An Introduction To Montanita Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 05, 2025
Montanita surf is a vibrant experience on Ecuador’s Pacific coast, known for its consistent waves, bohemian charm, and laid-back vibe. This lively surf town attracts wave riders of all levels, offering easy access to the ocean, walkable streets, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere—all without the need for a car. Whether you’re here to catch waves or soak up the scene, Montañita delivers a surf lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
The town’s main beach is ideal for beginners, with soft, rolling waves and plenty of space to learn. Surfboards and lessons are easy to find, and with the break just steps from most accommodations, it’s convenient to jump in anytime. For intermediate and advanced surfers, La Punta—a powerful right-hand point break—is just a 10-minute walk north. Want something quieter? A 30-minute stroll leads to Olon, where mellow waves and fewer crowds await.
With its compact layout, friendly surf culture, and easy access to nearby breaks, Montanita surf is both exciting and accessible. Whether you’re learning, progressing, or chasing something new, Montanita surf offers a perfect balance of waves, energy, and coastal beauty.
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In This Guide
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) |
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. The combination of quality coaching & vibrant beach culture makes learning here an unforgettable experience.
Montanita Surf Camp
7-Day Montanita Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat With Casa del Sol Montanita
Casa del Sol Montanita offers a vibrant & rejuvenating yoga & surf experience designed for those looking to reconnect with themselves & the ocean. With a relaxed coastal vibe & an inspiring community atmosphere, this retreat blends movement, mindfulness, & fun. Your week includes six energizing yoga sessions ranging from Vinyasa Flow & Ashtanga-inspired flows to Yin & Yoga for Surfers, giving you a full spectrum of physical & restorative practice.
You’ll also enjoy two surf classes with local instructors who know the best tides & breaks around Montanita. Beyond the mat & the waves, unwind with a soothing 90-minute massage, a 60-minute Reiki session, & a calming Qigong class.
What’s Included
Spend six nights in thoughtfully designed accommodations featuring hot water, fast Wi-Fi, & shared balconies. Daily vegetarian breakfasts, unlimited coffee, tea, & 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 & airy yoga studio infused with natural light & good energy. This experience is beginner-friendly but welcoming to all levels, & the flexible schedule leaves plenty of room to relax, explore, or join extra activities around Montanita. Find Out More
Discover your ideal surf camp below—compare options across Ecuador and around the world!
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 & plenty of rental options, Montanita surfboard hire makes it easy to grab a board & get in the water.
Montanita Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on Montanita surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and Montanita surf reports, including swell size, wind direction, and tide times, to help you plan your day.
For those wanting a real-time view of the waves, Surfline offers live surf cameras at many popular breaks. However, access to these cameras requires a paid subscription. Despite the cost, Surfline’s cameras can be a valuable tool for surfers who want to check conditions before heading out. With these resources, you’ll always be in the know about the best times to hit the water.
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 guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Montanita based on your preferences & budget.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 2.5-3.5 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $6-10 USD per person
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
- Time: 2.5-3 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $30-$50 USD per person
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.
This option provides a balance between cost & comfort & is especially useful for groups or travelers arriving during peak times.
Accommodation In Montanita
| 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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Find Your Perfect Stay
When planning your stay at Montanita, Tripaneer should be your first stop, offering a seamless booking experience for surf camps and unique local adventures that truly capture the spirit of the coast. Tripaneer’s curated options ensure you start your journey with the best blend of excitement and comfort.
For those interested in a wider array of accommodation, Booking.com presents a range of luxurious beachfront properties and cozy apartments just steps away from the sand, while Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travellers with its selection of affordable hostels and social surf lodges.
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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.