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Ecuador features a number of world-class surf destinations scattered along the length of its beautiful Pacific shoreline. Some of the highlights are:
1. Mompiche – located at the southernmost end of the province of Esmeraldas, this bay is ideal for both novices and professional surfers, and features one of the best left point breaks in Ecuador. A well-guarded secret among hard core surfers and experienced travelers, Mompiche is quite possibly the nicest spot to drop your bags in. The swell direction is north/northwest and varies from 1 m. – 4 m.+ in height, and the bottom is sandy with rock. The town itself is charming, although the surf areas sometimes become crowded during the high season from July to December. Mompiche is reached by taking a local bus south from Atacames or Esmeraldas, a trip of approximately an hour and a half.
2. Montanita – by far the best known surf spot in Ecuador, this beach has been host to various international surf competitions and features world-class right point breaks. The surf competitions that take place at this beach have made it one of the most famous sites in Ecuador, giving it . Any surf trip to Ecuador would be incomplete without a few days spent in this laid-back party town. For those interested in learning how to surf, there are several surf schools that offer daily lessons. The swell direction is north/northwest with a midsize to large swell, and the bottom is rocky. During high season and good conditions it can get quite crowded but it is also a convenient location to strike off to more remote, less-crowded spots such as the nearby FAE beaches. Montanita is located in the province of Santa Elena, and may be reached by taking a four hour bus ride from the Terminal Terrestre in Guayaquil.
Montanita is by far the best known surf spot in Ecuador...
3. San Cristobal/Santa Cruz (Galapagos) – in addition to being a geographical and ecological wonder, the Galapagos Islands also boast some excellent surfing at the islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. Waves range from easy to difficult, and you will have the thrill of being accompanied by turtles, boobies, iguanas and a host of other exotic wildlife as you surf. Some of the most popular spots are Tortuga Bay (Santa Cruz) with a south swell, a medium to large swell size, and a sandy bottom, and the challenging La Loberia (San Cristobal) which has north, west and south swells, a fast, tubular wave, and a rocky/reef bottom. Additionally, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno which is the capital of the San Cristobal Island has two excellent surfing spots. The first is Carola Point which is located to the northern extreme of the town. The second is called El Canon and it is located west of town near the airport. The Galapagos are reached by a three hour plane trip from either Quito or Guayaquil.
4. Casa Blanca – this quiet, secluded resort area in the province of Esmeraldas has fairly consistent surf conditions, with the summer months being the best time to visit. Beach break is both left and right, swell is from the south or southwest, and the bottom is sandy. It rarely gets crowded here, even during holidays, and the visitors are usually Ecuadorian families rather than international backpackers and surfers. Casa Blanca may be reached by taking a local bus south 45 minutes from Atacames or Esmeraldas.
