Exploramar Diving

Isla de la Plata, Ecuador

The team at Exploramar Diving really gets what makes diving around Isla de la Plata special, and they're our go-to for experiencing it. They're based right there, meaning less travel time and more time with your face in the water. We particularly like their focus on smaller groups, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to spot a shy frogfish or drift quietly past a manta ray. We’d pick them for anyone keen on a solid day trip, especially during humpback season from June to September. There’s nothing quite like the sound of whale song vibrating through your chest underwater. Out of season, the schooling fish are the main event – think barracuda walls and so many snapper you can barely see past them. We’ve found their guides are excellent at pointing out the smaller critters, too. They run courses, but we’d suggest Exploramar most for certified divers looking to really explore the area's many sites. Just be prepared for potential surge and currents, especially on the exposed sites; it’s a lively stretch of ocean.