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Whale Watching & Isla de la Plata – Deluxe Experience

Coming Soon

Season

June – September

Duration

1 Full Day Experience

Group Size

Maximum 12 people

A day among ocean giants and the biodiversity of Machalilla National Park.
Every year between June and September, humpback whales arrive in Ecuador’s warm coastal waters after a breathtaking 7,000-kilometer journey from Antarctica. They come to mate and give birth, offering visitors an unforgettable natural spectacle of breaches, songs, and surface play.

Tour Details

This experience is designed for those seeking a genuine connection with marine life. We depart from Puerto López with a small group (max 12 passengers). On the way to Isla de la Plata, we’ll take our time to locate the most active whale groups. The tour is led by a marine biologist who shares fascinating insights into the whales’ biology, behavior, and conservation, making each sighting both educational and inspiring.

Beyond the visuals, this tour offers a unique auditory experience. Using a hydrophone (underwater microphone), we’ll listen to the whales’ songs in real time—deepening our connection to these giants of the sea. The hydrophone also lets us hear the delicate sounds of the nearby coral reef, creating a truly multisensory experience.

Once on the island, we’ll hike for about two hours through the tropical dry forest. With the help of our certified guide, we’ll spot blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and tropical birds—many of them in mating or nesting season. Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch aboard the boat, then snorkel in the island’s vibrant coral reefs. On the way back to Puerto López, keep your eyes open—whales often treat us to a final farewell breach.

Itinerary

Meet-Up at Exploramar Diving (07:45 hrs)

We’ll meet the tour leader and the rest of the group at the Exploramar Diving office for a brief introduction before starting the adventure.

Departure to Isla de la Plata (08:15 hrs)

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

Whale Watching (09:00-11:00 hrs)

We’ll navigate in search of humpback whales, making stops along the way for acoustic listening with a hydrophone, scientific interpretation, and photography.

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

We’ll disembark for a two-hour guided hike along the island’s tropical dry forest trails. During the walk, we’ll get up close to iconic species like blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and other seabirds.

Lunch Aboard & Snorkeling (14:00 hrs)

After the hike, we’ll return to the boat for a delicious lunch to recharge. Then, we’ll gear up for the final activity of the day—a snorkeling session in the coral reefs surrounding the island, where we’ll explore a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life.

Return to Puerto López (15:30 hrs)

We’ll begin our return trip, keeping our eyes open for any last whale sightings. If nature treats us, we’ll pause to enjoy one final look. We expect to arrive at the Puerto López dock around 5:00 PM.

Price and Available Dates

Whale Watching & Isla de la Plata – Deluxe Experience 2026
$80

1 Full Day Experience

• 15 July (3 spots left)
• 1 August (Sold Out)
• 15 August (8 spots left)
• 1 September (5 spots left)

For agency and group rates, please CONTACT US

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What's Included?

What’s Included

  • Authorized tour boat
  • Marine biologist tour leader (Spanish/English)
  • Certified naturalist guide (Spanish/English)
  • Whale watching
  • Hydrophone acoustic experience (whales & coral reef)
  • Guided island hike
  • Snorkel gear (mask and snorkel)
  • Snacks before the hike (fruit, banana bread, drinks)
  • Lunch (main dish and beverages)

Not Included

  • Transportation to/from Puerto López
  • Accommodation
  • Additional meals
  • Tips

What to bring?

• Towel
• Biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen
• Cap or hat
• Sweater and rain jacket
• Trekking shoes for land activities
• Swimsuit
• Recommended: pants and long-sleeved shirt

Meet Your Tour Leaders

At Exploramar Diving, our team is the heart of every adventure. With decades of combined experience, our passionate dive instructors, marine biologists, and local guides are committed to providing safe, enriching, and unforgettable ocean experiences.

Mica Stacey

Biologist and underwater photographer committed to ocean conservation, with over 15 years of diving experience. Certified as PADI Rescue Diver, FMAS Scientific Diver, and Outdoor Experiential Educator.