Looking for the perfect beach getaway in South America? In this post, I’ll share the diverse beaches I discovered in Ecuador—where Pacific waves, golden sands, and rich biodiversity stretch from vibrant surf towns to remote coastal hideaways. Ecuador’s beaches offer diverse landscapes, from lively coastal towns to peaceful, remote shores perfect for relaxation and adventure.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Recommended Ecuador Beaches:
1. Crucita
© jimmy/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Crucita Beach, Manabí Province, EcuadorRecommended For:
Families, sunseekers, paragliders, and travelers looking for a lively but spacious beach destination.What I Love: ♥
Long sandy shoreline perfect for long walks or private relaxation, great conditions for paragliding and water sports, and the mix of modern tourism with local fishing village charm.- Try thrilling activities like paragliding, jet skiing, or banana boat rides offered by local vendors.
- Stroll along the beach and enjoy fresh seafood at beachside restaurants.
- Relax in quieter areas of the beach that stretch far from the central hub.
Cost:
Free public beach access; water sports and rentals available at varying prices.Best time to visit:
December to May for warm, sunny weather and calm waters—ideal for beach activities.Local tips:
Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds. For the best ocean views, try paragliding from the cliffs just south of the town. Local seafood dishes like ceviche are a must-try along the waterfront.Distance:
About 45 minutes by car from Manta, a major city with an airport.How to Get to Crucita Beach:
Easily accessible by car or bus from Manta and nearby towns. Local transport options are available, and the town has accommodations, restaurants, and activity centers along the beach.2. Canoa
© Elisa Locci/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Canoa Beach, Manabí Province, EcuadorRecommended For:
Surfers, backpackers, adventurous travelers, and beachgoers seeking a more relaxed, less-touristy scene.What I Love: ♥
Rolling surf breaks ideal for all skill levels, peaceful ambiance, and scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops that invite exploration and stunning photography.- Surf challenging waves along this expansive stretch of beach—perfect for seasoned and beginner surfers alike.
- Explore the surrounding cliffs and rocky trails for panoramic coastal views.
- Unwind in a hammock or enjoy the chill vibe of the beachfront hostels and cafés.
Cost:
Free public access; surfboard rentals and lessons available locally.Best time to visit:
December to April for the best surf conditions and warm, dry weather.Local tips:
Mornings often have calmer waves—great for beginners. The town is small and walkable, with plenty of local eateries serving seafood and smoothies. Sunsets here are especially breathtaking from the cliffs.Distance:
Roughly 2.5 hours by car from Manta or 1.5 hours from Bahía de Caráquez.How to Get to Canoa Beach:
Accessible by bus or car from nearby towns like Bahía de Caráquez. Buses from Manta or Quito connect to the region. Accommodations range from rustic beach hostels to eco-lodges.Romantic Ecuador Beaches:
3. Tonsupa
© Robert/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Tonsupa Beach, Esmeraldas Province, EcuadorRecommended For:
Families, couples, weekenders from Quito, and travelers looking for an easy, well-equipped beach escape.What I Love: ♥
Soft, sandy shores lined with vibrant umbrellas, beachfront accommodations, and the ease of access to food, facilities, and shaded lounging areas.- Relax beneath colorful umbrellas while soaking up views of the Pacific.
- Swim or paddle in calm, warm waters ideal for all ages.
- Dine on local seafood and snacks at casual beachside eateries.
Cost:
Free public beach access; rentals for loungers and umbrellas are available.Best time to visit:
December to April for sunny, dry weather and peak beachfront activity.Local tips:
Arrive early on weekends to find good parking and a shaded spot. Many Quito residents visit for holidays, so booking accommodations in advance is recommended during peak times.Distance:
Approximately 6 hours by car or bus from Quito.How to Get to Tonsupa Beach:
Accessible by car or long-distance bus from Quito. Once in Esmeraldas Province, follow signs to Tonsupa. The beach area is lined with resorts, small hotels, eateries, and public facilities for a convenient stay.4. Los Frailes
© Will/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Los Frailes Beach, Machalilla National Park, Manabí Province, EcuadorRecommended For:
Nature lovers, photographers, eco-tourists, and beachgoers seeking a serene, undeveloped coastline.What I Love: ♥
The untouched natural beauty, the peaceful vibe thanks to strict conservation rules, and the stunning cliffside views that frame the bay.- Stroll the trail through dry forest to reach this pristine beach and enjoy panoramic viewpoints along the way.
