Full Day Tour Mangroves Dolphins and Cocoa Farm From Guayaquil

Exploring the diverse wonders of Ecuador’s natural landscape and the art of chocolate-making can be an unforgettable experience. This full-day tour from Guayaquil promises to immerse visitors in the serene mangrove forests, where they may spot playful dolphins and majestic birds, before delving into the intricate process of cocoa cultivation and chocolate production. With a private tour experience, hotel pickup, and an opportunity to learn from local experts, this excursion offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and indulgence that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Discover the captivating juxtaposition of nature’s bounty and the craftsmanship behind one of the world’s most beloved treats.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Shopping Tours In Guayaquil.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Guayaquil that features a visit to an artisan chocolate plantation and wildlife spotting, including a boat ride to view dolphins and seabirds.
• The tour includes an interactive chocolate-making demonstration and concludes with free beach time.
• The overall tour rating is 4.5 out of 5 based on 13 reviews, with prices starting from $225.00.
• The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Estuary el Morro, a protected reserve, and observe a colony of bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, drop-off, and bottled water, but tips are not included in the price.

Tour Overview

What does this full-day tour from Guayaquil entail?

This coastal Ecuador excursion offers an immersive experience, from exploring an artisan chocolate plantation to spotting wildlife in a protected mangrove estuary. Guests will witness the chocolate-making process firsthand, from bean to bar, at a tropical plantation.

They’ll then embark on a boat ride in the Pacific, where they’ll have the chance to view bottlenose dolphins and migratory seabirds in their natural habitat.

The tour concludes with free time at the beach, allowing travelers to soak up the coastal ambiance at their own pace.

Tour Details

The full-day tour from Guayaquil has received an overall rating of 4.5 out of 13 reviews.

The tour includes 10 five-star reviews, 2 three-star reviews, and 1 one-star review. Prices for the tour start from $225.00 and vary by group size.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip private transfer, and bottled water.

Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, but tips aren’t included.

Inclusions

As part of the full-day tour from Guayaquil, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off as well as round-trip private transfer to ensure a seamless travel experience. Bottled water is provided throughout the tour, while alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately. The tour price does not include tips, allowing guests to show their appreciation based on the quality of service received.

Inclusions	Included	Not Included
Hotel Pickup	✓	–
Round-trip Transfer	✓	–
Bottled Water	✓	–
Alcoholic Drinks	–	✓
Tips	–	✓

Wildlife Experience

Sailing through Estuary el Morro, a protected reserve, visitors can spot four varieties of mangroves and an array of herons, including the Cocoi heron, snowy egret, Great Egret, Little blue heron, Egretta tricolor, Striated heron, and Roseate Spoonbill.

The highlight is observing a colony of bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

The tour also visits Manglarcito Island, home to approximately 6,000 frigate birds.

This wildlife experience provides a unique opportunity to observe a diverse range of coastal ecosystems and their inhabitants in their natural settings.

Mangrove Estuary Exploration

Visitors aboard the tour’s private boat glide through the serene Estuary el Morro, a protected coastal wetland teeming with four distinct mangrove species.

They spot a variety of heron species, including the majestic Cocoi heron, the snowy egret, the Great Egret, and the Little blue heron.

Sailing deeper into the estuary, the group observes a colony of approximately 6,000 magnificent frigate birds on Manglarcito Island.

As they move through the tranquil waters, the tour-goers keep a watchful eye for the elusive bottlenose dolphins, which are known to frequent this thriving ecosystem.

1. Explore four types of mangrove species
2. Observe a diverse array of herons
3. Visit a colony of 6,000 frigate birds
4. Spot bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat

Dolphin Watching Excursion

The boat glides into the open waters of the Pacific Ocean, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to observe a captivating colony of bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

These highly intelligent marine mammals gracefully navigate the waves, showcasing their agility and social behaviors. Guests can witness the dolphins’ acrobatic leaps and playful interactions, providing a truly mesmerizing experience.

The tour also provides a chance to spot a variety of migratory seabirds, including herons, egrets, and the impressive frigate birds.

With the coastal backdrop and the chance to encounter these remarkable creatures, the dolphin watching excursion promises an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of Ecuador’s marine ecosystem.

Cocoa Farm Experience

After the exhilarating boat ride, visitors embark on a captivating journey to a tropical cocoa plantation.

At the plantation, they witness the artisanal process of chocolate making, from harvesting the cocoa beans to the final product.

Guests have the opportunity to:

1. Explore the lush cacao trees and learn about the history and cultivation of this cherished crop.
2. Observe the intricate steps of fermentation, drying, and roasting the beans.
3. Participate in an interactive demonstration, where they can grind the beans and create their own unique chocolate bars.
4. Indulge in the rich, flavorful chocolate, savoring the culmination of the plantation’s dedication and expertise.

Important Notes

Beyond the captivating chocolate-making experience, there are a few important things to consider for this full-day tour.

First, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants should dress appropriately. Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has a minimum age requirement of 5 years.

It’s also worth noting that the tour is private, so only your group will participate. While alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, tips aren’t included in the tour price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour includes bottled water, but outside food and drinks are generally not permitted. Guests are advised to check with the tour operator for any specific policies regarding bringing their own refreshments on the excursion.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate. However, the price may vary depending on the group size.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Cocoa Farm Visit?

The tour doesn’t mention any special requirements for the cocoa farm visit. Guests can expect to experience the full chocolate production process, from bean to bar, at the tropical plantation as part of the tour.

Can I Extend the Beach Time at the End of the Tour?

Yes, you can extend the beach time at the end of the tour. The tour includes free time at the beach, so you can spend as much time as you’d like there before being dropped off at your hotel in Guayaquil.

Is There an Option to Add a Guided Mangrove Trail Hike?

Yes, there is an option to add a guided mangrove trail hike to the tour. Visitors can explore the lush mangrove ecosystem and observe the diverse wildlife up close with a knowledgeable guide.

Recap

This full-day tour from Guayaquil offers a unique blend of nature and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the tranquil mangroves, spot diverse wildlife like dolphins and frigate birds, and enjoy the captivating world of chocolate-making on a local cocoa plantation. With seamless transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a private tour experience, this excursion provides an unforgettable opportunity to discover the natural wonders and rich heritage of the region.