Palo Santo Travel — Isla de la Plata Day Tour

Palo Santo Travel

Trip Details

Departure
Puerto López, Manabí
Schedule
Daily departures year-round; departs 09:10, returns 16:00–17:00 (extended in whale season)
Price
USD 45 per person

About This Trip

Palo Santo Travel operates daily full-day boat excursions from Puerto López to Isla de la Plata within Machalilla National Park, crossing the productive Humboldt Current waters where Waved Albatrosses can be encountered at sea during their non-breeding months. The island itself supports the only significant mainland Pacific colonies of Blue-footed and Red-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, and Magnificent Frigatebirds — a congregation of seabirds reminiscent of the Galapagos at a fraction of the cost. From June to October, Humpback Whales congregate in these waters, making it common to observe great whales, boobies, and frigatebirds on a single crossing.

Operator Website View on eBird

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Further Reading

Best Pelagic Birding Trips in Ecuador

A guide to Ecuador's best pelagic birding trips: Galápagos cruises to the Waved Albatross colony on Española, and Isla de la Plata's 'Poor Man's Galápagos' day trips from Puerto López.

Best Places to See Penguins on Pelagic Trips

A guide to where to see penguins on pelagic birding trips worldwide, led by Galápagos Penguin — the only penguin species found north of the equator, seen at Fernandina on every Galápagos cruise itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Palo Santo Travel — Isla de la Plata Day Tour depart from?

The Palo Santo Travel — Isla de la Plata Day Tour departs from Puerto López, Manabí, Ecuador.

When does the Palo Santo Travel — Isla de la Plata Day Tour run?

Daily departures year-round; departs 09:10, returns 16:00–17:00 (extended in whale season)

How much does the Palo Santo Travel — Isla de la Plata Day Tour cost?

USD 45 per person.

Who operates the Palo Santo Travel — Isla de la Plata Day Tour?

The Palo Santo Travel — Isla de la Plata Day Tour is operated by Palo Santo Travel.

How do I book the Palo Santo Travel — Isla de la Plata Day Tour?

You can book the Palo Santo Travel — Isla de la Plata Day Tour directly through Palo Santo Travel using the operator link on this page to check availability and reserve a seat.