Swimming (La Peninsula) - Revision history

Este-fan: Created page with "

2026-05-09T15:38:00Z

Created page with "<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(255,255,2..."

New page
<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]] › Swimming</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:2.6em; font-weight:bold; letter-spacing:2px; line-height:1; margin-bottom:8px;">Swimming <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;">Calm bay water year-round on the protected north shore — and two beaches on the ocean side that are not for swimming under any circumstances.</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;">2</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;">Safe beaches</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;">Swimmable season</div>
| style="padding:0 28px 0 0; text-align:left;" |<div style="font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold; color:#5dc8e8; line-height:1;">22–26 °C</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;">Water temp range</div>
| style="padding:0; text-align:left;" |<div style="font-size:1.5em; font-weight:bold; color:#e05555; line-height:1;">2</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;">Danger beaches</div>
|}
</div>
{| 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;">"The peninsula has two completely different coastlines. The bay side is calm, warm, and safe. The ocean side will kill you. Knowing which is which is the only thing that matters."</div>The Santa Elena Peninsula is shaped by two ocean currents. The protected bay side — facing north toward Santa Elena Bay — is sheltered from Pacific swell, producing calm, clear water that is genuinely swimmable year-round. The ocean-facing side is exposed to full Pacific conditions: rip currents, shore dump, and unpredictable waves. '''[[Mar Bravo]]''' and '''[[Punta Carnero]]''' are on this side. Neither is safe for swimming.

For anyone visiting the peninsula, the practical rule is simple: if the beach faces north and has calm water, it is probably safe. If it faces west or south into the open Pacific, do not swim.<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;">Safe Swimming Beaches</span>
</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 · All levels  <span style="padding:1px 7px; border-radius:20px; background:#0093c4; color:#ffffff; font-size:9px;">★ Best beach</span></div><div style="font-size:1.05em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Salinas Malecón & Chipipe</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">The main Salinas beach stretching along the malecón and into the quieter Chipipe sector to the west is the safest, most serviced swimming beach on the peninsula. Protected by the bay, the water stays calm year-round — even when the ocean side is rough. Chipipe is noticeably quieter than the malecón strip and is preferred by families and early-morning swimmers. Lifeguards are present on the main malecón stretch during high season (December–April) and on weekends. Water is warmest January–April (~26 °C).</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:#e1f5ee; color:#0f6e56;">All levels</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f0fe; color:#1a56b0;">Lifeguards in season</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#faeeda; color:#854f0b;">Year-round</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f0fe; color:#1a56b0;">Showers & facilities</span>
</div></div>
|-
| colspan="2" style="width:100%; 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;">Ballenita · All levels</div><div style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Ballenita Beach</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">Ballenita's bay-facing beach is calm, less crowded than Salinas, and popular with local families and day-trippers from the conurbation. The water is clear and sheltered. No permanent lifeguard presence, but conditions are generally benign. A good option when Salinas is busy in high season — 15 minutes east, a fraction of the crowd. Also the main departure point for whale-watching boat trips June–September.</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:#e1f5ee; color:#0f6e56;">All levels</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#faeeda; color:#854f0b;">Year-round</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f0fe; color:#1a56b0;">Less crowded</span>
</div></div>
|}
<div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:28px 0 14px;">
<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#7a0000; white-space:nowrap;">⚠ Do Not Swim</span>
</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px; line-height:1.55;">These beaches look like beaches. They are not safe for swimming. Both face open Pacific conditions with strong rip currents and unpredictable shore break. People drown here.</div>
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:10px;"
| style="width:50%; border:2px solid #c0392b; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; vertical-align:top; padding:0; background:#fff8f8;" |<div style="height:5px; background:#c0392b;"></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:#c0392b; margin-bottom:3px;">Salinas · Ocean-facing</div><div style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Mar Bravo</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">Despite being in the middle of Salinas, Mar Bravo faces directly into the Pacific. The name means "rough sea" — it is accurate. Strong shore dump, lateral rip currents, and waves that break hard onto the sand with no warning make this unsuitable for swimming at any time. The beach is popular with surfers and bodyboarders precisely because of these conditions. Swimmers have drowned here. Do not enter the water.</div><div style="margin-top:9px; padding-top:9px; border-top:1px solid #f0d0d0; 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:#fde8e8; color:#c0392b;">No swimming</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#fde8e8; color:#c0392b;">Rip currents</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#fde8e8; color:#c0392b;">Shore dump</span>
</div></div>
| style="width:50%; border:2px solid #c0392b; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; vertical-align:top; padding:0; background:#fff8f8;" |<div style="height:5px; background:#c0392b;"></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:#c0392b; margin-bottom:3px;">South Salinas · Ocean-facing</div><div style="font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:6px;">Punta Carnero</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.55;">Punta Carnero is a dramatic headland with a wide beach that looks inviting. It is not. The point creates irregular, powerful currents including rip currents that change direction unpredictably. There are no lifeguards, the beach is isolated, and rescue response time is long. Occasionally visited by experienced local surfers on the right swell — that is not an indication that it is safe for swimming. Do not enter the water.</div><div style="margin-top:9px; padding-top:9px; border-top:1px solid #f0d0d0; 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:#fde8e8; color:#c0392b;">No swimming</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#fde8e8; color:#c0392b;">Unpredictable currents</span> <span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:20px; font-weight:bold; background:#fde8e8; color:#c0392b;">No lifeguards</span>
</div></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;">Seasonal Conditions</span>
</div>
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:3px; margin-bottom:6px;"
| style="background:#0093c4; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#ffffff; padding:0 2px;" |J
| style="background:#0093c4; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#ffffff; padding:0 2px;" |F
| style="background:#0093c4; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#ffffff; padding:0 2px;" |M
| style="background:#0093c4; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#ffffff; padding:0 2px;" |A
| style="background:#5dc8e8; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#0a2a3d; padding:0 2px;" |M
| style="background:#5dc8e8; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#0a2a3d; padding:0 2px;" |J
| style="background:#5dc8e8; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#0a2a3d; padding:0 2px;" |J
| style="background:#5dc8e8; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#0a2a3d; padding:0 2px;" |A
| style="background:#5dc8e8; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#0a2a3d; padding:0 2px;" |S
| style="background:#5dc8e8; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#0a2a3d; padding:0 2px;" |O
| style="background:#5dc8e8; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#0a2a3d; padding:0 2px;" |N
| style="background:#0093c4; border-radius:3px; height:20px; text-align:center; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:8px; font-weight:bold; color:#ffffff; padding:0 2px;" |D
|}
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:16px;">
Peak — warm water, calm, busy   Good — cooler, quieter, still swimmable
</div>
{| 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'''
|Peak beach season. Water temperature 24–26 °C. Calm bay conditions. Salinas malecón at capacity on weekends and holidays — Chipipe and Ballenita much quieter. Lifeguards on duty at main Salinas beach.
|-
|'''May'''
|Transition month. Water begins to cool slightly. Crowds drop sharply after Semana Santa. Excellent time to visit — conditions still good, prices lower.
|-
|'''Jun–Sep'''
|Cooler water (20–22 °C) and stronger winds. Still swimmable on the bay side but noticeably choppier and less comfortable. [[Whale Watching (La Peninsula)|Whale-watching season]] — Ballenita beach is the departure point for boat tours.
|-
|'''Oct–Nov'''
|Water begins warming again. Light crowds, lower prices. Conditions improve toward December.
|}
<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>'''Salinas''' malecón and Chipipe are walkable from anywhere in Salinas — the beach runs the length of the town. Chipipe is at the western end of the strip, quieter and slightly less accessible by taxi drop-off.

'''Ballenita''' is 15 minutes east of Salinas by taxi or bus from the Salinas terminal. Buses run frequently during the day. See '''[[Understanding Public Transportation in La Peninsula|Public Transportation]]''' for routes and '''[[Taxis and Taxi Apps|Taxis & Apps]]''' for fares.<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;">Facilities</span>
</div>
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em;"
! style="background:#f0f4f8; width:25%;" |Facility
! style="background:#f0f4f8; width:37%;" |Salinas Malecón / Chipipe
! style="background:#f0f4f8; width:37%;" |Ballenita
|-
|Lifeguards
|Yes — high season and weekends (malecón). Not at Chipipe.
|No permanent lifeguard.
|-
|Showers & changing
|Limited. Some beach-side restaurants allow use.
|Limited. Some beach-side restaurants allow use.
|-
|Sunbeds & umbrellas
|Yes — rental available along the malecón.
|Available informally from vendors in season.
|-
|Food & drink
|Extensive — restaurants, vendors, ice cream along the full strip.
|Several seafood restaurants on the beachfront.
|-
|Parking
|Limited street parking. Arrive early in high season.
|Easier than Salinas — less demand.
|-
|Accessibility
|Malecón has paved walkway. Beach access ramps in some sections.
|Unpaved beach access.
|}
<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;">Water Safety</span>
</div>Even on safe bay beaches, basic precautions apply on the Santa Elena Peninsula:

* '''Children''' should be supervised at all times. The bay is calm but there is no gradual shallow shelf everywhere — depth can increase quickly.
* '''Rip currents''' are rare on the bay side but can form after storms or unusually large swells. If caught in a rip, swim parallel to shore, not against it.
* '''Jellyfish''' are occasionally present, particularly in the dry season (Jun–Oct). Check with locals or vendors before entering.
* '''Sun''' at the equator is intense year-round. SPF 50+ sunscreen, a rashguard, and a hat are strongly recommended even on cloudy days.
* '''No lifeguards''' at Ballenita, Chipipe, or any beach outside peak season. Swim with a companion.

