Looking for a great beach in Ecuador? In this post, we’ll cover 22 Ecuador beaches worth visiting. Plus details on the best beach towns in the country. We begin the post with our picks for the 3 best beaches in Ecuador.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Ultimate guide? Really? Yes, while this guide doesn’t include every beach in Ecuador, this is the goal. We’ll keep updating this post with corrections, additions and more photos. Have a correction, tip or addition? Let us know Yes, while this guide doesn’t include every beach in Ecuador, this is the goal. We’ll keep updating this post with corrections, additions and more photos. Have a correction, tip or addition? Let us know in the comments

This guide doesn’t include Galapagos beaches. There are so many, we’ve decided to publish that as another guide. Watch for that in the coming months.

Ecuador’s Best Beaches to Visit

Planning a trip to Ecuador? While the country is not known for its beaches (yet) it is on the South Pacific and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches of South America.

Ecuador is a nature lover’s paradise where you can find the most pristine beaches in the most unexpected of places. There’s a beach for every activity or for those that just want to relax and enjoy the scenery. Some of the best beaches in Ecuador are listed below, in no particular order.

3 Best Beaches in Ecuador (Our Picks)

To help you sort out the options, here are the 3 best beaches in Ecuador. Disagree with our choices? Let us know your favorite in the comments!

Most Beautiful Beach in Ecuador [Los Frailes Beach] Because of it’s protected status as part of Machalilla National Park – and because of its remote location, Playa Los Frailes is one of Ecuador’s most pristine beaches. Jump to Los Frailes beach Best Surfing Beach in Ecuador [Montanita] Along with Playas, Montanita has a large draw for experienced surfers. If you’re a beginner, you might consider Puerto Cayo or Mompiche. Jump to Montanita beach Longest Beach in Ecuador [Canoa Beach] At 17.4 km / 10.8 miles the beach in Canoa is Ecuador’s longest beach. There are tons of things to do, plus the beach has equipment rentals, restaurants and lodging. The beach is wide and great for surfing. Jump to Canoa

Which is the most popular beach in Ecuador? Based on location and how often they are mentioned by foreigners, I would say that it’s a toss up between Salinas and Playas. They are super easy to get to, close to a national / international airport (Guayaquil) and there are lots of options for hotels and furnished rentals in both areas. These beaches make up the first 3 in our list.

Here are all the beaches we’ll cover. Click on the link to jump to that beach.

Other beaches we plan on covering: Playa Cabuyal, Pedernales, San Clemente/San Jacinto, Playa Rosada.

More reading: Buyers Guide to the Best Sun Protection Hats – specifically for travelers to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

22 Ecuador Beaches You’ll Want to Visit

All of these beaches are on mainland Ecuador. Interested in the Galapagos? We are currently writing the guide to Galapagos beaches.

Beach in Spanish: Playa. As you’ll notice in this post, the Spanish word for beach is playa. This is a feminine noun: la playa (the beach).

What is a malecón? A term you’ll come across in almost every beach town is “malecón”. Although the literal translation is “pier” this isn’t actually what it refers to. The malecon is almost always away from the water – with the beach (and often a road) separating the two. Malecon refers to the boardwalk and strip of restaurants and businesses along the beach.

Traveler Note: Most commonly, the beaches in Ecuador are not known by their proper name, rather the name of the town or area that they are located in. I’ve included both in this post.

In this post, each beach is referenced to the province that it’s located in. Here’s a guide to Ecuador’s 24 provinces.

Did I miss one? Let me know your nomination in the comments – and we’ll add the best ones to the post!

1. General Villamil Beach (Playas)

Also known simply as “Playas”, which refers to both the beach and the town where it’s located. Spanish: Playa General Villamil

Type of Beach: White sand

White sand Length of Beach: 13 km / 8 mi

13 km / 8 mi Services: Hotels, restaurants, rentals along the Malecon.

Hotels, restaurants, rentals along the Malecon. Province: Guayas

Guayas Nearest city / airport: Guayaquil

Playas is a resort area and it boasts some of the best beaches in Ecuador. Approximately eight miles of oceanfront lining the coastline, with great weather conditions and beaches that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.

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Surfing in Playas is particularly favoured, especially by experienced surfers. You can also find quiet areas to relax in peaceful settings. It’s similar to Salinas in many ways, especially the services and comforts provided, it’s just smaller in size and scope.

