In a nutshellAn excursion for those who love bird watching with a visit to Isla Corazón, a small heart-shaped island that is home to at least 60 species of birds, from native birds to migratory birds, and where the mangrove swamps provide a protected natural habitat that the local fishermen are proud to show to visitors. An unmissable experience in direct contact with nature!

Main stops

Motorised dinghy ride from Bahía de Caráquez
Isla Corazón: observing the many species of native and migratory birds, mangrove swamps
Frigatebird colonies on Isla Fragatas (from the boat)
Lunch at a local restaurant in Bahía de Caráquez

The programme

We will start our excursion leaving the port on a comfortable air-conditioned coach and head north to Bahía de Caráquez, a beautiful city situated on a sandy peninsula at the mouth of the Chone river in the Manabí province. When we get there, we will get into motorised dinghies and sail to Isla Corazón, a heart-shaped island ('corazón' means 'heart' in Spanish) situated just a few kilometres from the Chone river estuary.
This island is a must for those who love bird watching as it is home to around 60 species of birds including native birds and migratory birds that arrive at different times of year.
Isla Corazón is part of an ecotourism project in which the local fishermen have cultivated the mangroves and expanded their habitat on the island to stop them from disappearing in favour of shrimp farming. This private initiative, launched by the local fishermen themselves, has led to the area being protected by the government and it is possible to have a guided tour of the island with them.
Of the many species of birds in the area, from the boat we can also spot a beautiful colony of frigatebirds that settled on a small islet called Isla Fragatas.
After our tour of Isla Corazón, we will return to Bahía de Caráquez where we will have lunch at a nearby hotel restaurant.
After lunch, we will get back on the coach and return to the ship.

Good to know

Depending on the weather, it may not be possible to get off on the island for a short stroll. Bird watching takes place from the boat.
The island is not disabled-accessible.
Minimum age: 6 years old
This boat ride is not recommended for guests with back problems.
During the mangrove swamp visit, it is not permitted to throw rubbish or smoke.