Last updated on December 4th, 2023 at 01:40 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Ecuador, you came to the right place. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan your surf trip to Ecuador, including general travel info, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in Ecuador.
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About Surfing Ecuador
If you come to surf in Ecuador, you will discover a fantastic surf destination that, somehow, no one hardly talks about. Ask any surfer about his past surf trips, and he will probably mention countries such as Mexico, Maldives, or any other famous “surf Mecca”. But Ecuador??? Although it offers world-class waves, just like Panama, Nicaragua or other Latin countries, somehow it remained a well-kept secret, hidden from the world’s surf scene.
Located in South America, just between Peru and Colombia, Ecuador faces the Pacific Ocean and has about 2,200 KM (1,400 Miles) of coastline. International flights land here from almost any country, usually in the capital, Quito, and sometimes Guayaquil. In fact, Ecuador is a pretty small country, so you can take a 6-hour drive and make it to the coast. Also, prices here are very low compared to other Latin countries, so getting around is pretty easy.
What makes Ecuador such a great surf destination is its diverse coastline. For instance, within a short drive, you can find beach breaks, river mouths, points, and reef breaks to both the left and right sides. Therefore, regardless of your skill level or whether you are a goofy or natural footer, you can find the perfect wave for yourself in Ecuador. Moreover, 900 KM west, the Galapagos Islands also belong to Ecuador and offer a completely different surfing experience (ya, if you can afford it..).
The Best Surf Spots in Ecuador
When surfing in Ecuador, you will find a vast variety of breaks of all kinds. Divided into 4 different surf areas, these are the best spots in the Ecuador:
Surf spots in Ecuador’s Northwest Coast:
Atacamas:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- This is the most northern surf spot in Ecuador and is well exposed to any swell direction. It is a typical beach break with several peaks to both right and left, and the lineup here is rarely crowded.
Mompiche:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This small fishing village hosts one of the best left point breaks you will ever surf. Although it requires a big north swell to perform well, when such swell hits, you can get here over 1 minute’s rides. Mompiche is definitely a goofy footers paradise. If you come to surf in Ecuador and there is a swell of 5 feet and above, do not miss out on this spot.
Surf spots in Ecuador’s West Coast:
Canoa:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- This is absolutely a wonderful surf town in West Ecuador. It offers a chill vibe and great surf. This beach break picks up any swell and is consistent, even on small days. Moreover, unlike typical beach breaks, the swell here breaks very softly far from shore and produces extremely long rides to both sides. Therefore, this spot is highly recommended for all skill levels.
Manta:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Manta is a well-known surf city, especially among the locals in Ecuador. This beach offers multiple peaks with a powerful break. Therefore, you can get some heavy tube rides when the swell is big.
San Mateo:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This sleepy fishing village hosts a world-class surf spot. It is a left point break that produces long rides with amazingly hollow sections. Even though you will have to deal with nasty rocks, locals, and sometimes sharks, this spot is so good that any advanced surfer simply cannot miss it.
Ayampe:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- This quiet and relaxed place has a lovely beach break and several different peaks. Unlike other spots, this one breaks all year long and is exposed to any swell direction. Although the quality of this wave is not the highest, it can be a good solution for small days when no other spot is performing.
Montanita:
Break type- Point break and beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This town is definitely Ecuador’s surf capital. Montanita is a typical beach town with cheap hostels, crazy nightlife, and great waves. When surfing in Montanita, you can go to the corner of the beach to the right-hand point break and enjoy some long, open rides. Moreover, the beach itself offers several peaks to both right and left, with great power and occasional barrels.
Surf spots in Ecuador’s Southwest Coast:
Salinas:
Break type- Beach breaks, points, and reef breaks.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This spot was chosen to host the Quicksilver ISA world junior tour in 2009. Salinas has a great surf scene, offering several beach breaks, points, and reef breaks. However, the best spot is called FAE, and it produces a fantastic tube ride over a rocky bottom. In fact, this spot is located in front of a military base, so you will need to bring your Passport/ID to pass, but you will get rewarded with an absolutely world-class wave. Moreover, on the other side of the bay, you will find Mar Bravo and Punta Carnero, which are both fantastic breaks as well. Due to the diverse shape of Salinas Bay, at least one of those beaches will always produce epic surf, regardless of the swell direction.
