Michael Malone is a naturalist and birder from Canada, formerly employed by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS).  I have spent the past 28 years in Puerto Escondido each winter for 4 months, and return north to operate a Nature Store for 8 months beside Canada’s premier birding destination – Point Pelee National Park.  After starting-up Hidden Voyages Ecotours in Puerto Escondido in 1981 I saw the need for detailed research on Manialtepec Lagoon and applied for $20,000. funding from the CWS to put 5 Mexican University students (UAM) to work here to complete their honours thesis’s.  This was the first ever research on Manialtepec lagoon and now provides base-line data for current protection efforts on this lagoon.  Two of those initial students went on to become biology professors at UAM and they continue field research on the lagoon today while bringing hundreds of Mexican university students here for biology field courses twice each year.  A second university – UNAM was invited to carry on research of lagoon water quality and various marine organisms here.  Such research on Manialtepec has established international interest and study of the lagoon, with the end result being Oaxaca’s recognition of the lagoon ecosystem as a biological treasure worth protecting for the long term.  Slowly, local costenos are beginning to understand the fish, wildlife and economic wealth the lagoon provides for their well-being.  As ecotourism service providers we work with local people to instill pride in this natural resource, and look for ways to help their conservation efforts on the lagoon. 

My explorations also include the Oaxaca coast foothills and mountains above Pto Escondido, and it is my pleasure to guide you there in search of endemic and rare tropical birds.

Our boatman / guide is always a local fisherman from the coast.  For 24 years these boatmen have worked for and learned from us, and vice versa, to the point that some of them now operate their own ecotourism businesses.  Our boatman operates the boat and motor leaving me free to speak in depth about lagoon and tropical ecology, answer your myriad questions about this coast, all the while spotting wildlife for you. 

M Malone & L Escamilla assist with Leatherback
& Pacific Ridley Sea Turtle conservation programs.

Our current boatman/guide - Lalo Escamilla is a local fisherman who has lived his life on Manialtepec lagoon and has plenty of knowledge of the region to share with us.   Actively involved in conservation efforts, currently he is president of the Manialtepec Watershed Committee. He operates our outboard and new electric motor leaving your guide free to answer questions regarding tropical ecology, identify birds, and ensure your safety and comfort.

When interesting bird life or plants are encountered the motor is stopped to ensure respect for the wildlife and allow for good quality photos.  We believe we have the perfect mix of a northern naturalist guide and a local fishermean guide to interpret Oaxaca's tropical ecology for you.