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
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
75 m
Frequently asked questions
Punta Estrada 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.
Punta Estrada 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.
Punta Estrada Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. Bottom — sand. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Punta Estrada Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 75 metres.
Punta Estrada 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.
Punta Estrada Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Punta Estrada Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: marine iguanas. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Punta Estrada Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Punta Estrada Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Restaurante Punta Estrada, Restaurantes en Puerto Ayora. Cuisines available: Ecuadorian, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Punta Estrada Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Headwear, Towel, Swimsuit, Cash, First aid kit, Snorkel mask.
Punta Estrada Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to May. The water is especially calm and clear in the morning. Avoid weekends when the beach becomes crowded.
Punta Estrada Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Feeding or touching wild animals is prohibited. Keep a distance of 2 metres. Do not leave litter.
Punta Estrada Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Punta Estrada Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts and travellers seeking a secluded beach with wildlife. Not suitable for families with small children and comfort lovers.
Punta Estrada Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Punta Estrada Beach is one of the few places on Santa Cruz where you can see marine iguanas resting on the sand. The beach is surrounded by mangroves that serve as a nursery for marine life. Small sharks and turtles also live here.
Punta Estrada Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: White sand, Crystal-clear water, Excellent snorkelling, Mangrove forests, Marine iguana watching, Secluded location. Cons: No infrastructure, Difficult to reach without a boat, No lifeguards, Can be crowded on weekends.
Punta Estrada Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Playa Los Perros, Finch Bay Hotel, Channel of Two Beaches. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Punta Estrada Beach: how do I get to the city of Puerto Ayora?
The beach is located near the city of Puerto Ayora. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Puerto Ayora.