Top Things to do in Manabi Province
The 10 Best Things to Do in Manabi Province, Ecuador
Discover the best top things to do in Manabi Province, Ecuador including Playa de los Frailes, Isla de la Plata, Playa Santa Marianita, Agua Blanca, Isla de la Plata, Museo Ciudad Alfaro, Playa el Murcielago, Isla Corazon Mangrove Reserve, Museo Bahia de Caraquez, Playa San Lorenzo.
Restaurants in Manabi Province
1. Playa de los Frailes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 506 reviews
Reviewed By Gabi A
Review # 3
The Puerto López canton is located in the Ecuador, extreme south-west of the province of Manabí. Part of its territory is protected area of Machalilla National Park.
It has an important inventory and tourist attractions, ecological and cultural. It has several services such as: travel agencies, tourism companies, naturalist guides, hotels, restaurants, offering facilities and amenities for all types of visitors. They want to know and share the excitement of the adventure and the discovery of this magical land. The economic and productive activities of the population are: agriculture, livestock and fishing mainly.
2. Isla de la Plata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 312 reviews
Located only 17 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this island is encircled by many reefs that make it a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers.
Reviewed By Mike C - Guildford, United Kingdom
This is known as the poor man's Galapagos. I can see why as you can see a number of the things that you can see on the Galapagos. Having been to both, Isla de la Planta is worth going to, it is a lovely opportunity to see the wildlife and natural beauty much nearer to the Mainland.
We were on a cruise and this was one of our stops. We got there by zodiac. The walk from the beach goes inland for a short while and then up steps taking you to a great view. Then along the paths you get to see Blue Footed Boobies right up close. In fact you need to be careful where you walk. They are not as numbers as on the Galapagos but there are still quite a lot.
It is very well organised with staff and guides making sure you stick to the path and don't worry the wildlife. Make sure you take water as there is nothing there.
3. Playa Santa Marianita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By earthflyers - Montreal, Canada
This is my beach, OK? :) don't tell anyone or other people will come ;)
Seriously, this is a hidden place, great sand, warm water, fantastic people around.
If you are there, you DO have to check out Javier's school (look for Ecuador KiteSurf) and get some lessons from the best teacher ever. Javier is a character, a great teacher that doesn't negotiate his reputation to keep you safe and improve.
4. Agua Blanca
Overall Ratings
4 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By a g - Saint Louis, Missouri
We stopped here on a whim simply because we saw the sign and thought it looked interesting. We were totally surprised at the small village kommune type atmosphere. They had a really Charming little Museum and we walked through their fruit planted Groves to a sulfur Lake where you could swim in the Sulphur Lake and do mud baths. We passed on that as we had no other clothes to change into. But totally enjoyed the escorted tour through their whole area. Though the tour guy spoke no English he was extremely entertaining and informative. Would definitely recommend this to anyone. We really enjoyed it. Also got some beautiful pictures.
5. Isla de la Plata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Jeffrey Y - Boynton Beach, Florida
Two sheltered coves but only one had any beach. I went to dive inn the shelter of the island. Not visit the island.
6. Museo Ciudad Alfaro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Dan L - Bunbury, Australia
Great Museum, lovely garden area, shops, old train engine and carriage and great views over the city and coastline. Behind all of this, the steep Montecristi hill, 610 meters high, nestled in the dry tropical forest.
The museum is the main attraction, simple, well laid out, featuring exhibits of early Ecuadorian life, and also pays homage to the greatest national historical hero, General Eloy Alfaro Delgado. There was a live demonstration showing how Panama hats are made; tedious work with amazing skill levels required. If the demonstration whets your appetite to purchase a hat, the shops will accommodate, offering hats in a variety of quality and price.
7. Playa el Murcielago
Overall Ratings
4 based on 341 reviews
Reviewed By Les R - Kansas City, MO
We were there on a Sunday...the beach was clean (a few small rocks)...a lot of locals were there...it was a fun, safe time...the sun over the equator is extremely intense, so don't forget the sunscreen and lots of it...is was a wonderful sunny day...a great place for family fun for those who like the beech and water...we found places to buy food and drinks...the beech umbrellas were only $5 per day, a great deal in the intense sun...we only waded in the water, the temperature was great and the water seemed clean...we were on a cruise ship and others said they had a problem with seed weed and felt the water was not that clean, but that was not our experience wading where we were.
8. Isla Corazon Mangrove Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Hal E - Chicago, Illinois
We were picked up at our hotel in a small covered boat and brought to Isla Corazon where we switched to a canoe. Our guide was very knowledgeable about wildlife in the area and pointed out many species of birds. The trip through the mangroves took about 45 minutes and it was peaceful and quiet. Wonderful trip.
9. Museo Bahia de Caraquez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Geoffrey I - Colchester, United Kingdom
Important historical and archeological exhibits of the area are displayed to a very high standard, although many of the descriptions are in Spanish it's fairly straightforward to understand the basic information.
There was a very interesting art gallery upstairs, the attendants were very helpful. Good toilet facilities.
10. Playa San Lorenzo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Anthony S - Brisbane, Australia
This is a beautiful long beach with some superb waves, perfect for Surfing. Apart from the few local fishermen there is virtually no-one about and you can have the beach to yourself. To the north end is a steep headland with a small lighthouse and a great view in both directions.
There are a couple of little hotels, and restaurants, right on the beach and it would be a most pleasant place to stay for a few days.
