City: Santa Elena Province
Top Things to do in Santa Elena Province
What to do and see in Santa Elena Province, Ecuador: The Best Things to do
The Province of Santa Elena (Spanish pronunciation: [ˌsanta eˈlena]) is a province of Ecuador in the coastal region. Created in 2007 from territory that belonged to the Guayas Province, it is one of the two newest provinces of Ecuador, along with Santo Domingo de Los Tsáchilas. Its capital city is Santa Elena, from which the province derives its name.
Restaurants in Santa Elena Province
1. Montanita Spanish School - Day Classes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By yusufventures - Manchester, United Kingdom
To kick start my trip around South and Central America I decided to join a Spanish school, due to my complete lack of Spanish ability, that also had options for surfing and I stumbled upon Montanita Spanish school. I spent a total of 4 weeks at the Montanita Spanish school along with the accommodation at the nearby Cabanas and I very much enjoyed my time there. The classes are split between morning grammar classes and afternoon practical classes. I opted to join the group classes which I enjoyed particularly when it came to the practical lessons in the afternoon and the Spanish games that were played. The teachers were very friendly and knowledgable and I liked the fact that they stuck to giving explanations in Spanish in order to immerse you in the language. The level of grammar taught was quite intensive and the notes I took will surely help me as I continue to learn on my own. The school itself has a nice relaxed vibe to it. They offer drinking water, coffee, tea and even bread and juice during the morning lessons. The classes on the roof are particularly nice as they offer a great view of Montanita. There are also many activities to keep you occupied outside of school hours. I of course took part in surfing which was generally in between classes or first thing in the morning daily and a few lessons of Salsa which can be done any weekday evening provided you have at least 2 people interested. There were also social activities such as BBQ's, Surf trips, beach cleaning, welcome dinners and cultural festival days. I took part in as many as I could and had a great time at each one. The interns and staff were great engaging with me often and just generally being fun to be around. I would gladly go back in the future and one thing I would do differently would perhaps be to live with a host family so that I am practicing Spanish throughout the day, I admittedly got a bit too comfortable speaking English during the evenings. All in all it is a great spot to learn Spanish, surfing and to just generally have a great time.
2. La Loberia
3. Museo de las Ballenas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Mcmstuart - Colorado Springs, United States
Ben Haase has created a wonderful, interesting, educational and informative museum on his property. He is passionate and knowledgeable and it shows in his tour. This is a must see while in Salinas for the entire family. It's a very affordable $3.00 per person and you can help the museum by giving a bit more as a donation. Highly recommended. We were not able to try his wife's seafood restaurant as it was not open this particular weekend, but it came highly recommended by our hotel.
4. Playa de Mar Bravo
5. Playa de Chipipe
6. Playa de Olon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By suevandv - Kingston, Canada
This beach is cleaner than most I've been to. The cabanitas, and there are many, offer great breakfasts and fresh seafood. Plenty of sun umbrellas and chair to rent at a decent price. There are vendors that walk the beach selling jewellry, food, hats, sand toys, etc...but they are polite. Great place to watch the sunsets.
7. Playa Rosada
8. Malecon Salinas
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By ritaboggss - Salinas, Ecuador
Salinas Malecon has many wonderful restaurants, vendors offering anything from food and beer to seating and umbrellas. There are vendors offering scenic boat trips, wave runners, kayak and paddle board rentals to name a few. It is a full service entertainment area.
9. Playa Las Salinas
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 356 reviews
Reviewed By CasaHoffa - Huatulco, Mexico
Salinas is a very accommodating little town on the beach in Ecuador. We are lucky enough to have friends who live there and they brought us to a secluded beach to watch the sunset.
10. Playa Montanita
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 351 reviews
Reviewed By dawesom1 - Hollister, United States
Surfing and surfing contests, Dharma Beach Restaraunt, Shankha Sushi and Thai, Lido Beach Grill and Beer pub plus other food restaraunts, concerts right on the beach! Great place to surf, play games, party, kick back and enjoy the food and drink, watch the sunset.........You can't beat for fun, many things to do, partying........Just a great place to enjoy and have fun Lost Beach : undoubtedly the best party in Montañita Ezzio's Pizza : enjoy the best pizza in town. Italian style.
