Snorkeling (La Peninsula) - Revision history

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2026-05-09T20:25:33Z

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<div style="background:#0a2a3d; 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:The Peninsula|The Peninsula]] › [[Outdoor Activities (La Peninsula)|Outdoor Activities]] › Snorkeling</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:2.6em; font-weight:bold; letter-spacing:2px; line-height:1; margin-bottom:8px;">Snorkeling <span style="font-style:italic; font-weight:normal; color:#5dc8e8;">La Península</span></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;">Wrecks, reef walls, rocky outcrops, and a pier that doubles as an artificial reef — more snorkeling variety than the peninsula gets credit for. Bring your own gear.</div>
{| style="border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.12); padding-top:18px; margin-top:4px; width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;"
| style="padding:0 28px 0 0; text-align:left;" |<div style="font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold; color:#5dc8e8; line-height:1;">7</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;">Spots</div>
| style="padding:0 28px 0 0; text-align:left;" |<div style="font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold; color:#5dc8e8; 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;">Access</div>
| style="padding:0 28px 0 0; text-align:left;" |<div style="font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold; color:#5dc8e8; line-height:1;">Bring own</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;">Gear rental</div>
| style="padding:0; text-align:left;" |<div style="font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold; color:#5dc8e8; line-height:1;">Dec–Apr</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;">Best visibility</div>
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{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; vertical-align:top;"
| style="width:66%; padding-right:32px; vertical-align:top;" |<div style="font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; color:#1565a0; line-height:1.65; margin-bottom:18px; padding-left:16px; border-left:3px solid #0093c4;">"Most people drive straight through to Montañita without knowing there's a sunken wreck, a reef wall, and a navy pier full of fish sitting right in Salinas bay."</div>The Santa Elena Peninsula is not marketed as a snorkeling destination — which means the spots that exist are largely uncrowded and undiscovered by visitors. Salinas alone has four distinct entry points, ranging from a shallow wreck accessible to beginners to deeper reef walls suited to more experienced snorkelers. Further along the coast, the rocky outcrops at Anconcito, the offshore islet of Farallón Dillon, and the reefs near Punta Blanca extend the options considerably.

