Palo Santo Travel Ecuador
Palo Santo Travel Ecuador
Palo Santo Travel Ecuador
4.5
Fishing Charters & Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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8:30 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
Tour Operator from Puerto Lopez, Ecuador. Machalilla National Park. Whale watching, from june to october. Tour Isla de la Plata, The tour is full day, included encounter with marine turtles , snorkel on the reef corals, visit to la Plata Island or small Galapagos. Tour Los Frailes beach. Sport fishing. We speak english. We accepted credit cards. Somos Operadores directos con yates de turismo. Tour avistamiento de ballenas, snorkel, playa Los Frailes, Transfer desde Montañita, Manta, Cuenca, Salinas, Quito o Guayaquil.
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
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Travelers' Choice
2022
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Palo Santo Travel Ecuador
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
242 reviews
Excellent
183
Very good
35
Average
11
Poor
6
Terrible
7
Adriana
11 contributions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Andrew C
Klimmen, The Netherlands1 contribution
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.
Valentina S
10 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
I obviously loved the whales the most as they are the highlight of this tour. 🐳🐋
We saw female humpback whales and their babies, they were really close to the boat and a few of us were allowed to climb on top of the boat and watch them from there. I felt so free just feeling the breeze on my face and watching those magical creatures. 😍
The visit on Isla de la Plata was also very nice. We saw SO many blue foot boobies (we got to be really really close to them) and a little humming bird.
The guides were great and explained in great detail everything we needed to know about them (they spoke Spanish as well as English and even knew a few German phrases which was fun for me as a German native speaker 😄).
We saw the beautiful cliffs and marine turtles swimming, we snorkeled with colourful fish and we encountered a few more whales on the way back.
The boat rides felt very safe, we all had to wear life vests. We were provided with banana cake, fruit (banana and watermelon), coca cola and sandwiches (tuna and cheese (I believe, I personally only ate the fruit which was yummy)).
We had a few whale researchers on board taking photos, one of them even thanked us tourists for our interest in whales that keeps the research and conservation going.
I was so tired and overwhelmed (in a positive way!) that I instantly fell asleep on the taxi ride home. 😴
Thank you for this amazing experience!!
We saw female humpback whales and their babies, they were really close to the boat and a few of us were allowed to climb on top of the boat and watch them from there. I felt so free just feeling the breeze on my face and watching those magical creatures. 😍
The visit on Isla de la Plata was also very nice. We saw SO many blue foot boobies (we got to be really really close to them) and a little humming bird.
The guides were great and explained in great detail everything we needed to know about them (they spoke Spanish as well as English and even knew a few German phrases which was fun for me as a German native speaker 😄).
We saw the beautiful cliffs and marine turtles swimming, we snorkeled with colourful fish and we encountered a few more whales on the way back.
The boat rides felt very safe, we all had to wear life vests. We were provided with banana cake, fruit (banana and watermelon), coca cola and sandwiches (tuna and cheese (I believe, I personally only ate the fruit which was yummy)).
We had a few whale researchers on board taking photos, one of them even thanked us tourists for our interest in whales that keeps the research and conservation going.
I was so tired and overwhelmed (in a positive way!) that I instantly fell asleep on the taxi ride home. 😴
Thank you for this amazing experience!!
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert L
Cuenca, Ecuador1 contribution
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.
Kerry F
Reading, United Kingdom16 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.
Lizzy B
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
I've never snorkeled before it was a treat to see fish. Wish I had seen some turtles though! We saw many whales with their babies. The guide was very knowledgeable on the nature of the island it's history. I was picked up and brought back to my hostel which was an hour away. Excellent all around!
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janice K
9 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Wonderful day spotting whales. July is gloomy here, but we saw numerous whales.
I learned so much on the island hike and we saw a large number of blue footed boobies and their chicks. Be aware there is a lot of uphill hiking and steps. The hike is exerting.
The snorkeling was nice and the water felt good. Be aware that the current can be strong and you may be quite tired after the hike.
Overall we are so glad we went.
I learned so much on the island hike and we saw a large number of blue footed boobies and their chicks. Be aware there is a lot of uphill hiking and steps. The hike is exerting.
The snorkeling was nice and the water felt good. Be aware that the current can be strong and you may be quite tired after the hike.
Overall we are so glad we went.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim Linda
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain144 contributions
What is the price of this excursion please? Duration? I am planning a visit to Ecuador and Puerto Lopez in June. Thanks
Cristina Castro
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador52 contributions
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
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Eric H
Chelles, France1 contribution
Hola!
Estamos en Mayo. Es possible vers ballenas en este mes o debemos esperar junio?
Gracias
Cristina Castro
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador52 contributions
Hola, puedes probar suerte... ofrecemos ballenas desde junio sólo en el Tour Isla de la Plata ...
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.
Cristina Castro
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador52 contributions
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.
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?
Cristina Castro
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador52 contributions
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.
Lisaca323
Manta, Ecuador6 contributions
How many can go on your boat as a private group
Cristina Castro
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador52 contributions
To Isla de la Plata until 16 turist and only whales or coastal tour until 22
Turist.
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!
Cristina Castro
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador52 contributions
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.
delboy2806
Leyland, UK45 contributions
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
Cristina Castro
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador52 contributions
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.
Snare2007
15 contributions
Do you have life jackets for boats? And do you allow children of age 7 years to go on whale watching tour? Thanks!
Cristina Castro
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador52 contributions
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.
Snare2007
15 contributions
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!
Cristina Castro
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador52 contributions
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,
Cristina Castro
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador52 contributions
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.