Surfing in Ecuador
Ecuador has miles of coastline that light up with both southern and northern swells. Although the prime season for surf is from December to April, you can find surfable waves year-round. Much of the surf culture is centered around the northern part of the Pacific coast, but you can find waves up and down the entirety of the beach in Ecuador. Towns like Ayampe are known for their relaxed atmosphere and affordability, while Montañita offers a more festive vibe full of sulf culture. For those looking for a more chill and nature-focused surf trip, spots like Mompiche offer a perfect fit.
Overview
Over 2,200km of coastline, teeming with point and beach breaks
Consistent offshore winds provide world-class waves
Incredible sea life, hiking, and natural experiences.
Relaxed and chill or festive and active vibes depending on location
Beginner Waves
Advanced Waves
Surf Camps
Surf Season in Ecuador
The best season for surfing in Ecuador is generally from December to April. During this time, the storms in the North Pacific send some solid NW swells down to Ecuador. You’ll also find consistent offshore winds during this time of year. From May to November you’ll find more onshore wind and smaller waves, but still plenty of fun for beginners and beginner-intermediates. You’ll find more crowded lineups during peak season, but the surf spots here don’t see the crowds you’ll find in more popular surf countries in Latin America.
Other Things to Do in Ecuador
Ecuador is a beautiful country, perhaps best known for the Galapagos Islands. In addition to the islands, there are plenty of opportunities to explore nature with rafting at the Pastaza River, mountain biking at Mount Chimborazo, and canyoneering at Baños waterfalls. You can also visit Quito for a colonial history. Heading over to the eastern side of the country you can explore the Amazon basin. There are also multiple archeological sites with Inca buildings, hot springs, and cocoa farms worth visiting.
Surf Spots in Ecuador
Ayampe
Mompiche
Montañita
About the Surf Spots
Ayampe
Ayampe is a mellow town up north of Montañita. One of my favorite things about surfing here is the empty beaches. You can legitimately walk just a few minutes out of town and be the only person in sight on the beach. Because the beach is so big, the surfers are spread out in the water, leaving you plenty of opportunities to find empty waves. It takes swells from both the north and the south, providing consistency for surfers regularly. There are lefts and rights, and the right conditions produce some solid tubes. The town itself is relaxed and provides a calm vibe for surfers visiting the area.
Mompiche
Mompiche is home to some amazing left-hand points. It’s best known as an intermediate and advanced spot, with solid barreling waves during peak surf season. The point can break for over 200 meters, while the main beach offers a fantastic beach break for beginners and intermediates. The North American summer months offer mellower and slower waves, bringing less crowds and more longboarders. It’s a chill vibe, with a lot of people who enjoy spending time in nature.
Montañita
Montañita is probably the most vibrant surf culture on this list. It’s not a huge party area with big resorts or anything, but it is a festive and fun vibe. The point (La Punta) is a right-hand point break that’s perhaps best for advanced surfers. It’s fast and strong, with a super rocky bottom. This creates some beautiful barrels. The beach break is much mellower, better for beginners. It can get peaky, but is a great spot for beginner and intermediate surfers. The lively town has solid nightlife, natural activities, and is perhaps the surf spot in Ecuador with the most going on.
Surf Camps in Ecuador
La Facha Hostel - A few steps from the beach in Mompiche, La Facha is a super affordable way to catch some waves in the area. Three-day camps start at $115/person (in a shared dorm), but you can also get a private two-person room for $250. All meals are included, they have excellent instruction, and they can organize a ton of other outdoor activities.
Tres Palmas - Located in Montañita near the point, Tres Palmas is the place to stay to be super close to the famous point break. You can also walk down to the town in just five minutes. They have a lovely waterfall pool, a hot tub, and relaxing gardens. Breakfast and dinner are included, as is an outdoor excursion. The camps run around $500 for 4 days and $950 for 6 days.
Vistamar - Vistamar Guest House is a beachside surf camp in Ayampe. It’s a holistic surf camp with holistic surf coaching sessions, yoga classes for surfers, organic meals, guided meditation classes, and more. This is our favorite wellness-oriented surf camp that we know of in Ecuador. Five-day camps start at $1,400, and nine-day camps start at $2,000.
Outdoor Ecuador - With a mellow hostel-style hotel in Olón, Outdoor Ecuador is an awesome surf camp with plenty of options. They have eight-day camps for $450/person, and 22 day camps for about $1,800. One place they really shine is in their homestay program. Instead of staying at the camp’s hotel, you can choose to stay with a local family. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn about the local culture and life while still getting plenty of time in the water.
Posts About Ecuador
Things to Know About Ecuador
Since 2024, Ecuador has been experiencing some security concerns. Some areas are under curfews or states of emergency. The surf towns are generally safe from these problems, and you won’t notice much going on. However, spending time in zones like Quito or Guayaquil may expose you to some of these concerns. Bus travel is generally not recommended, and you should not drive at night. If you’re going to Ecuador, be smart and aware.