'''Important:''' no gear rental is available on the peninsula. Bring your own mask, fins, and snorkel. [[Scuba Diving (La Peninsula)|Scuba diving operators]] in Salinas may occasionally rent equipment — ask directly — but this cannot be relied upon.<div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:28px 0 14px;">
<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; white-space:nowrap;">Salinas</span>
</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px; line-height:1.55;">Four spots within or just off the Salinas malecón — each with different character and depth.</div>
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:10px;"
| colspan="2" style="border:2px solid #0093c4; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; vertical-align:top; padding:0; background:#ffffff;" |<div style="height:5px; background:#0093c4;"></div><div style="padding:13px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; color:#0093c4; margin-bottom:3px;">Salinas Bay · Intermediate  <span style="padding:1px 7px; border-radius:20px; background:#0093c4; color:#ffffff; font-size:9px;">★ Top spot</span></div><div style="font-size:1.05em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Barco Hundido Reef <span style="font-weight:normal; color:#7a7a7a; font-size:0.88em;">(formerly the sunken ship site)</span></div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">The wreck that gave this spot its name has been removed, but the rocky reef that surrounds the area is very much worth snorkeling when visibility permits. Corals, sponges, and a good variety of reef fish have colonised the rocky bottom. At its best on a calm morning in the Dec–Apr season when the bay settles and visibility opens up — on a good day this is the standout snorkel spot in Salinas. Local fishermen and boat operators know the exact location.</div><div style="margin-top:9px; padding-top:9px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; display:flex; gap:5px; flex-wrap:wrap;">
<span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f0fe; color:#1a56b0;">Rocky reef</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e1f5ee; color:#0f6e56;">Intermediate</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#faeeda; color:#854f0b;">Visibility-dependent</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#faeeda; color:#854f0b;">Best Dec–Apr</span>
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| style="width:50%; border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; vertical-align:top; padding:0; background:#ffffff;" |<div style="height:4px; background:#1d6b40;"></div><div style="padding:13px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; color:#1d6b40; margin-bottom:3px;">Salinas Bay · Intermediate</div><div style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Paco Illescas</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">A rocky reef site in Salinas bay named locally after a well-known figure in the area. Rocky bottom with good fish diversity and some coral growth. Deeper than the Barco Hundido, better suited to intermediate snorkelers comfortable freediving a metre or two to get close to the reef.</div><div style="margin-top:9px; padding-top:9px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; display:flex; gap:5px; flex-wrap:wrap;">
<span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f0fe; color:#1a56b0;">Rocky reef</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e1f5ee; color:#0f6e56;">Intermediate</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#faeeda; color:#854f0b;">Best Dec–Apr</span>
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| style="width:50%; border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; vertical-align:top; padding:0; background:#ffffff;" |<div style="height:4px; background:#8b6344;"></div><div style="padding:13px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; color:#8b6344; margin-bottom:3px;">Salinas Bay · Beginner</div><div style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Yacht Club Rock Wall</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">The submerged wall of the Salinas Yacht Club harbour creates a sheltered, easy entry point with calm water. The wall is encrusted with marine growth and hosts small fish, sea urchins, and occasional octopus. Excellent for beginners and children — shallow, protected, and easily accessed from the edge of the harbour area.</div><div style="margin-top:9px; padding-top:9px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; display:flex; gap:5px; flex-wrap:wrap;">
<span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f0fe; color:#1a56b0;">Wall / harbour</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e1f5ee; color:#0f6e56;">Beginner</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#faeeda; color:#854f0b;">Year-round</span>
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| colspan="2" style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; vertical-align:top; padding:0; background:#ffffff;" |<div style="height:4px; background:#555577;"></div><div style="padding:13px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; color:#555577; margin-bottom:3px;">Salinas · Beginner–Intermediate · Access may require permission</div><div style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Navy Base Pier</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">The pier structure of the Salinas naval base has become an effective artificial reef over the years — pilings colonised by invertebrates, with good fish life gathering around the substructure. Access is subject to military permission and is not always granted to civilians; ask at the gate and bring ID. When access is available it is one of the more interesting structural snorkel sites in the bay. Do not attempt to enter without permission.</div><div style="margin-top:9px; padding-top:9px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; display:flex; gap:5px; flex-wrap:wrap;">
<span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f0fe; color:#1a56b0;">Pier / artificial reef</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e1f5ee; color:#0f6e56;">Beginner–Intermediate</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#faeeda; color:#854f0b;">Best Dec–Apr</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#f5e0f5; color:#7a3a8a;">ID required · ask at gate</span>
