Stunning coastline. Hot weather. Excellent surf. Delicious food.
It really is no wonder that tourists are flocking to Puerto Escondido year upon year. In 2023 alone, our little stretch of sand hosted around 800,000 visitors. And we are so happy to have you.
As the popularity of Puerto Escondido increases, however, it becomes all the more important to protect it.
Puerto Escondido is home to globally important coastal ecosystems. We are blessed to live alongside a diverse range of creatures, both in the sea and on land. From the coral reefs of Huatulco to the sea turtle nesting beaches of Escobilla and Morro Ayuta, to the flocks of birds that make their homes in our mangroves and national parks, Puerto Escondido is a treasure chest of natural wonders.
As such, here at Eco Adventures, we want to offer you some advice on how to take care of our delicate ecosystem on your next visit to Puerto Escondido.
Avoid Using Excessive Plastic
Our waste management system is struggling to keep up with the rapid increase in visitors over recent years. You can help by bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it with filtered water rather than buying plastic bottles.
Another great way to reduce waste is to use a tote bag or reusable shopping bag rather than plastic shopping bags.
For toiletries, opt for solid bars of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and deodorant in order to further reduce waste.
Don’t Overuse Water
Given the limited water drainage and sanitation systems in Puerto Escondido, be mindful of your water usage.
Do this by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and reusing towels and bedding during your stay to conserve water.
Don’t Wear Cosmetics Or Sunscreen In The Sea
Be careful of what you put on your skin before you head into the water. In a 2016 study, a team of international scientists found that a common chemical in many sunscreen lotions and cosmetics is highly toxic to juvenile corals and other marine life.
Of course, we don’t want you to get burnt! Luckily, there are now many biodegradable sunscreens available on the market. Do your research and opt for a lotion that does not contain Oxybenzone (also known as BP-3).
Don’t Litter or Leave Waste Behind
Not only is litter an eyesore against the stunning backdrop of a Puerto Escondido sunset, it can cause serious harm to the region’s wildlife.
Animals can mistake litter for food and they can ingest it by accident too, killing them or leaving them susceptible to disease.
As Puerto Escondido works to improve its waste management system, you can help by holding onto your litter until you find a suitable place to dispose of it responsibly.
Avoid Disturbing Wildlife
Seeing incredible creatures in their natural habitats is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido.
However, when participating in activities like whale and dolphin watching, or sea turtle releasing, make sure to follow guidelines and keep a respectful distance from the animals.
Never feed or touch any wildlife, and choose tours that prioritize animal welfare and environmental conservation. By booking with Eco Adventures, you can feel safe in the knowledge that our experts will give you the most memorable experience while protecting our natural environment.
For more advice on how to whale or dolphin watch respectfully, check out this blog post.
Say No to Non-Eco-Friendly Accommodations
In Puerto Escondido, there are a growing number of accommodations that center around sustainability. Check for accommodation that uses solar energy and has water conservation measures in place.
Many places even participate in local conservation efforts so keep an eye out for that – you may even be able to get involved yourself!
To the best of your ability, knowledge and budget, avoid staying in places that contribute to environmental degradation.
Don’t Book Tours With The First Operator You Find
Take care when searching for a tour in Puerto Escondido, particularly one where you’ll be in close contact with wildlife.
Your tour operator should not be promising encounters where you can touch or interfere with native creatures. A safe distance ought to be maintained for whale and dolphin watching in Puerto Escondido.
When looking for things to do in Puerto Escondido, check reviews thoroughly. Before you book, investigate the company a little. Do they seem concerned about the environment? Do they have a love of Puerto Escondido? Are they running their tours ethically?
Most importantly, do not just go with the first tour operator to offer you a brochure. This can result in underwhelming experiences for overexaggerated prices.
Don’t Support Unethical Businesses
As with tours, steer clear of shops, hotels or restaurants that may be engaged in unethical practices such as shops selling products made from endangered species or non-sustainable materials.
Admittedly, this is rare in Puerto Escondido. But it is always worth doing your research to check you are supporting local artisans who use eco-friendly and ethically sourced materials.
Beware Of Non-Sustainable Activities
Say no to activities that harm the environment or disrupt local ecosystems, such as off-roading in protected areas or engaging in water sports that can damage coral reefs.
At Eco Adventures, we have a plethora of nature-based tours that allow you to appreciate the splendor of Puerto Escondido in an ethical way. Whether you’d like to get up into the mountains, visit thermal springs, explore a national park or experience an underwater adventure. We have something for everyone.
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