Surf Spots

5 1 2km & 8 1 2km

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Atacames

Northern Ecuador, Ecuador

Ayampe

Central Ecuador, Ecuador

** Ayampe is a beach break with left and right handers over a sandy bottom that produces consistent, peeling waves suitable for all skill levels. Typical conditions run 3–6 feet with occasional swell days bringing 6–12 feet, driven primarily by south and southwest swells between May and October, while December through April delivers smaller, more organized head-high waves from the north and northwest. Offshore winds from the north, northeast, and east produce the cleanest conditions, and the spot works best around rising to high tide. Rip currents develop in sections during larger swells and require awareness before paddling out. The spot has developed quietly over the past two decades without a major competition or contest history. An American-Ecuadorian family, the Kellers, moved to the area in 2005 and became instrumental in the local surf community, maintaining a deliberately low-key, eco-conscious approach that has kept Ayampe from becoming heavily commercialized. The break is valued more as a year-round, daily-wave destination for surfers seeking consistency and solitude rather than as a notable competition venue or storied big-wave spot. Ayampe lies in Manabi province along Ecuador's Route of the Sun, approximately 85 kilometers from Santa Elena. The village sits directly above the Pacific, with beach access requiring less than five minutes from the parking area. The location maintains a small-town character and is easily reachable by road, making it straightforward for visiting surfers to find the break.

Balao

Northern Ecuador, Ecuador

Canoa

Central Ecuador, Ecuador

Canoa stretches across roughly ten miles of sand with no rocks, reef, or rip channels, allowing waves to peel in both directions with a gradually sloping bottom. The break is consistently gentle enough for beginners while offering bigger, steeper waves further out at higher tides for more experienced surfers. The forgiving sand bottom and absence of hazardous structure make it safer to learn than reef or rock breaks in the region. Best conditions arrive when northwest groundswells combine with offshore winds from the southeast, most reliably from January through April with January offering the most consistent swell. Outside the peak window, the break tends small but rarely gets blown out. The spot works across all tide stages, allowing surfers to dial in appropriate wave size. The town sits directly on the main coastal highway between Bahía de Caraquez and points north, accessible by direct bus from Quito in roughly seven hours or by local service from nearby San Vicente. Everything in town is walkable, and accommodation and food options cluster around the beachfront.

Capaes

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Capaes is a left-breaking reef located in the Santa Elena peninsula that produces hollow, fast-breaking waves with consistent barrel opportunities. The break responds well to northwest swells and southeast winds, typically performing best during low to mid tides. While rarely crowded, the reef features strong currents and requires intermediate to advanced wave-reading skills due to the wave's power and shape. The spot sits within Ecuador's recognized Ruta del Surf, a series of technical breaks in the Santa Elena province that appeal to surfers looking to refine their technique. Capaes forms part of the broader network of coastal points between Playas and Manabí, positioned as one of several reefs and points in an area known for consistent summer swells. Capaes is located about 5 kilometers from Santa Elena town along the Ruta del Spondylus coastal highway, positioned between Ballenita and the broader Santa Elena beaches. The break sits on a 6-kilometer stretch of coastline approximately 120 kilometers south of Guayaquil, making it reasonably accessible as a day trip or part of a longer coast-touring itinerary.

Carola

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Carola is a right-hand point break over a shallow reef with an average wave face around 10 feet, producing fast, powerful walls that demand solid experience to navigate safely. The break works best on low tide when barrels widen and channel formations become more distinct, with paddling-out easiest on the rising tide. Southwest swell delivers the most consistent conditions, particularly during the Southern Hemisphere summer season when groundswells predominate over wind-generated waves. The reef and surrounding volcanic formations create hazardous conditions—sharp lava rocks jut into both the takeoff and lineup, requiring careful line selection. Crowding increases notably when swell is running. Access involves flying to Seymour Airport (about 54 miles from the break) on the Galapagos archipelago. Carola sits on the southwest side of San Cristobal Island near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The spot has drawn visiting surfers for several decades, but published records of specific competitions or legendary sessions here remain sparse in accessible sources.

Chabela

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Chabela receives consistent swell during autumn and winter months, with March typically offering the best conditions, though waves become wind-blown more than half the time. The break works best with southwest-moving swell and requires northeast winds to remain clean. Around eight percent of days produce waves too small for most surfers, but conditions remain manageable for beginners during these lulls. Rocks create hazards throughout the break, and the beach itself alternates between 200 meters of open sand and roughly 100 meters of rocky outcrops that shift the available paddling and landing zones with the tide. Chabela is one of Ecuador's historic surfing beaches where the sport developed in the region. Local surfers typically start their progression here before moving to more challenging nearby breaks like Olas Verdes and Shark Bay, which lie one kilometer away and produce waves exceeding two and a half meters in good conditions. The beach takes its name from Isabela Estrada de Jurado, a Guayaquil resident involved in developing the Playas community who became known locally by the diminutive "Chabela." General Villamil Playas sits approximately 96 kilometers south of Guayaquil, accessible by bus in one and a half to two and a half hours. Despite its location just meters from Playa Humboldt—the area's most visited beach—Chabela remains remarkably quiet on most days. Accommodation options range from budget hostels to mid-range beachfront hotels, with daily rates typically between $20 and $60.

