The Surf Window

Puerto López

Manabí, Ecuador

Beach breakBeginner

A small fishing town on Ecuador's central coast that is the gateway to Machalilla National Park, Puerto López has consistent beach break and is one of the country's best bases for whale watching during humpback season.

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–May

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: Moderate, accessible beach break great for all surfers

Hazards

  • •Rip currents near the fishing harbor entrance
  • •Boat traffic from whale watching tours
  • •Water quality near the harbor can be affected by fishing boat activity

Local Tips

  • •June–September is humpback whale season, surfing while whales breach offshore is magical
  • •Isla de la Plata (the "poor man's Galápagos") is a day trip from here, blue-footed boobies guaranteed
  • •The town has excellent cheap seafood restaurants along the waterfront

Location

Map showing the location of Puerto López in Manabí, Ecuador

-1.5591, -80.8113