Most of the activity here focuses on the sand and sea. Aside from swimming and sunbathing, there are plenty of waterborne activities. Most of the beach resorts have their own watersports equipment; if yours doesn't, you'll have no trouble finding someone renting out sailboards, Hobie cats, windsurfers, jet skis, and the like. The beach of this large, curving bay is made of a rather coarse golden sand. All along the shore you'll find beach umbrellas, portable shade cabañas, and chaise lounges for rent. A beach umbrella and two chaise lounges should cost you $10 (£5.50) per day. Waves are rather mellow toward the center of town, but they pick up as you head farther out in either direction.
Surfers will want to head out to the far western end of the peninsula, which is also called La Chocolatera. This is a naval-base territory, and you may have to ask permission to enter (it's almost always granted). Several shops along the Malecón rent out surf and body boards, and offer lessons. Board rentals run from $3 to $10 (£1.65-£5.50) per hour, depending upon the quality of the equipment. Lessons cost around $8 to $10 (£4.40-£5.50) per hour.
If you want to go sport fishing, you can head to the Puerto Lucía Yacht Club (tel. 04/2783-190; www.puertolucia.com.ec) on the waterfront between Salinas and La Libertad) and ask around; or contact Pesca Tours, which has an office on the Malecón and Calle 20 (tel. 04/2443-365; www.pescatours.com.ec). Offshore fishing provides good opportunities to catch black and blue marlin, sailfish, albacore tuna, and a whole host of other big game fish. Rates run from $250 to $800 (£138-£400) per day for up to four people, depending upon the size and quality of the boat, and how far offshore you go.
The small Museo de Ballenas (Whale Museum; tel. 04/2778-329; www.femm.org) features an interesting collection of exhibits about the biology and natural history of whales and dolphins. The centerpiece of the museum is a 12m (39-ft.) complete skeleton of a humpback whale. They also have partial and complete skeletons and skulls of other species, as well as explanatory materials in both English and Spanish. The museum is located on Avenida General Enriques Gallo, between calles 47 and 50. The museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm, but it's wise to call in advance because they often close if there aren't many visitors. Admission is free, but a donation is requested.
The Museo Salinas Siglo 21 (Salinas 21st Century Museum; tel. 04/2771-279) is another option, with a collection of local maritime relics and displays, including coins recovered from the wreck of a Spanish galleon that sank in 1664. This museum also has a good collection of regional archaeological finds of the Valdivia, Machalilla, and Chorrera peoples dating back as far as 4200 B.C. Located on the Malecón, between calles Guayas and Quil, the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 1pm and from 3 to 6pm. Admission is $2 (£1.10).
June through September, the waters off Salinas are a fantastic place to spot humpback whales. Most hotels offer whale-watching excursions, or you can contact Costa Tour (tel. 04/2770-095 or 09/7544-444) or Pesca Tours (tel. 04/2443-365; www.pescatours.com.ec). When the whales aren't around, all of the above operations can arrange simple half-day, full-day, and sunset cruises or sailboat outings.
