Palo Santo Travel Ecuador
Palo Santo Travel Ecuador
Palo Santo Travel Ecuador
4.5
Fishing Charters & ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Full view
About
The best tour operator from Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, we offer whale-watching tours, snorkeling, coastal tours, safaris featuring whales and dolphins, trips to Los Frailes Beach, a hotel situated in front of the ocean, and transfers from Montañita, Manta, Cuenca, Salinas, Quito, or Guayaquil.
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
287 reviews
Excellent
222
Very good
37
Average
13
Poor
8
Terrible
7
Adriana
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Friends
While in Puerto Lopez we went whale watching twice, each time with a different company and after comparing the two experiences Palo Santo gets all the stars. They are very professional and they cooperate with the Pacific Whale Foundation
In Puerto Lopez there are at least 10 different tour operators offering whale watching and it is really worth your time to do your research before picking one. The tours are more or less for the same price and offer the same intinerary but your experience can be very different.
From the start the Palo Santo team were great and very professional. At the start of the tour we received booklets with information about whales and the guides explained to us the rules of whale watching (that we can only approach the whales to a certain distance, observe one grop for max 25min, not approaching them from the front etc..). The captain was very gentle with the boat when around the whales adhering to the distances and time limits and was respecting the whales. (This approach I only really appreciated after the 2nd experience with the other company.) The guides showed real interest in the whales and speaking good English they were telling us stories from their work throughout. We went on the full day with researchers tour and I really recommend this if you are into wildlife and want to learn more about the whale ecology, behaviour and conservation. It is more pricy but well worth your money as on the general tour the guides will only say the very basics. By going on this tour you will also support whale research by allowing the biologists to spend more time collecting data since the foundation does not own their own boat.
But be aware that if you book the research tour you will not go to the Isla de la Plata. Instead you will spend 2 additional hours with the research team monitoring the whales.
Because we had such a great time on the tour with Palo Santo (and because we missed the Isla walk) we decided to go again a few days later but this time we opted for a different providor who gave us a cheaper offer. The difference could be felt from the very beginning. The main guide was a bit strange and said nothing about the rules of whale watching nor about the whales. On the way to the isla we enountered 3 different groups of whales but the captain was going way too close to them each time which seemed to annoy the whales and they just dowe deep and dissapeared each time. On one instance we were going around in a circle around a motner and her calf, approching them from the front and when we were a few meters away from them the captain did not even turn the engine off. The whole thing felt very uncomfortable for me as it must have for the whales. I just hope that this is not a common practice for the tour operators and that this was a one-off bad practice because it was the end of the whale season and the tour operator felt pressured to show the tourists what they came for. If you can, visit the whale breeding areas between mid july and mid august when it is the peak time.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BillyK24
Ely, UK33 contributions
Sep 2022
A fantastic boat trip. We did their Puerto Lopez - Isla de la Plata, and it was fantastic - great whale watching, amazing birds and brilliant snorkelling all in one trip. The guide (Silvano) was ace on his birds and as a snorkelling guide, although a little disinterested in mammals it seemed (he spent the journey out on his phone). Silvano also organised us an extra trip to Rio Blanco the next day (for ~$55 for 2 people) - I would strongly caution against doing this. The guide (his dad) didn't seem to know the birds, and it seemed didn't really want to be there. But if you are looking for an excellent trip to Isla de la Plata then Palo Santo have you sorted!
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura V
United Kingdom3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
Wonderful excursion to Isla de la Plata with a joyful, knowledgeable and very experienced crew. It included: Walking Isla de la Plata, snorkelling, watching whales (lots of tail waiving, but also jumps and mums w little ones) and lots of laughs; speedy boat ride on the waves.
Seeing the whales was overwhelming and emotional, an albatros and the blue-footed boobies + piquero de nazca; even babies practicing to fly.
The crew included a biologist and 2 amazingly knowledgeable Palo Santo autodidact guides with more than 12 years of experience doing this. They had eyes for everyone’s needs on board (also those eg who couldn’t walk for long). Delicious snacks and good lunch; The whole experience was amazing, could not stop smiling all day.
PS, there is a toilet on board (Palo Santo 2) & although I usually get nauseous, no problems here. Bring a jacket bc you’ll get a little wet either on the way there or back.
Seeing the whales was overwhelming and emotional, an albatros and the blue-footed boobies + piquero de nazca; even babies practicing to fly.
The crew included a biologist and 2 amazingly knowledgeable Palo Santo autodidact guides with more than 12 years of experience doing this. They had eyes for everyone’s needs on board (also those eg who couldn’t walk for long). Delicious snacks and good lunch; The whole experience was amazing, could not stop smiling all day.
PS, there is a toilet on board (Palo Santo 2) & although I usually get nauseous, no problems here. Bring a jacket bc you’ll get a little wet either on the way there or back.
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
imfortun8
Cuenca, Ecuador32 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
I’m hesitant to give this tour more than a 3/5 because of the poor pre-trip communication with the company. I specifically asked what the sandwiches served would be, no answer, so I was glad I brought my own. I also wrote to them saying that I have been to the Galapagos a few years back and was Not happy to have to walk a ways over large slippery rocks. Was this island’s terrain going to be similar and should I bring a walking cane? The reply was “Yes, similar” but no answer about the cane. Good thing I brought it as I was faced with 150 steps to see anything of interest. Why wasn’t that mentioned in the tour description or my inquiry email as surely that would have made a difference in my booking???
Once up there the cliff views were spectacular and we could get surprisingly close to the blue footed boobies.
It surely wasn’t the fault of either guide Galo or Silvano but they are the ones that have to deal with guests with physical challenges. Hoping this review changes the vague description policy of the company and/or saves guests from booking a disappointing day trip.
Once up there the cliff views were spectacular and we could get surprisingly close to the blue footed boobies.
It surely wasn’t the fault of either guide Galo or Silvano but they are the ones that have to deal with guests with physical challenges. Hoping this review changes the vague description policy of the company and/or saves guests from booking a disappointing day trip.
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L G
Minneapolis, MN8 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We departed from a nearby town to Puerto Lopez and requested transportation from Montanita when reserving this tour (extra $20USD). The company sent a taxi - the taxi was also ready and waiting for us on our return.
The water was calm, so the boat ride was a smooth and not too long. The hiking on the island is steep, so bring water (but a guide will have some too) and be prepared.
The birds are so unusual and you get to see them up close and personal!
The lunch was nothing special and after hiking I was quite hungry...but keep in mind you snorkel after lunch. The gear is nothing special, but you could bring your own. Having fins would've been nice. You get to see lots of beautiful fish and maybe swim with a turtle too.
It wasn't whale season, but we did get to observe the boobies dive for food and a see a huge pod of spotted dolphins. It was truly amazing to see all these animals in their natural habitat. The guides were attentive but had limited English.
You get a full day excursion for a very reasonable price ($50USD). The only hiccup was paying the balance of the tour at the office in the morning; the card reader was down so we had to use cash thankfully we had enough.
The water was calm, so the boat ride was a smooth and not too long. The hiking on the island is steep, so bring water (but a guide will have some too) and be prepared.
The birds are so unusual and you get to see them up close and personal!
The lunch was nothing special and after hiking I was quite hungry...but keep in mind you snorkel after lunch. The gear is nothing special, but you could bring your own. Having fins would've been nice. You get to see lots of beautiful fish and maybe swim with a turtle too.
It wasn't whale season, but we did get to observe the boobies dive for food and a see a huge pod of spotted dolphins. It was truly amazing to see all these animals in their natural habitat. The guides were attentive but had limited English.
You get a full day excursion for a very reasonable price ($50USD). The only hiccup was paying the balance of the tour at the office in the morning; the card reader was down so we had to use cash thankfully we had enough.
Written April 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerry F
Reading, United Kingdom17 contributions
Nov 2020
Wonderful day trip to the Isla de la Plata with Palo Santo Travel. Great commentary from the very knowledgeable and friendly guide in English (as well as Spanish), while on the boat ride out to the island and on the island tour itself. The guide made sure everyone was ok walking on the tour (mostly flat, only a few steep bits and some steps), always checking to see if we were all ok, and making sure that the wildlife was safe too. We even saw whales and dolphins, when it was thought that they had all left the area - what a treat! After lunch, while preparing for snorkelling, our guide Silvano saw that I was a bit nervous about being in the ocean, so he stayed with me and held my hand, also bringing the life buoy to help me to feel safe. Cannot thank him enough as it was an amazing experience! All of the guides and boat crew were kind and friendly, the snacks were yummy and we all felt really looked after and happy. I would recommend this trip to everyone. It was around 6 hours total, worth every $ Thank you Palo Santo!
