ECUADOR LIVE-ABOARD EXPEDITION
Embark on an extraordinary 5-day liveaboard journey with us to explore Isla de la Plata Marine Reserve in Ecuador.
Join our tribe of adventurers as we set sail aboard the luxurious Kontiki Wayra Yacht, ready to discover the wonders of the sea.
What?
Exploration
Freediving
Photography
Conservation
Where?
Isla de la Plata
Manabi, Ecuador
When?
August 26 - 30
2024
How many people?
12 pax
5 Days exploring Ecuadorian waters with a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, underwater adventures...and play!
KEY FEATURES
- The first and only superyacht based along the coast of Ecuador
- Spa with massage room and gym (Massages must be booked in advanced at an extra cost)
- On deck jacuzzi
- Nine staterooms including four which are interconnected, two staterooms offer panoramic views
- Experienced, local crew including an onboard guide
- Toys galore and equipment for marine exploration including snorkeling gear and kayaks
Isla de la Plata, Ecuador
Latitud: 1°16'0" S
Longitud: 81°6'0" W
Discovered in 1526, by sailor Bartolomé Ruiz, Isla de la Plata is now considered part of the Machalilla National Park and a marine reserve.
This island is considered a "Mini Galápagos" because it is one of the few places in continental Ecuador where you can find some species from the Galápagos Islands, such as Blue and Red Footed Boobies, Sea Lions, Frigates, and more.
This is one of the best spots to go whale watching since Humpback Whale Season is from June to September.
And also one of the best spots to dive with Oceanic Manta Rays!
Wild-life at Isla de la Plata
During this 5-day live-aboard, our main focus will be searching for wildlife and incredible encounters underwater.
August is the peak season for Giant Manta Rays in Ecuador, and Isla de la Plata is one of the most popular spots to swim with them. This will be our primary goal, but we also have the opportunity to encounter other species along the way.
Giant Manta Rays
Why Ecuador?
Ecuador happens to host the largest aggregation of Oceanic Manta Rays Mobula birostris in the world with over 2,800 individuals visiting our waters every year.
Scientific researchers estimate that this number could reach over 22,000 individuals!!!
But again, why Ecuador?
Well, they basically come here for some spa time! so why won't you? ;)
But okay jokes aside, yes, they come for the coral cleaning stations, meaning they swim around protected coral reefs where smaller fish will clean parasites on their skin. Meanwhile, they are safe from most predators, making Ecuador a crucial place for their conservation.
It's important to know that Manta Rays are listed as endangered species. Here in Ecuador, they are protected and it's illegal to fish them. However, they do face other dangers such as irresponsible fishing, ocean pollution, and irresponsible tourism. It's why these types of expeditions are so important to us. So we can teach other people about these problems and support more sustainable tourism.
Humpback Whales
Every year, from June to September, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the waters of Ecuador for mating, birthing, and nurturing their young.
Isla de la Plata is one of the prime locations for experiencing incredible whale watching. With Kontiki equipped with 2 dinghies, we have the opportunity to search for them and get a closer look.
We highly recommend photographers bring a zoom lens, as the whales here often breach, offering amazing photo opportunities!
**Please note that we are not permitted to enter the water with them.
Other species
Isla de la Plata is also home to a diverse range of seabirds, including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, and red-billed tropicbirds. During our expedition, we'll have the opportunity to hike on the island and observe these fascinating species up close.
Again :) If you're a photographer, be sure to bring a proper camera and zoom lens to capture these incredible moments.
In addition to the remarkable sightings of Humpback Whales and Giant Mantas, the waters surrounding the island are rich in marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for encounters with underwater green sea turtles, eels, and stingrays, adding to the extraordinary experience of our journey
YOUR HOSTS
DANA BJARNER
@danabjarner is an underwater photographer, freediver, storyteller, conservationist, and former dancer.
In her quest for connection, she constantly seeks creative ways to merge her art with conservation. Her aim is to craft meaningful stories that inspire others to connect with nature and the ocean while motivating them to protect it.
Her work in marine conservation has enabled her to learn from marine biologists and photographers, equipping her with the skills to have respectful underwater encounters with various species.
One of her personal goals while hosting these expeditions is to assist people in achieving the best possible interactions with wildlife by helping them become acutely aware of their bodies and movements underwater, and showing them how to approach wildlife in the most respectful manner.
This particular expedition is very, very special to her since Manta Rays are her favorite animal to photograph and free-dive-dance with.
Dana will talk you through the correct ways to free dive with Manta Rays so that you have a beautiful interaction with them by being respectful and responsible while doing it.
She will also be sharing different ways to become an advocate for their conservation through citizen science and photography.
