Puerto Lopez isn’t as visited as many of its neighbours but for those who do visit, they end up doing the same things: whale watching, Los Frailes or a day trip to Isla de la Plata. Isla Salango barely gets mentioned. That’s probably because there isn’t a huge amount “to do” there compared to Isla de la Plata. No blue-footed boobies. No big hiking trails. No full-day wildlife spectacle, unfortunately.

But if you’re looking for a shorter day trip without the rough crossing and aren’t too bothered about seeing the wildlife, Isla Salango is actually a pretty good alternative. The tours are far less structured than Isla de la Plata. It feels like a more local version of the coastal experience in Machalilla National Park’s marine ecosystem.

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Isla Salango Quick Info

Location: Near Puerto López, Ecuador
Best for: Snorkelling and diving
Tour length: Usually half day
Tour Cost: ±$25 USD per person
Departure point: Puerto López

Where is Isla Salango?

Isla Salango is located just off the coast of Salango village in Manabí Province, Ecuador. It forms part of the wider Machalilla National Park marine area. You reach it either directly from Salango village or by travelling with a tour from Puerto López. The journey is short and compared to Isla de la Plata. The crossing is usually much calmer because the island sits so close to the mainland.

What to do on Isla Salango

Snorkelling is the main activity, usually around rocky coastal reef systems close to the island. On good days, the water is clear enough to see schools of tropical fish and occasionally sea turtles passing through. Conditions vary depending on swell and season. I’ve been told by the guides that when it’s calm, it’s a great spot near Puerto Lopez. Most of the boat trips start with a short coastal exploration before heading to the snorkelling spot.

Diving is also possible. They are typically smaller dive setups rather. The focus is simple reef diving, marine life observation and relaxed underwater exploration rather than technical or deep dive sites. I was quoted USD$120 for a two tank dive near Isla Salango by one of the diving outfits.

Isla Salango vs Isla de la Plata

This comparison comes up constantly and it is important to understand the difference. Isla de la Plata is the main wildlife destination. It is where you go for seabirds, blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, hiking trails and a full-day tour experience. It is also longer and more physically demanding due to the ocean crossing.

Isla Salango is completely different. It is closer to shore and focused almost entirely on snorkelling and water adrenaline activities. There are no major wildlife colonies or dramatic landscapes. Instead, it offers a marine experience that feels closer to everyday coastal life in Ecuador. However, Isla Salango is home to a colony of fur seals! Something you won’t fine on Isla de la Plata.

If you’re planning to stay in Puerto Lopez and do both, I would recommend visiting Isla Salango first before visiting Isla de la Plata. If you swapped it around, Isla Salango might feel very underwhelming.

Is Isla Salango worth visiting?

It depends entirely on what you want from your time on the coast. I’d recommend going to Isla de la Plata if you want a taster of the Galapagos. I’d say Isla Salango is for those looking for a day trip from Puerto Lopez and to go snorkelling. It’s by no means a quieter alternative – actually it’s super busy as majority of the tour companies will head this way. However, the tour is less structured and more laid back.

What Isla Salango feels like

Isla Salango is a very touristy site, especially among local Ecuadorians and South Americans. There are a lot of small boats leaving Puerto Lopez (and Salango) to spend the day around the waters of Isla Salango. Unfortunately, there are plenty of tours heading out and packages available.

How to get to Isla Salango

Getting there is relatively simple but less formal than Isla de la Plata tours. The most common approach is to join an organised tour from Puerto Lopez. You don’t need to head down to Salango village. Because the island is so close to shore, trips are often flexible. You may find that departure times depend on sea conditions, group size. The earliest departure is 0900hrs with another departure at 1130hrs and 1330hrs.

Best time to visit Isla Salango

Like the rest of the Puerto López coastline, Isla Salango can be visited year-round but the experience changes with the seasons.

From June to September, the water can be cooler and slightly rougher at times, although this is also the broader whale migration season in the region. While Isla Salango itself is not a whale-watching destination, you may still be in the area during this period.

From December to April, the sea is often calmer and warmer, which generally creates better conditions for snorkelling and diving. Visibility can also improve on still days, making this a more comfortable time for underwater activities.

Who Isla Salango is best for

Isla Salango works best if you are already in Puerto López for a few days and want to add another day on the water to your itinerary. It suits snorkellers who prefer calm water over structured tours and divers who want a simple coastal dive. It is also a good fit if you value fewer international tourists and more flexibility.

It is not ideal if you are short on time or primarily visiting Ecuador’s coast for wildlife highlights. In that case, Isla de la Plata should come first.

Last notes on Isla Salango

Isla Salango is not the headline experience around Puerto López. It does not compete with Isla de la Plata’s wildlife or some of the other beaches found in Machalilla National Park. If Isla de la Plata is the “must-do” then take Isla Salango as the “stay a bit longer and see another side of the coast”.