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Ecuador🇪🇨 | landmarksIsla de la PlataBlue-footed boobies, Machalilla boat crossing, clifftop loop, reef snorkeling | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Isla de la Plata
🌟 Highlightunique site ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 18, 2026

Isla de la Plata is not a Galápagos stand-in or a cheap copy; it is a separate island inside Machalilla National Park, and its blue-footed boobies are real, close and unbothered by you. It sits about 40 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, west of Puerto López. Boats leave from the Puerto López waterfront, and mine had barely cleared the harbor when a humpback surfaced twenty meters off the bow and the whole deck of strangers shouted at once. That ride is half the show in whale season. On land, the trails are short, dusty and packed with nesting birds, so the wow-factor lands fast. The tour is worth the money for the boobies alone. Skip the extras pushed by touts if you are short on time. Crowds stay modest because boats are limited. Book through an agency in Puerto López the day before, and carry cash.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Ecuador Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 unique site in EcuadorReasons people choose to visit here

Isla de la Plata gives you the closest thing to a Galápagos wildlife fix on the mainland, without the flights or the park fees of the archipelago. You walk within a couple of meters of blue-footed boobies on their nests, and you can watch frigatebirds and red-footed boobies from the same trail. Nobody needs a long expedition to get here. The effort is a boat ride from Puerto López, which makes it an easy add-on to a coastal route. Between roughly June and September, the crossing doubles as a humpback whale watch, with the animals breaching close to the boat. Snorkeling stops let you swim among tropical fish and sometimes sea turtles. The island also fits neatly beside Machalilla National Park’s beaches, Los Frailes, and the fishing village of Salango, so one base in Puerto López covers a lot. … read more 👉
Isla de la Plata gives you the closest thing to a Galápagos wildlife fix on the mainland, without the flights or the park fees of the archipelago. You walk within a couple of meters of blue-footed boobies on their nests, and you can watch frigatebirds and red-footed boobies from the same trail. Nobody needs a long expedition to get here. The effort is a boat ride from Puerto López, which makes it an easy add-on to a coastal route. Between roughly June and September, the crossing doubles as a humpback whale watch, with the animals breaching close to the boat. Snorkeling stops let you swim among tropical fish and sometimes sea turtles. The island also fits neatly beside Machalilla National Park’s beaches, Los Frailes, and the fishing village of Salango, so one base in Puerto López covers a lot. Skip it only if you already have Galápagos time booked and want nothing mainland.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. Blue-footed boobies: The island’s star attraction. They nest right along the trails, and you can watch their courtship dance, high-stepping to show off those turquoise feet.
  2. Red-footed and Nazca boobies: Less famous, but they nest in the shrubs and on cliff edges. Spotting all three species in one morning is a real draw for birders.
  3. Magnificent frigatebirds: Males puff out bright red throat pouches during the breeding season. They hover over the cliffs and are easy to photograph.
  4. Punta Machete trail: A looping footpath along the island’s clifftops with sea views and wildlife at nearly every turn. Trails are well marked, and guides lead the way.
  5. Whale watching on the crossing: From roughly June to September, humpbacks migrate here to breed and give birth. Boats stop when whales are close.
  6. Snorkeling
… read more 👉
  1. Blue-footed boobies: The island’s star attraction. They nest right along the trails, and you can watch their courtship dance, high-stepping to show off those turquoise feet.
  2. Red-footed and Nazca boobies: Less famous, but they nest in the shrubs and on cliff edges. Spotting all three species in one morning is a real draw for birders.
  3. Magnificent frigatebirds: Males puff out bright red throat pouches during the breeding season. They hover over the cliffs and are easy to photograph.
  4. Punta Machete trail: A looping footpath along the island’s clifftops with sea views and wildlife at nearly every turn. Trails are well marked, and guides lead the way.
  5. Whale watching on the crossing: From roughly June to September, humpbacks migrate here to breed and give birth. Boats stop when whales are close.
  6. Snorkeling at the island’s bay: Most tours include a swim in clear water with colorful reef fish, and occasionally turtles. Bring your own mask if you can.
  7. Waved albatross sightings: Present on the island only during part of the year, these huge birds are a prize for birders who time it right.
  8. Pre-Columbian remains and the Drake legend: Guides tell of ceramics found here and a story that the pirate Francis Drake buried treasure on the island, which supposedly gave it the name Silver Island.
The full outing, boat crossing, island walk, snorkeling and return, fills most of a day.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Isla de la Plata