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<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; white-space:nowrap;">Coastal Spots</span>
</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px; line-height:1.55;">Beyond Salinas, three spots along the coast offer rockier, wilder conditions with more marine life — and fewer people.</div>
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:10px;"
| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; vertical-align:top; padding:0; background:#ffffff;" |<div style="height:4px; background:#0093c4;"></div><div style="padding:13px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; color:#0093c4; margin-bottom:3px;">Ballenita · Intermediate</div><div style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Farallón Dillon</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">A rocky offshore islet reached by panga from Ballenita beach (~$5–8 per person, negotiate on the beach). The submerged rock faces host corals, sea fans, and a rich variety of reef fish. On calm days when the surf is flat, visibility is excellent and this is the best snorkeling spot on the peninsula. Check conditions before making the crossing.</div><div style="margin-top:9px; padding-top:9px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; display:flex; gap:5px; flex-wrap:wrap;">
<span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f0fe; color:#1a56b0;">Rocky reef / islet</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e1f5ee; color:#0f6e56;">Intermediate</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#faeeda; color:#854f0b;">Calm days only</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#f5e0f5; color:#7a3a8a;">Panga required</span>
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| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; vertical-align:top; padding:0; background:#ffffff;" |<div style="height:4px; background:#1d6b40;"></div><div style="padding:13px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; color:#1d6b40; margin-bottom:3px;">Anconcito · Intermediate–Advanced</div><div style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Anconcito Reefs</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">The rocky shoreline below Anconcito's bitumen cliffs shelters a series of reef outcrops accessible at low tide. Good fish diversity including species attracted by the natural oil seeps. Entry from the rocks requires care — wear fins and check the tide before entering. The same area is used by [[Scuba Diving (La Peninsula)|scuba diving]] operators for offshore dives.</div><div style="margin-top:9px; padding-top:9px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; display:flex; gap:5px; flex-wrap:wrap;">
<span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f0fe; color:#1a56b0;">Rocky reef</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e1f5ee; color:#0f6e56;">Intermediate+</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#faeeda; color:#854f0b;">Low tide access</span>
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| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; vertical-align:top; padding:0; background:#ffffff;" |<div style="height:4px; background:#8b3a00;"></div><div style="padding:13px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; color:#8b3a00; margin-bottom:3px;">Punta Blanca · Intermediate</div><div style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Punta Blanca Reefs</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">The rocky southern end of Punta Blanca's long white-cliff beach has reef patches worth exploring on calm days. Manta rays aggregate here seasonally. Entry from the beach on the southern end — avoid the Espigón surf break area. Remote and uncrowded; no facilities of any kind.</div><div style="margin-top:9px; padding-top:9px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; display:flex; gap:5px; flex-wrap:wrap;">
<span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f0fe; color:#1a56b0;">Rocky reef</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e1f5ee; color:#0f6e56;">Intermediate</span> <span style="font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#faeeda; color:#854f0b;">Calm days only</span>
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<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; white-space:nowrap;">Conditions & Visibility</span>
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em;"
! style="width:18%; background:#f0f4f8;" |Period
! style="background:#f0f4f8;" |Conditions
|-
|'''Dec–Apr'''
|Best visibility of the year in Salinas bay — warm water, calm surface, low swell. Ideal for all spots. Barco Hundido and Paco Illescas are at their best. Water 24–26 °C.
|-
|'''May–Jun'''
|Transition. Visibility still acceptable in the bay. Offshore spots (Farallón Dillon, Punta Blanca) can get choppy as the dry season wind picks up.
|-
|'''Jul–Oct'''
|Dry season. Stronger winds, increased surface chop, reduced visibility in the bay. Anconcito reefs hold up better as they are more sheltered. Whale watching season — boat crossings to Farallón Dillon are rougher.
|-
|'''Nov'''
|Conditions begin to improve. Visibility returns in the bay. Good shoulder-season window.
|}
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.84em; color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:10px; line-height:1.6;">Visibility at all spots is strongly affected by recent rain, wind, and boat traffic. Early morning — before the bay fills with boat activity — almost always gives the best conditions regardless of season.</div><div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:28px 0 14px;">
<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; white-space:nowrap;">Gear</span>
</div><div style="border:1px solid #f5c842; background:#fffbe6; border-radius:6px; padding:14px 16px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.65; margin-bottom:16px;">
'''No gear rental on the peninsula.''' Bring your own mask, fins, and snorkel from home or purchase in Guayaquil before arriving. Dive shops in Salinas occasionally have rental equipment — ask directly — but availability is inconsistent and cannot be relied upon.
</div>What to bring:

