Isla de la Plata Hike & Whale Watching

Season

Hike & Snorkeling: Year-Round

Whale Watching

June – September

Duration

1 Full Day Experience

Group Size

Max 16 people

A Full Day of Nature, Wildlife, and Ocean Adventures.
Often referred to as the “Little Galápagos of the mainland,” Isla de la Plata is part of Machalilla National Park and offers a unique experience for nature lovers. Its tropical dry forest is home to palo santo trees and iconic wildlife like blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and tropical birds. Between June and September, its surrounding waters become the stage for one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the arrival of humpback whales that migrate from Antarctica to breed in Ecuador’s warm coastal waters.

Tour Details

We begin the day at Exploramar Diving’s office, where our certified naturalist guide—authorized by Machalilla National Park—will give a warm welcome and a quick orientation. Then we’ll walk to the main dock and board our boat to Isla de la Plata. The ride takes about an hour. During whale season, you’ll likely see humpbacks breaching, swimming in groups, or interacting with their calves. Our team will be on the lookout to maximize whale sightings.

Once on the island, we’ll take a guided hike of approximately two hours, exploring the tropical dry forest while learning about the local ecology and observing seabirds in their natural habitat. From June to November, many species are in their reproductive cycle, so you may witness courtship, nesting, or parents caring for chicks.

Back on board, we will recharge with a snack before heading to a nearby snorkeling spot. This 45–50 minute session takes place in calm, clear waters where sea turtles, reef fish, and corals thrive, and from July to September, you might even encounter majestic giant manta rays. On our way back to Puerto López, during whale season, we’ll keep our eyes open for more sightings of these incredible giants.

Itinerary

Meet-Up at Exploramar Diving (09:00 hrs)

We’ll meet the guide and the rest of the group at the Exploramar Diving office for a brief introduction before beginning our adventure.

Departure to Isla de la Plata (09:30 hrs)

We’ll board our boat at the Puerto López dock and head toward the enchanting Isla de la Plata, located within Machalilla National Park.

Whale Watching (10:00-11:00 hrs)

During the ride, we’ll enjoy the scenic coastal landscape while keeping an eye out for marine wildlife such as dolphins and seabirds. If you're visiting between June and September, you’ll have the chance to witness a truly magical moment—humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Guided Hike on Isla de la Plata (11:15-13:30 hrs)

We’ll disembark for a guided two-hour hike through the island’s tropical dry forest. Along the way, we’ll observe iconic species up close, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and other seabirds.

Snack Aboard & Snorkeling (14:00 hrs)

Back on board, we’ll recharge with a light snack before diving into an unforgettable snorkeling experience. We’ll explore the coral reefs that surround the island—home to sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, and other ocean wonders.

Return to Puerto López (15:30 hrs)

We’ll begin the journey back to Puerto López, keeping watch for one last whale sighting along the way. Arrival at the dock is expected around 4:00 PM.