Emergency: '''911'''. Nearest hospital: [[Medical Services|La Libertad]].<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;" |'''[[Snorkeling (La Peninsula)|Snorkeling]]'''<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.76em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:2px;">Rocky reefs near Anconcito & Farallón Dillon</div>
| style="width:33%; 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;">Salinas bay, calm mornings</div>
| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; padding:9px 11px; background:#ffffff;" |'''[[Stand-Up Paddleboarding (La Peninsula)|Stand-Up Paddleboarding]]'''<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.76em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:2px;">Salinas bay before the wind picks up</div>
|-
| style="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;">Chulluype, La FAE, Punta Blanca</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;">Boat tours from Ballenita, Jun–Sep</div>
| style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; padding:9px 11px; background:#ffffff;" |'''[[Sailing (La Peninsula)|Sailing]]'''<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.76em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:2px;">Salinas bay — charter operators on the malecón</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;">Beach Ratings</div><div style="padding:12px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:10px;">For swimming specifically:</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:5px;">Salinas Malecón ★</div>
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em;"
| style="padding:2px 0; color:#7a7a7a;" |Safety
| style="padding:2px 0; text-align:right;" |<span style="color:#0093c4;">●●●●●</span>
|-
| style="padding:2px 0; color:#7a7a7a;" |Facilities
| style="padding:2px 0; text-align:right;" |<span style="color:#0093c4;">●●●●●</span>
|-
| style="padding:2px 4px 8px 0; color:#7a7a7a;" |Crowds
| style="padding:2px 0 8px; text-align:right;" |<span style="color:#0093c4;">●●●●●</span>
|}
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:5px;">Chipipe</div>
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em;"
| style="padding:2px 0; color:#7a7a7a;" |Safety
| style="padding:2px 0; text-align:right;" |<span style="color:#0093c4;">●●●●●</span>
|-
| style="padding:2px 0; color:#7a7a7a;" |Facilities
| style="padding:2px 0; text-align:right;" |<span style="color:#0093c4;">●●●</span><span style="color:#d0dce8;">●●</span>
|-
| style="padding:2px 4px 8px 0; color:#7a7a7a;" |Crowds
| style="padding:2px 0 8px; text-align:right;" |<span style="color:#0093c4;">●●</span><span style="color:#d0dce8;">●●●</span>
|}
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:5px;">Ballenita</div>
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em;"
| style="padding:2px 0; color:#7a7a7a;" |Safety
| style="padding:2px 0; text-align:right;" |<span style="color:#0093c4;">●●●●</span><span style="color:#d0dce8;">●</span>
|-
| style="padding:2px 0; color:#7a7a7a;" |Facilities
| style="padding:2px 0; text-align:right;" |<span style="color:#0093c4;">●●</span><span style="color:#d0dce8;">●●●</span>
|-
| style="padding:2px 0; color:#7a7a7a;" |Crowds
| style="padding:2px 0; text-align:right;" |<span style="color:#0093c4;">●●</span><span style="color:#d0dce8;">●●●</span>
|}
</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;">Water Temperature</div><div style="padding:12px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:10px;">Bay-side (swimmable beaches):</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:3px;">Jan–Apr (warmest)</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:95%; 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;">24–26 °C</span>
</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:3px;">May–Nov (cooler)</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;">20–22 °C</span>
</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:3px;">Dec (warming)</div><div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:8px;"><div style="flex:1; height:5px; background:#e8eef5; border-radius:3px;"><div style="width:80%; 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;">22–24 °C</span>
</div></div></div><div style="border:2px solid #c0392b; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;"><div style="background:#c0392b; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">⛔ Do Not Swim</div><div style="padding:12px 14px; background:#fff8f8;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.84em; font-weight:bold; color:#c0392b; margin-bottom:4px;">Mar Bravo</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.5; margin-bottom:10px;">Open Pacific. Rip currents. Shore dump. No lifeguards. Surfers only.</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.84em; font-weight:bold; color:#c0392b; margin-bottom:4px;">Punta Carnero</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.8em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.5;">Open Pacific. Unpredictable currents. Isolated. No rescue services nearby.</div></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;">🗓 Best by Season</div><div style="padding:12px 14px;"><div style="display:flex; gap:10px; padding:7px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.84em;">
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#005f8a; min-width:64px; flex-shrink:0;">Dec–Apr</span> <span style="color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.4;">Warmest water, busiest beaches. Book accommodation early for Jan–Feb.</span>
</div><div style="display:flex; gap:10px; padding:7px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.84em;">
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#005f8a; min-width:64px; flex-shrink:0;">May</span> <span style="color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.4;">Best value month. Crowds gone, water still warm, prices drop.</span>
</div><div style="display:flex; gap:10px; padding:7px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.84em;">
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#005f8a; min-width:64px; flex-shrink:0;">Jun–Sep</span> <span style="color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.4;">Cooler and windier. Swimmable but less comfortable. [[Whale Watching (La Peninsula)|Whale watching]] instead.</span>
</div><div style="display:flex; gap:10px; padding:7px 0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.84em;">
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#005f8a; min-width:64px; flex-shrink:0;">Oct–Nov</span> <span style="color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.4;">Quiet, affordable, water warming back up. Underrated time to visit.</span>
</div></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;">🚑 Emergency</div><div style="padding:12px 14px;"><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:1.1em; font-weight:bold; color:#7a0000; margin-bottom:8px;">911</div><div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.82em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.6;">
* [[Medical Services|Hospitals & Clinics]]
* [[Police & Security|Police & Security]]
* [[Emergency Contacts|Full directory]]
</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;">
Know something this page doesn't? Add it.

* [[Special:WantedPages|Articles most needed]]
* [[Special:Upload|Upload a photo]]
* [[Wiki Guidelines|Contribution guidelines]]
</div></div>
|}