SALINAS | DAY TOUR | ISLA DE LA PLATA | PUERTO LOPEZ | ECUADOR
From USD 89
Experience Isla de la Plata, the Little Galapagos on the Coast of Manabi from Salinas, Santa Elena.
Tour Includes Private Transfer from Salinas, Ballenita, Ayangue in Santa Elena + Isla de la Plata Tour + Snorkel, Whale Watching (Jun-Oct), Full Day Tour.
**Discover the magic of Isla de la Plata, also known as the "Little Galapagos," in a fascinating one-day adventure. This tour offers the perfect combination of snorkeling in turquoise waters, hiking, and wildlife observation, ideal for nature lovers and passionate explorers.**
THIS TOUR INCLUDED:
- Round-Trip Private Transfer from Salinas | Santa Elena to Puerto Lopez
- Isla de la Plata Tour: Trekking on Isla de la Plata, Encounter with Marine Turtles, and Snorkeling with Tropical Fish
- Whale Watching: June to October. 100% guaranteed sighting.
**The tour begins at your hotel in Salinas. Over the course of two hours, you'll enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Santa Elena and Manabí provinces. Our journey takes us to Puerto Lopez, a town located within the Machalilla National Park. This area is renowned as one of the best breeding grounds in Latin America for various species of marine birds, whales, and turtles.**
"La Isla de La Plata is also known as small Galápagos because it has the same ecosystem and animals living on the Island. In pre-Columbian times the sun and the sea were a ceremonial center of worship for the Incas. Later, Silver Island was visited by buccaneers and pirates. Finally, it belonged to one of the most famous families tours in Ecuador to be part of the Machalilla National Park, Isla la Plata is the second most important protected area in Ecuador."
**Itinerary:**
- **07:10 am:** Pick-up in Salinas.
- **09:10 am:** Arrival at Palo Santo office in Puerto Lopez.
- **09:30 am:** Departure to the sea.
- **Hiking Among Unique Wildlife:** Enjoy a guided hike along the trails of Isla de la Plata, where you'll be surrounded by marine birds such as blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies, masked boobies, frigatebirds, and tropical birds. Our expert guides will share fascinating stories about the biodiversity and the importance of conservation in this protected area.
- **Snorkeling in Crystal Clear Waters:** Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters surrounding the island and discover a vibrant underwater world full of colorful fish and coral reefs.
- **Close Encounter with Marine Life:** In addition to the marine birds, you'll have the opportunity to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat and, with a bit of luck, you may spot dolphins jumping and playing along the way to the island, especially from February to May.
- **Whale Watching Season:** From June to October, Isla de la Plata becomes an ideal spot for whale watching. The majestic humpback whales choose the waters around the island for breeding and mating, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle. This island is considered one of the main whale concentration destinations in the Southeast Pacific.
- **4:00 pm:** Approximately return to Puerto Lopez pier. End of service.
This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors.
OTROS TOURS COSTEROS:
TOUR | PUERTO LOPEZ | ISLA DE LA PLATA
TOUR| LOS FRAILES BEACH | WHALE WATCHING
TOUR | ISLAS MAGICAS | AGUAS TURQUEZAS
TOUR | PUERTO LOPEZ | ISLA SALANGO
TOUR WHALE SAFARI IN ISLA DE LA PLATA
TOUR WHALE WATCHING IN ISLA SALANGO
TOUR WHALE WATCHING | SAILOR TOURS | SAILING
TOUR | SALINAS | SAILING
MORE INFORMATION WHATS-APP ➡️ http://bit.ly/InformTour
**Highlights:**
**Recommended For:** Families, singles, couples of all ages who love nature, adventure, and life.
**What's Included:**
- Private transfer Salinas | Santa Elena - Puerto Lopez - Santa Elena | Salinas with a private driver. Choose your return day.
- English and Spanish-speaking guide, equipped boat with safety system, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, free drink, and lunch box.
- Whale watching, bird watching, sea turtles, reef coral, and tropical fish.
- Transport to and from the Island (from Palo Santo office, Puerto Lopez).
- Bird and sea turtle sighting.
- Box lunch (sandwich, cake, fruits, drinks) and trekking in Isla de la Plata with the Naturalist guide.
- 40 - 60 minutes of snorkeling (full snorkel gear provided).
- Vegan menu available upon request.
- Whale Watching is included only from June to October 15.
**What's Not Included:** Special drinks, tips, extra stops between transfers.
**Is It Safe?** Our boat is equipped with life jackets for everyone on board, and our crew members are trained and certified for safety and animal welfare. Our private transfer is safe, with Spanish-speaking drivers, and is exclusive to your group. The driver may make a stop at one place to buy snacks.
**What to Bring:** Comfortable beach clothes, a windbreaker jacket, sunscreen, hat, swimsuit, towel, and hiking shoes.
**Maximum Capacity:** We have three tour boats from 31 to 41 feet in length with two outboard engines, GPS, radio, comfortable seats, life jackets, a bathroom, and everything necessary for your comfort. Although the boats have a capacity of 30 passengers, we travel daily with 16 passengers in compliance with the regulations of Machalilla National Park. Our main research boat seats up to 16 passengers each.
**Biologist Researchers:** We are experts in wildlife, especially whales, with over 20 years of experience studying them. Biologists and volunteers join some trips, providing additional information and traveling with the tourists to enhance the educational aspect of the experience. This expertise is our guarantee of a rich and insightful experience.
**School Groups:** Please ask us about our special rates for school groups or internships.
**Support Us!!!** Buy local products made by artisans, NGOs, researchers, and entrepreneurs in Puerto Lopez.
Route
- Salinas
- Ayangue
- Olon
- La Entrada
- Ayampe
- Puerto López