Isla de la Plata
Blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds on an island nicknamed the poor man's Galápagos.
Duration
8 hrs – 10 hrs
Difficulty
●●○○○
Best time
June to September, for the whales
Open
Every day
Entry price
To confirm
Isla de la Plata is a dry island in Machalilla national park, forty kilometres offshore. It is nicknamed the poor man's Galápagos because you see some of the same species there — blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, frigatebirds — at a fraction of the price and without the flight to the archipelago.
The comparison has limits: no marine iguanas, no giant tortoises, no sea lions. But the blue-footed boobies nest right on the path, unafraid, and that is the main argument. From June to September, humpback whales pass offshore during the crossing.
Getting there
Departures from Puerto López, an hour by boat. Day trips with a compulsory guide on the island.
What the price covers
paid boat trip from Puerto López, Machalilla park entry included or extra depending on the operator
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- 1.5 L of water
- Cap
- Sunscreen
Rules on site
The crossing is known to be rough and seasickness is common: take something for it before boarding. There is no shade and no water on the island: hat, sunscreen and two litres.