Diving in Isla de la Plata

Explore 26 dive sites in Isla de la Plata, Ecuador. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Isla de la Plata

The warmest water temperatures in Isla de la Plata occur in February, averaging 27.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 24.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.4°C
  • February: 27.3°C
  • March: 27.2°C
  • April: 26.4°C
  • May: 26.7°C
  • June: 26.4°C
  • July: 25.3°C
  • August: 24.8°C
  • September: 24.8°C
  • October: 25.3°C
  • November: 25.1°C
  • December: 25.3°C

Marine Life in Isla de la Plata

Home to 148 recorded species including 124 reef fish, 8 whales & dolphins, 5 other, 5 sharks & rays, 2 hard corals, 1 sea cucumbers.

Recommended Packing List for Isla de la Plata

Based on average water temperature of 25.9°C, currents 4 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Isla de la Plata

  • Machalilla - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Zona Marina Parque Nacional Machalilla - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isla Santay - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Puntilla de Santa Elena - Fauna Production Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Refugio de Vida Silvestre Isla Santa Clara - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Manglares del Estuario Interior del Golfo de Guayaquil - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Islas Corazón y Las Islas Fragatas - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Manglares el Salado - Fauna Production Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • El Pelado - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Playas de Villamil - National Recreation Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Pacoche - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Manglares El Morro - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bajo Cope - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Cantagallo - Machalilla - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Isla Santa Clara - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Puerto Cabuyal - Punta San Clemente - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category V)

Getting to Isla de la Plata - Nearest Airports

  • General Ulpiano Paez International Airport (SNC), Salinas/La Libertad - 54 km away, approx 74 min travel time
  • José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), Guayaquil - 80 km away, approx 102 min travel time
  • Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), Quito - 319 km away, approx 363 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres