
Ecuador has a dramatic landscape, and the coastline is no exception. You can find empty beaches where humpback whales perform acrobatics near the coast, and popular beaches with warm water and a bustling town. Take a cruise to the Galápagos to see beaches covered in sea lions and rare species of waterfowl.
PLANNING A BEACH VACATION IN ECUADOR
Ecuador’s wild Pacific coast has a variety of of beaches. Tell your travel planner if you’re more interested in popular seaside destinations or quiet, eco-friendly beach towns.
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours from around the world. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
Ecuador beachfront hotels
Hotels on the sand on Isabela and San Cristóbal in the Galápagos and on the mainland coast. See all Ecuador beachfront hotels .
Iguana Crossing
A boutique hotel that doesn’t skimp on luxuries, Iguana Crossing balances state-of-the-art accommodations with an eco-friendly mission in harmony with the island it calls home.
Casa Playa Mann
As the name suggests, Casa Playa Mann Hostal is just a few steps away from the beach. It offers just 9 rooms, creating a boutique feel for this sandy escape. There’s a lovely shared sitting area that overlooks the ocean, and many of the rooms offer a view of the ocean.
Casa Opuntia Galápagos
Casa Opuntia offers 13 air-conditioned rooms for guests who are looking to get the complete Galápagos experience. You’ll be a short walk from the local beach, Playa de Oro, and the small town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of Isla San Cristóbal. Baquerizo is the best place on the island to look for a bite to eat. The Casa Opuntia Hotel was created to provide you rest and relaxation, away from the city environment, so you do not have TV service, telephone in the room, no room service; but, always offering a personalized service to all our guests. Wi-Fi just in common areas
La Casa de Marita
Nestled in the palm trees along a private beach, La Casa de Marita is a true tropical escape on Isabela Island. Romantic and relaxed, this special boutique hotel is a classic getaway spot.
Galápagos snorkeling
Kicker Rock, Española, Santa Fe and South Plaza island tours from Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal. See all Ecuador snorkeling tours.
South Plaza Island
From $357This tour will take you to South Plaza Island, which is the smallest island of the Galápagos. Despite its small size, this island still has a wealth of interesting wildlife.
Espanola Island Tour
From $400Located two hours from San Cristóbal, Española is the southernmost island and one of the oldest in the Galápagos archipelago. The island's flat profile is extremely dry with only a few inches of rain per year. Despite the dry climate the island is one of the world's only known nesting sites for the Waved Albatross.
During the boat trip you can enjoy the beautiful landscape and you may see dolphins. Upon arrival at León Dormido we will navigate around the island to see the sea birds and sea lions, resting on the rocks. If you wish, you can snorkel — there is a good chance you will see the Galapagos shark, sea turtles, different types of rays, and a variety of fish. After that, you have some free time to enjoy the beach at Playa Ochoa, Cerro el Brujo or Playa Manglecito. Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

San Cristobal Highlands Tour
From $713Venture into the highlands of San Cristóbal on this tour. You’ll get to see some of the most interesting plants in the Galápagos and the only freshwater lagoon in the Galápagos. Your guide will provide snorkeling gear for your visits to the beaches.
Santa Fe Island Tour
From $267Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. It only covers about 9 square miles (23 sq m), but offers an incredible proliferation of wildlife, both on land and in its surrounding waters. You’ll have plenty of time to observe the animals that live here – this tour begins at 8:00 AM, and lasts around 7 hours, returning to Puerto Ayora at 3:00 PM. It includes a break for lunch on board the yacht.

Floreana Island Tour
From $341This tour takes you to explore Floreana Island, the island with arguably the most eccentric history in the Galápagos. It has seen its fair share of human activity, beginning with 18th-century whalers. On this tour you’ll see some remnants of that history, as well as plants and animals that are rare even by Galápagos standards—Floreana Island has its very own endemic species of finch called a medium tree finch, to offer just one example.
PARTY BEACHES AND CALM RETREATS
Salinas is one of the most popular beaches in Ecuador. It is best known for its warm water and lovely swimming conditions. Feel some peace at the mellow beaches at Canoa and Bahía de Caraquez . These towns are good getaways for people who want to see more pristine nature, and Bahía de Caraquez has an eco-friendly reputation. Stay on the islands of Santa Cruz or Isabela to see some of the most exotic beaches in Ecuador.
WHALE WATCHING
In Machalilla National Park you can hike on trails through dry forests to reach lookouts with incredible views of the coastline. This park also has Playa Los Frailes , one of the loveliest beaches in all of Ecuador. Next to the park you can also visit Puerto López , a bay where humpback whales migrate from June to September.
WHAT’S YOUR DREAM BEACH VACATION?
Our friendly travel team will work with you to design a beach vacation. Let us know how you envision your trip — we'll help you pick you perfect stretch of coast and an accommodating beachfront hotel.
Recommended for beach trips
Beach Destinations
Ecuador's coastline isn't as well known as some of its neighbors, but it nonetheless boasts some mellow towns and scenic beaches...
Ecuador Beachfront Hotels
Beachfront hotels in Ecuador can put you steps from some of the country's most breathtaking destinations...

















