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Home / Beaches / Puerto Bolívar Beach

Puerto Bolívar Beach

Пляж Пуэрто-Боливар
Ecuador · Beach · Machala
murky
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for locals and travellers seeking a convenient urban beach with restaurants. Not suitable for lovers of solitude and crystal-clear water.

Best month

January

Water
+25.0°C
Length
500 m
A beach in Puerto Bolívar, from where boats depart to Jambelí Island. It features a calm atmosphere and scenic views, popular for walks and observing local life.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
A beach in Puerto Bolívar, from where boats depart to Jambelí Island. It features a calm atmosphere and scenic views, popular for walks and observing local life.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Convenient location near Machala
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Many restaurants and cafes
  • Views of Jambelí archipelago
  • Scenic promenade

Cons

  • Water not crystal clear
  • Port area
  • Possible thefts
  • Noisy
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for locals and travellers seeking a convenient urban beach with restaurants. Not suitable for lovers of solitude and crystal-clear water.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Puerto Bolívar Beach is the main urban beach of Machala and the starting point for trips to Jambelí Island. The beach is surrounded by mangroves and channels that attract many birds. The promenade (malecón) is the centre of the city-s evening life.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
grey
Water Clarity
murky
Average Water Temp
+25.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.3 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December January
Season end
April May
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
moderate
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
caution
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
6.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
Caution: thefts are possible on the crowded beach. Do not leave valuables unattended.
Dangerous creatures
crocodiles
stingrays
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
Yes
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
10 pcs
Best restaurants

Malecón Restaurants

Ecuadorian

Restaurants and cafes with seafood along the promenade

Nearby cuisines

Ecuadorian

Ecuadorian cuisine with seafood

Must try: Ceviche, encebollado, fresh fish
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Cash First aid kit
Best Time to Swim
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to May. In the evening the promenade is especially lively.
Local Rules
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Keep the promenade clean.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Jambelí Island

Scenic island with beaches and mangroves

Maritime Museum

Museum in the old port with exhibits on maritime history

Puerto Bolívar Malecón

Promenade with restaurants, cafes and nightclubs

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — grey, clarity murky, average temperature +25.0°C, warms up to +28.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — grey. Texture — fine. Beach length — 500 metres.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December, January. It ends in April, May. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: crocodiles, stingrays. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: toilets, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Malecón Restaurants. Cuisines available: Ecuadorian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Cash, First aid kit.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to May. In the evening the promenade is especially lively.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Keep the promenade clean.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for locals and travellers seeking a convenient urban beach with restaurants. Not suitable for lovers of solitude and crystal-clear water.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Puerto Bolívar Beach is the main urban beach of Machala and the starting point for trips to Jambelí Island. The beach is surrounded by mangroves and channels that attract many birds. The promenade (malecón) is the centre of the city-s evening life.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Convenient location near Machala, Developed infrastructure, Many restaurants and cafes, Views of Jambelí archipelago, Scenic promenade. Cons: Water not crystal clear, Port area, Possible thefts, Noisy.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Jambelí Island, Maritime Museum, Puerto Bolívar Malecón. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Puerto Bolívar Beach: how do I get to the city of Machala?
The beach is located near the city of Machala. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Machala.

City

Machala

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Ecuador
Type: Beach
Coordinates: -3.033300, -80.100000

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