El Murcielago, Beach in Manta, Ecuador

Playa El Murciélago is an open beach about 1,700 metres long in Manta, Manabí. Its fine grey-green sand forms a continuous, even mantle that slopes gently across the shore, broken intermittently by rocky outcrops. Rows of tall grey poles stand upright along the sand, and a small orange-sided lifeguard hut on stilts sits higher up the beach.

The name comes from the beach's shape when viewed from above, which resembles a bat with spread wings. This geographical feature has been part of local naming and identity for generations.

The beach's name comes from its outline, which resembles a bat with wings spread. Manta residents head here especially during carnival, and the Malecón Escénico beside the sand holds clothing and jewellery shops and many restaurants. Kitesurfers and surfers provide the spectacle for those watching from shore.

Color-coded flags posted along the shore indicate sea conditions and swimming safety warnings. Local operators offer equipment rental for kitesurfing, bodyboarding, and other water activities directly on the beach.

The beach's outline, with its two ends curving out like wings, is what gave it the name El Murciélago, "the Bat". The resemblance is best seen on a map or from the air rather than from the sand itself.