"Crucita, Manabi Ecuador" a Crucita Travel Page by alecjones

Crucita is a small town on the coast of Ecuador about 20 kilometers north of Manta. The people are the friendliest in the world and would not only take off their shirt if you were cold. . . but would also give it to you. It has some of the greatest sea food and is right out of the sea. Prices are too good to be true. A breakfast is usually around $2 USD. Lunch $2-3 USD and Dinner $3-5 USD except a lobster meal which is around $8-12 USD.

Paragliding is a very popular past time in Crucita. The thermals against the southern hills makes for excellent flying. A very nice launch site has been built, which includes a restaurant/bar. A platform on the cliff side makes for nice viewing if you decide not to try flying yourself. tandem rides are available VERY cheap at $20 USD. I recommend flying with Raul Tobar the owner of Hostal Crucita (Crucita Hotel). The hotel it located on the south side of town. Just take the Malacon (the main road along the beach) to the south. It leaves the pavement and turns to dirt/sand. Keep going until you can not go any further and you are in front of the hotel. Raul speaks Spanish and English. The hotel is my favorite stay also. The rooms are $10 USD a night per person and try to get a ocean view if possible! They are busy on the weekends because this is a favorite place for the locals to come and play. Enjoy . .

Whales can be seen very often off of the coast. A trip to the south to the town of Porto Lopez is the best chance of seeing them. A boat trip can be had for around $15 USD per person. Just ask a local for a tour and your set. The last trip I took in early September 2007, resulted in seeing many whales for 2-3 hours. The picture shown is an actual photo taken on that trip. We had Humpbacks with-in 3-4 meters (10-15 feet) of the boat. One actually dove under our boat and surface on the other side (and very close). Snorkeling can also be included in the trip for no charge. Just ask before you go out so the can bring the gear. A snack is also common during the trip. Dolphins are also seen very often and the boat captains are always happy to take you to them.