Chulluipe

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Chulluipe is a reef break near Salinas with both left and right-hand options, characterized by fast, barreling waves that tend to stay manageable even when larger. It works best when northwest swell encounters southeast offshore winds, which are consistent conditions for the region. Relatively few surfers visit this spot compared to Ecuador's more famous breaks, making it a quieter alternative despite decent swell seasons. December marks a particularly reliable window for waves. The reef has hazards including sharp rocks and strong rip currents that require local knowledge. Access from Guayaquil takes roughly 2–3 hours via the Via a la Costa Road to Salinas; the break lies in that coastal area near Punta Carnero. Beyond typical Ecuadorian beach town infrastructure, specific practical details about parking, facilities, or local conditions remain sparse in available sources.

Coito

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Ecuasal

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Ecuasal is a jetty-backed beach break in Salinas that produces fast, powerful waves breaking both right and left over sandy bottom. The hollow conditions require solid paddling power, especially in larger surf, and respond best to southwest swell with northeast wind. The break works consistently across all tidal stages. Ecuasal gained prominence as part of Ecuador's modern surfing scene that developed through the 1960s-1990s. Several accomplished Ecuadorian surfers have trained at Salinas-area breaks, and the region hosted the 2009 ISA World Junior Surfing Games plus multiple World Surf League Qualifying Series events, including the Corona Salinas Open as recently as 2021. The break sits in Salinas, roughly five kilometers from La Libertad, and is accessible by foot within minutes from the main beach. The jetty and nearby pier serve as clear landmarks. Weekday sessions are sparse, while weekends attract more surfers.

El Bajo

Northern Ecuador, Ecuador

El Barco - Salinas

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

El Faro

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

El Faro is a beach break producing both left and right-hand waves over a sandy bottom threaded with rocks that require careful navigation during entry and exit. The break responds best to southern groundswell combined with offshore winds from the north-northwest. It works across all tide stages but can expose additional rock hazards at lower tides. Winter brings the most consistent rideable conditions; April is particularly noted as a peak month for waves. The water temperature requires a full wetsuit year-round. The Galapagos became known for surfing only in the late 1970s when Ecuadorian workers and sailors stumbled upon rideable waves. The islands remained under the radar of international surf travel through the 1980s and 1990s, known only to a small number of locals and the occasional visiting boat surfer. By 2018, the spot had gained enough recognition to host the ALAS Latin Tour competition, though participation by local surfers in larger contests remains rare due to the prohibitive cost of traveling to mainland Ecuador or other Latin American events. Access requires either a roughly 20-minute walk from El Anclote over rocky terrain or a ride in a panga—the local water taxi offering faster passage. Puerto Villamil has developed basic surf infrastructure, with a couple of shops providing board rentals and beginner instruction, though equipment availability fluctuates.

Engabao

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Engabao is a consistent left-hand point break that works best with southwest swell and northeast offshore winds. The break has a primarily sandy bottom interspersed with rocks, and produces long, rideable sections that typically range from waist-high to double overhead. It performs well from low to mid tide, with barrels forming at lower water levels. The takeoff area near the rocks can be challenging for less experienced surfers, and strong tidal currents are pronounced during periods of high tidal coefficient. Access is straightforward from the road leading into Puerto Engabao, with the break just minutes from the village. The surrounding area is an active fishing community offering simple accommodations in hostels and rustic bungalows, along with a small restaurant at the point. The most consistent swell window runs from December through April when Pacific groundswells are most frequent, though the spot maintains year-round wave potential.

Estero de Platano

Northern Ecuador, Ecuador

Estero de Platano is a reef break featuring both left and right-hand waves that require clean northwest swell and east-southeast wind to perform best. The spot comes alive during Ecuador's primary swell season from December through April, with February being the most consistent month. The waves tend to pick up significantly when double-overhead, and the spot remains comparatively uncrowded even when swell is substantial. The beach sits in Galera, a coastal town in Esmeraldas province where local inhabitants maintain a traditional way of life. Access involves a 500-meter beach stretch between La Corcobada point and Rampidal, making logistics straightforward for visiting surfers. Water temperature hovers around 24 to 27 degrees Celsius year-round.

