Isla de la Plata is positioned off the coast of Manabí, Ecuador, and is part of the Machalilla National Park. It may be reached by boat from the metropolis of Puerto López, which is set 40 kilometers away.
Isla de la Plata is a paradise where seabirds nest and raise their younger. It is domestic to numerous species consisting of the blue-footed booby, Nazca booby, red-footed booby, frigatebirds, tropical birds, albatrosses, and loads of different fowl species eagerly looking forward to your visit.
Map of Isla de la Plata
Name | Isla de la Plata |
Country | Ecuador |
Province | Manabí |
Coordinates | 1°16′43″S 81°04′07″W |
Area | 5.9 km2 (2.3 sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC−5 |
Population | 0 |
Airport | N/A |
Facts and Activities on Isla de la Plata
Legend has it that in the overdue 16th century, the pirate Francis Drake stole a batch of silver from the Spaniards and concealed the treasure somewhere on this island. The specific place of this hidden treasure remains unknown to this day.
Isla de la Plata is likewise referred to as the "Poor Man's Galapagos" as it offers glimpses of a few species observed inside the Galapagos Islands. Here, you could witness nesting grounds of blue-footed boobies, crimson-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, and albatrosses. Additionally, you could come across sea lions, dolphins, marine iguanas, and loads of captivating plant life.
To reach the island, you may take an immediate boat ride from Puerto López, which usually takes around 1 hour and forty minutes to attain the park office located in Bahía Drake. The adventure length may additionally vary depending on weather situations and sea situations.
Upon arrival, there are guided trekking routes that can be perfect for exploring and strolling. Choose the correct path primarily based on your competencies and bodily circumstances. After the trekking tour, in the afternoon, you can interact in snorkeling or diving, wherein you'll come upon a large number of colorful fish and, if you're lucky, even spot sea turtles.
From June to September, humpback whales accumulate within the location, allowing you to mix island exploration with whale watching at some point during your ride.
Isla de los Angeles Plata can also be a suitable spot for SCUBA diving near the coast of mainland Ecuador. The surrounding waters are embellished with coral reefs, making the underwater ecosystem relatively rich in biodiversity.