Isla de la Plata: Wildlife Trails & Snorkeling at Machalilla Park
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Explore the "Little Galapagos" on this nature-focused walking tour to Isla de la Plata in Machalilla National Park. Stroll scenic trails with bilingual guides to observe blue-footed and masked boobies, frigatebirds, and seabirds in their habitat.
The experience includes snorkeling with sea turtles and colorful fish. We may spot dolphins and other marine animals (Dec-May). Ecuador is a humpback whale reproduction area, guaranteeing sightings during their season (Jun-Oct).
Visit our small Whale & Dolphin Information Center at the Palo Santo office featuring educational displays, whale bones, regional stories, and a whale-themed store.
A naturalist shares educational insights about local ecology. This 7-hour experience combines walking, nature observation, and learning in one of Ecuador's diverse ecosystems. We provide equipment, lunch, and water. Small groups ensure a personalized experience for families and nature enthusiasts.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Discover the nature of the "Little Galapagos" with this expedition to Isla de la Plata in Machalilla National Park. On this educational outing, you'll walk scenic trails where you'll observe blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, frigatebirds, and various seabirds in their natural environment. Your bilingual guides will explain the biodiversity and ecological importance of the island. The program includes time for snorkeling where you can see sea turtles, tropical fish, and occasionally sea lions. Between June and October, you'll have a 100% confirmed opportunity to observe whales that migrate to Ecuadorian waters to mate and reproduce. From January to May, there's a great possibility of encountering dolphins, manta rays, and other species of marine fauna during the tour. We meet in our office Palo Santo Travel in front of the navy in the Puerto Lopez malecon.
Options
Isla de la Plata: Wildlife Trails & Snorkeling at Machalilla Park
What‘s Included
Box lunch included sandwichs, fruits, cake and soft drinks
From/To Isla de la Plata
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Machalilla National Park fee
Tips
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ecuador, water, sun, and life!!
924jannid,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time and enjoyed it a lot. The Isla de la Plata tour is a lovely experience, from the journey to the island, the hike, its wonderful landscapes, the birds, fish, turtles, the clean and fresh water for snorkeling, everything is perfect for sharing with family and friends. The attention at reception, our guide Galito, and Captain Silvano were all very kind, excellent service from Palo Santo Travel. Thank you very much🤗
Best nature/hike/snorkel gig out there
Paul L,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Alan was a fantastic guide - purely bi-lingual and the heart of a great teacher - he was very helpful to a lady who was having trouble with the climb - showed he cares
Well...
adrenalinel2020,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Prepared to walk the sun
AN AMAZING, MEMORABLE DAY OUT TO SEE THE BLUE-FOOTED BOOBYS, DOLPHINS & TURTLES
jennyeclark1,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Myself and my friends absolutely loved this tour! And we loved the amazing staff who were working on the boat, and Silvano our guide. The lunch sandwiches were delicious and definitely needed after the hike, and it was great to have Silvano showing us the different animals, birds, and fish on both the walk and hike. There was another family group on the boat with us who were really nice too, but it didn't feel overcrowded at all. And we saw dolphins and turtles!
Convenient, comfortable and valuable trip
Jimmy L,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We joined a Isla de la Plata tour with private transfer from Guayaquil. This is a convenient way without hassle arranging public transport to and from Puerto Lopez. We walked trails in the island, and saw a number of boobies. This is not breeding or whale season, therefore frigatebirds are not their most beautiful. Snorkeling near island is easy, have many corals and fish. Most surprising is green turtles coming to our boat. A valuable trip.
All excellent
906sabinoc,Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very fun and very friendly and attentive staff, in the accommodation perhaps the room could be better, not because it was ugly or dirty, it was in excellent condition, but they promoted with a small balcony and gave us one with only a window
A must do in Puerto López
julianedubsc,Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour, perfect timing, 10/10 Service and the super safe Silver Island Snorkeling experience, plus we had excellent whale watching weather which gave a bonus to the experience. 100% recommended
fiorellag226,Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Wonderful humpback whale watching with respectful approach. The hike to the Island allowed us to see the different birds in their habitat, at all times accompanied by the guide and his explanations, is totally worth it. We snorkeled with turtles. Very remarkable is that each trip allows the foundation to conduct research to protect and conserve these beautiful animals. The agency’s guides and researchers are very friendly people, always attentive to us and with great enthusiasm. Scientific tourism and excellence. 100% recommended!
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Operated by PALO SANTO TRAVEL