FAE

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

FAE is a left-hand reef break fronted by exposed rock that produces hollow, powerful waves suited only for advanced surfers. The break responds consistently to southwest swell with northeast winds and maintains shape across all tide levels, with wave heights reaching up to nine feet during the peak season. The break is most reliable and coldest of the Salinas-area spots between December and March, particularly in March. FAE has hosted significant international competition, including a World Surf League event in 2005 and the Corona Salinas Open in 2021—Ecuador's first WSL-sanctioned event in 15 years. The location remains relatively uncrowded despite its quality, likely due to restricted access and the technical demands of the reef. Access requires passage through the Ecuadorian Air Force Base (FAE stands for Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador) in Salinas; surfers must present identification and obtain a permit, a process described as straightforward. The confined military setting keeps visitor numbers low and adds a unique access constraint that distinguishes this from public breaks elsewhere on Ecuador's coast.

La Bahia (Guayas)

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

La bellaca

Central Ecuador, Ecuador

La Chocolatera

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

La Chueca

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

La Diablica

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

La Loberia

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

La Posada

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

La Rinconada

Central Ecuador, Ecuador

Las piñas, La Antena

Central Ecuador, Ecuador

Las Tunas

Central Ecuador, Ecuador

Las Tunas is a consistent beach break with sections of reef structure that produces both left and right-hand waves. The break typically offers 1 to 3 meters of rideable water year-round and works with swells from multiple directions — performing best with southwest groundswells and cleaner during east-northeast offshore winds. The spot is rated for intermediate to advanced surfers, particularly when northern swells arrive during Ecuador's winter season and create heavier, more powerful waves that demand confidence and local knowledge. Las Tunas appears to be an emerging surf destination with limited documented competition history or major notable sessions. It is following a similar development arc as neighboring towns like Montañita and Olón but remains less established in surf tourism, which has kept the wave relatively uncrowded and the community culture intact. Access is straightforward for drivers moving through this region, positioned just 6 kilometers south of Puerto López along Ecuador's central Pacific coast and a short walk from Ayampe. The beach itself is wide and rarely crowded, backed by the distinctive Los Ahorcados rock formation that rises prominently from the water and serves as the spot's defining visual landmark.

Los Patios

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Mal Paso

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Mompiche

Northern Ecuador, Ecuador

Montañita

Central Ecuador, Ecuador

Montañita-beachbreak

Central Ecuador, Ecuador

Olas Verdes

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Olas Verdes is a right-hand point break near Playas that produces long, consistent rides with a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. Southwest swell combined with northeast wind creates the best conditions, typically during autumn and winter months. The wave works across varying tides and suits intermediate to advanced surfers seeking uncrowded sessions, particularly on weekday mornings. Playas stands as the foundation of Ecuador's surfing culture, with the area hosting over a dozen point breaks and serving as home to early surf pioneers. The region has maintained a consistent local surfing community and tradition of board manufacturing that extends back decades, though specific historical documentation of Olas Verdes itself is limited in available sources. The break sits within easy reach of Guayaquil, approximately ninety minutes away by road, with public access via a short walk from Humboldt Beach. The nearby coastal town offers basic tourism infrastructure typical of established Ecuadorian beach destinations.

Olon

Central Ecuador, Ecuador

Paco illescas

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Pelado

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Pelado is a right-hander in Southern Ecuador with sand and reef on the bottom. The break works best on low tides with northeast winds and southwest swell. Rocks present a hazard at this spot.

Playas (Guayaquil)

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Playas, Ecuador

Ecuador

Playero de miramar

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Portete

Northern Ecuador, Ecuador

Portete is a point break near Mompiche in northern Ecuador. The break responds best to northwest swell and southeast winds. Hazards include rocks and sharks.

Puerto Baquerizo

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Punta Carnero

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Punta Carnero is a left-hand point break near Salinas with a rock bottom and submerged rock hazards. SW swell and NE winds provide the best conditions. The spot hosted the ISA World Junior Surfing Games in 2009.

Punta Carnero, Ecuador

Ecuador

Punta Mala

Southern Ecuador, Ecuador

Punta Mala is an intermediate point break near Puerto Lopez in Southern Ecuador. The left-hand waves respond best to NW swell and easterly wind on a sand and rock bottom. Watch for submerged rocks in the lineup.

Punta Suspiro

Northern Ecuador, Ecuador

Punta Tonchigue

Northern Ecuador, Ecuador

Río Chico

Central Ecuador, Ecuador

Río Chico is a river mouth break near Puerto López in central Ecuador featuring left-hand waves on a sand bottom. Best conditions occur at low tide with southwest swell and northeast winds, though watch for rips, crowds when surf is up, and a private property access fee.

Salinas, Ecuador

Ecuador