You will find a lot of locals sunbathing and cooling off in the waters because its the closest beach to Guayaquil. Cafes are up and down the length of the beach, serving up delicious seafood. Playas has long been a fishing area and has a thriving fishing industry, so fresh seafood is widely available. Playas is currently experiencing a growth spurt, so expect big things for the city in the future.

Map of General Villamil Beach in Playas

Interested to photograph some of these beaches on your trip? Check out our Guide to the Best Camera for Travel.

2. Chipipe Beach (Salinas)

Spanish: Playa Chipipe, Salinas

Type of Beach: White / golden sand

White / golden sand Length of Beach: 1.6 km / 1 mi

1.6 km / 1 mi Services: Limited on the beach. Just a short walk and you’ll find hotels, seafood restaurants and rentals.

Limited on the beach. Just a short walk and you’ll find hotels, seafood restaurants and rentals. Province: Santa Elena

Santa Elena Nearest city / airport: Salinas

Located west of the Yacht Club is Playa Chipipe – a longer and wider beach than the more popular San Lorenzo Beach to the east. More on this beach below.

Map of Chipipe Beach

3. Salinas Beach (San Lorenzo Beach)

Spanish: Playa de San Lorenzo, Salinas

Type of Beach: White / golden sand

White / golden sand Length of Beach: 1.5 km / 1 mi

1.5 km / 1 mi Services: On the malecon, directly behind the beach you’ll find hotels, seafood restaurants and rentals.

On the malecon, directly behind the beach you’ll find hotels, seafood restaurants and rentals. Province: Santa Elena

Santa Elena Nearest city / airport: Salinas

One of Ecuador’s best known resort towns, Salinas, is like a smaller version of Miami. If you love amenities, this is the place for you.

Modern buildings line the beach, and there are clubs galore, luxury shopping, a multitude of places to eat and drink, and vendors everywhere. The beach is the main attraction for residents and tourists alike.

The waters are calm, clean, and warm, with lots to do if you’re feeling adventurous. You can go paragliding, kayaking, skydiving, or hang gliding. Other activities include whale watching tours and fishing.

The beach can be crowded and noisy at times, especially during the peak periods, December through April, but there are areas west along the water where it’s a bit quieter. Comfortable, reasonably priced accommodations are available close to the beach and there’s clubs and bars for those that love the nightlife.

Salinas is easy to get to as it’s only 90 miles from Guayaquil, the location of an international airport. In addition, regular bus service to Salinas is available.

Here’s a video from our first trip to Salinas (back in 2010).

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And here’s a glimpse of the beach malecon in Salinas.

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Map of Salinas Ecuador

4. Ayangue Beach

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 0.64 km / 0.4 mi

0.64 km / 0.4 mi Services: Decent services for a small village.

Decent services for a small village. Province: Santa Elena

Santa Elena Nearest city / airport: Salinas

North of Salinas is Ayangue Beach, a lovely spot with a harbor formed by small cliffs. It’s a wide open space where fishing boats are aplenty, as well as sun worshippers relaxing on the sand.

The beach is very kid friendly with warm waters and no currents. The seafood in this area is very good and always fresh as fishermen are constantly bringing in a variety, including large amounts of lobster. Seafood lovers can pick and choose from the many options on the beach or around the town.

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You can get a plate of seafood with rice and salad for $3.50 to $5.00 from one of the many people cooking outdoors on wood fires. Seafood for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! The village is located about a mile off the highway and there’s no bus service available, but there’s ample parking in the village and behind the beach.

Map of Ayangue Beach

5. Montanita: Ecuador’s Beach Party Town

Spanish: Playa de Montanita

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 6.9 km / 4.3 mi

6.9 km / 4.3 mi Services: Lots of hostels, restaurants (including vegan and seafood), and entertainment options.

Lots of hostels, restaurants (including vegan and seafood), and entertainment options. Province: Santa Elena

Santa Elena Nearest city / airport: Salinas. Roughly half way between Manta and Guayaquil

Located on Ecuador’s South Coast, Montanita is a small town and a popular spot for surfers and backpackers. The surfing is excellent throughout the months of December to May, because of milder temperatures and better waves. Beginners should be cautious though, when riding the long, large waves, and everyone should be especially careful of the riptides.

Montanita hosts some professional surf contests throughout the season. The town is very laid back and the culture is tolerant and broad-minded.

