Marjolein Dilven
Are you thinking of experiencing the awesome beaches in Ecuador? This small country has some of the best beaches in South America. This article will give you a run-down of the must-visit Ecuador beaches.
Bound to the west by the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador offers not just mainland coastline beaches but amazing surrounding turquoise waters from its islands, the most famous of which is the Galapagos archipelago.
You can enjoy more than the usual seaside activities; Ecuador’s waters and coastline are brimming with unique wildlife and marvelous sights. Let’s start this Ecuadorian beaches must-visit list!
Best Ecuador Beaches You Must Visit – Beaches in Manabi
1. Canoa Beach
Canoa’s white sand beaches are famous for their unique atmosphere: a 10.5-mile (17 km) stretch of sand, cool breeze, and warm waters, great for swimming or surfing. Canoa Beach is ideal if you want a more laid-back vibe in your beach excursions without the hustle and bustle of nightly partying.
You can take a direct bus from Quito or take the Spondylus road on Puerto Lopez to reach the town of Canoa. Make sure to book a hotel room in advance during weekends and holidays.
Special Feature
- Surfing lessons at the Canoa Surf Academy
Pros:
- Ideal waters for surfing
- Additional activities, such as horse riding and learning about agriculture at Rio Muchacho
Cons:
- Long travel time (around 9 hours from Quito)
- Limited accommodation options
2. Puerto Lopez
Puerto Lopez is a fishing village turned into a well-known beach town. Since this town has no airport, you can reach it by car or bus. Visitors could also go to the nearby beaches or tour the small village on foot, bike, or on horseback.
However, for most visitors, Puerto Lopez serves as a start-off point en route to other nearby, more exciting destinations, such as the Machalilla National Park, where one of Ecuador’s stunning beaches, Los Frailes, is located.
Another attraction is Isla de la Plata, a.k.a. Poor Man’s Galapagos, where people enjoy sightings of seabirds, turtles, humpback whales, etc., snorkel, dive, or enjoy many other water activities.
Special Feature
- Enjoy fishing with the locals
Pros:
- Many restaurants and hotels in the area
- Hills on the south protect the beach from winds
- Ideal for swimming due to the calm waters
- Possible sighting of exotic wildlife (seabirds, sea turtles, etc.)
Cons:
- Spotting humpback whales is possible only from June to September
3. Ayampe
Ayampe beach is the place to be if you want to disconnect from the noise and crowds. The place is as peaceful as heaven.
To get to Ayampe Beach, take a bus from Cooperative Reina Del Camino to Puerto Lopez. From there, take another bus from Cooperativa Manglaralto or hire a taxi.
Special Feature
- Tourists can participate in morning Yoga classes by Otra Ola on the beach
Pros:
- A serene and peaceful environment without much crowd noise
- Variety of activities (whale watching tours, surfing, etc.)
Cons:
- Not a good place for party lovers
4. Los Frailes
The idyllic Los Frailes beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador. Its powdery white sand beach and sparkling clear blue waters make it a paradise on Earth.
You can visit the beach from either Puerto Lopez or Montanita. The former is a more convenient option at its 6.2-mile (10 km) distance; you can take a “tuk-tuk” (a customized vehicle with an engine, passenger cab, and three wheels that serve as a taxi) to the bus station.
Special Feature
- The only beach within a coastal national park called Machalilla
Pros
- No large crowds at the beach
- Protected area
- Local wildlife to enjoy (monkeys, birds, etc.)
Cons
- Requires an hour-long hike to reach the place
- Lack of amenities
Best Ecuador Beaches You Must Visit – Beaches in Santa Elena
5. Montañita
Montañita is an ideal place to go if you love partying all night long. The place is filled with tourists and locals dancing and surfing 24/7. It is also known as the surfing capital of the country.
Reaching Montañita beach is quite easy; you can take a direct bus from Guayaquil, but make sure you reach before 4:30 pm, as no bus leaves after that.
