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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)

From USD 45

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PDF Facts

Download a PDF fact sheet with all the information about the selected tour Download pdf

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.

RECOMMENDED FOR TOUR ISLA DE LA PLATA:
Families, single, couples of all ages with a love for nature, adventure, and life. If there's part of your group or family who can not walk can take the time to walk using more time for a snorkel or enjoy the beaches of La Plata Island.
 
WHAT´S INCLUDED?
Guide (English, Spanish), boat equipped with a security system, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, free drink, lunch box, bird watching, sea turtles, and reef fish. Whale Watching from june to october. 

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. 
WHAT´S NOT INCLUDED?
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


Route

  1. Manta
  2. Isla de La Plata