The Surf Window

Manta

Manabí, Ecuador

Point breakIntermediate

Ecuador's largest Pacific coast city and major port, Manta has a surf scene centered around Murciélago Beach where consistent beach break waves give the city's large population of surfers a daily ocean fix.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size1–2m at 10–14s

Wind

E

Light to SE under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Jan–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Beach peaks, both lefts and rights

Length

40–80m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner to intermediate
  • •Why: Consistent but moderate waves accessible for most surfers

Hazards

  • •Large port city, boat traffic offshore
  • •Can be polluted near the commercial harbor
  • •Crowded on weekends with the city's surf population

Local Tips

  • •Murciélago Beach is the main surf beach, well-organized with facilities
  • •Manta is Ecuador's tuna capital, the fresh fish restaurants are among the best in the country
  • •The city has an active surf club with regular contests

Location

Map showing the location of Manta in Manabí, Ecuador

-0.9486, -80.7191