Special Feature
- Sharpen your Spanish at Montañita Spanish School
Pros
- Best place for partying
- Annual surfing competitions
- A good number of restaurants and hotels
Cons
- No proper cleaning of the beach
6. Ayangue
At Ayangue Beach, you can enjoy live fish and other seafood straight from the sea. The main highlight of the menu is Patacones with fried fish, Ecuadorian’s favorite.
To reach this place, take Cooperativa Libertad Peninsular from Guayaquil Terminal Terrestre. The whole trip will take around 2 hours to reach the destination.
Special Feature
- Popular diving spot with a high level of marine biodiversity.
Pros
- Good place for family entertainment
- Calm waters for swimming
- Good restaurants with a variety of seafood
Cons
- Not good for partying
- Lack of nightlife
7. San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo (Salinas) is one of the most popular beaches in Ecuador. It is a great place for couples, singles, and even families with kids. Most wealthy locals from Guayaquil love to visit this beach during weekends.
The beach is located in the Santa Elena province, a two-hour drive from Guayaquil. To avoid heavy crowds, we highly recommend visiting on weekdays or off-season.
Special Feature
- Special activities such as paragliding, water skiing, and hang gliding
Pros
- Modern beach vibe with nearby tall buildings and palm trees
- Variety of activities
- Well-maintained beach with good accommodations
Cons
- Crowded by tourists and locals during holidays
Best Ecuador Beaches You Must Visit – Beaches in Esmeraldas
8. Atacames
Atacames is a beach located only 5 hours away from Quito. It has golden sand spread over a two-and-a-half-mile coastline filled with local and international tourists.
Afro-Ecuadoreans descended from Africans who escaped from Spanish slave ships centuries ago now make up a large chunk of the population, giving it more of a Caribbean vibe.
Apart from the activities and sea view, there is a unique town and aquarium to explore.
Special Feature
- Good nightlife with bars featuring the famous South American drink Caipirinha
Pros
- A good number of activities include surfing and swimming
- A wide variety of hotel and restaurant options
- Closest to the capital of Ecuador, Quito
Cons
- For those seeking a restful beach holiday, the vibrant, bustling party-till-you-drop vibe of Atacames may be a turn-off.
9. Tonsupa Beach
Tonsupa is a beach located to the Northwest of Quito. The beach attracts most tourists between June and September, but it is more peaceful than other beaches like Playa Montanita.
To get to Tonsupa Beach, first, take a 2-hour ride from Quito to Santo Domingo. From there, take another bus that takes roughly $4 to $6 to get you to Esmeraldas Terminal Terrestre. Finally, hire a taxi for $8 to $10 that will take you to Tonsupa.
Special Feature
- Best place to try fresh Ecuadorian Ceviche
Pros
- Peaceful atmosphere without many visitors
- Incredible bar and seafood options
- Ideal waters for bodyboarding and swimming
Cons
- Can’t go too far out in the waters due to heavy rip currents
10. Mompiche
Mompiche is famous for its laid-back vibe. It is a place for people who want to grab a drink and enjoy the scenic views of the beach without crowds and noises nearby.
The beach is only a one-and-a-half-hour drive away from Esmeralda’s terminal.
Special Feature
- Allows you to go on a special trek through the jungle near the beach
Pros
- Stunning palm trees
- One of the most popular surfing spots
- Activities such as kiting and windsurfing
Cons
- Not much in terms of nightlife or restaurant choices on the beach
Best Ecuador Beaches You Must Visit – Beaches in Galapagos Archipelago
11. Playa Puerto Villamil
Playa Puerto is located on the Isabela islands of the Galapagos Archipelago. You can get here by ferry or plane.
If you are traveling by plane, you can land at the airport northeast of Central Puerto Villamil.
Special Feature
- One of the best sunset views in Ecuador
Pros
- Can spot marine iguanas in these areas
- Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
- Great bars with cocktails
Cons
- Great views but no activities
12. Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay, another beach within the Galapagos archipelago, is on Santa Cruz Island.
You can walk from Puerto Ayora (on Santa Cruz Island), which takes around an hour to reach the place. Alternatively, take a taxi from the water taxi dock, which costs around $10.
