ACTIVITIES IN ECUADOR
WATERSPORTS
The Galápagos Islands and the Ecuadorian Coast constitute
a real paradise for diving, snorkelling, surfing and rafting lovers.
If you are rather a fishing enthusiast, there are also beautiful
sites available, especially in the Highlands.
Other water sports can also be practiced in Ecuador, just
ask for our advice!
Fishing in the lakes of the Highlands constitutes a widespread
local hobby. There are numerous interesting fishing spots in this
region, especially within national reserves, namely El Angel in
the north and El Cajas in the South. Imagine that only Cajas National
Park has 230 lakes and lagoons. It is considered as a paradise for
fishing.
In the northern Highlands, the beautiful lagoons near Otavalo as
well as some lakes around Ibarra invite for a longer angling stay.
Near Quito there are also eight different lakes with trouts and
carps. Paraiso del Pescador, located in the north west of the capital,
near Nanegalito, is one of these beautiful fishing sites. You can
practice this activity in Papallacta or in Cotopaxi National Park.
Deep-sea fishing is mostly practiced in the Coastal region, especially
in Salinas and Manta, considered to be the main centres for hooking
marlin, tuna, dorado, among many others. The Coastal side of Guayaquil
is also very attractive. The inshore waters of Santa Elena Peninsula
have a great variety of the most exotic fish.
Some tours to the Amazon region offer the opportunity for fishing,
especially for reputedly the world's most ferocious fish, the piranha.
Whether you prefer fishing surrounded by mountains and mist, or
by warm weather and ocean breeze in the Coast, whether you like
fishing not very far from urban areas or in completely isolated
places, you will find in Ecuador unexpected opportunities to do
so.
Many beautiful fishing sites all over Ecuador are just waiting for
you. For more information and bookings, please contact
us!
Having one of the world's highest concentrations of rivers per
square mile, Ecuador is considered to be a real “hot spot”
for rafters and kayakers. Pristine rivers originate in the andean
mountain ranges and run through fascinating gorges, cascading waterfalls,
valleys and jungle.
Ecuador offers excellent all-year round whitewater rafting and kayaking,
with easy accessibility and varying grades of difficulty, giving
infinite options to both the experienced and first time adventurers.
The jungle rivers of the Amazon side of the Andes have generally
more consistent flows than those located in the west-Andean slopes.
They are also considered to be the most clean and scenic rivers
in all Ecuador.
Single and multi-day excursions or expeditions are permanently organised
by experienced tour operators who provide guidance services and
supply a full range of equipment, food and mobilisation.
Our recommended products in the highlands
and the rainforest have
interesting offers. For bookings or more information, please
contact us.
Ecuador is considered to be a small country with a huge surf potential,
especially on the Coast of Manabí and Guayas provinces, as
well as on the Galápagos Islands.
It is commonly said that it enjoys an open swell window to the
Pacific Ocean greater than 180 degrees.
Manabí and Guayas have places very popular for surfing. Montañita,
located in the latter one, has the reputation of being the country’s
surf centre. It is permanently visited by surfers from all over
the world, especially during January and February, which is considered
to be the best season of the year. Salinas is also well-known for
national and international surfing competitions that take place
in this Coastal city very often –including the Surf World
Championship in March 2004. Canoa village, situated a little further
north, is also quite visited by tourists.
Surfers from numerous countries also come to Galápagos Islands
every year, particularly to San Cristobal, from December to February
when waves are at their best. It is possible to hire boards, and
a wetsuit might also be necessary in the dry season, when the water
can be very cold.
Both professionals and beginner surfers have the opportunity to
practice this exciting sport in Ecuador. Our recommended products
located on the Pacific Coast
and those on the Galápagos
Islands will be glad to help you organising a very enjoyable
surfing time. For more information please
contact us.
Considering that the Galápagos Islands have been declared
World Natural Heritage Site, World Biosphere Reserve, Marine Resources
Reserve, Whale Sanctuary, Top Diving Destination in 2000 and 2001,
and voted as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, it
is easy to realise that the Galápagos National Park constitutes
a fascinating diving and snorkelling destination, relatively unexplored,
thus it continues to be a pristine sanctuary to be discovered.
Immense schools of fish, sea lions, marine turtles, morays, marine
iguanas, rays, giant mantas, sharks, dolphins, whales, and incredible
marine flora, all of them tamed waiting for you in this unique marine
paradise. Whether you are a beginner or a professional experienced
diver, Galápagos´ underwater world is worth exploring.
Nemo Catamaran, our recommended diving specialist in the Galápagos
Islands, offers special diving cruises (3 dives a day), as well
as normal diving itineraries, which consist of a combination of
dives and land visits to the islands. Night dives can be organised,
if conditions are good.
In the coastal region of Ecuador, there are also interesting sites
for diving and snorkelling, especially in Machalilla National Park,
where you will have the opportunity to admire the splendid coral
formations.
Interested in diving or snorkelling? Check out what our recommended
cruises on Galápagos
and the hosterías on the
coast have to offer you. For more information please
contact us.
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