Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Frequently asked questions
La Plata Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +24.0°C, warms up to +27.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
La Plata Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
La Plata Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
La Plata Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 500 metres.
La Plata Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June. It ends in October. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
La Plata Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
La Plata Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: stingrays, pufferfish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
La Plata Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
La Plata Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: La Plata Restaurants. Cuisines available: Ecuadorian, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
La Plata Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Snorkel mask, Water shoes, Headwear.
La Plata Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is from June to October, when humpback whales can be observed.
La Plata Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not leave litter. Do not disturb wildlife. Follow national park rules.
La Plata Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving. See the "Activities" section above for details.
La Plata Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for nature lovers, snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Suitable for travellers prepared for a boat trip. Not suitable for families with small children.
La Plata Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The island is known as the «Mini Galápagos» due to its resemblance to the Galápagos Archipelago — blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, hawksbill turtles and sea turtles live here, and humpback whales can be observed from June to October.
La Plata Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: One of the best snorkelling beaches in Ecuador, Crystal-clear water, White sand, Whale watching (June-October), Blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, Hawksbill turtle colony, Diving with sea turtles. Cons: Boat access only (1.5 hours from Puerto López), No infrastructure on the island, No lifeguards, Paid national park entry.
La Plata Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Drake Bay, Island Trails. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
La Plata Beach: how do I get to the city of Puerto López?
The beach is located near the city of Puerto López. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Puerto López.