An Introduction To Montanita Surf
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By
Matt
- Updated | May 05, 2025
Montanita surf is an energizing experience along the Ecuadorian coast with consistent waves, bohemian character, and chilled out vibes. A lively surf town that welcomes wave riders of all levels, the best part is easy ocean access, walkable streets, and an overall fun and friendly atmosphere all made possible without the use of a car.
The main beach of this town is perfect for newbies with soft, rolling waves and a whole lot of space to learn. Surfboards and lessons are easy to find, and with this break just steps from most accommodations, it is easy to hop in at any time!
For intermediates and advanced surfers, just a quick 10-minute walk north takes you to La Punta, a powerful right-hand point break. Looking for something quieter? A 30-minute walk will take you to Olon, where mellow waves and fewer people can be enjoyed.
Surfing Montanita is exciting and accessible thanks to its compact nature, friendly surf culture, and proximity to adjacent breaks. No matter whether you are a beginner, an intermediate surfer, or looking for something new to ride.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Montanita
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Peak Montanita Surf Season | December to April
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Montanita surf peaks between December & April when consistent southern swells bring waves in the 4 to 7-foot range. The main beach break & outer reef start firing, delivering punchy peaks & occasional barrels. Mornings are usually glassy before the onshore winds pick up.
Montanita surf during this season draws a mix of locals & international surfers chasing its most reliable & powerful waves. The town comes alive, too, adding energy to the lineups. Overall, this is when Montanita surf reaches its highest quality & intensity.
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Shoulder Montanita Surf Season | May to June
Suited For All Skill Levels
May through July brings smaller, cleaner conditions to Montanita surf. Waves typically range from 2 to 5 feet, offering ideal practice grounds for beginner & intermediate surfers. Montanita surf during the shoulder season is more relaxed, with fewer crowds & user-friendly waves.
The beach break remains fun, & the town’s party atmosphere starts to mellow out, creating a balanced surf trip vibe. While the power of peak season fades, Montanita surf still provides enough consistency to keep sessions interesting across all levels.
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Low Montanita Surf Season | August to November
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
From August to November, Montanita surf sees its slowest period. Wave heights generally sit around 1 to 3 feet, with inconsistent swell & occasional flat spells. This softer surf makes Montanita ideal for beginners & longboarders, though more advanced riders will likely seek waves elsewhere.
Montanita surf still offers playful rides on the right tide, especially in early mornings. With fewer tourists & lighter surf, this is a great time to enjoy the mellow side of Montanita surf without the chaos of peak season.
Montanita Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Montanita Surf Temperature:
22–24°C (72–75°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are perfect, but bring a spring suit for cooler mornings.
Rainfall:
Only 2–6 days per month, mostly brief & isolated.
Montanita Surf Temperature:
24–26°C (75–79°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are all you need; a rash vest helps with UV protection.
Rainfall:
12–15 days from December–March; reduces to 7–10 in April & May
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Montanita
| Montanita Surf Spots | Distance from Montanita | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
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Montanita Beach |
In town centre |
2-6 foot |
Mellow beach break |
All levels |
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La Punta |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) north |
4-8 foot |
Powerful reef break |
Advanced |
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Olon Beach |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) north |
2-4 foot |
Mellow beach break |
Beginner |
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Spots Within the Area |
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Ayampe Beach |
Approx. 30km (19mi) north |
2-6 foot |
Consistent beach break |
Intermediate to advanced |
Further Information To Montanita Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: South or North
- Crowd Factor: High
Montanita Beach is a dynamic beach break that peaks when a steady south or north groundswell meets light northeast or southeast winds at mid tide. Waves break both left & right over a shallow sandbar, producing waist- to chest-high rollers on smaller swells & chest- to head-high walls when the swell builds. The take-off is forgiving, allowing for smooth trim lines & playful turns, while larger days bring occasional shoulder-high barrels.
