Isla de la Plata: Wildlife Trails & Snorkeling at Machalilla Park

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Isla de la Plata

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.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable

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

Options

Isla de la Plata: Wildlife Trails & Snorkeling at Machalilla Park

Reviews

5.00

5 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Convenient, comfortable and valuable trip
Jimmy L,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We 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
5.00
Very 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
5.00
Excellent 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
5.00
It'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!
Very cool experience
Myles H,,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Palo Santo Travel in puerto López is a great company. They do work with whale researchers as well, sending out a marine biologist on each trip to photograph the whales for an international database.