Scuba Diving (Ruta del Spondylus) - Revision history

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Created page with "NOTOC NOEDITSECTION <languages/> <translate> <div style="background:#006064; color:#ffffff; padding:36px 32px 28px; border-radius:6px; margin-bottom:24px;"> <div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-bottom:12px;">EcuaWiki › Ruta del Spondylus › Scuba Diving</div> <div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:2.6e..."

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<div style="background:#006064; color:#ffffff; padding:36px 32px 28px; border-radius:6px; margin-bottom:24px;">
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-bottom:12px;">[[Main Page|EcuaWiki]] › [[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|Ruta del Spondylus]] › Scuba Diving</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:2.6em; font-weight:bold; letter-spacing:2px; line-height:1; margin-bottom:8px;">Scuba Diving</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.9em; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.65); max-width:560px; line-height:1.6; margin-bottom:24px;">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.</div>
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<div style="font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold; color:#80deea; line-height:1;">Ayangue</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4); margin-top:2px;">Primary site</div>
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<div style="font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold; color:#80deea; line-height:1;">5–18 m</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4); margin-top:2px;">Depth range</div>
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<div style="font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold; color:#80deea; line-height:1;">Year-round</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4); margin-top:2px;">Season</div>
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<div style="font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold; color:#80deea; line-height:1;">All levels</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4); margin-top:2px;">Experience</div>
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== 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.

== See Also ==

* [[Ayangue]] — bay overview
* [[Snorkeling (Ruta del Spondylus)|Snorkeling]] — surface-level alternative
* [[Sea Turtle Watching (Ruta del Spondylus)|Sea Turtle Watching]] — turtles from above and below
* [[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus]] — route overview

[[Category:Ruta del Spondylus]]
[[Category:Water Activities]]
[[Category:Outdoor Activities]]
[[Category:Ayangue]]
[[Category:Marine Life]]
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