Ecuador Paragliding Montañita

Ecuador Paragliding Montañita

4.8(24) 1h
From €59
per personViator
Isla de la Plata: Wildlife Trails & Snorkeling at Machalilla Park

Isla de la Plata: Wildlife Trails & Snorkeling at Machalilla Park

4.9(20)
From €54
per personViator
Bird Watching Tours with Sandra Plúa - Manabi, Ecuador

Bird Watching Tours with Sandra Plúa - Manabi, Ecuador

4.6(10) 5h
From €56
per personViator
Isla de la Plata Snorkeling Tour – Machalilla National Park

Isla de la Plata Snorkeling Tour – Machalilla National Park

4.6(9) 8h
From €90
per personViator
Whales Sea Lions and Snorkeling Experience from Puerto López

Whales Sea Lions and Snorkeling Experience from Puerto López

5.0(4) 3h
From €34
per personViator
Los Frailes and Agua Blanca Bike Tour

Los Frailes and Agua Blanca Bike Tour

3.9(7) 7h 30m
From €91
per personViator
Snorkeling tour and whales watching - Machalilla National Park

Snorkeling tour and whales watching - Machalilla National Park

5.0(3) 8h
From €90
per personViator
Magnificent Machalilla: Snorkel, Kayak & Wildlife Experience

Magnificent Machalilla: Snorkel, Kayak & Wildlife Experience

4.7(3) 6h
From €57
per personViator
Private Shuttle Guayaquil to Montañita or Montañita to Guayaquil- ( One Way)

Private Shuttle Guayaquil to Montañita or Montañita to Guayaquil- ( One Way)

4.3(3)
From €263
per personViator
Adventure in the Humid Forest of Machalilla National Park

Adventure in the Humid Forest of Machalilla National Park

5.0(1) 7h
From €82
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Whale Season (mid-June to September): Humpback whales cruise the channel between the mainland and the island, and boats often stop to watch them on the crossing. Days run 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F), the sea is choppy, and the water is cool. Bookings and tour prices are highest, especially July and August.
  • Bird Season (year-round, peak April to November): Blue-footed boobies perform courtship dances roughly from May to October, and nesting stays active well past that. Frigatebirds and red-footed boobies are on the trails in most months.
  • Warm, Wet Season (December to April): Expect 26 to 30°C (79 to 86°F), humid air, and short showers. Seas are calmer and the crowds thin out, but no whales.
  • Daylight: Roughly 12 hours all year, so the trails are walked in the morning heat whatever the month.
Book a … read more 👉
  • Whale Season (mid-June to September): Humpback whales cruise the channel between the mainland and the island, and boats often stop to watch them on the crossing. Days run 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F), the sea is choppy, and the water is cool. Bookings and tour prices are highest, especially July and August.
  • Bird Season (year-round, peak April to November): Blue-footed boobies perform courtship dances roughly from May to October, and nesting stays active well past that. Frigatebirds and red-footed boobies are on the trails in most months.
  • Warm, Wet Season (December to April): Expect 26 to 30°C (79 to 86°F), humid air, and short showers. Seas are calmer and the crowds thin out, but no whales.
  • Daylight: Roughly 12 hours all year, so the trails are walked in the morning heat whatever the month.
Book a weekday departure in July or August, since weekends fill the boats first.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Puerto López is the place to sleep, because every boat to Isla de la Plata leaves from its beach and nobody can stay overnight on the island itself. The town is a single waterfront strip of sand-floored restaurants, dive and tour offices, and small guesthouses, and you can walk from one end to the other in about fifteen minutes. Rooms near the malecón put you steps from the morning boat check-in, and most backpacker dorms and budget rooms cluster within two or three blocks of it. That is where you will meet other travelers over fresh ceviche and trade whale-watching plans. Streets are quiet and … read more 👉
Puerto López is the place to sleep, because every boat to Isla de la Plata leaves from its beach and nobody can stay overnight on the island itself. The town is a single waterfront strip of sand-floored restaurants, dive and tour offices, and small guesthouses, and you can walk from one end to the other in about fifteen minutes. Rooms near the malecón put you steps from the morning boat check-in, and most backpacker dorms and budget rooms cluster within two or three blocks of it. That is where you will meet other travelers over fresh ceviche and trade whale-watching plans. Streets are quiet and safe after dark, though you should keep valuables out of sight on the beach. Staying a block or two inland costs less and is still an easy walk. For a calmer base, the beach villages of Los Frailes and Machalilla to the north have a few simple lodgings, but transport is thin and tours are harder to arrange. Montañita, about an hour and a half south, is the party option, but it adds a long early-morning transfer. For the island, Puerto López wins.
Best hostels in Ecuador