ERICKA CARRERA
Ericka @erickacarrera, the founder of @carrerafreedivingschool, is a Freediver instructor (Aida/Cmas) and the current depth record holder in Ecuador with 9 x national records.
She has accomplished a remarkable depth of -54 meters in Constant Weight Monofin (CWT) and is number 13 in CNF -41 (Roatan World Championships 2023)
One of her future goals is to set a world record in Constant No Fins (CNF), aspiring to become the deepest athlete to reach -100 meters in Ecuador.
Aside from her impressive freediving achievements, Ericka is also one of the founders of Ubuntu, where she passionately shares her knowledge in freediving. Her aim is to enable people to connect with the sport and themselves, as they experience the freedom and thrill of being underwater.
Freediving Training
BEYOND FRENZEL HANDS-FREE WORKSHOP
Led by Instructor Ericka Carrera, we will begin the trip learning and perfecting one of the most complex techniques of equalization in freediving practicing:
- Tongue and throat
- Soft palate
- Eustachian tubes opening
- DRY Excercises with a mask
- Open Water: FIM 10 - 20 meters
OPTIONAL LEVEL 2 AIDA CERTIFICATION
If you alread have your level 1 certification and wish to get level 2 certified on this trip. Ericka will be offering this option too.
** Keep in mind this comes at an extra cost and that you might need to spend extra time with Ericka during other activities focusing on your course.
Also the possibility of doing this will depend on the weather conditions.
REQUIREMENTS:
We do NOT require a freediving certification to attend, however, we do recommend that you have previous experience freediving in open water, and that you can at least dive down to 12 meters comfortably.
CONSERVATION
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Keep in mind:
- This is a summary of the full schedule we will have on the trip.
Day 1 - Monday, August 26th
- Arrivals: We will pick up all passengers at Guayaquil airport at around 6:30 am, so please plan your flights accordingly. Alternatively, you can arrive one day before and book a night at the Holiday Inn Airport Hotel.
- 9:30 am: Arrive at Puerto Lopez where we will embark the Kontiki Yacht, your home for the next 5 days.
- 10:00 am: Anchor at Sucre Islet for a security briefing followed by brunch.
- Noon: Depart to Ciriales Community where we will introduce you to the community that Proyecto Sucre and Conmar are currently working with. We will also begin the coral planting activity.
Days 2,3 & 4 - August 27th, 28th, 29th
- The main advantage of being on board Kontiki is that we will anchor next to Isla de la Plata where we will stay for the next 3 days to search for Giant Manta Rays and other wildlife.
- We will also have some Freediving and Photography workshops.
- Optional hike to Isla de la Plata
- Lots of time to relax and have fun with all the toys Kontiki offers such as kayaks, paddle boards, sea bobs, ocean pool, etc.
- On the 28th, there will be the option to do one or two dives on scuba. It's optional but we do recommend it. You can also opt to do your first dive of the day freediving and then scuba on your second. You'll be accompanied by a scuba dive guide.
**Valid scuba certification will be required for the scuba dive option.
Day 5 - Friday, August 30th
- Departure: After a morning free diving session, we will sail to Manta around noon, where we will disembark Kontiki at around 5:00pm and hop on a 3:45-hour car ride back to Guayaquil.
- We will arrive in Guayaquil around 9:00 pm, so make sure to book your return flight tickets considering that, or stay an extra night in Guayaquil.
- There is also an option of catching a flight from Manta Airport to Quito. If you choose this option, you will be dropped off at Manta Airport.
** Wildlife encounters are not guaranteed, however, be ready to be surprised by the unknown.
WHAT TO BRING?
- Mosquito repellent (Lots of it!)
- Swimsuit - Rashguard
- Cotton T-shirts - Waterproof/Windbreaker Jacket
- Something warm to wear after the dive (Sweater and Sweatpants recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Hat for sun protection
- Drybag to keep personal items dry on the boat
- UV 50 sunscreen - Sunburn Cream
- Connectors in Ecuador are type A and B 110V
- Allergy Medicine
- Seasickness medication if needed
- Cash money to buy souvenirs or for tips
ABOUT GEAR:
- Regarding wetsuits: August is considered winter season in Ecuador.(considering the ongoing El Niño, weather can be more unpredictable). The minimum water temperature can be around 21°C (celsius). Depending on your sensitivity to cold, we would recommend having at least a 2mm or 3.2 wetsuit (open cel/yamamoto freediving wetsuits are recommended).
- Freediving Gear is not included but we have gear available for rent (mask, snorkel & weight belts), weights are provided
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
If you love liveaboards, sharing, and connecting with like-minded individuals, spending full days on the water searching for amazing wildlife, AND treating yourself to some luxury and comfort... then this is the trip for you!
