FULL DAY WITH WHALES | ECUADOR | PUERTO LOPEZ
From USD 90
Join a team of marine scientists on an exciting expedition off the coast of Puerto López and Machalilla National Park to track and study one of the most fascinating creatures on earth: the humpback whale. From June until October humpback whales travel more than 7,000 km from Antarctica to the shores of Machalilla National Park in Ecuador. La Isla de La Plata is considered a breeding area for different species of whales and dolphins. It is also a place where they unite together. Only in these few months, you can enjoy acrobatic shows from these wonderful animals.
Marine biologists, ecologists, and naturalists will guide your adventure with outstanding commentary about the local environment and sharing real-time insight into whales’ ecology and behavior while collecting scientific data for ongoing research and conservation projects.
By taking part in this tour you are contributing directly to marine research and monitoring activities led by the Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) and its partners for the conservation of whales and dolphins in the marine area of Machalilla National Park and Cantagallo Marine Reserve.
OTHER TOURS:
Trekking in Isla de la Plata (Tour Isla de la Plata)
Playa Los Frailes (morning) + Whale Watching Tour (afternoon)
Whale Watching Tour + Snorkel in Isla Salango
Coastal Tour in Isla Salango
DURATION
8 HOURS, it would take more or less, because we don’t know about the behaviour of the animals. We are in wild nature.
Meet with us at Palo Santo Travel Agency
09:15 Departure from the agency to the dock to board the boat. Meet your guide at Palo Santo Office. Our office is in the north Malecon (Malecon and Abdon Calderon), beside Itapoa Hotel, in front of the navy office.
10:50 Arrival at Isla de la Plata and we can see marine turtles marine. We have snacks.
11:20 Expedition begins. Navigate offshore in search of humpback whales and other marine life around La Plata Island. Approximate travel time to whale aggregation areas and search may take 30 min. or more. The time following and documenting whale pods is approximately 2.0 hrs. In groups: Please ask us about our special schedule for groups (more than 10 passengers).
14:15 Box Lunch (fruits and sandwichs)
14:40 Snorkeling for observation of many fish species and the coral reef in La Plata Island.
15:20 Whale Watching Time
16:00 Return to Puerto López
17:00 Back at Marina (Puerto López pier)
RECOMMENDED FOR :
Photographers, naturalists, teachers, nature lovers, adventurers, couples, and families who want to enjoy more time with whales.
Seasickness: If you had suffer from motion or sea sickness in the past, please take your precautions.
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 main research boat seats up to 16 passengers each.
School groups: Please ask us about our special rates for school groups. Free whale workshop in Pacific Whale Foundation.
FACILITIES:
To ensure maximum performance during observation and research, this tour is conducted on open fiberglass boats equipped with outboard engines and without extra facilities on board. Our boats carry a portable wc. There are restrooms at the marina (Puerto Lopez pier) and you will have a chance to use them before coming aboard.
SUPPORT US BY BUYING LOCAL PRODUCTS AND TAKE A BEAUTIFUL GIFT WITH YOU
Puerto Lopez has many artists, researchers, artisans, and entrepreneurs who sell their local products, you can see them and buy them here. Upon your arrival, we deliver them to you.
SOUVENIRS PUERTO LOPEZ
TOURS IN PUERTO LOPEZ | MACHALILLA:
WHALE RESEARCH IN ECUADOR
PUERTO LOPEZ | MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK
PALO SANTO TRAVEL
HOTEL PUERTO LOPEZ | WHALE HOUSE HOTEL
WHAT´S INCLUDED?
Guide (English, Spanish), boat equipped with a security system, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, free drink, box lunch, and activities (marine turtles encounter, snorkel on the reef corals).
Transport to and from the Island (from Palo Santo office, Puerto Lopez)
, bird and sea turtle sighting
- Box lunch (sandwich + fruit + soda), and snorkeling (we provide you with full snorkel gear).
Two hours of whale safari around Isla de la Plata.
WHAT´S NOT INCLUDED?
Trekking in Isla de la Plata, special drinks, tips.
WHAT TO BRING?
Camera, Hat, Light jacket, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Towel, Camera.
Cash to buy cool souvenirs in our Palo Santo Office (it´s hip to tip!) or you could buy in our online store.
Good attitude!
DID YOU KNOW:
- Machalilla National Park is the most important breeding area for humpback whales in Latinoamerica. Humpback whales have only one calf every two years. This low reproductive rate makes the species very susceptible to human impacts like entanglement in fishing gear, marine traffic, and pollution.
- Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life through research, education, and conservation.
- The PWF researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 30 years and currently conduct projects in Hawaii, Australia, Chile, and Ecuador. You can join us on a research trip next to Isla de La Plata and learn more about bioacoustics, behavior, and photo identification of humpback whales.
- Over ten years of experience in cetacean monitoring and a lifelong commitment to marine conservation back our services and guarantee the best whale watching practices, both for you and the whales´ safety.
- Our boats provide a great platform to ensure more intimate encounters with marine life and awesome photography opportunities.
- Small groups and personal attention by our highly qualified crew, allow for individual discussions about the lives of whales and the local environment as well as updated information about their study and conservation in Ecuador.
- Proceeds from this tour support local marine life research and conservation programs.
- You can help with donations to PWF in Ecuador. Camera with lens 300mm, laptops, intelligent telephones.
Route
- Puerto López
- Bahia Isla de La Plata
- Snorkel Isla de la Plata