The Surf Window

Los Frailes

Manabí, Ecuador

Beach breakIntermediate

A protected national park beach near Ayampe, Los Frailes is one of Ecuador's most pristine and beautiful surf spots, accessible only by a 30-minute walk through dry tropical forest and rewarding visitors with excellent beach break waves.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

February–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Good quality beach break, more power than Ayampe, with occasionally hollow peaks

Length

40–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: More exposure than Ayampe's protected bay, the waves have genuine power and the beach is isolated.

Hazards

  • •Remote location, no facilities at the beach; bring water and food
  • •Rip currents near the headlands
  • •Hot, exposed trail access

Local Tips

  • •Los Frailes is inside Machalilla National Park, there is an entry fee and camping is not permitted.
  • •The 30-minute forest walk passes through Ecuador's dry tropical forest with extraordinary birds and flora, bring binoculars.

Location

Map showing the location of Los Frailes in Manabí, Ecuador

-1.5453, -80.7517