Montañita Surf Guide
Perhaps the most active of the surf spots in Ecuador, with solid rights and beach breaks
Quick Facts
Consistent waves any time of year
A bit of a party town, gets active at night
Can get crowded, but sunrise is quiet
Has beach breaks and a solid right-hand point
Introduction to Montañita
One of Ecuador’s main surf towns, Montañita is perhaps the most active surf spot in Ecuador. The nighttime sees this town turn on, with plenty of parties and festivities. As for the waves, you’ll find incredibly consistent beach breaks at the main beach as well as a truly aweomse right-hand point break out at La Punta. It’s a bit rocky, but it can produce well overhead barrels that move quite quickly. Although it can get crowded, it’s not a morning crowd. My recommendation is to hit the water at dawn before all of the partiers are up and in the water!
Montañita Surf Season
Prime surf season in Montañita runs from about December to May. The northern swells come from deep in the Pacific to produce the strongest and most consistent rights at the point. June through August will see more onshore winds, but plenty of waves still to be found. The waves in the offseason may be more suited toward beginners and intermediates, while the North American winter/spring is best for intermediates and advanced surfers looking for barrels and punchier waves.
Where to Surf in Montañita
There’s really two spots to surf here in Montañita. One is the main beach, which is best for beginners and beginner-intermediates. It’s quite peaky on the inside with plenty of whitewater, while the outside has some solid punchy waves for more intermediate surfers. Otherwise, the place to surf is known as La Punta, or the point. It sits at the north end of town and is the main reason people come to Montañita as far as surf goes. It’s a right, breaking off the point for up to 200 meters. In the right season, it gets quite hollow and moves really fast. It’s a super fun wave.
Crowds - Yes, other than early morning
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - NW
Ideal Wind - E
Break Type - Point
Consistency - 80%+
Be Aware: Rocky Bottom
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Montañita
Brothers of the Wave - Brothers of the Wave is a rad surf camp just out of town. You’re out toward the point and a few minutes from the town center. It’s a great option for those looking to be closest to the wave, with a little bit of peace and quiet.
There’s a pool and hot tub, free bike usage, and yoga classes and massages on offer. They offer private lessons, and plenty of out-of-water theory classes. The rates are reasonable, and they’re on our list of the best budget-friendly surf camps. Three day camps start at $220, and six day camps start at $400.
Tres Palmas - With different surf camps for different surf levels, Tres Palmas is also located up toward La Punta. They have a hot tub, lovely gardens, outdoor pool, bar, and bikes for rent. They offer single and double rooms, some with TVs and minifridges.
Included in their surf camps are all the rentals you could want, including surfboards and leashes as well as snorkeling gear. You can also take part in their massages or yoga classes. Their 3 day camps start at $210, 4 day private camps at $500, and their 6 day camps at $950.
Hotel Sumpa - Hotel Sumpa is closer to town than the above surf camps, but still up toward La Punta. It’s just a five minute walk into the town center. This camp is better for people who want to spend time in town, especially at night. You’re still close to plenty of waves!
Hotel Sumpa has a gym, pool, hot tub, cafe and bar, and lovely gardens. Delicious and healthy breakfast and dinners are included, as are yoga classes, photo and video sessions, and one massage. Their seven day camps start at around $1,000, while rooms/camps for two people run about $1,800.
Montanita Spanish School - Located at the northern end of the town (toward La Punta), Montanita Spanish School has lovely cabañas and shared dorms and runs wonderful surf camps for those looking to learn the Spanish language. Their language program is accredited by the government, and they’re just a block from the beach for the surf.
Their surf camps include 90 minute surf sessions, as well as tons of small-group Spanish lessons. In addition to the option of staying at the cabañas, you can also choose to stay with a local Ecuadorian family to get a homestay experience! Their weeklong surf camps start at $375 and their two-week camps start at $730.
From the Store
Other Things to Do in Montañita
Hike to the Waterfalls - The nearby Cascadas de Dos Mangas offer a beautiful opportunity to walk in the jungle. There are a bunch of little pools and waterfalls where you can swim. We recommend a guide if you’re not really sure where you’re going.
Visit Nearby Beaches - Both Olón and Ayampe are fairly close, and worth checking out. They’re much quieter and more mellow, and good for a little escape from Montañita.
Budget-Friendly (~$20-30/night)
Rosa Mistica
Oceanfront Hotel/Hostel
Rosa Mistica is literally as close as you can get to La Punta. It’s right at the break and on the beach. They have individual rooms and double rooms. It’s a cute little cabin-style hotel that will give you plenty of time in the water.
Hotel Sol y Playa
Solid Hotel in Town
Down in town, Hotel Sol y Playa is a great place for those on a budget who wish to stay closer to the action. They have an outdoor pool, various room options, and are literal steps from the beach.
Hotels in Town (~$80-130/night)
Dharma Beach Hotel
Top beach hotel in town
Dharma Beach Hotel is one of the highest rated hotels in town. Sitting right on the beach, this beautiful hotel has a pool and sun chairs, a full fitness center, parks for the kids, sauna, and a complete spa. It’s a great place for a family!
Hotel Kundalini
Beach hotel with spa
Also located right on the beach in town, Kundalini offers a full-service spa, lovely garden area, delicious restaurant, and an arcade and game room. It’s a great place for kids and families as well!
Private Residences (~$80-130/night)
Casa Shaka
2 BR home near La Punta
Casa Shaka is a rad little beach house right up near La Punta. You’ll find two bedrooms and two bathrooms, air conditioning, and a beautiful garden setting.
Ocean View Villa
3 BR vacation home in town
This villa is a great place to stay for families, couples, or groups. It’s up off the beach, but just about a five minute walk down to the sea. It has incredible reviews with its infinity pool, lovely patio, and air conditioning throughout.
Getting to Montañita
Montañita is fairly remote. This is rad as it keeps the lineups fairly empty.
Driving - The best way to get to Montañita is to take a domestic flight to Guayaquil Airport (GYE), then drive the three hours to Montañita. You can find a taxi at the airport fairly easily!
Public Transportation - At this time we can’t recommend taking the bus in Ecuador.
Restaurants in Montañita
Jajá en Balsa - A great place toward La Punta with food all day. Solid options for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan plates. Always a surfer crowd to be found here.
Medias Dulces - Right on the malecón. Has great coffee, pretty simple breakfasts, and solid pastries. Good for a mellow and easy breakfast in our opinion!
Dekel Montañita - Run by Israeli/Ecuadorian couple, they have great breakfasts and brunches. Tons of vegetarian options, good cocktails in evening, and healthy food. Also known for being very LGBTQ friendly.
Travel Tips
We really rarely do this on our site as we don’t like fear-mongering… But here goes. Ecuador has had a bit of security concerns since 2024. Many areas are under semi-regular states of emergency with curfews and restrictions in place. This is in an effort to combat organized crime. Parts of Quito and Guayaquil are experiencing the highest rates of violence, but coastal provinces like Esmeraldas have some organized crime activity as well. Bus travel is strongly discouraged, as is driving at night.
Be sure to check out our Resources page for tips on traveling, spending money, support, and more.
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