Overall, the town and vibe is very lively, as it’s full of young people; what some would call hippies. Some earn money as vendors of fabric and jewelry, and can be seen along the street corridors. There are many nightclubs and beach bars in Montanita, and weekends are typically full of noisy parties, especially during the high season.

You can find fresh seafood and vegetarian eateries in abundance, as well as internet access. The town is busiest and most crowded during the months of January and February. Getting there is pretty easy. You can get a bus into the town from Guayaquil or Manta.

Map of Montanita

6. Olon Beach

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 5.6 km / 3.8 mi

5.6 km / 3.8 mi Services: Lots of hostels, restaurants and entertainment options.

Lots of hostels, restaurants and entertainment options. Province: Santa Elena

Santa Elena Nearest city / airport: Salinas. Roughly half way between Manta and Guayaquil

Olon is a sleepy town located off the central coast of Ecuador, right in the center of the country’s coastline next to Montanita. The area beaches have some of the best surfing in South America, and Olon Beach in particular, is unspoiled in its natural beauty.

Olon has become well known not only to locals but to people from all over the world. The town has bungalows and hostels for rent and a few restaurants. A natural preserve is to the north.

Watch on YouTube

There’s also a lot to do in Olon, such as hiking to nearby waterfalls, fishing, and whale watching. Surfing classes are offered and there are lifeguards posted on the beach (primarily during high season). A boardwalk spans the beach as well as restaurants and public restrooms.

Map of Olon Ecuador

7. Ayampe Beach (Las Tunas Beach)

Spanish: Playa Ayampe and Playa Las Tunas

Although technically these are two beaches (Ayampe and Las Tuna), separated by the Ayampe River, we’re including these as one.

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 3.5 km / 2.2 mi

3.5 km / 2.2 mi Services: Limited. The town is small and the beach is relatively unknown.

Limited. The town is small and the beach is relatively unknown. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Roughly the same distance from Salinas, Manta and Guayaquil

Playa Las Tunas and Playa Ayampe are located in Manabi, between Puerto Lopez and Montanita. It’s a romantic setting with beautiful sunsets. The soft, white sand beach and crystal clear water is warm, inviting, and calming. It’s a main attraction for tourists, both local and foreign. This run of beach is a tranquil place, where you can relax and enjoy the beach in peace until you’re ready to venture out to nearby areas for sightseeing or activities like hiking.

Some of the area hotels offer horseback riding tours, where you can ride on the beach or take a trail through a jungle-like setting. There you’ll see different kinds of bird, trees, plants, and maybe a monkey or two. Watersports are also available, to include windsurfing, water skiing, and parasailing. Sportfishing is another activity you can engage in.

The province of Manabi is a good area to go diving as well, as there’s many interesting coral and colorful fish to be seen. Stalls selling local crafts are near the beach and you can find delicious cuisine made with seafood and traditional Manabi food.

Map of Ayampe and Las Tunas Beach

8. Salango Beach and Salango Island

Spanish: Playa Salango and Isla Salango

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 3.8 km / 2.3 mi

3.8 km / 2.3 mi Services: Limited. The town of Salango is small.

Limited. The town of Salango is small. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Roughly the same distance from Salinas, Manta and Guayaquil

Located in the community of Salango, in the Puerto Lopez canton, Salango beach is a little known location. From the beach, you can see Salango Island which (along with Isla de la Plata) is part of Machalilla National Park.

The local economy is based on community-based ecotourism. Salango Island is home to blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and pelicans. Off the main beach, is a marine sanctuary that is a popular dive destination because of its schools of tropical fish and coral reefs.

Watch on YouTube

Map of Salango Beach

Here’s an aerial view of Isla Salango and Playa Salango.

Map of Salango Island, Manabi, Ecuador

9. Puerto Lopez Beach

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 4 km / 2.5 mi

4 km / 2.5 mi Services: The malecon that runs along the beach as many restaurants and equipment rentals.

The malecon that runs along the beach as many restaurants and equipment rentals. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Roughly the same distance from Salinas, Manta and Guayaquil

Puerto Lopez is a fishing village on the Pacific Coast that has developed into a beach resort popular with locals and tourists. The town makes efforts to be eco-friendly and has eco hotels throughout the town. Their gorgeous beach is perfect for swimming or just relaxing.