Playas:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This City in South Ecuador has about a dozen different surf breaks. Actually, some of them produce waves 365 days a year. However, the quality of the waves here is not as good as in the nearby Salinas.
Surf spots in the Galapagos Islands:
Puerto Chino:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- If you made the long and expensive journey to the Galapagos Islands, you don’t want to miss out on this spot. Puerto Chino produces fast and powerful waves over a reef, which is suitable for advanced surfers only.
Tortuga Bay:
Break type- Reef break and a beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This is another great surf spot situated on the Island of Santa Cruz. The beach is absolutely stunning, and you can choose between a reef break and a beach break. Local surfers love this beach, and yet, it is never too crowded.
If you are new to surfing and you are looking for beginner waves, check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Ecuador.
Surf Seasons in Ecuador
In general, you can surf Ecuador all year long. However, you will find the best surf conditions between December and April. During these months, the north swells hit the coastline with perfect angles and produce consistent waves of decent size. Moreover, at this time of the year, the offshore winds hold the waves and make the water glassy and beautiful, especially in the mornings.
Luckily, the water temperature in Ecuador is always warm, and there is no need for a wetsuit. However, the Galapagos Islands are an exception to that. In the Galapagos, the water is always a few degrees cooler, so if that’s where you are heading, bring your wetsuit.
Surf Camps in Ecuador
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf beaches in Ecuador is at a surf camp. In detail, these are the most recommended ones:
1. Pata Sudaka, Ayampe– Pata Sudaka is one of Ecuador’s most popular surf camps. It offers a professional surf program that includes theoretical and practical surf coaching, yoga classes, all equipment, video analysis, and other fun activities.
For more details about surf camps in Ayampe, please click here.
2. Balsa Surf Camp, Montanita– Located just in front of the main point, it is precisely where a surfer wants to be. Here, you can take some surf lessons, rent a board, and just relax and enjoy the beach life for a few days.
For more details about surf camps in Montanita, please click here.
3. Simba Surf, Canoa– The camp offers surf lessons with a local instructor or just a board rental. Apart from surfing, you can also take a massage, salsa class, and even a Spanish course.
For more details about Ecuador’s surf camps, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Ecuador
When coming to surf in Ecuador, you want to stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the waves. These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the country:
1. Hotel Kundalini, Montanita– Only a 2-minute walk from Montañita downtown, Hotel Kundalini offers large green areas right in front of the seashore. A daily a la carte breakfast and free WiFi access are included.
2. Hosteria Canoa– Set in Canoa, 700 m from Canoa Beach, Hosteria Canoa offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. Among the various facilities are a shared lounge, a garden, and a private beach area. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service, and free WiFi throughout the property.
3. San Joaquin Mompiche– San Joaquin Mompiche has sea views, free WiFi, and free private parking. It is situated in Mompiche, a few steps from Mompiche Beach.
For more surf hotels in Ecuador, check out our post about the best surf resorts in Ecuador, or simply look for deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Ecuador
There are many great surf spots in Ecuador, so surfers of all levels can find breaks that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Ayampe and Canoa. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in spots like Montanita and Mompiche. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride fantastic barrels at San Mateo and Puerto Chino.
Which Town in Ecuador is Best to Stay At
On a surf trip, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling. However, there are many great surf beaches in Ecuador, and sometimes, it can be hard to choose where to stay. So, considering the waves and the general atmosphere, these are the most recommended locations to stay:
1. Montanita– This is, without a doubt, the most famous surf spot in Ecuador. Besides beautiful waves, the town offers a variety of hotels, shops, and incredible nightlife.
2. Mompiche– If there is a big swell, this is a world-class break. Otherwise, there is not much to do here.
3. Canoa– The town is lovely, and the waves are perfect for beginners and intermediates.
4. The Galapagos Islands– Of course, this is a different type of surf trip, but if you have the budget, you will ride perfect waves in one of the most incredible places on earth.
Ecuador- Travel Information
Language- Spanish.
Population- about 18 million.
Currency- U.S. Dollar.
Calling code- +593.
Time zone- GMT -5.
Pros- various surf spots, warm water, and low tourism.
Cons- none.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, when surfing in Ecuador, you will enjoy world-class waves with minimal crowds. This country is an incredible surf destination, which is worth taking advantage of before too many people discover it.
