Réserve marine El Pelado, Marine reserve in Santa Elena Province, Ecuador
Reserva marina El Pelado is a marine protected area on the coast of Santa Elena Province in Ecuador, centered on the small bare islet of El Pelado and the waters around it. It sits between the towns of Valdivia and Palmar, covering open sea zones as well as narrow coastal strips.
The reserve was established in 2012 to protect the marine biodiversity of this stretch of coast. Before that, the area had no formal protection despite being heavily used by local fishing communities for generations.
Fishing villages near the reserve still follow rhythms tied to the sea, with small wooden boats pulled up on shore and nets drying in the sun. The name El Pelado refers to the bare, rocky islet at the heart of the reserve, which stands out clearly from the water with no vegetation on its surface.
The reserve is accessible along the Ruta Spondylus, a coastal road that passes through small seaside towns between Valdivia and Palmar. Water activities in the area depend on sea conditions, so checking locally before heading out is a good idea.
A former military vessel called the Ringle was deliberately sunk in 2013 to create an artificial reef on the seafloor. Today the wreck is covered in marine life and has become one of the more sought-after dive sites in the area.
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