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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingSix hours on a private boat through mangrove estuaries — search for dolphins, spot diverse birdlife, and enjoy a seafood lunch from local traditions.
This full-day tour departs from Guayaquil, taking you about an hour and a half to the ecological reserve of Puerto El Morro. Once there, you'll spend approximately two hours cruising through mangrove estuaries and waterways in search of bottlenose dolphins and a variety of birds such as cormorants, herons, and pelicans.
The journey also includes a cultural aspect, as you'll visit local artisanal fishing communities to learn about traditional crab and shellfish harvesting techniques. Your day concludes with a seafood lunch that showcases authentic coastal flavours unique to Ecuador. Make sure to bring comfortable clothes, as the trip involves outdoor activity and a connection with nature.
Reviews
The tour itself deserves a full five stars. Simon, our guide, was outstanding—knowledgeable, respectful, and fluent in both Spanish and English. The journey through the saltwater estuary surrounded by mangroves was spectacular; we encountered various birds, noticed the disturbance from catfish in the water, and even spotted a couple of crocodiles. However, there was an issue with the booking process. We were required to reserve spots for four adults and two children despite not bringing any kids. Despite our efforts to clarify this, the tour operator did not grasp that no children were part of our group. When I requested a refund for the fictitious children, he declined, which was frustrating and expensive, leading to my four-star rating.
The guides were very accommodating, ensuring we spotted dolphins in the harbor and explored the island, where the birdlife was astonishing. On the way back, they took us to a cacao plantation, showing us the production process and letting us try their local cacao drink, which was more like a slushee. They truly made an effort to provide us with a fantastic day.
Yamil, the owner of Viasam, provided an exceptional experience from the beginning to end, including a private pick-up at my hotel and a delightful vegetarian meal with him and his wife at their home. The personalized touch reminded me of visiting friends or family. The tour itself was remarkable, featuring an exploration of the mangroves, close encounters with dolphins, and a variety of birds, with roseate spoonbills standing out as my personal favorite. Beyond that, Yamil shared in-depth knowledge about Guayaquil and Ecuador, highlighting both the challenges and advancements in the balance of development and conservation. It's evident that he and his company have fostered strong connections with the local community, ensuring that everyone involved benefits from the tours. Yamil kept all his promises and demonstrated flexibility in accommodating my preferences, maintaining communication throughout. I highly recommend Viasam, and I wish I had discovered their charming home hostel, Villa97, earlier to stay there instead of a hotel.
My 16-year-old son and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an experience in Guayaquil that showcases its wildlife without the high costs of the Galapagos. Our guide was fantastic—friendly, helpful, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable. I truly love Guayaquil, and I believe the media portrays the city unfairly. The downtown area is filled with numerous attractions, allowing visitors to spend two days exploring the many beautiful sites, leaving you wanting more. Thank you once again.
We enjoyed an excellent day on the mangrove tour with Simon and Yamil. Simon provided insightful commentary about Guayaquil and Ecuador during our ride to Puerto Morro, which is about an hour away. The boat trip was informative, focusing on river fishing, mangroves, and beautiful birds. The dolphins were a highlight, playfully swimming around us. Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch at a local restaurant where we savored ceviche, fresh crab that Yamil arranged, and plantains—it was a true feast. Unfortunately, we had to shorten the tour to return to Guayaquil for another activity, but Simon and Yamil were accommodating of our schedule. They were also very responsive to my questions and made us feel welcome. I highly recommend booking this tour; you won't regret it.
This tour was fantastic! Yamil and Simon were incredibly helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. They sent us photos of the group, the animals we encountered, and some lovely candid moments. We enjoyed seeing dolphins and a variety of birds. It was a fun experience for both kids and adults who appreciate nature.
This was an extraordinary trip filled with an abundance of birdlife. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and gracious, making our time together enjoyable and educational.
The variety of birdlife was astounding, and the guides were knowledgeable and accommodating. They tailored the experience to suit our fitness levels. I highly recommend this activity.
This was an unforgettable experience that taught us about the ecosystem and the vital role mangroves play for Ecuador and its environment, along with the remarkable efforts of our artisanal fishermen. Jamil was very friendly and attentive, providing valuable information throughout the trip. I would definitely do this again.
The guide and driver were punctual and friendly. The boat operator managed everything safely and effectively. We spotted around twelve dolphins and several bird species, with the rose spoonbill being the highlight.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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