Special Feature
- While walking along the beach or kayaking, the clear waters can sometimes let you see and watch sharks and other marine life underwater or near the coral reefs.
Pros
- Can spot pelicans and iguanas
- There is no entry fee to the beach
Cons
- Not enough activities apart from kayaking and swimming
Where To Stay During Your Visit in Ecuador Beaches
Here are some hotel recommendations according to your preferred budget.
Budget
Mid-range
Luxury
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
How To Stay Safe During Your Visit In Ecuador Beaches
When visiting Ecuador’s beaches, it’s essential to prioritize safety. The beaches range from serene, pristine spots like Los Frailes, known for its protected status and remote location, to bustling surf towns like Montañita. Canoa offers a long beach perfect for various activities, including surfing.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.
Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind, knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Ecuador Beaches
Does Ecuador Have Nice Beaches?
Yes, Ecuador has sensational beaches on the coast with golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
What Time of Year Is Best to Visit Ecuador?
The best time to visit Ecuador is between June and September, during the dry and sunny season.
As for Galapagos Islands, December to May, the wet (warm) season, are the best months to enjoy the beautiful beach, do some sightseeing, and wildlife/marine life viewing.
How Warm Is the Water in Ecuador?
The waters are the warmest in February, with an average temperature of around 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius).
What Is the Best Beach in Ecuador?
Playa Montanita is considered the best beach in Ecuador due to its nightlife and entertainment options.
Conclusion – Ecuador Beaches
Since Ecuador is a small country, these picturesque beaches are close to each other. So, you have the option of not limiting your choice to one location but going beach-hopping.
From tranquil beach towns to places throbbing with the nightlife to awe-inspiring wildlife sights, Ecuador’s breathtaking beaches offer various experiences that suit your liking.
We hope you get the best beach vacation you deserve!
Beach Hopping in Ecuador – Best Booking Resources
I use a couple of favorite companies every time I travel. They have the best prices, great value, and customer service you can wish for. They’re much better than the competition, and I use them a lot. Every time I travel, these are the companies I go for:
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my go-to platform for booking flights. It’s so easy to use. Skyscanner also searches the smaller websites and airlines that are often skipped, which means more savings in your pocket. They are hands down the number one place I book my flights.
Booking.com – Looking for the cheapest and lowest rates? Booking.com is the best platform out there. They have the widest selection and availability worldwide, ideal for travelers on a budget. I book 90% of my travels through Booking.com because they always have the lowest rates
Hostelworld – If you’re into hostels, Hostelworld is the best site to compare hostel accommodation. It’s easy to use, has many options, and has the best availability.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is an online marketplace where you can book tours and excursions. They have tour options worldwide, with any experience you wish for. This includes walking tours, cooking classes, street art lessons, and more unique experiences.
12Go Asia – This platform is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights. The platform is easy to use and I have used it extensively when I traveled through Southeast Asia.
Rome2Rio – Rome2Rio is a convenient website where you can see how to get to your destination the quickest and cheapest. It gives you options for train, bus, plane, or even boat routes and tells you exactly how often they operate and how expensive they are.
SafetyWing – If you’re looking for affordable travel insurance, Safety Wing has you covered. It’s ideal if you’re traveling often or for the long term. I never travel anywhere without travel insurance, and I’ve used it often while on the road. So, I can recommend you look into Safety Wing. They have good monthly prices, the best customer service, and a convenient, easy-to-use process to make claims on the road.
LifeStraw – I love LifeStraw, and it’s been my go-to reusable water bottle with built-in filters for 10 years now. With their bottles, you make sure your drinking water is always clean and safe. I’ve used it everywhere, from South America to Southeast Asia, and I’ve always been perfectly safe drinking the local tap water.
For other amazing beach destinations in the Americas, check these related articles:
- Unwind in Cartagena Colombia Beaches: 11 Best Places to Visit
- Cabo San Juan Travel Guide: 10 Best Things To Do in One of Colombia’s Best Beaches
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.