Isla de la Plata is a small island off the coast of Ecuador, part of the Parque Nacional Machalilla. It has earned the nickname "the Poor Man's Galapagos" for its blue-footed and red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, and marine iguanas — many of the same species found on the Galapagos, at a fraction of the cost and travel time.
Day trips run from Puerto Lopez, about 90 minutes by boat. From July to October you can spot humpback whales on the crossing. The island itself has a couple of walking trails through dry scrub where the birds nest right beside the path, seemingly unbothered by visitors. Snorkelling around the island is excellent, with manta rays, sea turtles, and colourful reef fish.