Isla de la Plata Snorkeling Tour – Machalilla National Park
Description
La Isla de la Plata, ubicada dentro del Parque Nacional Machalilla, es uno de los destinos naturales más importantes de Ecuador gracias a su extraordinaria biodiversidad. En esta reserva podrás observar una gran variedad de fauna marina y aves, como piqueros de patas azules y rojas, piqueros de Nazca, aves tropicales y fragatas. Además, es común avistar tortugas carey, delfines y mantarrayas, así como ballenas jorobadas durante la temporada de junio a octubre. Este destino es conocido como el “Mini Galápagos", ya que ofrece la oportunidad de apreciar especies emblemáticas similares a las que habitan en las Islas Galápagos, pero de una forma más accesible.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This charming destination, Isla de la Plata, is known as the “Mini Galápagos,” offering the chance to observe species similar to those found in the Galápagos Islands, but in a more accessible way. The experience begins around 8:00 a.m. from Puerto López, where you’ll head to the pier to board a boat to the island. During the season from June to October, you may have the opportunity to spot humpback whales. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a guided hike (English/Spanish) to explore the island’s landscapes and biodiversity. Afterwards, the tour continues to Drake Bay, where you may observe hawksbill turtles in one of their last important refuges. You’ll also have the opportunity to go snorkeling and swim among tropical fish, turtles, moray eels, starfish, and coral reefs in crystal-clear waters. The experience includes a box lunch and concludes with the return to Puerto López.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please be at our office 15 minutes prior to departure.
Reviews(8)
It was wonderful. The crew was nice, and we were very lucky with the whales. It was a very nice experience. I advise everybody.
Great day on the water and on the island. Edwaro was an exceptional guide throughout the day—explaining the ecology of the Park and identifying the wildlife. The vessel and its crew were excellent—we were able to observe many humpback whales on our way to Isla de la Plata. Very memorable.
Whales, Turtles and snorkeling. The views from the cliffs were spectacular too, even though the heat made hard to get there.
Although it is a long boat trip out to the island, it's beautiful and the hike is fun! The animals we saw were amazing. The guide was awesome and really had great information. I'm a slow hiker and he made sure that we were not left behind. I would recommend this tour to anyone who likes easy hiking, the ocean and seeing the local wildlife! We would definitely book this tour again!
Had a blast on this tour. Guides where great! Whale watching was amazing. Tour was loads of fun. Good snack and lunch. Highly recommend.
Over 90 minutes to the island. The island is interesting but to say “poor man’s Galapagos” is a stretch. Best thing was whales we saw. Nice lunch fresh fruit and great banana bread
We had the best tour and guide that we have ever done a tour with! We had around 15 people comfortably on the boat. When we got close to the Isla de la Plata the whales were very active. The captain stopped the boat several times so we could watch and photograph them. Beautiful creatures! Then on to the Island for a great hike to see the blue footed boobies and other birds. The group was a mix of español and inglés and Adan took time to explain great information in both languages. The highlight of the day for me was the snorkeling. Adan took good care and guided me to wonderful areas to see the various fish, turtles and huge sting rays! I miss the island already 🥺 They served great snacks and fruit throughout the entire trip, and lunch on the boat consisted of delicious sandwiches and soda. I’m ready to go back already! And can honestly highly recommend their tour. The office location was easy to find, then a short walk to the boat.
