Scuba Diving (Ruta del Spondylus)

This page contains changes which are not marked for translation.

EcuaWiki › Ruta del Spondylus › Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

Ayangue's protected bay is the primary dive site on the Ruta del Spondylus — a shallow reef ecosystem with sea turtles, rays, and dense reef fish, served by operators on the beachfront.

Ayangue

Primary site

5–18 m

Depth range

Year-round

Season

All levels

Experience

Overview

Ayangue's sheltered bay is the best diving on the Ruta del Spondylus and one of the most accessible dive sites on Ecuador's mainland Pacific coast. The bay is protected from open Pacific swell year-round by two rocky headlands, creating calm, clear water that is rare on this coast. The rocky reef structure and sandy bottom support a diverse marine ecosystem at relatively shallow depths — most dives are between 5 and 18 metres.

Unlike the Galápagos or even Isla de la Plata further north, Ayangue is not a large-scale dive operation. It is a small local scene with a handful of operators, smaller groups, and the advantage of genuine intimacy with the dive sites.

Dive Sites

The bay has several named sites accessible from the beach or by short boat ride:

The Rocks (Los Peñones) — the rocky outcrops at the bay's headlands; dense fish aggregations; sea turtles common; 5–12 m depth; accessible from beach entry or by boat
The Outer Reef — outside the bay's protection; accessible by boat only; more current; larger pelagic species including rays and occasional sharks; 10–18 m
The Seagrass Beds — inner bay; sandy bottom with seagrass; seahorses reported; rays and flatfish common; 4–8 m; ideal for beginners

Marine Life

Species reliably encountered at Ayangue:

Pacific green sea turtles — common at the rocky zones; sometimes resting on the bottom
White-spotted eagle rays and stingrays — sandy bottom areas
Moray eels — rock crevices throughout the bay
King angelfish, parrotfish, wrasse, sergeant majors, pufferfish, damselfish
Octopus — rock piles; best spotted by experienced divers who know where to look
Sea horses — seagrass beds; patience required
Occasional juvenile hammerhead sharks at the outer reef in season

Operators

Several dive operators work out of Ayangue beachfront. Equipment hire, guided dives, and introductory courses are all available. When choosing an operator:

Confirm their equipment is maintained and serviced
Ask for instructor or divemaster certification numbers
Confirm they know current dive site conditions

Typical prices:

Introductory / discover dive: $40–60 per person, equipment included
Two-tank guided dive: $60–80 for certified divers
PADI Open Water course: $350–450 for the full certification

Best Time to Dive

Diving is possible year-round but conditions vary. The best visibility is generally in the dry season (June–October) when cold upwelling water is clearest — though this is also the coldest water of the year (18–20°C) and a wetsuit is essential. The warm season (December–April, 23–25°C) has slightly lower visibility but more comfortable temperatures and is preferred by casual divers.

Getting There

Ayangue is approximately 30 km north of La Libertad on the E-15. Buses from La Libertad's Terminal Terrestre stop at Ayangue on request (~45 minutes). From Montañita, take any southbound bus and ask for Ayangue.