Ecuador is a country full of natural beauty with beaches to match. It is also a country of contrasts. Home to the world’s largest active volcano and also the Galapagos islands, the largest marine reserve in the world. Its beaches are no different. They’re rich in diversity with many options for both professionals and amateurs alike. 

Pacific Coast, a paradise for surfers

The waves in Ecuador are perfect. Not too big and not too small. So, they are just right for beginners and experienced surfers alike. If you’re looking for the perfect balance between beautiful scenery and perfect waves, Ecuador is where you want to be. Here are our recommendations for where you should go if you want to get better at surfing while visiting the country. 

Montañita:

 
Montañita is a small town in Ecuador known for its beaches and surf spots. It's very popular among both pros and amateurs because it has some of the best waves in the world as well as a great community of people who come from all over to enjoy them. In 2016, it was included in the World Network of Surf cities. In this city you’ll also find a monument to surfers that was built in 2013 and shows the importance of surf in Montañita. 

The beaches also offer the most delicious Ecuadorian food

Montañita has plenty of options when it comes to food and drinks as well. These are influenced by the number of tourists that visit the city each year. This gives visitors the option to find national dishes such as encebollado or ceviches, but also international options, such as pastas, tacos, crepes and more. 

Salinas:

 
This beach is a popular spot for surfers from all over the world thanks to its consistent waves and small crowds. Salinas offers more than 20 surf points where enthusiast can find both quieter waves that are perfect for practicing your skills without having to worry about getting hit by other surfers while they're trying out their moves. 

After surfing in Salinas, you’ll be able to enjoy some delicious dishes prepared with fresh ingredients such as rice with shrimps, arroz marinero and cazuelas, among others.

Mompiche:

 
Mompiche also has great waves to surfers specially in La Punta, El Río and Playa Negra. La Punta is a point break that offers slow waves perfect for all levels. El Río can also be nice for beginners, but it’s actually better for people with mid-high experience. Finally, experienced surfers can go to Playa Negra.
The gastronomy in Mompiche is characterized by the use of shellfish and fish in combination with other ingredients such as coconut and banana. Some of the most requested dishes are encocado (fish cooked with onion, cilantro, tomato and coconut milk), ceviches made with oysters, shrimps, fish and more. Another popular dish is tapado de pescado, prepared with fish, coconut milk, pieces of cassava and plantain. 

Canoa:

 
Surf is one of the most popular activities in Canoa, a quiet beach that’s 17 kilometers long located in Manabi that offers great waves for surfers. The best waves can be found between December and February and it’s common to see the beach filled with surf enthusiast around those months. 
The gastronomy on the beach of Canoa is delicious and varied with dishes that have fish, shellfish, plantain and peanut. The most popular dishes are picudo cebiches, encebollados made with albacora, corviches, and rice with shrimps and shells. 

Manta:

 
Manta is a small beach town with a laid-back vibe and warm, friendly locals. Manta has a lot of different surf spots. Some are better for beginners, while others are better fore experienced surfers. There are also some greatplaces to learn how to surf if you're new to the sport.
In Manta, visitors can find a variety of dishes such as ceviches, encebollados, hayacas, tongas, muchines de yuca (cassava balls with a crunchy outside), empanadas and bolones as well as dishes prepared with shrimp, fish, octopus, squid and oysters. 

Playas:

 
One of the most popular spots for practicing surf in Playas is Playa Chabela. Playa Chabela is known for its waves and has ideal conditions for amateur surfers. In this location it’s pretty common to see people who are just starting to learn how to surf with their teachers. It’s uncommon for waves in Playa Chabela to be higher than 150 cm. However, Olas Verdes or Shark Bay are just 1 kilometer away from Chabela and have waves that can be over two meters high. 

Engabao:

 
Surfers from Ecuador and the rest of the world arrive to Engabao every year attracted by the waves and the beach.  Although it’s considered a beach for experienced surfers, surfers with mid-experience can enjoy it too when the waves are smaller. 
Engabao has its own iconic dish known as arroz engabadeño with squid, octopus, clams, mussels, shrimp, prawns and is served with ripe plantain. 

Puerto Lopez:

 
Puerto Lopez is one of the best and quietest beaches in Ecuador where surfers can enjoy waves that will allow them to improve their techniques and improve their performance.
Puerto Lopez’ gastronomy has multiple dishes that enhance Ecuadorian gastronomy. Fish-especially Sea bass, trout and tilapia is one of its basic ingredients as well as plantains and rice. One of the most typical dishes of this town is rice with minestra (a traditional bean stew dish made with beans or lentils simmered in a sauce of onions, tomatoes, garlic and cumin) with rice and meat. Encebollados and ceviches are also pretty common in the area. 

Discover Ecuador with Ecuador Experience

If you're now dreaming of surfing in Ecuador and want to experience all of the thrill and adventure that comes with it, We've got your back. Contact us to learn how we can help you get this experience.