Best quality hotels in Ecuador

👛 Costs (as of 18 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

A realistic day for Isla de la Plata runs about US$67 to 123 for one backpacker in high season, with the boat and park fee making up most of it. Prices are paid in US dollars, and cash is easiest for small vendors.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Boat Tour to the IslandUS$35 to 45Round trip from Puerto López, about 40 to 60 minutes each way, with a guide on the island.
Park Entrance FeeUS$5 to 15Paid on the beach; the fee is higher for foreign visitors.
Snorkeling GearUS$5 to 10Rented through the tour operator, if you do not bring your own.
LunchUS$4 to 8A set menu (almuerzo) in Puerto López; bring snacks and water to the island.
Dinner and DrinksUS$6 to 12Seafood plates along the waterfront; beer costs US$2 to 3.
Accommodation (High Season)US$12 to 30Dorm beds or simple private rooms in Puerto
… read more 👉
A realistic day for Isla de la Plata runs about US$67 to 123 for one backpacker in high season, with the boat and park fee making up most of it. Prices are paid in US dollars, and cash is easiest for small vendors.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Boat Tour to the IslandUS$35 to 45Round trip from Puerto López, about 40 to 60 minutes each way, with a guide on the island.
Park Entrance FeeUS$5 to 15Paid on the beach; the fee is higher for foreign visitors.
Snorkeling GearUS$5 to 10Rented through the tour operator, if you do not bring your own.
LunchUS$4 to 8A set menu (almuerzo) in Puerto López; bring snacks and water to the island.
Dinner and DrinksUS$6 to 12Seafood plates along the waterfront; beer costs US$2 to 3.
Accommodation (High Season)US$12 to 30Dorm beds or simple private rooms in Puerto López; low season runs US$8 to 20.
Local TransportUS$1 to 3Mototaxi rides within town.
Total Daily BudgetUS$67 to 123Typical total around US$80 in high season.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQTraveler FAQ

Isla de la Plata is a small island about 40 km (25 miles) off the Ecuadorian coast, within Machalilla National Park. It is often called the poor man’s Galápagos because blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and sea lions live there. From mid-June to September, humpback whales pass through the channel nearby. Trails of roughly 3 to 5 km loop across the island’s dry cliffs.
Plan on one full day, typically 7 or 8 hours from leaving to returning to Puerto López. The boat ride takes 40 to 60 minutes each way, and the guided walk plus snorkeling stop fills about three hours on the island. There is no lodging on the island, so you cannot stay overnight. Add a second day in Puerto López if you also want to visit Los Frailes beach.
Take a boat from the beach at Puerto López, which is the departure point for almost all trips. Buses from Guayaquil take about 3.5 to 4 hours, and from Montañita about 1.5 hours, for roughly US$5 to 8. Tours cost around US$35 to 45 and are sold at agencies along the waterfront, usually leaving in the morning. The park fee of US$5 to 15 is paid separately on the beach.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Ecuadorian landmarks near Isla de la Plata

Explore more nearby:

  • Mirador Luz del Atardecer—Western sunset, layered ridges, farm patchwork, night sky| 225 km away
  • Laguna Quilotoa—Crater lake, 3,900-meter rim, sandy descent, Tigua art| 245 km away
  • Nariz del Diablo—Railway switchbacks, Alausí station, Sibambe turnaround, Chanchán gorge| 266 km away

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Isla de la Plata

Isla de la Plata needs one day and no more, because the trails are short and the birds are the whole point. I would book it for the middle of your Puerto López stay, so you have a spare day if rough seas cancel the boats. Bring a long-lens camera.

✈️ When did I visit Ecuador?
Ecuador I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Ecuador, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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