Puerto Lopez’s top tours center on its incredible marine and terrestrial wildlife. The must-do experiences include whale watching (June-September), which offers dramatic encounters with humpbacks breaching just yards from your boat. For birders, guided hikes in nearby Machalilla National Park reveal dozens of species, including the rare Blue-footed Booby. Small-group rainforest tours stand out for their expert naturalist guides and crowd-free trails. I especially love the morning marine tours – watching pelicans dive while fishermen bring in their catch gives you a real slice of local life. These authentic experiences make Puerto Lopez one of Ecuador’s most rewarding coastal destinations. Let’s explore the standout tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Bird watching tours led by expert guide Sandra Plúa, identifying over 50 bird species in small groups of 2-6 participants.
- Machalilla National Park tours, including a wet forest tour with round-trip transfers, rubber boots, and a bilingual guide.
- Full-day tours of Machalilla Park, with round-trip transfers, bilingual guide, equipment, box lunch, and boat access.
- Diving and snorkeling experiences with Costa Diving Tour, exploring marine life with a bilingual instructor and snacks.
- Whale watching tours and visits to Isla de la Plata, accommodating up to 25 travelers and including brunch, guide, and snorkeling equipment.
Bird Watching Tours With Sandra Plúa – Manabi, Ecuador
What better way to learn about the vibrant bird life of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador than with an expert guide like Sandra Plúa? Her personalized bird watching tours typically identify over 50 local and Tumbesian bird species.
Groups are kept small, between 2-6 participants, ensuring a tailored experience. The tour includes private transportation, accommodation transfers, and snacks, with binoculars and cameras provided.
Meeting at Vía Julio Izurieta in Puerto López, the tour starts at 6:30 am, with pickup available from select hotels. Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
With a 4.6-star rating across 9 reviews, this bird watching experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into Ecuador’s rich avian diversity, led by a knowledgeable local expert.
Read our full review: Bird Watching Tours With Sandra Plúa – Manabi, Ecuador Review
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Wet Forest Tour – Machalilla National Park
Machalilla National Park’s wet forest tour takes travelers on an immersive exploration of the park’s lush, biodiverse ecosystem. Priced at $99.89 per person, this small-group tour (maximum 15 travelers) provides a comprehensive experience, including round-trip transfers, rubber boots, and a professional bilingual guide.
The tour departs at 9:00 am, with travelers advised to arrive 15 minutes early. During the tour, you will enjoy a delicious included lunch as they discover the park’s rich biodiversity.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, but cancellations are non-refundable. However, travelers can take advantage of the lowest price guarantee.
With its stunning natural surroundings and expert guidance, the Machalilla National Park wet forest tour offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Ecuador’s incredible natural wonders.
Read our full review: Wet Forest Tour – Machalilla National Park Review
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Fantastic Machalilla Park Tour
Exploring the verdant landscapes of Machalilla National Park, the Fantastic Machalilla Park Tour offers an immersive adventure for nature enthusiasts. Priced at $139.85 per person, this full-day excursion accommodates up to 15 travelers, providing a personalized experience.
The tour includes round-trip transfers, a bilingual guide, necessary equipment, a box lunch, and boat access, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable day.
Departing at 10:15 am from the Machalilla Tours meeting point, the tour explores the park’s natural wonders. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most participants, including infants who can sit on laps.
With no refunds for cancellations, travelers are advised to confirm availability and arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a punctual start.
Whether you’re seeking to learn about Ecuador’s lush ecosystems or simply experience the beauty of Machalilla National Park, the Fantastic Machalilla Park Tour promises an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.
Read our full review: Fantastic Machalilla Park Tour Review
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Costa Diving Tour – Machalilla National Park
Renowned for its diverse marine life, the Costa Diving Tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore the underwater wonders of Machalilla National Park.
Located in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, this tour starts at 9:00 am and lasts for an undisclosed duration, accommodating a maximum of 15 travelers. The tour includes a bilingual instructor/guide, a sandwich, drink, and fruit, as well as access to a boat and tips.
Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure and to have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour may involve additional unspecified expenses.
The meeting point is at Machalilla Tours on the Malecon Julio Izurieta, and the tour returns to the same location. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps.
Prices start from $219.78 per person, with a lowest price guarantee, but there are no refunds for cancellations.
Read our full review: Costa Diving Tour – Machalilla National Park Review
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Magnificent Machalilla Park Tour
Embarking on the Magnificent Machalilla Park Tour is a captivating opportunity to take in the natural wonders of this Ecuadorian gem. Priced from £57.13 per person, this full-day excursion promises a comprehensive exploration of the Machalilla National Park, a stunning coastal region renowned for its diverse flora and fauna.
The tour includes round-trip transfers, an experienced bilingual guide, and all necessary equipment for the day’s activities. Participants will enjoy boat access, a delectable box lunch, and the convenience of included tips and unspecified additional expenses.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.
The tour departs at 10:15 am from the meeting point at Machalilla Tours, located along the Malecón Julio Izurieta in Puerto López. Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s considered suitable for most travelers, including infants who must sit on laps.
Read our full review: Magnificent Machalilla Park Tour Review
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Snorkeling Tour and Whales Watching – Machalilla National Park
The Snorkeling Tour and Whales Watching at Machalilla National Park offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the park’s diverse marine life.
This tour, based in the coastal town of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, provides a professional guide and motor boat transportation to the park’s prime snorkeling and whale watching spots. With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, participants can expect a personalized experience.
The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment and snacks on board the boat. Travelers should come prepared with a moderate level of physical fitness, comfortable clothing, and sun protection.
The tour starts at 10:00 a.m. and returns to the meeting point at Machalilla Tours, where the experience began.
While the tour doesn’t include lunch, drinks, or gratuities, the price of $60.06 per person provides excellent value.
With a 5-star rating based on one review, this tour promises an unforgettable encounter with Machalilla National Park’s marine wonders.
Read our full review: Snorkeling Tour and Whales Watching – Machalilla National Park Review
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Whale Watching Tour and Visit to Isla De La Plata
Visitors to Puerto Lopez can enjoy an exhilarating Whale Watching Tour and Visit to Isla de la Plata, an excursion that showcases the region’s remarkable marine life. Priced from $95.00 per person, this tour accommodates up to 25 travelers and includes a brunch, guide, motor boat, and use of snorkeling equipment.
The tour departs at 9:00 am from the Rositatours office in front of the pier entrance. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to spot whales and explore the stunning Isla de la Plata, also known as the “Poor Man’s Galápagos.”
This moderate-level activity isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant travelers. The tour returns to the meeting point, and a free cancellation policy is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
With the tour’s proximity to public transportation and the inclusion of essential amenities, it’s an excellent choice for visitors seeking to enjoy the natural wonders of Ecuador’s Pacific coast.
Read our full review: Whale Watching Tour and Visit to Isla De La Plata Review
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Sum Up
Puerto Lopez offers a diverse array of tours showcasing the region’s natural wonders. From birdwatching and forest hikes to snorkeling and whale watching, visitors can enjoy the stunning landscapes of Machalilla National Park. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, these tours provide unique opportunities to discover the best of what this coastal town has to offer.