* '''Mask and snorkel''' — full-face masks are convenient but a traditional mask gives better field of view underwater
* '''Fins''' — essential for the rocky entry spots (Anconcito, Punta Blanca) and the panga crossing to Farallón Dillon
* '''Wetsuit or rashguard''' — the bay is warm Dec–Apr; a rashguard is enough. Jul–Oct a 2–3mm shorty is comfortable
* '''Water shoes''' — for rocky entries at Anconcito and Punta Blanca
* '''Underwater camera''' — the Barco Hundido reef and Farallón Dillon both photograph well on a good visibility day

<div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:28px 0 14px;">
<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; white-space:nowrap;">Getting There</span>
</div>All Salinas spots are reachable on foot or by short taxi from anywhere in Salinas. The Barco Hundido may require a short swim from the malecón or a panga ride — ask locally for the current best entry.

'''Farallón Dillon''' (Ballenita) requires a panga from Ballenita beach. Negotiate directly with local fishermen — around $5–8 per person. Ballenita is 15 minutes east of Salinas by taxi or bus.

'''Anconcito''' is 20 minutes east of Salinas. Rocky entry from the base of the cliffs — accessible at low tide only. Check tide tables before going.

'''Punta Blanca''' is 25 minutes west of Salinas toward Chanduy. No direct bus — take a taxi. No facilities at the beach.

See '''[[Understanding Public Transportation in La Peninsula|Public Transportation]]''' and '''[[Taxis and Taxi Apps|Taxis & Apps]]'''.<div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:28px 0 14px;">
<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; white-space:nowrap;">Related Activities</span>
</div>
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px;"
| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; padding:9px 11px; background:#ffffff;" |'''[[Scuba Diving (La Peninsula)|Scuba Diving]]'''<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.76em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:2px;">Deeper access to the same sites</div>
| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; padding:9px 11px; background:#ffffff;" |'''[[Surfing (La Peninsula)|Surfing]]'''<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.76em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:2px;">Farallón Dillon when the swell is up</div>
| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; padding:9px 11px; background:#ffffff;" |'''[[Tide Pool Exploring (La Peninsula)|Tide Pool Exploring]]'''<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.76em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:2px;">Anconcito cliffs at low tide</div>
|-
| style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; padding:9px 11px; background:#ffffff;" |'''[[Swimming (La Peninsula)|Swimming]]'''<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.76em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:2px;">Safe beaches on the bay side</div>
| style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; padding:9px 11px; background:#ffffff;" |'''[[Kayaking (La Peninsula)|Kayaking]]'''<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.76em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:2px;">Paddle out to snorkel spots from Salinas bay</div>
| style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; padding:9px 11px; background:#ffffff;" |'''[[Whale Watching (La Peninsula)|Whale Watching]]'''<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.76em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:2px;">Jun–Sep — same panga operators, Ballenita</div>
|}
| style="width:34%; vertical-align:top; padding-left:0;" |<div style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;"><div style="background:#005f8a; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">Spot Overview</div><div style="padding:12px 14px;">
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em;"
! style="text-align:left; padding:4px 6px 4px 0; color:#7a7a7a; font-weight:normal; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5;" |Spot
! style="text-align:left; padding:4px 0; color:#7a7a7a; font-weight:normal; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5;" |Level
! style="text-align:left; padding:4px 0; color:#7a7a7a; font-weight:normal; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5;" |Access
|-
| style="padding:5px 6px 5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; font-weight:500; color:#003d5c;" |Barco Hundido Reef ★
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Intermediate
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Visibility-dep.
|-
| style="padding:5px 6px 5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; font-weight:500; color:#003d5c;" |Paco Illescas(La Isla)
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Intermediate
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Visibility-dep.
|-
| style="padding:5px 6px 5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; font-weight:500; color:#003d5c;" |Yacht Club Wall
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Beginner
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Shore entry
|-
| style="padding:5px 6px 5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; font-weight:500; color:#003d5c;" |Navy Pier
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Beginner+
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |ID required
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| style="padding:5px 6px 5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; font-weight:500; color:#003d5c;" |Farallón Dillon
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Intermediate
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Panga only
|-
| style="padding:5px 6px 5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; font-weight:500; color:#003d5c;" |Anconcito Reefs
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Intermediate+
| style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #f0f4f8; color:#4a4a4a;" |Low tide only
|-
| style="padding:5px 6px 5px 0; font-weight:500; color:#003d5c;" |Punta Blanca
| style="padding:5px 0; color:#4a4a4a;" |Intermediate
| style="padding:5px 0; color:#4a4a4a;" |Calm days only
|}
</div></div><div style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;"><div style="background:#005f8a; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">Bay Visibility</div><div style="padding:12px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:10px;">Typical visibility in Salinas bay:</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:3px;">Dec–Apr (best)</div><div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:8px; margin-bottom:8px;"><div style="flex:1; height:5px; background:#e8eef5; border-radius:3px;"><div style="width:90%; height:100%; background:#0093c4; border-radius:3px;"></div></div><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; color:#7a7a7a; min-width:42px; text-align:right;">8–15 m</span>
</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:3px;">May–Jun</div><div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:8px; margin-bottom:8px;"><div style="flex:1; height:5px; background:#e8eef5; border-radius:3px;"><div style="width:65%; height:100%; background:#5dc8e8; border-radius:3px;"></div></div><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; color:#7a7a7a; min-width:42px; text-align:right;">5–10 m</span>
</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:3px;">Jul–Oct (lowest)</div><div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:8px; margin-bottom:8px;"><div style="flex:1; height:5px; background:#e8eef5; border-radius:3px;"><div style="width:35%; height:100%; background:#aad0e8; border-radius:3px;"></div></div><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; color:#7a7a7a; min-width:42px; text-align:right;">3–6 m</span>
</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:3px;">Nov</div><div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:8px;"><div style="flex:1; height:5px; background:#e8eef5; border-radius:3px;"><div style="width:60%; height:100%; background:#5dc8e8; border-radius:3px;"></div></div><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; color:#7a7a7a; min-width:42px; text-align:right;">5–8 m</span>
</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; color:#9a9a9a; margin-top:8px; line-height:1.5;">Early morning always gives best visibility regardless of season. Offshore spots (Farallón Dillon) can exceed 15 m on calm days.</div></div></div><div style="border:2px solid #f5c842; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px; background:#fffbe6;"><div style="background:#8b6344; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">⚠ Gear — Bring Your Own</div><div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.84em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.65;">
No rental available on the peninsula. Purchase or rent in Guayaquil before arriving.

