Isla de la Plata

This small island is 19 miles west of Puerto Lopez on Ecuador's Pacific coast and forms part of the Machalilla National Park. It derives its name ('Silver Island') from the legend that Francis Drake buried treasure here. From Puerto Lopez, it is journey of about an hour and half across the Pacific Ocean to Isla de la Plata. The boats that make the crossing are small but fast, with two engines and a radio for safety. If you are lucky, pods of dolphins can be spotted year-round, while from June to September humpback whales congregate in the waters around the island to mate. Isla de la Plata is famous for its marine birdlife. As well as the ubiquitous boobies, including Blue-footed, Red-footed and Masked Boobies, a few mating pairs of Waved albatross can be found on the islands. It is also possible to snorkel in the waters around the island, and snorkeling equipment is available on the boats.