Written November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew C
Klimmen, The Netherlands3 contributions
Aug 2021
Excellent trip with a great variety of animals. We were delightfully surprised to be visited by a group of sea turtles at our boat and to see a mother and baby whale near the Isla de la Plata. In my opinion, this is a must do trip for anyone visiting Ecuador. The transportation picked us up in Guayaquil exactly on time in a new, clean vehicle and safely conveyed us to Puerto Lopez and back at the end of the day. Everything was professionally done and the guides did a great job explaining everything we would see in English and Spanish.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gisel D
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Couples
What an amazing experience! The overall tour and knowledge of the guides was great. We saw lots of wildlife and whales which was awesome. Highly recommend during whale watching g season! Some disclaimers: 1. You need to pay in cash for the excursion - this was not obvious from the site and we ended up having to pay a 12% fee in addition to the cost of the tour. Not a big deal but something that should be advertised to customers. 2. The boat ride to and from the island could be a lot if you are in any way scared of open water. The boat driver was obviously experienced and we felt safe but it’s definitely a bit nerve wracking as the boat is small and the waves are big and the ride is about an hour or so. Overall, highly recommend!!
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brennbug
Fargo, ND84 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Great experience whale watching, hiking Isla de Plata, and snorkeling. Booked online and paid deposit, with balance due paid cash morning of. Being cash or there is 10% credit card fee for remaining balance. We saw tons of whales, blue footed boobies, birds, turtles, lizards, and tons of fish. We toured the island with a Spanish speaking guide and he was great. Tour included snack and lunch. If you ever get motion sickness, take medicine in advance because it is a smaller boat and return ride was choppy. You definitely need sunscreen and water for Isla de Plata but I recommend hiking shoes (they won't get wet, staff carries shoes ashore). Great day and fairly economical tour. I would recommend!
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert L
Cuenca, Ecuador2 contributions
Aug 2021
This is not the first time I select Palo Sant Travel for an excursion. The first time I went to visit Isla de la Plata. I was very happy with the service, the attention given by a very knowledgeable guide and the whole experience which included a night at a discounted hotel.
So when I decided to go see the Whales breaching I returned to Palo Santo. I was not disappointed. The service was first class again and the guide and captain of the boat showed a great deal of flexibility which made the experience unforgettable. The plan was to go to Isla de la Plata in the morning and around 2pm to go to the area where we could see Whales. On the way to the island, we encountered whales breaching, immediately the plan changed and for the next 2 hours we were following the whales so we could get great shots. After they got tired of us and moved away, we resumed the plan by going to the island. That was also a great experience but on the return trip to Puerto Lopez, again we came across a pod of whales and again, the flexibility kicked in and we spent an additional hour being amazed by these giants of the sea and their acrobatics
So when I decided to go see the Whales breaching I returned to Palo Santo. I was not disappointed. The service was first class again and the guide and captain of the boat showed a great deal of flexibility which made the experience unforgettable. The plan was to go to Isla de la Plata in the morning and around 2pm to go to the area where we could see Whales. On the way to the island, we encountered whales breaching, immediately the plan changed and for the next 2 hours we were following the whales so we could get great shots. After they got tired of us and moved away, we resumed the plan by going to the island. That was also a great experience but on the return trip to Puerto Lopez, again we came across a pod of whales and again, the flexibility kicked in and we spent an additional hour being amazed by these giants of the sea and their acrobatics
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the price of this excursion please? Duration? I am planning a visit to Ecuador and Puerto Lopez in June. Thanks
Written December 8, 2019
Hola, Thank you for writing to us. In June the Isla de la Plata Tour included Whales... Is a full-day tour. Included encounter with marine turtles, trekking in Isla de la Plata and snorkel time. Please, you could do the reservation in this link.
whalewatchingecuador com
or what s ap + 5 9 3 0 9 9 5 4 6 4 8 6 0
Written December 30, 2019
Hola!
Estamos en Mayo. Es possible vers ballenas en este mes o debemos esperar junio?
Gracias
Written May 19, 2019
Hola, puedes probar suerte... ofrecemos ballenas desde junio sólo en el Tour Isla de la Plata ...
Written May 26, 2019
ajbworks922
Cuenca, Ecuador
El fin de semana del 11 de agosto tenemos un grupo de entre 33 y 45 personas viniendo de Saraguro para tomar un barco y ver las ballenas. La mitad son niños y el resto padres y maestros de escuela Yaguarzongo de la comunidad de Yucucapac. estamos celebrando un año del inicio de clases de Quichua para los padres de los niños. Quisieramos sbaer si tienen o conocen de alguien que tenga embarcaciones que puedan llevar esa cantidad de pasaajeros. Tambien buscamos que nos hagan un precio especial de grupo. No disponemos de fondos para tours caros, y solo queremos ver las ballenas nada mas. Gracias.
Written June 26, 2018
Hola con mucho gusto te ayudamos. Por favor llámanos al 0995 464 860. Cada día solo 10 embarcaciones salen a la
Isla de la Plata con 16 pasajeros cada uno. Entonces necesitamos reservar, tomando en cuenta q ese día es feriado. Por favor llámanos, para poderte ayudar.