Minimum kit:

* Mask & snorkel
* Fins
* Rashguard or wetsuit
* Water shoes (rocky entries)
</div></div><div style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;"><div style="background:#7a0000; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">⚠ Safety Notes</div><div style="padding:12px 14px;"><div style="display:flex; align-items:flex-start; gap:8px; padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em;">
<span style="font-size:13px; flex-shrink:0;">ℹ</span> <span style="color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.5;">'''Never snorkel alone.''' All spots outside Salinas bay are remote with no rescue services nearby.</span>
</div><div style="display:flex; align-items:flex-start; gap:8px; padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em;">
<span style="font-size:13px; flex-shrink:0;">ℹ</span> <span style="color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.5;">'''Rocky entries''' at Anconcito and Punta Blanca require fins and water shoes. Check surge before entering.</span>
</div><div style="display:flex; align-items:flex-start; gap:8px; padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em;">
<span style="font-size:13px; flex-shrink:0;">ℹ</span> <span style="color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.5;">'''Boat traffic''' in Salinas bay — use a surface marker buoy (SMB) if you have one, especially near the Barco Hundido.</span>
</div><div style="display:flex; align-items:flex-start; gap:8px; padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em;">
<span style="font-size:13px; flex-shrink:0;">ℹ</span> <span style="color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.5;">'''Sea urchins''' are present at all rocky sites. Do not stand on the reef or rocky bottom.</span>
</div><div style="display:flex; align-items:flex-start; gap:8px; padding:6px 0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em;">
<span style="font-size:13px; flex-shrink:0;">🚑</span> <span style="color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.5;">Emergency: '''911'''. Nearest hospital: [[Medical Services|La Libertad]].</span>
</div></div></div><div style="border:1px solid #0093c4; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; background:#eaf5ee;"><div style="background:#1d6b40; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">🏗 Help Build This Page</div><div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.6;">
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