The sand bottom consistently reshapes, creating multiple peaks that spread surfers along the shoreline. Despite heavy usage, its breadth ensures plenty of surfable zones. Montanita Beach delivers a reliable, friendly wave that caters to all levels & rewards anyone chasing a classic beach break.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
La Punta is a famed right-hand point break offering long, peeling walls that excel when a southwest swell aligns with light northeast winds at low to mid tide. The wave breaks over a mixed sand-&-rock bottom, creating a fast, critical take-off followed by extended, carving sections. Rides can stretch for several dozen meters, rewarding precise trim & rail work.
The take-off zone demands attention but opens into smooth, glassy faces ideal for confident intermediates & advanced surfers. Shifted sandbars occasionally produce hollow barrel sections. Moderate lineups ensure experienced riders can score quality waves without excessive waiting, making La Punta an essential point-break experience.
Rating: 4.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low to moderate
Olon Beach is a broad beach break that thrives at mid tide when a southwest swell interacts with offshore northeast winds. The wave breaks both directions over a wide sandbar, yielding forgiving waist- to chest-high walls perfect for longboarding & flow-style surfing. On stronger swells, peaks extend into shoulder-high sections that offer approachable shoulder drops & mellow barrels.
The soft sand bottom provides an easy paddle-out & minimal consequence on fall. Its expansive shoreline creates multiple peaks, so surfers rarely congregate in one spot. Olon Beach delivers consistent, unrushed rides suited to beginners refining fundamentals & intermediates refining turns.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Ayampe Beach presents an all-tide beach break that shines at mid tide with a southwest or northwest swell & light northeast winds. Waves peel over a sandy bottom with occasional rocky patches, forming waist- to chest-high rollers that transition into rideable walls on cleaner sets. The take-off is soft yet reliable, allowing surfers to string together long, flowing turns.
Occasional sandbars produce small barrel sections on larger swells. Lineups stay moderate due to the spot’s length, surfers can spread out & find open peaks. With consistent shape & minimal crowding, Ayampe Beach offers a balanced mix of challenge & accessibility for a range of abilities.
Rating: 4/5
Travel Time To Montanita Surf Spots
| Montanita Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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Montanita Beach |
In town centre |
In town centre |
Not required |
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La Punta |
Approx. 10 min. |
5 min. |
Not required |
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Olón Beach |
Approx. 30 min. |
10 min. |
10-15 min.
(Local Bus or Taxi)
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Ayampe Beach |
Not advised |
Not advised |
Approx. 60 min.
(Local Bus or Taxi) |
Accommodation In Montanita
Trip.com is the ideal platform for the hotel reservation for your Ecuador surfing trip. They have got everything from classy resorts to budget hostels, all within walking distance of the beach. It gives early bookings the convenience of spending more time surfing instead of running after logistics.
For surfers who want to develop their skills in Ecuador, Tripaneer has organized surf camps with instruction from a professional, comfortable accommodation, and a friendly community. These camps help you immerse yourself into the culture of surfing in Ecuador while improving your skills in a fun and supportive environment.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€8 to €22 |
$10 to $25 |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€25 to €75 |
$30 to $80 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€90 to €230+ |
$100 to $250+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Montanita Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Montanita surf schools offer a fun & energetic learning environment, perfect for beginners & intermediates who want to surf & soak up the town’s lively vibe. Surf & Dive Montanita provides professional surf lessons, offering group and private sessions tailored to all skill levels.
Brothers Surf Lessons & Rent Montanita is a popular choice, with friendly instructors who deliver personalized coaching to help you progress quickly in the waves. Montanita Surf Aloha combines expert instruction with a fun and relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to learn or improve their skills.
Whether you’re learning your first pop-up or working on turns, Montanita surf schools provide structured lessons with a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Montanita Surf Camp
7-Day Montanita Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat With Casa del Sol Montanita
Casa del Sol Montanita is a bright and refreshing surf and yoga experience designed for a someone who wants a spiritually and refreshing time by the sea. It’s a relaxed environment, a coastal vibe, and an inspiring community atmosphere that blends movement, mindfulness, & fun. Six rejuvenating styles of yoga are practiced within the time of your week. All practice offers the full spectrum of physical and restorative exercise, with Vinyasa Flow & Ashtanga-inspired flows, Yin, & Yoga for all surfers.
