, paddle, and life jacket, then push off from the bank and immediately enter the mangrove channels. The water is calm and shallow — rarely more than a metre deep — and the paddle strokes are easy and rhythmic. Red mangrove roots arch into the water like the ribs of a living cathedral, and the canopy closes overhead, filtering sunlight into green and gold patterns on the surface.
Your guide leads you through hidden channels rarely visited by tourists, pointing out eagles, kingfishers, herons, egrets, and other bird species. You may also spot crocodiles, iguanas, and fish in the clear shallows. There are opportunities to swim in the lagoon during the tour.
Hour by hour
Detailed Itinerary
6:00 AM / 3:00 PM
Pickup from Your Hotel
Your driver picks you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido and takes you to the Manialtepec lagoon (approximately 15 minutes).
6:15 AM / 3:15 PM
Tutorial and Launch
Meet your guide at the launch point. Receive your kayak, paddle, and life jacket, along with a brief lesson on paddling technique and mangrove ecology. Then push off into the channels.
6:30 AM / 3:30 PM
Into the Mangrove Tunnels
Paddle into the narrower channels where the mangroves form dense overhead tunnels. The guide identifies bird species, points out wildlife, and explains the role mangroves play in the coastal ecosystem. Watch for eagles, kingfishers, and herons in the canopy.
7:30 AM / 4:30 PM
Lagoon and Open Water
Emerge into a wider lagoon area. Float quietly, observing the birdlife and enjoying the open sky. This section is often best for spotting herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills. You can also swim here if you like.
8:30 AM / 5:30 PM
Return Paddle
Paddle back through the channels. Afternoon tours catch the sunset, which transforms the mangroves into a spectacle of colour and shadow. Morning tours enjoy the calmest water and most active birdlife.
9:00 AM / 6:00 PM
Back to Puerto Escondido
Return to shore, drop off your equipment, and your driver takes you back to your accommodation in Puerto Escondido.
What makes it special
Highlights
Mangrove tunnelsPaddle through cathedral-like arches of red mangrove roots
Exceptional birdwatchingEagles, herons, egrets, kingfishers, and roseate spoonbills in their natural habitat
Hidden channelsExclusive, rarely visited routes deep in the mangrove system
Sunset on the lagoonThe late-afternoon light on the water is spectacular (3 PM departure)
Wildlife encountersCrocodiles, iguanas, fish, and dozens of bird species
Peaceful paceA quiet, contemplative experience that contrasts with Puerto Escondido's energetic surf culture
All set
What's Included
Round-trip transportation from your hotel or Airbnb to the Manialtepec lagoon
Personal guide with wildlife and kayaking expertise
Kayak and paddle (single or double kayaks available)
Life jacket (mandatory)
Pre-tour kayaking tutorial
Pack light
What to Bring
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses — a chin-strap hat is ideal so it doesn't blow off while paddling
Swimsuit under your clothes — you will get splashed and may want to swim
Towel
Water shoes or strapped sandals — avoid flip-flops; you will step into shallow water at the launch
Insect repellent — mangroves have mosquitoes, especially near dusk
Waterproof bag or case for your phone and valuables
Water bottle and snacks — drinks and food are not provided
Cash for tips or souvenirs
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. Two departure times: 6:00 AM (return 9:00 AM) or 3:00 PM (return 6:00 PM).
No kayaking experience needed;
the water is flat, the pace is gentle, and you get a tutorial before launch. The tour is moderately physical but suitable for anyone in reasonable fitness.
Suitable for ages 6 and up;
children share a double kayak with an adult. This is a calm, daytime activity with mandatory life jackets — safe for families.
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.
Weight limit:
110 kg (242 lbs); please let us know when booking if you have questions about this.
Weather-dependent;
in case of poor weather conditions, we will reschedule your tour at no extra cost or offer a full refund with 24 hours notice.
Drinks and food are not included;
bring your own water bottle and snacks. There are no shops or restaurants at the launch point.
Real traveler stories
What travelers are saying
“Deux heures de kayak dans les mangroves, très calme, parfait pour se reconnecter avec la nature. On a vu beaucoup d'oiseaux et notre guide connaissait les plantes et animaux. Pas besoin d'expérience, les kayaks sont stables.”
“Wunderschöne Tour. Paddeln durch stille Mangrovenkanäle, Vögel beobachten, einen Schildkröte gesehen. Unser Guide war super und die Kajaks sehr stabil. Ideal für den Morgen bevor es zu heiß wird.”
4.9 (185)
5.0 (140)
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From
$1,700 MXN