TOUR ISLA DE LA PLATA | SNORKEL | MARINE TURTLES | WHALE WATCHING |PUERTO LOPEZ
From USD 45
THE ULTIMATE ECUADORIAN ADVENTURE: SMALL GALÁPAGOS & MARINE WILDLIFE YEAR-ROUND
Experience the #1 rated full-day tour from Puerto López - combining trekking, wildlife observation, snorkeling, and marine wildlife viewing in Ecuador's most spectacular coastal setting.
WHY THIS IS ECUADOR'S MOST BOOKED TOUR
Immerse yourself in pure nature on Isla de la Plata, the "Small Galápagos" of Ecuador. This extraordinary full-day adventure brings you face-to-face with free marine turtles feeding in their natural habitat. Enjoy guided trekking through magnificent landscapes steeped in pirate history, where you'll observe blue-footed boobies nesting and colonies of hundreds of frigatebirds soaring overhead.
Upon your return journey, delight in snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs teeming with multicolored tropical fish. From June to October, experience the breathtaking humpback whale watching season with our 100% sighting guarantee. January to April offers exciting opportunities for dolphin sightings during the tour. You might even hear whale songs underwater during your snorkel experience in season!
THE SMALL GALÁPAGOS EXPERIENCE
Isla de la Plata stands as Ecuador's premier coastal island open for tourism. This protected gem offers the same remarkable ecosystem and marine birds found in Galápagos at a fraction of the cost. Dating back to pre-Columbian times (5000 B.C.), this sacred island served as a ceremonial worship center for the Incas. Later frequented by buccaneers and pirates, legends of hidden treasures still surround its shores. Now part of Machalilla National Park, it represents Ecuador's second largest protected marine area.
YOUR SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY
We maintain the highest safety standards with professionally equipped vessels featuring life jackets for every passenger. Our certified crew undergoes rigorous training to ensure your wellbeing throughout the journey. If you have any health considerations (heart or respiratory conditions, seasickness, asthma, etc.), please inform us when booking so we can make appropriate accommodations.
YEAR-ROUND MARINE WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS
- June-October: Prime humpback whale breeding season - witness spectacular breaching and mating behaviors
- January-April: Opportunity to observe playful dolphins in their natural habitat
- All year: Marine turtles, tropical fish, and seabirds including blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds
Puerto López transforms into a marine wildlife haven throughout the year, with each season offering unique natural phenomena that complete your unforgettable Ecuadorian coastal experience.
We depart daily from Puerto López with limited spaces available.
Other Tours and Options in Puerto Lopez:
HOTEL PUERTO LOPEZ + TOUR ISLA DE LA PLATA
TOUR WHALE WATCHING WITH RESEARCHERS (June to October)
TOUR LOS FRAILES BEACH + WHALES (June to October)
WHALE SAFARI (June to October)
ITINERARY | ISLA DE LA PLATA TOUR
DURATION: APPROXIMATELY 7 HOURS
Exact timing may vary depending on wildlife behavior and weather conditions.
SCHEDULE
08:45 AM | Check-in at Palo Santo Travel
- Location: North Malecon corner with Abdon Calderon (next to Itapoa Hotel)
09:10 AM | Departure to the dock and boarding
10:50 AM | Arrival at Isla de la Plata
- Marine turtle sighting
- Light refreshment
11:20 AM | Guided hike
- Seabird observation and landscapes
13:30 PM | Box Lunch
13:45 PM | Snorkeling in coral reefs
- Marine life exploration
14:30 PM | Return to Puerto López
- Jun-Oct: Humpback whale watching en route
- Jan-Apr: Possible dolphin sightings
16:00-17:00 PM | Arrival at the dock
- Schedule may extend during whale season
What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, camera, swimwear, towel, hiking shoes
Advance booking recommended - limited spaces
IS IT SAFE?
Yes, it is safe. Our boat is also equipped with life jackets for every single person on board, and all our crew members have been trained and certified to assure your safety and the safety of the animals.
MAXIMUM CAPACITY:
We have three tour boats from 31 to 41 feet in length with two outboards engines, GPS, radio, comfortable seats, safe jackets, a bathroom, and everything necessary for you to be comfortable on the trip. Although, the boats have a capacity of 30 passengers, in obedience to the regulations of Machalilla National Park, we travel every day with 16 passengers. Our Boat Capacity is 22-32 passengers, but we going to Isla de la Plata only with 16 passengers from Puerto Lopez.
School groups: Please ask us about our special rates for school groups.
Tourism Boat to Puerto Lopez and from the La Plata Island, marine bird watching and sea turtle sighting, a bottle of water, 30 minutes of snorkeling (we provide you with full snorkel gear).
Lunch Box included two fruits, a green banana, cake, and water.
From June to October include Whale Watching Tour on the same tour.
Special drinks, tips, and towels.
WHAT TO BRING?
From December to May: bring walking shoes, a hat, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and repellent
From June to November: Windbreaker jacket, hiking shoes, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel.
TOURS | PUERTO LOPEZ | ECUADOR
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Isla de la Plata from Manta
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Isla de la Plata from Guayaquil
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Isla de la Plata from Montañita
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Los Frailes Beach and Isla Salango (Coastal Tours)
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PACKAGE Small Luxury Beach Hotel + Isla de la Plata
SUPPORT US BY BUYING LOCAL PRODUCTS AND TAKE A BEAUTIFUL GIFT WITH YOU
SOUVENIRS | PUERTO LOPEZ
MORE INFO | ISLA DE LA PLATA | PUERTO LOPEZ | MACHALILLA
Route
- Manta
- Isla de La Plata