WHO IS THIS TRIP NOT FOR?
If you are afraid of the ocean and not a strong swimmer, you likely will not enjoy this trip.
EARLY BIRD SPOTS AVAILABLE
**This expedition is subject to availability. It will proceed if we can fill at least 10 spots within the short timeframe. You'll be asked to pay the remaining 50% once we confirm availability. We recommend purchasing flexible fares (date change or refund) for your tickets if you choose to purchase them in advance.
In the event that we don’t reach the necessary number of participants and have to cancel, you'll receive a full refund of the 50% deposit.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Accommodation: 5 days 4 nights aboard Kontiki Luxury Yacht. You will be placed in a shared (double) cabin.
- All meals included
- Coral Restoration activity with CONMAR
- Conservation talk with Keiko Conservation
- 3 full days searching for Giant Manta Rays at Isla de la Plata, Humpback whale watching, bird watching, etc
- 1 day of optional scuba dive
- Freediving training sessions with Ericka Carrera
- Weights for your weight belts
- Airport transfers
- Photography workshops
- Professional photographer and filmmaker.
- x1 Safety Diver during the tours and trainings
- Ubuntu Gift Kit
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
- Air tickets
- Gratuities/Tips for Staff & Guides - Please consider an amount around $250 - $300 per person for the Kontiki crew
- Excess baggage fees
- Unspecified itinerary changes
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal Medical Expenses
- Freediving Gear is not included but we have gear available for rent (mask, snorkel, weight belts), weights are provided
- Professional cameras (We highly recommend bringing your own underwater photography gear or GoPros; No flash strobes will be allowed)
- Possibility to get Level 2 AIDA certification at an extra cost
Dancing With The Mantas Short Film
A breathtaking short film directed by Gabriela Muñoz for Corona Studios showcasing a beautiful dance between Oceanic Manta Rays and ocean-loving Women from Ecuador.
Dancing with the Mantas aims to capture the invisible connection between us and these majestic creatures through mutual to raise awareness for their future and conservation.
Directed by Gabriela Muñoz
FAQ
how can i book a spot?
After carefully reading all the information about the expedition and hitting the “APPLY NOW” button, you'll be redirected to a page where you'll find our Application Form link.
Once we receive your completed form, we will be reviewing applications and extending invitations based on who applied first while also curating for appropriate experience levels.
CAN I BRING MY OWN PROFESsIONAL CAMERA?
Yes, you can. Two of your hosts will have their own professional cameras and they will be more than happy to share some tips with you if desired.
what languages are we going to be speaking?
Spanish and English
Will I receive photos and videos from the trip?
Of course! There will be 2 professional photographers with us during the whole trip capturing every moment!
At the end of the trip, we will make sure you receive a link to a drive with all the photos and videos.
How do i book flights to get to Ecuador?
When booking, search for Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE) Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport.
Depending on where you are coming from, you might have a layover in Quito City, just make sure your final destination is GUAYAQUIL.
Upon arrival, you'll be picked up and transferred to Puerto Lopez.
What visa do i need to enter Ecuador?
It depends on Nationality but the Ecuadorian government will usually allow visitors up to 90 days to stay in Ecuador.
Make sure to check the Ecuadorian goverment website for foreign affairs during the booking process: https://www.gob.ec/dpng/tramites/actualizacion-informacion-asociada-credencial-registro-turismo-continente-galapagos
What if I already paid for my spot but i will not be able to attend the expedition?
Please make sure to check our cancellation policies before booking on the link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jPfUSMfEPMAjC9xvenJTpNKnLGI9s3zk/view?usp=share_link
Do I need to be a certified Freediver?
For this expedition we do not require a certification. However we do requiere that you have previous experience freediving and can dive down to 12 meters comfortably.
are we going to be scuba diving?
This is primarily a freediving expedition; However, on the second day anchored at Isla de la Plata we do offer the option to scuba dive during the first and/or second dive of the day.
**Valid scuba certification will be required for the scuba dive option.
Do i need to bring my own freediving gear?
Some freediving gear will be available to rent (Mask, snorkel, weight belt)
However, if you have your own gear we highly recommend that you bring it, especially fins as we do not offer freediving long fins.
Regarding wetsuits: August is considered winter season in Ecuador.(considering the ongoing El Niño, weather can be more unpredictable). The minimum water temperature can be around 21°C (celsius). Depending on your sensitivity to cold, we would recommend having at least a 2mm or 3.2 wetsuit (open cel/yamamoto freediving wetsuits are recommended).
Do i need a covid vaccine certificate or PCR?
COVID vaccine certification or PCR is currently not needed to enter Ecuador.