14 Ecuador Beaches Under Red Flag May 19 as Inocar Warns of Agitated Seas

If you are on the Coast today, check the beach flag before getting in the water.

Primicias reports that Ecuador's Secretaria Nacional de Gestion de Riesgos (SNGR) warned that 14 beaches would carry red flags on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, because they present a high threat level. The report says the warning is based on data from Inocar, Ecuador's Oceanographic Institute of the Navy.

Beaches Listed With Red Flag

Primicias lists the high-threat beaches as:

• Same, Quinge and Mompiche in Esmeraldas
• Manta, Canoa, San Jacinto, Jaramijo, San Lorenzo, Puerto Cayo, Machalilla, Puerto Lopez and El Matal in Manabi
• Manglaralto and Salinas / San Lorenzo in Santa Elena

Why The Alert Was Issued

According to Primicias, Inocar said Ecuador's coast entered an aguaje phase on Monday, May 18, moving sea conditions from moderate to agitated.

Primicias reports that when the sea is agitated, there are medium and high waves with more energy, sea-level rise from aguaje, or high periods.

What This Means for Expats

SNGR's recommendations are straightforward: respect beach signs, avoid entering the sea in alert zones, and follow instructions from authorities. If you are traveling through Manabi, Esmeraldas or Santa Elena today, treat the flag as the rule, not a suggestion.

Source: Primicias