Excursiones Pacifico S.A, Puerto Lopez, Ecuador

Whether you're interested in seeing the whales off the coast, or the beautiful natural scenery around Puerto Lopez, why not try Excursiones Pacifico S.A?

This small travel agency operates out of Hotel Pacifico on the Malecon where owner Yolanda Izurieta Bonilla and her friendly staff, warmly welcome guests from all over the world.

Mainly offering tours to the guests of the hotel but also to the public, Excursiones Pacifico works with two experienced native guides who are happy to share their knowledge.

The tours aim to see humpback whales and include a visit to the spectacular Isla de la Plata. Other tours can also be arranged in the diverse National Park of Machalilla.

Isla de la Plata Tour

Excursiones Pacifico's main tour is a day trip to the spectacular Isla de la Plata with it's fantastic and unusual wildlife and the unforgettable chance to see the animals and birds up close.

Snorkeling off the boat allows you to see colourful fish and the underwater reef and during June and September, there is also a good chance to see whales.

At around 9.30am the small group leaves from Hotel Pacifico with their guide.

The fast and comfortable boat with a capacity of up to 20 leaves the bay looking for the whales (measuring up to 15 metres for males and up to 20m for females!) which frequent the area between Puerto Lopez and Isla de la Plata.

The whales come to this area every year and can be seen practicing their mating rituals such as jumping out of the water and swimming close to the boats.

The guides try to make the most of when the whales are most active so sometimes more time will be spent at sea in the morning and then the afternoon on the island or sometimes the other way round.

Nearing the islands, sea turtles can be seen - bribed out with a water melon snack!

Isla de la Plata, part of Machalilla National Park, is nicknamed the "Poor man's Galapagos" and is famous for the chance to see rare bird species up close. Blue footed boobies, albatross and red necked frigates are regularly spotted on the island.

After a 2 - 3 hour walk on the island, you return to the boat and enjoy a snack with fresh fruit. There is also the opportunity to snorkel from the boat.

Between 5pm and 6pm the boat returns to Puerto Lopez.

Tour Cost: $40 - not including park entrance ( $15 - 1 day, or $20 - 5 days)

Other tours ...

Excursiones Pacifico also arranges guided tours to Agua Blanca, the San Sebastian cloud forest, Salango and other parts of Parque Nacional Machalilla. Tours can also include visits to the region's most
beautiful beaches "Los Frailes and "La Playita" for a relaxing end to the day.

Contact Info...