SURFING IN ECUADOR

A perfect unridden pick wave with a surfer behind ready to catch another great wave
A perfect unridden pick wave with a surfer behind ready to catch another great wave

Manta sits at the center of Ecuador's central coast; its geographical position makes it a swell magnet from every direction, delivering incredible waves for all levels of surfing. Long rippable lefts and rights, and powerful hollow barrels that demand a high level of skill.

Miles of coastline breaks, but knowing which one has the right swell, the right tide, and the fewest people on any given morning? That's local knowledge. That's 29 years of showing up

Ecuador's waves respond to swell direction, tide, and wind. Knowing which spot is working on any given day is not something you figure out on arrival. But local knowledge goes beyond the surf... Where to eat like a local after the session, where to find a cold craft beer, and spots only the locals know. That's what we give you, in and out of the water.

SURF SEASONS

Ecuador runs on two seasons: wet and dry. Waves are rideable year round, but the sweet spot is late November through late May, north and northwest swells combined with the rainy season deliver the goods: glassy days, warm water, and empty rides. Perfect early mornings and late afternoon sessions with amazing sunsets.

From April to November the dry season kicks in, southwest swells dominate, bringing cooler waters, cloudy skies, and powerful surf but with not so great conditions on most beaches. But here's what most people don't know: north facing beaches can still pick up enough energy from those southwest swells to produce perfect days, barrels, ramps, and clean lines when everywhere else looks blown out. Knowing which beaches respond to which swell direction on any given day? That's the difference between a regular surf day and the DAY of your trip.

WET SEASON (DECEMBER TO MAY)

🌬️Glassy morning, glassy late afternoon, light onshore

🌊NW – SW swells. Some years beginning even in November

☀️Rainy nights and sunny hot days usually

🌡️Air temperature ranges 72-85 °F (22-29 °C)

🌡️ Water temp ranges the mid and high 70’s (23-26 °C)

A perfect wave on an ecuadorian beachbreak
A perfect wave on an ecuadorian beachbreak

DRY SEASON (MAY TO NOVEMBER)

🌬️Onshore as a rule, rare glassy morning

🌊SW – SSW swells. Usually starts around the end of March

☀️ Cloaked days are the norm at most surf spots

🌡️ Air temperature ranges 68-77 °F (20-25 °C), cold winds at night

🌡️ Water temp drops to the low 70’s (21-23 °C)

A surfer riding a crappy wave in windy day
A surfer riding a crappy wave in windy day
Howler monkey in the forest near Manta city
Howler monkey in the forest near Manta city
Grilled lobster on a rice and french fries bed
Grilled lobster on a rice and french fries bed
Forefront of Cancebí Museum and a dancing festival in Manta city downtown
Forefront of Cancebí Museum and a dancing festival in Manta city downtown

🦞 Eat Local — Fresh catch, ceviche, and the best seafood you'll find anywhere on the Pacific coast. We know where to go.

🐒 Pacoche Forest — One of Ecuador's last coastal humid forests, 20 minutes from Manta. Howler monkeys, exotic birds, and zero crowds.

🎶 Manta After Dark — Culture, music, and cold craft beer. The city has more to offer than just waves.