Southern Ecuador
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Positives
- Two swell sources
- Warm water
- Low wind speeds
- US dollar stability
- Trips to the Andes and Amazon
Negatives
- Often small, weak waves
- Year-round onshores
- Crowded wekends
- Rainy hot season
- Petty thefts & security concerns
Southern Ecuador surf travel guide
The Panama Current keeps the water warm and the balmy beach parties going through the holiday seasons, especially in Southern Ecuador surf towns like Montanita, Salinas and Playas. While some spots only light up with a big swell, there is usually something to surf for most of the year as southern Ecuador benefits from both north and south long-distance swells, which tend to roll in with moderate power and break onto forgiving reefs. The spots to the north of Salinas are better exposed to north swells, but many of them only get good when they reach double overhead. Spots to the south of Salinas, towards Playas, only break on S-SW swells, so think southern hemisphere winter. Either season, the coastline offers enough flexibility for all abilities to get some warm-water, equatorial waves on a regular basis.
Surf spots in Southern Ecuador
Research the 14 surf breaks in Southern Ecuador and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 14 breaks in Southern Ecuador.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Southern Ecuador
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- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Southern Ecuador.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 2,535,000
- Population
- 17,643,054
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- USD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = $1 USD USD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +593
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Spanish, Quechua
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Visa-free travel for nearly all nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
From Quito (UIO) it is 12.5h by bus to Montanita, or fly to Guayaquil in 1h, followed by 2.5h by car to Salinas or 3+ to Montanita.
Getting Around
Travelling by bus is very cheap but journey times are long. From Montanita there are plenty of 'chivas', (local public transport), that go to Manta, Salinas and Guyaquil; boards will travel on the roof or in the boot.
Accommodation
Montanita has plenty of cheap accommodation from camping and hostels (Tiki Limbo) to beachfront hotels (Selina). More people are heading north to Ayampe for a more relaxed and basic beach town vibe. All levels of accommodation options in Manta, Salinas or Playas. Basic food costs start from $5-7 a meal but shop around for good deals.
Activities
The coastal rainforest is home to many unique plants and animals. Visit the fabulous Andes mountains to see the glacial-capped, active stratovolcano Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak. It's only 4 hrs to get to the Amazon basin, which makes up one-third of Ecuador's land mass and includes some incredible cloud forests. Quito is a great place to hang out, whilst Otavalo, Banos and Vilcabamba are all worth visiting.
Hazards & hassles
Mosquitoes are abundant everywhere in the rainy season, but no malaria down south. Rental cars are targeted by thieves. Dont flash your valuables or leave stuff unattended on the beach.
Handy Hints
Sumbawa surf shop is in Montañita. Faro is the cheapest place on earth to buy balsa wood boards and you can learn to surf on one at Camp Balsa Surf School. Crowds are only a problem near the cities and Montanita and all spots get way busier on the weekends.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.