Top 5 Ecuadorian beaches

A personal ranking

Despite its relatively small size compared to its neighbors, Ecuador is the proud owner of some of the most marvelous beach destinations, internationally recognized for both their beauty and their accessibility.

Because of my family roots and personal preferences, I have spent quite a lot of time in the Ecuadorian coast and in the Galapagos Islands, having the opportunity to know many of our most precious beaches.

So here are my top 5 Ecuadorian beaches, which I have chosen because of their beauty, safety, accessibility, environmental protection, and/or activities to do:

Playa Mann (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno City, San Cristóbal – Galapagos Islands)

One of my personal favorites, this beach occupies a special place in my heart, since it is the place where I swam my first aquatic marathon three years ago.

Here you will enjoy calm water, eye-catching sunsets, in the company of sea lions lying down free in the sand. If you want to eat, you will find food kiosks just beside the beach.

Playa Mann is at a walking-distance from many of the lsland’s landmarks.

Ayangue (Santa Elena – Ecuadorian Coast)

Another favorite, easily accessible by car from Guayaquil. It is part of the well-known “Ruta Spondylus”, which covers various beaches along the Ecuadorian Coast.

Ayangue beach is in a bay, which makes its waters calm and generally safe for swimming, for which it is also known as the “Pacific pool”. If you are looking for a beach within a small calm town, accessible by car, with fresh local food, where you can practice snorkeling or diving, you should definitely include Ayangue as part of your itinerary.

Salinas (Santa Elena – Ecuadorian Coast)

Salinas is an Ecuadorian coastal city in the Santa Elena province. Amongs others, it contains the beaches of San Lorenzo, Chipipe, and Mar Bravo.

San Lorenzo and Chipipe are the most popular, since they are right next to pier and the city center, and their waters are generally calm. Mar Bravo (Rough sea) is a little distant from the downtown, but still accessible by walk. As its name suggests, the Mar Bravo’s waters are generally rough, making it a good spot for surfing, though not for swimming.

From a environmental and biodiversity point of view, there are other beaches that might be more suitable Vs. Salinas. However, Salinas is an ideal options for those who seek the beauty of a beach within the comfort of a well-developed accessible city, with a wide variety of gastronomy and nightlife.

Los Frailes (Manabi – Ecuadorian Coast)

Probably one of the Ecuadorian most notorious beaches, Los Frailes delights its visitors with its natural and quiet surroundings.

It is part of the Machalilla National Park, a protected area home to many mammals and bird species. Los Frailes belongs to the Manabi province and is part of the Spondylus route.

Puerto Villamil (Isabela – Galapagos Islands)

And last but not least, Puerto Villamil is a spot I strongly suggest if you are visiting the Galapagos Islands. Either you could spend the night in the island, or you could book a one-day tour that takes you from Santa Cruz island.

This beach, located in the biggest Galapagos’ island- Isabela-, covers a long line across its coast. As in other beaches spots, it is a nice place to enjoy the sunset, to have a calm walk across its longitude while spotting iguanas, or to enjoy a nice meal or drink.

The town is relatively small, so there is the advantage of a walking distance from and to the beach.

There are many more beaches with their due attributes that I will mention in further posts. But for now, I hope you will consider some of my top 5 for your next visit to Ecuador!