The tranquil waters of the protected bay are perfect for unwinding, while the dense growth of plant life on the hills above the beach is very jungle-like and exotic. The beach also features a brick walkway along its embankment (a malecon), and an updated pier.

Activities include a boat trip to go whale watching or scuba diving, and a visit to the Isla de la Plata to see iguanas, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. Puerto Lopez is also known as the gateway to the Machalilla National Park, the country’s only coastal park, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches and relaxing hot springs, among other things.

Whale watching takes place from June to September and humpback whales are frequently seen in this area. This is the time of their annual migration and you can see them close up, doing all sorts of very exciting and heart pounding acrobatics.

Map of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador

10. Los Frailes Beach

Spanish: Playa Los Frailes

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 1.5 km / 0.9 mi

1.5 km / 0.9 mi Services: Limited services on the beach. There is a bathroom / change room in the parking lot. There are a few booths selling snacks and beach gear. There are no beach chairs or umbrellas to rent/use.

Limited services on the beach. There is a bathroom / change room in the parking lot. There are a few booths selling snacks and beach gear. There are no beach chairs or umbrellas to rent/use. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Manta

Los Frailes beach is situated just north of Puerto Lopez, and is one of the most picturesque and flawless beaches in Ecuador. The beach is thought to be one of the best in the country and is a favorite of locals; it’s usually crowded on weekends. The waters are a clear blue and very calm, creating a peaceful and relaxing feeling.

It’s a part of the Machalilla National Park, located on the central coast. The park is home to monkeys and hundreds of bird species, and has much to offer. Machalilla is home to some of the most secluded beaches in Ecuador.

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A two hour hike is offered, or you can explore on your own or with a tour guide. There are many unique sights in the Machalilla National Park, such as Playa Negra, a black sand beach where you can swim and snorkel. There are no facilities, so be sure to bring supplies including food and refreshments.

Map of Los Frailes Beach

11. Puerto Cayo

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi

5.5 km / 3.4 mi Services: There is a nice set of basic services along the malecon that runs the length of much of the beach.

There is a nice set of basic services along the malecon that runs the length of much of the beach. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Manta

Located north of the community (and national park) of Machalilla, Puerto Cayo is a small fishing village. Located just off the beach is Islote Pedernales, a small island with some great snorkeling and diving. There is a small beach on the island.

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Surfing at the Puerto Cayo beach is considered great for beginners: consistent surf and a shallow gradient. You can take lessons from local instructors.

There is a growing expat community in town, with a number of beachfront developments underway.

Map of Puerto Cayo Beach

12. Beach in San Lorenzo

Type of Beach: White sand

White sand Length of Beach: 3 km / 1.9 mi

3 km / 1.9 mi Services: Very limited. The beach is located in a small fishing village.

Very limited. The beach is located in a small fishing village. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Manta

The beach in the town of San Lorenzo is not to be confused with San Lorenzo beach, located in Salinas (to the south). And just to keep things interesting, there is another town of San Lorenzo, in Esmeraldas province, near the border with Colombia.

The town of San Lorenzo (Manabi province) is located north of the community of Santa Rosa. At the north end of the beach, there is a large stone cliff that stands about 175 feet high.

The small community of San Lorenzo has some basic tourism services and a couple of hotels.

Watch on YouTube

Map of San Lorenzo

13. Santa Marianita Beach (Playa Bonita)

Spanish: Playa Santa Marianita. Its other name (Playa Bonita) means Beautiful Beach in English.

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 4.9 km / 3 mi

4.9 km / 3 mi Services: Some hotels, restaurants and gear rental in town.

Some hotels, restaurants and gear rental in town. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Manta

Playa Santa Marianita is a top destination for kitesurfing. The very wide and almost 5 km long beach is perfect for beginners.

The community of Santa Marianita is located south of San Mateo, a local fishing port.

Watch on YouTube

Map of Playa Bonita

14. Playa del Murcielago, Manta

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 2 km / 1.3 mi

2 km / 1.3 mi Services: Everything. It is located in the city of Manta. There are lots of services right on the beach and malecon.

Everything. It is located in the city of Manta. There are lots of services right on the beach and malecon. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Manta

Playa del Murcielago is one of the beaches in Manta, location of some of the most spectacular beaches in South America. This beach is beautiful and has a scenic malecon, which is a word used in Spanish speaking countries to describe a stone-built embankment or esplanade along a waterfront.

