Watch humpback whales off Puerto Lopez, the heart of Ecuador's whale watching coast in Machalilla National Park. From June to October, humpbacks migrate up from Antarctica to breed off the Manabi coast, breaching and heat running just offshore, and trips often combine whales with Isla de la Plata's blue footed boobies. Affordable and reliable, it is one of South America's best value whale trips, best from June to September.
Watch humpback whales off Puerto Lopez, the heart of Ecuador's whale watching coast in Machalilla National Park. From June to October, humpbacks migrate up from Antarctica to breed off the Manabi coast, breaching and heat running just offshore, and trips often combine whales with Isla de la Plata's blue footed boobies. Affordable and reliable, it is one of South America's best value whale trips, best from June to September.
Up to 90% sighting chance in Puerto Lopez / Isla de la Plata, Ecuador. Best months: August, September, July.
The season runs June to October, best June to September. Puerto Lopez even holds a humpback whale festival during the season.
Whale watching starts around 25 US dollars, or 30 to 45 dollars for a full day combined with Isla de la Plata including snorkeling (2026 prices).
An island in Machalilla National Park, about 1.5 hours by boat, famous for blue footed boobies and frigatebirds and often called the poor man's Galapagos.
Beyond humpbacks, expect seabirds, sea turtles and snorkeling on the reefs around Isla de la Plata.
