Snorkeling Isla de la Plata: Wildlife trails and sea turtles

Walk island trails for boobies and frigatebirds, then drop into the water for sea turtles

Snorkel at Isla de la Plata, Ecuador's "Little Galapagos," on a 7-hour nature tour from Puerto López that combines walking scenic trails to observe blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and seabirds with snorkeling for sea turtles and tropical fish. A bilingual naturalist guide leads small groups through Machalilla National Park, explaining local ecology. The tour includes box lunch, snorkeling equipment and park entry. Between June and October, humpback whales are guaranteed. December through May brings dolphins and manta rays.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Isla de la Plata and snorkeling

• Meet at Palo Santo Travel office
• Walk scenic trails with bilingual guides
• Observe blue-footed and masked boobies
• See frigatebirds and seabirds
• Snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish
• Spot dolphins, manta rays, or whales (seasonal)
• Learn about local ecology from naturalist
• Enjoy provided lunch and water

The experience

What makes this different from a standard snorkel trip is the island itself. You're not just entering the water. You're walking Isla de la Plata's trails first, where blue-footed boobies nest openly on the ground and frigatebirds circle overhead. A bilingual naturalist explains what you're seeing as you move through the habitat, so the birds and seabirds become part of a larger story about the island's ecology rather than just a checklist of sightings. The trails take up the first part of the morning. Snorkeling comes after, when you enter the water to find sea turtles, tropical fish, and occasionally sea lions moving through the same waters.

The marine life shifts by season. From June through October, humpback whales migrate to Ecuadorian waters to breed, and the operator guarantees sightings during those months. You'll see them from the boat or the water itself. January through May brings dolphins, manta rays and other species. The exact animals depend on the day. Either way, you're snorkeling with the equipment provided, not watching from a distance. The whole experience runs seven hours from the meeting point at the Palo Santo office on Puerto López's waterfront, and it includes a box lunch with sandwiches, fruit, cake and soft drinks, plus all snorkeling gear and the Machalilla National Park fee.

Small groups keep the experience personal rather than crowded. You meet at the office in front of the navy on the Puerto López malecón, where transport to the island departs. The naturalist shares insights throughout the day: about the birds, the marine ecosystem, and the island's role in Ecuador's biodiversity. If you want to learn while you observe, rather than simply move through a list of stops, this structure makes that possible.

What’s included

• Bilingual naturalist guide.
• snorkeling equipment.
• box lunch with sandwiches, fruit, cake and soft drinks.
• Machalilla National Park entrance fee.
• transport to and from Isla de la Plata.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 16

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by PALO SANTO TRAVEL

Is this one for you?At seven hours, this tour takes most of a day but leaves the morning or evening free for other activities in Puerto López. If you want to combine wildlife observation with snorkeling rather than choose between them, the structure (trails first, water second), makes both possible in a single outing.

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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 (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What birds will I actually see on the trails at Isla de la Plata?

Blue-footed boobies and masked boobies nest on the island itself, so you'll see them up close on the ground and in flight. Frigatebirds circle overhead, and various seabirds inhabit the cliffs and shoreline. A bilingual naturalist explains their behavior and ecological role as you walk.

Can I snorkel with sea turtles, or is that just a possibility?

Sea turtles are a regular part of the snorkeling experience at Isla de la Plata. You'll also encounter tropical fish and, depending on the season, sea lions. The snorkeling happens in the afternoon after the island trails.

Will I see whales or dolphins on this tour?

Humpback whales are guaranteed between June and October, when they migrate to Ecuadorian waters to breed. From December through May, dolphins, manta rays and other marine species are likely but not guaranteed. You may spot them from the boat or while snorkeling.

How long is the full experience, and what's included in the price?

The tour runs seven hours total from the Puerto López office. Box lunch with sandwiches, fruit, cake and soft drinks is included; snorkeling equipment is provided; and the Machalilla National Park entrance fee is covered.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this tour?

No. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants can join if they sit on an adult's lap. All snorkeling equipment is supplied, and the naturalist guide can assist with setup and technique.