Olón attractions

On this nature-focused walking tour to Isla de la Plata in Machalilla National Park, you will follow scenic trails with bilingual guides to observe seabirds in their natural habitat. Expect to see blue-footed and masked boobies, frigatebirds and other coastal birds as you move through the island. A naturalist will share educational insights about the local ecology, so you’ll learn about the plants, wildlife and marine connections that shape this “Little Galapagos”. Along the way you’ll visit the small Whale & Dolphin Information Center at the Palo Santo office, which features educational displays, whale bones, regional stories and a whale-themed store. The experience also includes snorkelling among sea turtles and colourful fish. You may spot dolphins and other marine animals between December and May, and Ecuador’s humpback whale reproduction season (June–October) guarantees sightings during that period. Equipment, lunch and water are provided, and small groups keep the experience personal for families and nature enthusiasts.

You will make a short bicycle ride to Los Frailes beach, cycling for about 3 kilometres before walking along a natural path to reach the shore. As you move through this coastal landscape, you will spend time on the beach and enjoy the setting of this well-known coastal spot in Ecuador. Later you will visit the Agua Blanca community, which was the capital of the last indigenous people of the Manteña culture in southern Manabí. Here you can explore a small museum that displays archaeological pieces from the Manteña culture, and you will enjoy a typical lunch of the Ecuadorian region. To end the day, you will bathe in a pool fed by sulphurous volcanic waters, which are believed to have medicinal properties.

Isla de la Plata is renowned for its significant population of hawksbill sea turtles and for the presence of giant manta rays. During the season (June to October), you may also spot humpback whales from the boat as they move through their natural habitat. You will start in Puerto López and board a boat for the trip to the island. On arrival at the first dive site, you will be given the necessary equipment and a brief instruction before your first immersion into the clear coastal waters. After a short break, you will prepare for a second dive to continue exploring the marine life of Ecuador’s coast. The experience finishes with a boxed lunch before the return journey to Puerto López.

You’ll visit Isla de la Plata, set within Machalilla National Park and often called the “Galápagos of the mainland” for its rich wildlife. Along the way you’ll have the chance to see iconic seabirds up close and learn about the island’s natural history from a guide as you walk its trails. The experience also includes time in the water. You’ll go snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, where marine life is visible around the island. In season, you may also witness humpback whales during the whale-watching period, a striking sight if conditions and timing align. Overall, this outing combines coastal nature, wildlife observation and a bit of adventure, giving you an opportunity to explore both the island’s land habitats and its marine life within Machalilla National Park.

This small-group marine experience focuses on whale mothers and calves in Ecuador. In the early morning you will watch from carefully selected viewing areas while bilingual specialists share current research and offer special insight into maternal behaviours during the quieter hours. The guides will involve you in community documentation, so you’ll learn how local monitoring and research are carried out as you observe. Groups are limited to 10 participants, giving excellent opportunities for photographers and nature enthusiasts who want a deeper understanding of mother–calf interactions. The visit concludes with a taste of local culture: a traditional peanut-based fish ceviche that connects Ecuador’s natural heritage with its cuisine. The programme is available only during August to September.

La Isla de la Plata, inside Parque Nacional Machalilla, is one of Ecuador’s most important natural areas because of its rich biodiversity. As you explore the reserve, you will encounter a wide variety of marine life and seabirds in their natural setting. The experience is calm and observational, focused on wildlife viewing rather than an itinerary of activities. Along the way, you may see blue‑footed and red‑footed boobies, Nazca boobies, tropical birds and frigatebirds. It is also common to spot hawksbill turtles, dolphins and manta rays. Between June and October, humpback whales are often observed during their season. La Isla de la Plata is often called the “Mini Galápagos”, offering the chance to appreciate species similar to those of the Galápagos Islands in a more accessible setting.

In Machalilla National Park, this scuba diving experience gives you easy access from Puerto López so you can spend more time in the water. Expert guides will lead the dives and support both beginners and certified divers. You will explore vibrant reefs in a protected natural environment, moving among tropical fish and often encountering sea turtles as you swim through the Pacific. Along the way you will enjoy direct contact with the ocean and a close look at the park’s marine biodiversity. Between June and October you may also have the chance to spot humpback whales during the boat ride. The overall experience blends guided underwater exploration, time among healthy reef life and the open-water scenery around Machalilla National Park.

Along Ecuador’s Pacific coast in Machalilla National Park, you’ll explore one of the country’s most biodiverse coastal areas. You will observe seabirds in their natural habitat and dive into crystal-clear waters to swim among reefs, sea turtles, tropical fish and starfish, taking in the marine life and coastal scenery as you move through the park. The experience includes activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, introductory diving and sport fishing, all taking place along the park’s coastline. Professional guides lead the outings, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure as you learn about the local wildlife and marine environment.

Situated within Machalilla National Park, the San Sebastián Humid Forest offers a walk through rolling hills, small ravines and dense tropical vegetation. As you move through the forest, the landscape will feel lush and varied. The atmosphere is quiet and green, with ferns and a wide range of trees shaping the scenery. Along the way you may spot a variety of wildlife living in this protected area. Howler monkeys, agoutis, deer and guantas are among the mammals that you might see. Birdlife is rich and varied; the forest offers opportunities to observe toucans, trogons, parrots, hawks, hummingbirds and the striking black woodpecker, among many other species. Plant life adds to the experience, with guayacán and cativo trees, strangler figs, caimito trees and a wonderful variety of orchids creating layers of colour and texture. Overall, the San Sebastián Humid Forest provides an immersive nature experience where you will explore Ecuador’s biodiversity through its wildlife sightings and abundant plant life, all set within the protected landscape of Machalilla National Park.

Along the Ecuadorian Coast, on the Machalilla National Park Coast, you will explore clear coastal waters and observe a variety of wildlife. You will see beautiful birds and swim among colourful coral reefs, sea turtles, goldfish and starfish as you move through the marine areas. Activities include snorkelling, kayaking and sport fishing. These activities will be carried out on the Machalilla National Park Coast and are very safe, with specialised guides supervising them throughout.

This private transfer links Guayaquil and Montañita and is available in either direction. You will travel in a private vehicle reserved for your party, offering a direct way to move between the two locations without sharing the ride with other travellers. The service is suitable whether you are heading from Guayaquil to Montañita or making the return trip. During the journey you’ll have the privacy and space of a dedicated transfer, which makes it easier to manage luggage and travel at your own pace. The arrangement will simply take you between Guayaquil and Montañita, providing a straightforward, private option for travelling between the two destinations.