Where Are the Nicest Beaches in Ecuador?
Ecuador’s beaches have blue-green water, and serve as a habitat for a bounty of marine animals and waterfowl. Put aside time to swim, tan, and take in the strange and lovely sights of Ecuador’s Pacific coast. Here’s a list of some of Ecuador’s must-see beaches.
San Cristobál – Galápagos
The Galápagos is known as Ecuador’s crown jewel. This archipelago’s stunning beaches crowd with a variety of the rare native species. Sea lions and iguanas don’t mind sharing the beach with visitors.
San Cristobál is a popular destination for beachgoers, principally because of a beach called Cerro Brujo. Volcanic rock formations lie to either side of the beach. You should wear your goggles underwater to see the enormous variety of fish.
Atacames and Súa – Esmereldas
Atacames is one of Ecuador’s most popular beaches. Visitors will have a good selection of restaurants and places to stay. The town of Atacames knows how to party, and has a reputation for a boisterous bar scene.
You’ll find the beach gets quite crowded from July to mid-September. It has small waves for easy swimming. But swimmers should take caution – there is a strong undertow, and no lifeguards.
Unfortunately, thefts are common, so do not take valuables onto the beach, and avoid visiting the beach at night.
If Atacames gets too crowded for your liking, you can find some peace and quiet in nearby Súa. Súa is a smaller beach town, and a rapidly developing destination. The waves here are just as beautiful as those at Atacames, but the town is much more low-key.
Montañita – Santa Elena Peninsula
Montañita is the most popular surfing beach in Ecuador. Surfers from all over the world have visited this beach for surfing competitions. Montañita has a strong hippy vibe, and lots of bars with music and dancing.
Salinas – Santa Elena Peninsula
Salinas beach is located on a bay, with calm waters that make for a pleasant swim. The town is home to upscale resorts and restaurants. This is the ideal beach town for visitors looking for a little bit of luxury.
Canoa – Manabí
Canoa is a wide beach, with lots of room for beachgoers to spread out. It has a good beach for swimming, with decent waves for surfing. Cliffs overlook the beach, and the wind here makes it a popular spot for hang gliding and kite surfing. These are thrilling activities to watch from the comfort of a beach blanket.
Much like Montañita, the town of Canoa is known for its youthful crowds and laid-back atmosphere.
Bahía de Caráquez – Manabí
Bahía de Caráquez is a well-developed resort town, with a variety of building projects focused on ecological sustainability. The water here welcomes both swimmers and surfers.
Besides the beach, visitors can explore the nearby mangrove islands and tropical dry forests.
Los Frailes – Machalilla National Park, Julcuy
Los Frailles beach is located in Machalilla National Park. It is usually quite empty, leaving you to enjoy the horseshoe-shaped beach by yourself. Large rock formations flank either side of the beach. Cliffs overlook the blue-green water and the white sand.
Puerto López – Julcuy
About 6 miles (10 km) south of Machalilla National Park, you’ll come to the fishing village of Puerto López. This small town has a friendly beach. At the docks, fishing boats arrive in the late afternoon to sell their daily catch. Waters here are calm, and make for easy swimming.
Related Questions
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Ecuador Beaches
Ecuador's beaches are a hidden treasure for travellers who make the time to explore the country's coastline. Despite mellow towns and scenic views, Ecuador's beaches aren't as well known as some of its neighbours — and that's a shame. Or is it? After all, that's less competition for you! The following destinations will provide you with exclusive access to sun, fun, and sand whilst you're in Ecuador. The waves are practically outside of your door when you say at one of Ecuador's beach hotels; let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep every night and greet you every morning in Montañita. All kinds of activities await you! Go fishing in Canoa or snorkelling in Santa Cruz. Nature lovers will enjoy excellent whale-watching every year from June to September — a favourite pastime in Salinas. Take boat trips out to nearby islands, and more. Closer to the mainland of Ecuador's beaches, you'll enjoy some stellar surf spots. Whatever adventures you choose, don't forget one of the best parts of Ecuador's beaches — tasty, fresh seafood.
Pacific Coast
The mesmerizing hues of blue that line Ecuador’s Pacific shoreline attract many travelers from the country’s mountainous regions. The arid coastline offers visitors beautiful beaches, a great diversity of marine life, and fresh seafood.
Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands straddle the equator roughly 600 miles (965 km) off the coast of Ecuador and are home to one of the world’s most unique and pristine ecosystems. This remote, volcanic archipelago is a hallmark of biodiversity—they support a wide variety of endemic marine and terrestrial species seen nowhere else on Earth. And without any natural predators, the wildlife here is not only unintimidated by humans, but it’s usually quite curious about them. While roaming these islands, a wide variety of bird, tortoise and iguana species can be seen. Jump into the crystal blue waters and watch sea lions, turtles, penguins and sharks glide right in front of you. In other words, there’s a reason why the famous naturalist Charles Darwin was so inspired by the Galapagos, and it’s likely that you will be too.
Bahía de Caráquez
The tidy city of Bahía de Caráquez is alluring with its pleasant beaches, nearby nature reserves, and eco-friendly attitude.
Canoa
A handful of empty beaches and thatched-roof homes make up the sleepy fishing village of Canoa. Travelers searching for a quiet, relaxing beach destination need look no further.
Montañita
As a rowdy backpacker hub, Montañita offers travelers a lively scene alongside white sand beaches and world-renowned surfing.
Puerto Lopez
Touted as the whale watching capital of South America, Puerto López attracts visitors from around the world, who come here to watch and photograph these impressive mammals.
Salinas
The bustling beach and high-rise condos of Salinas are a sign of its reputation as an exciting seaside destination. Despite the crowds, the many luxury hotels and fine restaurants that line Salinas’ dazzling beach make this a worthy stop.
San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal is the fifth largest island in the Galápagos. This islands offers easy access to snorkeling and beach sites, and is also home to some of the best surfing in the Galápagos. Geologically, San Cristóbal is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos. The main town here is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Machalilla National Park
As the only coastal national park in Ecuador, the Machalilla National Park sports protected beaches and tracts of dry forest. This makes it one of the best stops along the Ecuadorian coast.
