Montañita
Santa Elena, Ecuador
Point breakIntermediate
Ecuador's surf capital and party town, Montañita is a vibrant coastal village with a fun right-hand point break that fires on both Pacific groundswells and delivers the quintessential Latin American surf-town experience.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Wind
SE
Offshore
Tide
mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
January–March
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Right
Bottom
Sand and rock
Shape
Long, peeling right, multiple sections from the point with a mix of hollow and walling waves
Length
100–250m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate
- •Why: The point break is forgiving and fun, accessible for intermediates while still length for progression.
Hazards
- •Rocks near the point at lower tides
- •Strong rip current alongside the point
- •Crowds during peak season (December–April)
Local Tips
- •Montañita is one of the best-value surf destinations in South America, accommodation, food, and beer are all extremely cheap.
- •The town transforms into a giant party zone during carnival and peak summer, if you want waves without crowds, aim for shoulder season.
Location
-1.8282, -80.7529