Puerto Cayo Beach

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Puerto Cayo has a broad beach in the area in front of the Malecon. As you go further north along the beach it narrows. The beach is set in a lush tropical area, with palm trees right up to the beach line in places. It is situated on the northern border of the Machalilla National Park, and its waters are teeming with fish.

The beach is so broad, people often drive their cars right onto the beach to unload all their stuff without having to haul it from the Malecon. Lining the Malecon, there are about a dozen restaurants offering the usual “catch of the day”. The beach gets some shelter from the wind from the bluff at the south end, which is where a small fishing community have their boats.

In front of the beach is a small island named Islote Pedernales. There is some coral around the island, and between the mainland and the island the water is not very deep. On calm days, the island offers some decent snorkeling and diving, though it is not considered a top rated spot. The northern end of the island has a small beach, which you can land on.

For about $5 you can hire a boat from the beach to take you around the island or land on the beach. They can also drop anchor and wait for you while you snorkel. The island is a nesting site for pelicans and frigate birds, and you may see some blue footed boobies. Climbing up the cliff face is not recommended, as you will disturb the wildlife, plus it is dangerous.

Surfing is quite consistent and suitable for all levels. This is quite a good place for beginners, because the beach has a shallow gradient. There are local instructors In the village of Puerto Cayo.

There is a growing expat retirement community in this area, as there are several beach front developments underway, both here in Puerto Cayo and at the next beach to the south in San Jose. As with many beaches in Manabi, Puerto Cayo gets wonderful ocean-view sunsets, especially from December through March.

Beach activities include:

Type of beach	Golden sand
Length of beach	3.5 mi / 5.6 km
Wind Direction	light cross-shore
Restaurants and Cafes	On the Beach
Distance to Salinas	91 mi / 146 km
Distance to Guayaquil	102 mi / 165 km
Distance to Manta	35 mi / 56 km
Distance to Quito	266 mi / 428 km

Surfing: Surfing in Puerto Cayo has both lefts and rights on an exposed beach break, which is quite consistent year round. Best with northwest swells, and off shore wind or no wind in the mornings. Watch out for submerged rocks in some places.

Hiking: There are some hiking trails taking you to the top of the south bluff El Mirador de Puerto Cayo, approx. 80 meters above sealevel, where you can get great ocean views and a view of the beach and town and Islote Pedernales.

Machalilla: There is hiking and several other activities in and around the Machalilla National Park

Sport Fishing: You may be able to arrange a sport fishing trip to catch Marlin or Tuna from Puerto Cayo by asking around the town, but the best option is Puerto Lopez.

Whale Watching: Season permitting, for around $20 per head you should be able to a private whale watching tour with a minimum of four people.

Kayaking: A fun thing to do is to kayak from the beach to Islote Pedernales.

Surf and weather by surf-forcast.com

Hotels and Hostals around Puerto Cayo Beach

Name	Service	Prices
Hostería Luz de Luna	Hostal
Hostal Restaurant Zavala's	Hostal
Cabañas Alejandra	Cabañas
Cabañas Las Palmeras	Cabañas
Hostal Los Frailes	Hostal	$10-20
Hotel Puerto Cayo	Hotel	$10-20
El Gringo	Hosteria	$10-20
Puerto Cayo Sanctuary Lodge	Eco Lodge	$100+
Tanusas Boutique Resort	Eco Lodge	$100+
Los Sueños del Mar	Hotel	$15-25
Cabanas Cabalonga Eco Adventure	Cabanas	$15-25
Hotel Barandhua	Hosteria	$5-10
Cabaña Expedicion	Cabañas	$5-10

Puerto Cayo