You can rent umbrellas and chairs on the beach, and the facilities are equipped with public showers and toilets. There’s restaurants, bars, recreational areas, and a craft market. Food vendors sell a variety of traditional Ecuadorian food like corviche, cassava bread, and chifles on the beach.

The commercial part of the city is within walking distance and things to do include diving, sport fishing, surfing, scuba diving, water skiing, and kitesurfing.

What does Murcielago mean? In case you’re wondering, “murcielago” is Spanish for the English word “bat” – as in the flying mammal. Murcielago was also the name of a fighting bull from 1879 (Córdoba, Spain) that is storied to have survived 90 sword strokes. A model of Lamborghini was named after this bull.

Aerial Footage of Playa del Murcielago, Manta

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Map of Playa del Murcielago, Manta

15. Crucita Beach

Spanish: Playa de Crucita

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 8.8 km / 5.4 mi

8.8 km / 5.4 mi Services: Basic services along the malecon. Take paragliding or surf lessons on the beach.

Basic services along the malecon. Take paragliding or surf lessons on the beach. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Manta

Crucita is located a few minutes north of Manta and is a top destination for paragliding (Spanish: Parapente). This is also a good location for kite surfing because of its constant breeze.

There is a growing expat community in Crucita.

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Map of Crucita

16. Bahía de Caráquez

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 0.8 km / 0.5 mi

0.8 km / 0.5 mi Services: The beach is located right in town, so you’ll find food vendors, hotels and transport right off the beach.

The beach is located right in town, so you’ll find food vendors, hotels and transport right off the beach. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Manta

Bahia de Caraquez is one of the cities in Ecuador that’s known for protecting its ecosystems. They recycle and provide education to the public about composting and the environment. Their protected bay offers terrific beaches for swimming and surfing.

The city is located between the Chone River and the Pacific Ocean, so swimming and surfing conditions are dependent on which side you’re on.

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The Pacific side is prone to riptides so swimming is a little more dangerous. Surfing in general is dependent on the weather conditions. There’s better surfing conditions just a few miles away in one of the nearby beaches. An oceanside avenue bordering the town provides a scenic view of the shoreline and harbor, with its many docked sailboats.

Daily tours are available to visit nearby nature preserves that contain areas of large mangroves full of colorful birds, and some secluded beaches.

Map of Bahía de Caráquez

17. Canoa Beach

Another low-key area on the Pacific Coast, Canoa allows a more laid-back experience, both on the beach and in the town. It’s located just north of Bahia de Caraquez.

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 17.4 km / 10.8 mi

17.4 km / 10.8 mi Services: Canoa is a small fishing village and while the services are limited, they are better than some other similarly sized towns. You can rent beach tents, chairs, surf boards, even horseback rides in Canoa. Numerous food vendors and lodging options close to the beach.

Canoa is a small fishing village and while the services are limited, they are better than some other similarly sized towns. You can rent beach tents, chairs, surf boards, even horseback rides in Canoa. Numerous food vendors and lodging options close to the beach. Province: Manabi

Manabi Nearest city / airport: Manta

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Like Mompiche, the beach is a surfer’s paradise, with constant waves that roll in from December to May. You will see a lot of surfboards and hammocks in Canoa, and there isn’t much available in the way of restaurants, bars, or shopping.

There’s a few hotels, mostly near the beach. This is what makes the place special, as it’s one of the few undeveloped, untouched areas that you can see along Ecuador’s coast. The area and its beaches are pristine.

While exploring you will notice Canoa is bordered by cliffs, with caves beneath, where you can have a look during low tide.

Map of Canoa Beach

18. Mompiche Beach

Spanish: Playa Mompiche

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 5.7 km / 3.6 mi

5.7 km / 3.6 mi Services: While the town is small, there are a growing number of services for tourism. Outside of town, there is lots to do, including jungle treks, nature reserves, bird watching, and kite/windsurfing on the beach.

While the town is small, there are a growing number of services for tourism. Outside of town, there is lots to do, including jungle treks, nature reserves, bird watching, and kite/windsurfing on the beach. Province: Esmeraldas

Esmeraldas Nearest city / airport: Esmeraldas / Manta

The village of Mompiche on the Pacific Coast is like nirvana to backpackers, surfers and travelers that like solitude, as the long stretch of beach offers excellent waves with no crowds.

