WHALE WATCHING | VIP TOUR | ISLA DE LA PLATA | PUERTO LÓPEZ ECUADOR

A partir de USD 90

FULL DAY HUMPBACK WHALE SAFARI IN ISLA DE LA PLATA - 100% GUARANTEED

From June to October, humpback whales travel more than 7,000 km from Antarctica to the warm waters of Machalilla National Park in Ecuador. Our unique tour takes you to Isla de la Plata, where you'll have additional time to enjoy with biologists and support their research programs, observing these impressive animals in their natural breeding grounds. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a refreshing swim at Isla de la Plata for snorkeling and observing sea turtles. During snorkeling, it's possible to hear whale songs. Includes a box lunch with sandwich, fruit, cake, and beverages.

THE VIP WHALE WATCHING DIFFERENCE

Our tour departs from Puerto López with a group of 16 passengers heading to Isla de la Plata. During both the outbound and return journeys, we'll stop to observe whales displaying different behaviors - from breaching to tail slapping, and at Isla de la Plata, we'll occasionally hear their songs.

What makes this tour special: While some tourists disembark for trekking on Isla de la Plata, you remain on our boat with VIP seats on the upper deck (weather and sea conditions permitting) for additional whale watching time and searching for other cetaceans. This means more opportunities to take excellent photos and observe whales up close with fewer people on board. The whale researchers provide clear explanations about whale behavior and help you understand what you're seeing during this safari. They'll share insights about these giants that most visitors never get to learn.

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

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DURATION & ITINERARY

TOTAL DURATION: 8 HOURS (approximate, as we follow wild animals in their natural habitat)

CLEAR SCHEDULE:

09:00 AM: Meet at Palo Santo Travel Office (North Malecón & Abdón Calderón, beside Itapoa Hotel, across from Navy office)
10:30 AM: Arrival at Isla de la Plata - Marine turtle observation & snacks
10:50 AM: Additional whale watching time (VIP experience) (2 hours of dedicated whale watching)
13:30 PM: Box lunch (sandwiches and fruits)
13:40 PM: Snorkeling at coral reef - observe tropical fish species
16:00 PM: Return to marina/pier

SUPPORTING WHALE CONSERVATION

By joining this tour, you help support the research and protection efforts of the Pacific Whale Foundation in Ecuador. The Machalilla area is the most important humpback whale breeding ground in Latin America, making your visit meaningful for whale conservation.

Our team has over 20 years of experience observing whales and works to ensure safe practices for both visitors and whales. Our boats provide excellent observation platforms for great photographic opportunities with fewer passengers than larger tourist boats.

Part of your tour fee directly supports local whale research and conservation programs that help protect these remarkable animals for future generations. Want to see and read about our research here. Share and support.

Book now for extra whale watching time and VIP seating while others trek on Isla de la Plata!

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

HOTEL PUERTO LOPEZ | WHALE HOUSE HOTEL

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

Professional guide (English/Spanish)
Two extra hours of whale safari around Isla de la Plata
VIP seating on the upper deck during the special observation session
Safety-equipped boat with a maximum capacity of 16 passengers
Complete snorkeling equipment for coral reef exploration
Box lunch (sandwich, fruit, refreshment) with soft drink
Opportunity to encounter sea turtles and sea lions

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

Trekking on Isla de la Plata
Special drinks
Gratuities

ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO BRING:

Camera (preferably with zoom lens)
Hat and sunglasses
Light jacket (mornings can be cool)
Biodegradable sunscreen
Towel
Cash for souvenirs at our Palo Santo Office

VESSEL INFORMATION

We are direct tour operators with no intermediaries. Here you can see our boats

PERFECT FOR:

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you're prone to motion sickness, please take preventative medication before the tour.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

Restrooms available at Puerto López marina before boarding
Special rates available for school groups (includes free whale workshop)
For groups of 10+ passengers, please inquire about custom scheduling options