Snorkeling in Puerto López: Whales, sea lions & Isla Salango

Watch migrating whales up close, then snorkel among sea lions at Isla Salango

A 3-hour guided snorkeling and whale-watching tour from Puerto López combines marine wildlife observation in Machalilla National Park with snorkeling at Isla Salango. From June through October, the tour carries a 100% whale sighting guarantee during humpback migration. Your bilingual guide leads the boat through Salango's coastal waters, where you'll spot blue-footed boobies, frigates and sea lions before moving to the island's shallow reefs for snorkeling, followed by fresh fruit and a drink.

The experience

The tour departs Puerto López and heads into Machalilla National Park's coastal waters, where humpback whales gather seasonally. Between June and October, mothers and calves move through the area. Outside those months, you'll still encounter sea lions, blue-footed boobies and frigates along the Salango shoreline. Your guide (fluent in English and Spanish, or Spanish only) shares details about marine biology and conservation as the boat moves through the bay. The snorkeling happens in shallow water at Isla Salango, where you can see colorful reef life without deep diving.

Groups stay under 22 people, which keeps the boat manageable and the experience less crowded than larger operations. The pace is relaxed: you're not rushing between stops or racing through a schedule. After snorkeling, you get fresh fruit and a cold drink to cool off before heading back to Puerto López. The whole outing takes 3 hours, so it fits easily into a morning or early afternoon without eating your whole day.

What’s included

• Entrance fee to Machalilla National Park.
• snorkeling equipment.
• fresh fruit and a refreshing drink after snorkeling.
• bilingual guide (English and Spanish, or Spanish only).

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 12 Jun 2027

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 22

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by PALO SANTO TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Groups of up to 22 suit families with children and nature enthusiasts who want wildlife observation without a full-day commitment. The 3-hour window fits a morning slot in a longer Puerto López itinerary, and the relaxed pace works for all fitness levels.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

When is the best time to see humpback whales on this snorkeling tour?

Humpback whales migrate through Machalilla National Park from June through October, and the tour carries a 100% sighting guarantee during those months. Outside the migration season, you'll still see sea lions, boobies and frigates along the coast.

What will I see when I snorkel at Isla Salango?

Isla Salango's snorkeling area is shallow water with colorful marine life visible from the surface. The reef supports the same species you'll have watched from the boat (sea lions, boobies and other coastal fauna) plus reef fish in the water itself.

How many people will be on the boat with me?

Groups are capped at 22 people, keeping the boat from feeling crowded and making it easier for the guide to manage the group during snorkeling and wildlife observation.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring?

The tour includes the entrance fee to Machalilla National Park, snorkeling equipment, fresh fruit and a drink after snorkeling. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a light jacket or rash guard for sun protection on the water.