The best surfing to be had is during the months of December through May. The area is very easy-going with a few small hotels and restaurants in the town. The one exception is the huge Royal Decameron all-inclusive resort, that has over 282 rooms, 7 restaurants and 5 swimming pools. Mompiche is also known for its exotic birds and there’s a river that winds through the town, the Rio Verde.

Places to visit near Mompiche include Isla Portete, which is a very tiny serene island, that has an assortment of ocean life to be seen through its crystal clear waters.

Map of Mompiche Beach

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of Ecuador beaches and beach settings to choose from: fishing villages, resort towns, tropical jungles, and volcanic remnants. There are so many locations and activities such as hiking, snorkeling, water sports, sailing, fishing, surfing, and scuba diving, to choose from, you may need more than one trip.

The idyllic landscapes and natural beauty are awe inspiring. Some visitors become so enamoured that they don’t want to leave or end up coming back, permanently.

19. Muisne Beach

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 6.4 km / 4 mi

6.4 km / 4 mi Services: Very limited.

Very limited. Province: Esmeraldas

Esmeraldas Nearest city / airport: Esmeraldas / Manta

Muisne is a small coastal town located on an island in the Ensenada de Mompiche Bay. The beach is not well known, but it is long and wide. The beach is often empty and it’s lined with palm trees.

To get to the island, you’ll can take a small outboard-motor boat (passengers) or a barge (for cars and small trucks). In 2017, a 320-meter foot bridge was constructed, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to pass from the mainland to the island.

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Map of Muisne

20. Same Beach

Spanish: Playa de Same

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 2 km / 1.3 mi

2 km / 1.3 mi Services: Aside from a few food vendors and gear rentals, the town las limited services. Unless, of course, you are staying at Club Casablanca.

Aside from a few food vendors and gear rentals, the town las limited services. Unless, of course, you are staying at Club Casablanca. Province: Esmeraldas

Esmeraldas Nearest city / airport: Esmeraldas / Manta

Same is a small village west of the city of Esmeraldas. It is home to a large private community called Club Casablanca. The development lies at the east end of the beach built into the small hill. You can sometimes find an apartment for rent on Airbnb.

Here’s a glimpse of the development and the beautiful beach.

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Map of Same

21. Sua Beach

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 1 km / 0.6 mi

1 km / 0.6 mi Services: A few along the malecon, but limited.

A few along the malecon, but limited. Province: Esmeraldas

Esmeraldas Nearest city / airport: Esmeraldas / Manta

This small beach is located west of Atacames in the fishing village of Sua.

This is a quieter alternative to the nearby Atacames beach. From here, you can leave on a whale watching tour, watch for blue footed boobies (that nest on Suicide Rock – an 80 meter high limestone pillar in the ocean), or just enjoy the sheltered beach.

According to Viva Travel Guides, Peñón del Suicida (Suicide Rock), the rock is named after Princess Súa and conquistador Captain de León – Ecuador’s own Romeo and Juliet – who leapt headlong into the sea after a forbidden love affair gone awry.

Map of Sua Beach

22. Atacames Beach

Type of Beach: Golden sand

Golden sand Length of Beach: 4.2 km / 2.6 mi

4.2 km / 2.6 mi Services: Many options as this is a busy beach town, with many tourists coming from Ecuador, Colombia and abroad.

Many options as this is a busy beach town, with many tourists coming from Ecuador, Colombia and abroad. Province: Esmeraldas

Esmeraldas Nearest city / airport: Esmeraldas / Manta

Atacames gives you the ability to enjoy all the beauty and culture of Ecuador beaches on a budget. It offers a beautiful two and a half mile stretch of sandy beach with an array of bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from.

There’s also a lot of cheap hotels along the beach to get the most bang for your buck, but there’s larger and higher quality hotels if you prefer.

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Atacames is not very touristy and you’ll find mostly local folks enjoying the party atmosphere on weekends and holidays. The town caters to a large amount of local and international visitors between the months of June and September, which is their high season.

Surfing and swimming are some of the water activities enjoyed here, but caution is advised as sharks live in the surrounding waters.

Map of Atacames Beach

More reading: Guide to Ecuador’s 18 Largest Cities

Your Turn

What beaches are on your bucket list? Did we miss one? Let us know your favorite Ecuador beach in the comments!

Protect yourself from the sun with a quality travel umbrella. Here are some of the best options.