Ecotourism in Action: Whale Watching as One of the Best Recreational Activities

A worldwide popularity of ecotourism grew with an amazing pace in recent years. Hunters and fishermen of yesterday more and more realize today that showing the nature's riches of their country to tourists turns out to be much more interesting and profitable than extirpating the already decreasing populations of wild animals. And this is particularly true in the situation with whales, the largest animals on Earth.

Just half a century ago the only way to gain some profit out of whales was killing them to further use their meat, baleen and blubber, but today even the most active whalers have changed their job and become defenders of whales. It’s no wonder, a demand for travel packages including whale watching today far exceeds a demand for whale products, and ocean ecotours on boats for whale watching bring more than $100 billion a year to its providers worldwide. This is much more than you can make on hunting.

One of the most important objects of the whale ecotourism is a humpback whale. Some of its biological features make this species very convenient for watching, and wide areas of habitat allow travel agencies to organize sea travels for watching these whales in different parts of the world. Best of all, a humpback whale is really very interesting and convenient for tourists!

Beaches of Puerto López: A Paradise of Ecotourism and Nature on the Coast of Manabí

 Puerto López, nestled in the heart of the province of Manabí in Ecuador, is far more than just the gateway for humpback whale watching. It is a destination where ecotourism, virgin beaches and pristine nature come together to offer one of the most authentic experiences on the Pacific coast. Protected in large part by Machalilla National Park, these beaches hold dreamlike landscapes, crystal-clear waters, tropical dry forests and surprising biodiversity. From the famous Los Frailes Beach to the peaceful coves of Ayampe and Las Tunas, every corner invites you to disconnect, explore and truly connect with nature in a responsible way.

Below we present a complete and detailed guide to the best beaches of Puerto López and its surroundings — ideal places for sustainable tourism, family relaxation, water sports and real adventures in the world of ecotourism.

Isla de la Plata: The “Little Galápagos” and Jewel of Ecotourism in Puerto López, Ecuador

 The Isla de la Plata is one of the greatest attractions of Machalilla National Park and, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic ecotourism destinations on the coast of Manabí. Located about 40 kilometers from Puerto López, this small island of only 14 square kilometers combines extraordinary biological richness, impressive scenic beauty and a history filled with pirate legends, ancestral cultures and hidden treasures. The presence of unique resident and migratory birds, as well as the opportunity to observe humpback whales, dolphins and exceptional marine life, make this paradise an ideal place for sustainable tourism and authentic contact with nature.

 In addition to its ecological value, the island holds great historical and cultural importance: it was used as a refuge by the famous pirate Sir Francis Drake, who according to legend hid here the treasures stolen from Spanish galleons, and also served as a ceremonial site for the Lordships of the Manteña Culture. To visit this place, Puerto López has several authorized tour operators that offer tours to the Isla de la Plata throughout the year. The tour is done by boat and lasts a full day, allowing visitors to enjoy birdwatching of species such as frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies, scuba diving and snorkeling in the island’s Marine Reserve, and — between June and September — the most famous ecotourism attraction of the region: the observation of humpback whales that come to reproduce in the warm waters of the Ecuadorian Pacific.

 Those who enjoy observing the seabed can marvel at the coral reefs that surround Isla de la Plata, Salango and El Ahorcado, as well as the nearby islets and rocks. The combination of nature, history and adventure makes Isla de la Plata a must-do experience for any traveler seeking nature tourism, responsible ecotourism and a genuine approach to the biodiversity of Ecuador.

Agua Blanca: Manteña Culture, Ecotourism and Nature in the Heart of Machalilla National Park

 Agua Blanca is an archaeological site ideal for ecotourism and is located just 10 minutes by car north of Puerto López, on the right side of the road that leads to Machalilla. Next to the Buenavista River lies a complex of temples, plazas and dwellings belonging to the Manteña culture, a civilization that reached the peak of its development more than 1,500 years ago along this stretch of the Manabí coast.

 For the tourist interested in history and nature, the site offers a community archaeological museum, funerary urns and the opportunity to observe the local customs practiced by the community of Agua Blanca. In addition, visitors can explore nearby ecotourism natural attractions such as the sulfur springs and the secondary forests of Machalilla National Park. This destination perfectly combines cultural tourism with ecological tourism, becoming a must-stop for everyone who visits Puerto López.

 The archaeological enclave of Agua Blanca is located in the heart of Machalilla National Park, with the lordship of Salangome being the most important cultural center of the region. In its period of splendor the place contained nearly 600 structures. Today, walking along its trails allows the visitor to feel the presence of one of the most sophisticated civilizations of the pre-Columbian Ecuadorian coast.

 The archaeological ruins of Agua Blanca are sparsely scattered just south of the equator (0° 1' 30" S, 80° 45' W) in the coastal valley of the Buenavista River. They represent the core of the intensive occupation of the Manteña culture in this valley and are one of the largest and best-preserved archaeological sites on the northern coast. The location of these ruins probably functioned as the capital of Salangome, one of the most powerful lordships of the Ecuadorian coast.