What’s Included
Spend six nights in thoughtfully designed accommodations featuring hot water, fast Wi-Fi, & shared balconies. Daily vegetarian breakfasts, unlimited coffee, tea, and filtered water are provided, along with one bag of laundry service. You’ll have access to a surfboard throughout the week, making it easy to keep riding waves beyond your included lessons.
Daily yoga classes are held in an open and airy yoga studio infused with natural light & good energy. This experience is beginner-friendly but welcoming to all levels, and the flexible schedule leaves plenty of room to relax, explore, or join extra activities around Montanita. Find Out More
Montanita Surfboard Hire
Montanita surfboard hire is widely available, with plenty of beachfront shops offering all types of boards for every style & skill level. Surf & Dive Montanita provides convenient surfboard rentals with a wide selection to suit various skill levels and wave conditions.
Brothers Surf Lessons & Rent Montanita also offers quality board hire, ensuring you’re well-equipped to enjoy the breaks. Montanita Surf Aloha is another great spot for surfboard rentals, providing easy access to gear so you can hit the waves at your own pace.
With a strong surf culture and plenty of rental options, Montanita surfboard hire makes it easy to grab a board and get in the water.
Montanita Surf Report & Surf Cam
Learning the conditions is essential if you want to fully enjoy Ecuador surf, and Surf-Forecast and Surfline are both great resources in that regard. Surf-Forecast features comprehensive forecasts about swells, winds and tides, while Surfline offers its paid users live cams that let them catch the action live at the finest Ecuador surf breaks.
Staying online is easy with a Drimsim eSIM or Yesim eSIM that activates automatically upon arrival without all the hassles of getting a SIM card. This means that checking surf reports, watching live cams, and sharing your Ecuador and Montanita surf highlights will take only a few clicks with you wherever you go in the journey.
How To Get To Montanita Surf
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) To Montanita
Distance: 180km (110mi)
To reach Montanita surf, the most convenient route is to fly into Guayaquil Airport (GYE). Below is a quick guide with various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Montanita based on your preferences.
Public Transport
Approx. 2.5-3.5 hrs.
Details:
From Guayaquil Airport, head to the main bus terminal & catch a CLP or Reina del Camino bus headed towards Montanita or Santa Elena. Some buses are direct to Montanita, while others require a quick transfer at Santa Elena.
The route is straightforward & affordable but can get crowded on weekends. It’s advisable to check bus times in advance.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 2.5-3 hrs.
Details:
Several tour companies & surf camps offer shuttle services between Guayaquil & Montanita. Shuttles are usually in air-conditioned vans & often include Wi-Fi & space for surfboards.
Pre-book your shuttle with HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups & enjoy a waiting vehicle upon arrival. This convenient service offers a stress-free transfer from the airport to the beach.
Ecuador Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Heading to Ecuador for waves? Don’t forget the basics. The US Dollar is the official currency, and carrying cash is essential in most surf areas. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so stick with bottled. Spanish is the language spoken almost everywhere, and English is less common outside tourist spots.
Our Ecuador surf page gives you all 7 essentials, from health care and safety to visa tips and emergency contacts, so you’re fully ready for your surf adventure.
Travel Insurance For Your Montanita Surf Trip
Sickness, accidents, or luggage problems never seem to come until they really do. This is why, for every surf trip to Ecuador, travel insurance is the smartest investment. With VisitorsCoverage, you have uncomplicated and efficient cover tailored for travelers like you.
Its coverage facilitates ironing out unforeseen occurrences, while you pay all attention to enjoying your surf. Ecuador has stunning waves, and you should shoot there without interruption. Don’t gamble your plans; insure them even before your take-off.
Discover Montanita: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf isn’t on in Montanita there are plenty of other exciting activities to explore. Here are 4 recommended activities to make the most of your time.
For something unforgettable, check out Paragliding with GetYourGuide and take in the stunning coastline from above.
Keep Exploring With More Ecuador Surf Destinations
Written by Matt
Surfer for nearly 20 years and an environmental scientist for nine, Matt grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Australia and now calls Melbourne home. He’s all about finding surf towns you can reach without a car and writes simple surf guides to help you do the same.