Written July 1, 2018
Karlijn K
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Can I book a tour in advance? It’s for the 25th of July and want to do whale watching. What are the costs?
Written June 17, 2018
Hola Karlijn, Thank you for your message. We have our web page whalewatchingecuador com you could book in advance in all tour in specially Isla de la Plata Tour plus whales, because each day only we have 160 places x day in all Puerto Lopez, then if you dont have reservation, we can not help you.
For whale watching, we have three alternatives:
1. Whale watching plus snorkel. Is a coastal tour with whales and later you have time for snorkel. for 31 usd x person. In the morning or in the afternoon.
2. Isla de La Plata Plus whales+snorkel+ marine turtles. Is a full day tour. Isla de la Plata is the small Galapagos, and you can walk and see marine birds, snorkel in reef corals and have time for whales. The best tour from Puerto Lopez.
3. Full whale with biologist: Is a research tour, we going to Isla de la Plata and help to Pacific Whale Foundation to get more information. When the people walking you have more time for find whales and get more information about the research project. This tour included snorkel and marine turtle. You never walk in Isla de la Plata.
Please all reservation in advance in our web page, you can pay with all credit cards, debit card, pay pal and the other part you will pay the day of the tour in cash in our office.
Written June 18, 2018
How many can go on your boat as a private group
Written February 1, 2018
To Isla de la Plata until 16 turist and only whales or coastal tour until 22
Turist.
Written February 26, 2018
camigaytan
Santiago, Chile
Hola ! me gustaría saber ¿cuanto cuesta el tour a la Isla de la Plata y en que horario lo hacen? pregunto para poder calcular los tiempos de llegada. Saludos!
Written April 24, 2017
Hola, El tour Isla de la Plata es un tour diario, inicia a las 09 y 30 am y termina a las 4 pm. En temporada de ballenas desde junio a octubre, inicia a la misma hora pero regresas a las 5pm o un poquito más. Te recomiendo tomes el tour ballenas en Isla de la Plata, es un tour full day con comida incluida, guías en inglés y español y además las embarcaciones son más grandes y con menos pasajeros. El costo en temporada baja es de 36 usd y en temporada alta de 41 usd. Puedes reservar tours pagando con tarjeta de crédito, solo la reserva y el resto pagar en la agencia, puedes reservar en nuestra pagina whalewatchingecuador. Ojala te haya podido ayudar.
Written April 24, 2017
Hi , i am in puerto lopez at the moment, if you dont mind me asking how much was tour, and could i get a discount as i cannot go snorkeling due to a perforated ear drum, which is a real shame as i used to love it when i was younger
Written September 26, 2016
Depends of the date. From June to October the cost is 45 or 40 usd. Is the high season and included whale watching in the Isla de la Plata Tour. Plus 1 usd of the pair tax.
Other part of the year, only if you have discount you pay 30 usd (sometimes with a boat have a lot of space) in general the general cost is 41 usd.
Isla de la Plata is part of Machalilla National Park and only have 160 space all days. Is better reserve before, but if you try to find a better cost, you could lost your trip without reservation.
Written June 18, 2018
Do you have life jackets for boats? And do you allow children of age 7 years to go on whale watching tour? Thanks!
Written July 30, 2016
Yes all boats have safe jackets. Only if you buy in the streets you could go with fisherman boats. Please buy in the operator tour. Yes we have life jackets for children.
Written December 17, 2016
Do you offer trips by boat to go watch and learn about whales without the Island visit involved? And what is the price per person? My friend had a knee replacement recently and she really wants to to book the trip to Isle de la Plata but it is probably not the best idea since I've read a lot about the amount of walking/step climbing that is required. We will be staying in Puerto Lopez the week of August 15th, just trying to plan ahead. We have heard excellent things about your company! Thank you!
Written July 30, 2016
So sorry, i can not see before. Yes, we have our tour only whales with researchers. You going to Isla de la Plata, but when the people walking around it, you could get time with the researchers around Isla de la Plata. They find more whales, record sounds and whale songs and you have more time for understand about whales and their research, you can find more info in our page whalewatchingecuador. Let me know if you have more questions,
Written April 24, 2017
Hola, Thank you for write us. We have the tour Isla de La Plata + whale watching full day all days, from 09:30 and come back 17:00. Included box lunch, drinks and snorkel equipment. Our guides speak english. If you need only whale watching tour the cost is 25 usd. The Isla de La Plata Tour plus whale watching tour are 35 usd + tax. We have our boats, big boats fiber glass with 150 hp engine four times. Let me know if you need more information. Our email is gmail you can find such us palosanto22 or whats up +593 99546 4860.
Written June 14, 2016
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