Guayaquil: Mangrove Dolphin & Bird Tour with Fishermen Lunch

Summary

Boat through El Morro’s mangroves meet dolphins birds locals taste seafood

You’ll glide through Guayaquil’s mangroves by boat, spot wild dolphins playing in El Morro’s estuary, watch herons and roseate spoonbills overhead, share lunch with local fishermen, and feel part of coastal life for a day. Expect real conversations, fresh seafood, and moments of quiet beauty you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the salt in the air — not sharp, just sort of clinging to your skin as we stepped onto the little boat near Guayaquil. Our guide, Luis, waved us over with this big grin and handed out bottled water (which I immediately dropped on my foot — classic). The estuary at El Morro looked almost silver under the morning light, quiet except for the low hum of engines and a few pelicans flapping around. I’d read about bottlenose dolphins here but didn’t really expect to see them up close. But then Luis pointed — two fins slicing through the water, gone before I could get my camera out. He just laughed and said they’re shy sometimes.

We drifted deeper into the mangroves, branches tangled overhead like green fingers. Herons stood so still they looked fake until one suddenly took off, wings flashing white against all that green. There were spoonbills too — pinker than I thought they’d be — and some ibis poking around in the mud. Luis knew every bird by name (in Spanish and English), but honestly I was more distracted by the smell of wet earth and something sweet from flowers I couldn’t see. At one point he stopped talking just to listen; you could hear nothing but birds for a minute or two. That silence felt kind of rare.

Around midday we pulled up near a fishing village where kids ran barefoot along the dock shouting at each other in Spanish. Lunch was already waiting: plates of shrimp ceviche and fried fish that tasted like it had been swimming an hour ago (probably had). One fisherman showed us how he ties his nets — his hands moved so fast I couldn’t follow, but he let me try anyway and everyone laughed when I made a mess of it. There’s something about eating with people who actually caught your food that makes you pay attention to every bite.

After lunch we wandered down to a quiet patch of beach, just sand and driftwood and the Pacific stretching out forever. Some folks went swimming but I mostly watched clouds roll in over the water, thinking about how different this day trip from Guayaquil felt compared to anything else we’d done in Ecuador. It’s not flashy or dramatic — more like being let in on a secret rhythm most travelers miss. Even now if I close my eyes I can still hear those birds somewhere behind all that green.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore mangroves, wildlife, and local culture

• Navigate through mangrove forest
• Observe birds and dolphins
• Learn about local fishermen's life
• Enjoy typical Ecuadorian seafood lunch
• Relax on the Pacific Ocean beach

Top questions

How long is the mangrove dolphin & bird tour from Guayaquil?

This is a full-day tour including transport from Guayaquil.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Guayaquil.

Will we see dolphins on this tour?

Bottlenose dolphins are often seen in El Morro’s estuary during the tour.

What kind of wildlife can we expect?

You may see herons, roseate spoonbills, ibises, pelicans, frigatebirds, and dolphins.

Is lunch provided on this private tour?

Yes, a typical Ecuadorian seafood lunch is included with local fishermen.

Are guides experienced or local?

Your guide has over 20 years’ experience in sustainable tourism here.

Is this suitable for children or families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring for the mangrove boat trip?

Bottled water is provided; bring sun protection and comfortable shoes.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Guayaquil, guidance from an expert local guide throughout El Morro’s mangroves and estuary, bottled water and snacks on board, plus a traditional Ecuadorian seafood lunch shared with local fishermen before heading back to town.