Although one can observe Humpback Whales all along the Ecuadorian Coast from June to September the Province of Manabi is considered the best. The whales pass by on their migration from Antarctica towards warm waters.

The five most important points on the Coast to see the humpback whales are: Salinas, Súa, Bahía de Caráquez, Puerto Cayo and Puerto López.

Humpback Whale watching tours are bundled with trips / excursions to“Isla de La Plata”, considered a cheaper alternative to a Galapagos Islands cruise. Isla de la Plata is situated only 17 miles off the coast and is part of Ecuador’s Machalilla National Park.

Most tours leave the Port of Lopez at 8:30 AM and return at 6:00 PM – typically in small vessels with a capacity of up to 16 passengers.

More expensive to get to are the famous Galapagos Islands, where the whales species include the Brydes whales, pilot whale, Minke whale, blue whale and Cuviers whale who traverse the complete island range although Fernandina and Isabela Islands are considered the best viewing spots.

An excellent website where more information can be obtained is www.thebestofecuador.com