Isla de la Plata Day Tour
Embark on an unforgettable day tour to Ecuadors Best-Kept Secret
Want to dive at Isla de la Plata? – Click here.
Discover the hidden treasures of Isla de la Plata in Machalilla National Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Isla de la Plata, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Machalilla National Park. Our expertly guided day tour will take you on a journey to explore the island’s unique flora and fauna, including rare bird species such as the blue-footed booby and the waved albatross.
From the moment you step foot on the island, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches. As you trek through the island’s lush forests and along its rugged coastline, our knowledgeable guides will provide you with fascinating insights into the island’s rich history and cultural significance, as well as tips on how to fully appreciate its natural wonders.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, our Isla de la Plata day tour is the perfect choice for a truly unforgettable experience in Ecuador. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover one of Ecuador’s best-kept secrets!
What makes Isla de la Plata so special?
Isla de la Plata is steeped in history and legend, with gold and silver treasures said to be buried in sacred places as offerings to the ancient gods.
Accessible only by boat, our modern yachts will take you on an unforgettable journey from Puerto Lopez, just 42 kilometers away. Often referred to as the “Little Galapagos” or “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” Isla de la Plata boasts a diverse array of seabirds and marine fauna, including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, masked boobies, red-footed boobies, and other species similar to those found in the Galapagos.
Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime Isla de la Plata tour, and discover the hidden treasures and natural wonders of this beautiful and mysterious island.
Itinerary
09:15 – Departure from the agency to the pier to board the boat (during the months of June to October whale watching takes place on the boat ride).
11:00 – Arrival at Isla de la Plata.
11:15 – Guided walk (English/Spanish) to observe the landscape of the island and seabirds.
13:45 – Return to Drake Bay where we will go hawksbill turtle watching.
14:00 – Snorkeling where we will observe fish, marine animals such as turtles, moray eels, starfish and coral reefs.
15:00 – Box Lunch.
15:15 – Return to Puerto Lopez
16:30 – Arrival to Puerto Lopez
*(approximate times)
Tour includes:
- Guide (English/Spanish)
- Lunch Box
- Snorkeling Kit
- All fees and transportation costs
- Boat with state-of-the-art security system
Recommendations:
December to May:
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, bathing suit and water bottle.
June to November:
Coat/windbreaker, hiking shoes and water, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bathing suit, towel.
See what our customers have to say about this tour..
5/5
5/5
“Awesome day at Isla de la Plata, known as the poor man's Galapagos. Two hour boat ride to/from the island (instead of 8-10 to Galapagos.) We got to hike up to the plata to see Blue Footed Boobies up close, and snorkel among the giant tortoises. A really unique and memorable experience.”
Michael C.
5/5
5/5
“Went on the Isla De La Plata excursion and had a wonderful experience. We were able to see lots of whales on the way to and from the island. Our guide, Edwar, was very knowledgeable and professional. It was obvious that the crew members enjoy their jobs and made the trip so much fun. The price includes a snack, lunch, admission to the island, whale watching and snorkeling. Highly recommend this tour operator.”
Teena R.
5/5
5/5
“Everything went as they promised! Good, friendly guide. New boat and lunch was great. I can recommend this company!!!”
Marc G.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a first-aid-kit and trained first-aid personnel?
Yes! Our boats have first-aid-kits on board in case of any emergency. All of our crew members is trained to offer immediate first-aid assistance during emergencies.
Where is Machalilla Tours located?
We are located in the town of Puerto Lopez in the province of Manabi, Ecuador. More specifically on Julio Izurieta and Alejo Lascano Boardwalk. Find us on Google Maps.
What languages do you speak?
We provide service in both, Spanish and English.
Do you offer activities inside the Machalilla National Park?
We count with all legal permits to operate and offer a variety of tours in the Machalilla National Park. In addition, we are one of only three scuba diving companies with the permit to dive in the area of Isla de la Plata. Find out more about our offers for scuba diving or explore our other options.
Can I leave my luggage at the office after checkin-out from my hotel?
Sure! You can leave your luggage in the office. Please contact us to arrange this.
Do I have to make my reservation in advance?
We strongly recommend to make your reservation in advance as the regulations of the Machalilla National Park restrict the maximum number of passengers per tour.
How can I make my reservation?
You can make your reservation through our contact form, by E-Mail, phone, WhatsApp, or visiting us in our office.
I have a dietary restriction. Can you accomodate for this?
Sure! In any case of dietary restrictions or allergies we will provide you with a personalized menu. Please mention your dietary restriction in your reservation!
Which activities do you recommend for families with children?
Many of our activities are suitable for families with children. Please get in contact with us, so we can arrange the perfect itinerary for you and your family.
I only have a few days in Puerto Lopez. Which tours do you recommend?
Our most popular tours are hiking or scuba diving on Isla de la Plata, Los Frailes/Agua Blanca, and a day tour to the tropical forest of San Sebastian.
What is your payment and cancellation policy?
In case of early reservations: 50% has to be deposited one month before the tour. The remaining 50% are due, 15 days before the tour.
In case of last minute offers (less than 15 days): 100% payment necessary at time of booking to reserve your spot.
Cancellations:
If you cancel 15 days before your first tour, we refund 100% of your payment (minus possible bank charges).
If you cancel between 14 days and 48 hours before your first tour, we refund 50% of your payment (minus possible bank charges).
For cancellations less than 48 hours before your first tour we cannot make any refund.
Do you provide discounts?
If you book multiple tours with us or book for a large group you can get in contact with us to check if you are eligible for a discount.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash payments, bank transfer and credit card payments.
