Things to Do in Salinas, Ecuador

Salinas, Ecuador's premier beach resort town, sits on the Santa Elena Peninsula along the Pacific coast, offering visitors a perfect blend of sun, sea, and relaxation. Known as the 'Riviera of Ecuador,' this charming coastal destination boasts pristine beaches, excellent seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere that attracts both international tourists and wealthy Ecuadorians seeking a seaside escape. The town features a beautiful malecón (waterfront promenade), luxury resorts, and some of the country's best beaches for swimming and water sports. With its year-round warm climate, modern amenities, and proximity to other coastal attractions, Salinas serves as an ideal base for exploring Ecuador's stunning Pacific coastline while enjoying upscale accommodations and dining.

Top Things to Do in Salinas

Beach Activities at Playa de Salinas

Enjoy Ecuador's most popular beach resort with its wide sandy shores perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The calm waters and excellent facilities make it ideal for families, while beachfront bars and restaurants provide refreshments throughout the day.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but consider renting umbrellas and chairs for $10-15 per day. Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds, and book beachfront restaurant tables in advance during peak season (December-April).

Deep Sea Fishing

Experience world-class sport fishing in the nutrient-rich waters off Salinas, targeting marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna. The continental shelf drops off close to shore, making it one of South America's premier fishing destinations with consistent year-round action.

Booking Tip: Full-day charters cost $800-1500 for up to 6 people. Book with established operators like Pesca Tours or through your hotel. Best fishing is early morning, and trips typically include equipment, bait, and lunch.

Whale Watching

Witness the spectacular migration of humpback whales that visit Ecuador's coast from June to September. Tours depart from Salinas harbor and offer excellent opportunities to see these magnificent creatures breaching and playing in the warm Pacific waters.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $40-60 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book during peak season (July-August) well in advance. Choose operators with experienced naturalist guides and good safety records. Morning tours often have calmer seas.

Visit La Chocolatera

Explore Ecuador's westernmost point, featuring dramatic cliffs, sea lion colonies, and powerful waves crashing against volcanic rocks. This scenic spot offers excellent photography opportunities and is perfect for watching spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but bring sun protection and water as there's little shade. Best visited in the late afternoon for sunset views. Taxi rides cost $15-20 from central Salinas, or rent a car for more flexibility.

Water Sports and Surfing

Take advantage of consistent waves and warm water for surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing. Several beaches around Salinas offer different conditions suitable for beginners to advanced water sports enthusiasts, with equipment rental and instruction available.

Booking Tip: Surfboard rentals cost $15-25 per day, lessons $30-50. Jet ski rentals are $60-80 per hour. Book through beachfront operators or established water sports centers. Best waves are typically in the morning before winds pick up.

Getting There

Salinas is located about 150 kilometers west of Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and main international gateway. The most convenient way to reach Salinas is by rental car or private transfer from Guayaquil, which takes approximately 2.5 hours via the coastal highway. Regular bus service is available from Guayaquil's main terminal for around $4-6, with several departures daily. Many visitors also fly into Guayaquil's José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport and arrange ground transportation directly to Salinas through their hotels or tour operators.

Getting Around

Salinas is a compact town that's easily walkable, especially along the main beachfront area and malecón. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive for longer distances, with most rides within town costing $2-5. Many hotels offer bicycle rentals for exploring the area at a leisurely pace. For visiting nearby attractions like La Chocolatera or other beaches along the peninsula, rental cars provide the most flexibility, or you can arrange tours through local operators. The town's grid layout makes navigation straightforward, and most attractions are concentrated along the waterfront.

Where to Stay

Malecón Waterfront

Playa de Salinas Beachfront

Chipipe Beach Area

Central Salinas

Puerto Lucia Marina District

San Lorenzo Residential Area

Food & Dining

Salinas offers Ecuador's finest coastal cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and international dining options. The malecón features numerous restaurants serving everything from traditional ceviche and grilled fish to Italian and Asian fusion cuisine. Popular local specialties include corvina (sea bass), langostinos (prawns), and encebollado (fish soup). High-end restaurants in luxury hotels provide gourmet dining experiences, while beachfront palapas offer casual meals with ocean views. Don't miss trying the local specialty of pescado a la plancha (grilled fish) paired with patacones (fried plantains) and a cold Pilsener beer while watching the sunset.

When to Visit

Salinas enjoys a tropical dry climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it suitable for visiting anytime. The peak tourist season runs from December through April, coinciding with Ecuador's dry season and offering the most sunshine and calmest seas. This period also sees higher prices and larger crowds. The cooler, cloudier season from May to November brings fewer tourists and better rates, though temperatures remain pleasant for beach activities. Whale watching season (June-September) is particularly special, while surfers often prefer the larger swells during the cooler months.

Insider Tips

Visit the local fish market early in the morning to see the daily catch and enjoy the freshest ceviche at incredibly low prices

Book accommodations well in advance for New Year's week, as Salinas is extremely popular with Ecuadorian families during this time

Take advantage of the strong US dollar in Ecuador - most prices are very reasonable for international visitors, and US currency is accepted everywhere

Things to Do in Salinas