Whale Watching & Isla de la Plata
Every winter (in the Southern Hemisphere: June–September), thousands of humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm Pacific coast of Ecuador to mate and give birth to their young. The coast between Puerto López and Puerto Cayo then becomes an open-air whale hall — and the chance of seeing these majestic animals is over 90%.
Whale Watching from Puerto López
Puerto López is the center of whale tourism in Ecuador. The sleepy fishing village on the coast transforms from June to September into a lively tourist hotspot. Boat tours depart daily at 9:30 am from the beach and last 3–5 hours. The boats travel a few kilometers offshore, where the whales appear in astonishing proximity.
- What you see: Humpback whales (up to 16 m long, 30 tons) breaching, fin slapping, and showing their tail flukes. With luck: mother-calf pairs and singing males (underwater microphones on some boats).
- Cost: Whale tour from Puerto López: 25–40 USD per person. Combo tour with Isla de la Plata: 40–60 USD.
- Season: June–September, peak in July and August.
- Tip: Choose a small boat (max. 16 people) for a more intimate experience. Take seasickness tablets as a precaution — the sea can be rough.
Isla de la Plata — The "Poor Man's Galápagos"
The Isla de la Plata (Silver Island) lies 40 km off Puerto López and is often referred to as the "Poor Man's Galápagos" — a nickname that is both a compliment and an understatement. The uninhabited island hosts:
- Blue-footed boobies — In large colonies, right next to the hiking trail. The same species as on the Galápagos, just as close and just as photogenic.
- Red-footed boobies & Nazca boobies — Rarer, but present on the island.
- Frigatebirds — With inflated red throat pouches searching for mates.
- Sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish — Snorkeling around the island is part of the tour.
The combo tour (whale watching + Isla de la Plata + snorkeling) is the best value for money on the entire coast and an absolute highlight for nature lovers who cannot or do not want to go to the Galápagos.
