Isla de la Plata, also known as ‘poor man’s Galápagos’, is an island located 30 km off the coast of Ecuador. It is accessible by boat from Puerto López with a tour. The island is home to over 70 species of birds and a great place to spot blue-footed boobies. After walking around on Isla de la Plata, most tours take you to a snorkelling spot where you can see tropical fish, turtles and rays.
The west coast of Ecuador is also perfect for whale watching. Between June and mid-September, whales migrate south and pass the Ecuadorian coast. They come so close to the shore that they are often spotted from the beach.
In this season, you can choose between a whale-watching tour and a tour to Isla de la Plata. From mid-September until begin October, there is still a chance to see whales further at sea, so many operators only offer tours to Isla de la Plata.
My advice: if you’ve already visited the Galápagos or are planning to do so and are in Puerto Lopéz in the right season, go for the whale-watching tour only. Otherwise, take the island tour. It’s a great experience to see so many birds in their natural habitat and this right in front of you.
