Ecuador is a country in Northwestern South America, with a Pacific Ocean coastline, lying on the equator between Colombia, to the northeast, and Peru, to the south and east.  Not sure where it is?  Click here.

But Ecuador's most famous dive destination is the Galapagos Islands which we've covered as a separate destination.

Diving from mainland Ecuador is mainly in the Machalilla National Park.  Created in 1979, Machalilla is the only coastal national park in Ecuador.  It incorporates beaches, fog forest, dry forest, small islands and two larger islands, Salango and the small island of Isla de la Plata (known as Poor Man's Galapagos), inhabited by a number of animals commonly found in the Galapagos Islands including blue footed boobies, pelicans, and gulls. Dolphins and whales are often sighted between June and October. 

• Isla de la Plata for colonies of sea Lions and the mammoth humpback whales migrating between the end of June and October period.

• On 6 February 2008 there was a volcanic eruption of Tungurahua. Activity has since decreased but risks still remain of another eruption. [Source: Foreign Office and Commonwealth Office]
• On 29 February 2008, NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) revised its recommendations for yellow fever vaccination for travellers to Ecuador based on Ministry of Health recommendations.  Click here for full details.
• Malaria and dengue fever are health risks in all the coastal and jungle provinces, the interior and in the highlands up to 2000 metres. Malaria is found mainly in the coastal province of Esmeraldas. Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year.  In 2007 there has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region, for which there is no vaccination or immunisation. [Source: Foreign Office and Commonwealth Office].  Check for up-to-date information before travelling.