- Swim in calm, clear waters ideal for cooling off after a nature hike.
- Disconnect from modern life in a truly tranquil, undeveloped coastal setting.
Cost:
Free entry, but registration is required at the park entrance.Best time to visit:
June to December for dry weather and lighter crowds; January to May for warmer water and a more relaxed park atmosphere.Local tips:
Bring only essentials—prohibited items (like alcohol and plastic) are not allowed, especially outside the tourist season. Arrive early for easier access and cooler hiking conditions. Closed during late afternoon for conservation purposes.Distance:
About 3 hours by car or bus from Guayaquil; 15 minutes from Puerto López.How to Get to Los Frailes Beach:
Travel to Puerto López, then continue to the Machalilla National Park entrance. From there, visitors can hike or take a tuk-tuk to the beach. Park rangers regulate entry and monitor compliance with conservation guidelines to preserve the beach’s pristine condition.Unique Ecuador Beaches:
5. Montanita
© jaime/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Montañita Beach, Santa Elena Province, EcuadorRecommended For:
Couples, backpackers, sunset seekers, surfers, and those looking for a lively beach-town vibe.What I Love: ♥
Epic sunset views, laid-back beach culture with live music and dancing, and an abundance of food stalls serving delicious, budget-friendly snacks and drinks.- Watch the sun dip below the horizon in a blaze of reds and golds—perfect for a romantic evening.
- Relax on the beach during the day to the sounds of music drifting from nearby bars.
- Snack on local bites and sip cool drinks from beachside vendors and pop-up stalls.
Cost:
Free public access; food and drinks are affordably priced from vendors and local bars.Best time to visit:
December to April for warm weather, consistent surf, and a lively social scene.Local tips:
Sunset is a must-see—arrive an hour before to find the best spot. The beach gets livelier in the late afternoon, so morning visits offer more tranquility. Accommodations range from budget hostels to boutique stays.Distance:
Around 3 hours by car or bus from Guayaquil.How to Get to Montañita Beach:
Buses from Guayaquil or Santa Elena run frequently to Montañita. Once in town, the beach is just steps from the central plaza and surrounded by hostels, cafes, and surf shops that make exploring easy and fun.6. Mompiche
© Kseniya Ragozina/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Mompiche Beach, Esmeraldas Province, EcuadorRecommended For:
Tranquil travelers, sunset lovers, cultural explorers, and those looking to avoid crowded beach spots.What I Love: ♥
Spacious sandy shoreline, peaceful ambiance, colorful sunsets, and glimpses into traditional fishing life right on the beach.- Stroll along the vast, uncrowded beach and find your perfect patch of paradise.
- Admire the sunset as it paints the sky with warm colors over the Pacific horizon.
- Observe local fishermen at work—an authentic and calming cultural experience.
Cost:
Free public access; basic accommodations and small eateries are available in town.Best time to visit:
December to April for warm, dry weather and gentle ocean conditions.Local tips:
Bring your own beach gear as services are minimal. For the quietest spots, walk away from the town center. Ask locals for the best times to see fishing activity or take a boat tour to nearby coastal islets.Distance:
About 1.5 hours by car from the city of Esmeraldas.How to Get to Mompiche Beach:
Take a bus or taxi from Esmeraldas to Mompiche town. Once there, the expansive beach is easily accessible on foot, with plenty of space to relax, swim, or watch the local life unfold in a serene, coastal setting.📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
-
Where can you find the best beaches on the Ecuador coast?
- If you're searching for some of the best beaches on the Ecuador coast, this beach guide will help you discover top destinations.
-
How were the best beaches in Ecuador selected?
- We've explored many different beaches along the South American coastline to narrow this list down to the very best locations.
-
What types of beaches can visitors find in Ecuador?
- Whether you're looking for a good water sport beach with big waves and lots of activity, or a calmer spot for families and kids, Ecuador has something for everyone.
- Our beach descriptions below provide insights into the best options for various preferences.
🌤 Best Time to Visit Ecuador Beaches
- December to May – Best overall time with sunny skies, warm water, and ideal conditions for swimming and surfing.
- January to March – Peak beach season with hot weather, vibrant coastal towns, and lively local festivals.
- June to November – Cooler and drier with overcast mornings—great for surfing and fewer crowds.
- April & May – Transition months with a balance of sun and calm seas for relaxed beach days.
- Year-Round – Beaches like Montañita and Salinas offer beach vibes, surf, and warm temps any time of year.
Plan Your Trip