An Introduction To Salinas Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 05, 2025
If you’re looking for waves with a side helping of city energy, the Salinas surf is a perfect choice. Along the southern coast of Ecuador, Salinas combines easy access to the ocean with all the comforts of a lively beach town. It’s one of those places that you can just roll out of bed, walk out to the water, and grab a post-surf snack without missing a beat. It is convenient, fun, and immensely beginner-friendly for surfers of all levels.
At the main beach, the waves are soft and long for practice and learning or just for a fun, relaxed session. Everything you need is at the beach, from board rentals to lessons! If you’re looking to step it up a notch, El Barco, a local favorite, has some stronger, more consistent waves, especially when the swell comes up. Depending on where you are staying, it is only a short ride or stroll away.
What really makes Salinas surf special is how easy everything is. Good waves, good food, good sunsets, and no need for a car. Whether you’re here for your first wave or just beach-town livin’, Salinas delivers!
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Salinas
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Peak Salinas Surf Season | December to April
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Salinas surf peaks from December to April when southern swells pulse into the protected coves & beaches. The main surf spots, like La Lobería & Punta Carnero, light up with waves between 3 & 6 feet. Salinas surf during this window is reliable & clean, especially in the mornings.
These conditions draw seasoned surfers from around Ecuador & beyond. Despite its popularity, the different breaks help spread out crowds. If you’re chasing quality Ecuador waves, this is the best time for top-tier Salinas surf.
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Shoulder Salinas Surf Season | May to June
Suited For All Skill Levels
Salinas surf during the shoulder season becomes more mellow but remains consistent. Wave sizes range from 2 to 4 feet, making this period perfect for those transitioning from beginner to intermediate. The area’s sheltered beaches still catch enough swell to produce smooth, rolling waves.
Salinas surf in these months is inviting & ideal for refining technique. There’s also less competition in the water, giving surfers more room to move. It’s a solid season for getting comfortable on a board in a scenic, laid-back setting.
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Low Salinas Surf Season | August to November
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Salinas surf is at its weakest from August through November, with smaller waves & more inconsistent swell. Most days see 1 to 3-foot waves that suit beginner lessons or mellow longboarding sessions. While the energy of peak season is absent, Salinas surf still has charm, especially for those learning the basics.
The calm conditions, warm water, & gentle tides create a stress-free environment. For experienced surfers, it might be too soft, but for newcomers, Salinas surf in the low season is ideal for easy progress.
Salinas Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Salinas Surf Temperature:
22–24°C (72–75°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are usually enough; a 1–2 mm spring suit is ideal for comfort.
Rainfall:
Only 2–6 days per month with little interruption to surf days.
Salinas Surf Temperature:
24–26°C (75–79°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are best; a rash vest is useful during long sunny surfs.
Rainfall:
12–15 days from December–March; reduces to 7–10 in April & May
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Salinas
| Salinas Surf Spots | Distance from Salinas | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
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Salinas Beach |
In town centre |
2-6 foot |
Mellow beach break |
Beginner to intermediate, great for learners |
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Chipipe Beach |
Approx. 1.5km (0.9mi) north |
2-5 foot |
Consistent beach break |
Beginner to intermediate, good for building confidence |
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La Lobería |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) west |
2-8 foot |
Point Break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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El Barco |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) east |
3-7 foot |
Beach break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Surf Spots Within the Area |
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Punta Carnero |
Approx. 10km (6.2mi) south |
3-8 foot |
Powerful beach break |
Intermediate to advanced |
Further Information To Salinas Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Salinas Beach is a classic beach break that excels at mid tide when a southwest ground-swell coincides with offshore northeast winds. Peaks break both left & right over shifting sandbars, generating waist- to head-high waves that accommodate all skill levels. Smaller swells yield mellow rollers, while larger swells produce fast, punchy shoulders & occasional hollow sections.
The sandy bottom reforms daily, creating multiple peaks along the shore & dispersing lineups. Though crowds can be dense near popular peaks, further along the beach riders find open zones. Salinas Beach offers reliable, rideable conditions year-round, making it a cornerstone for progressive beach break surfing.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Chipipe Beach is a mellow beach break that peaks at mid to high tide with a southwest swell & clean northeast winds. The broad sandbar forms gentle lefts & rights, averaging waist-high, ideal for beginners refining balance & intermediates practicing trim. The take-off is straightforward, & the soft sand bottom provides a forgiving environment.
On larger swells, the waves can build into chest-high faces with smooth shoulders for carving. Moderate crowds enjoy spacious lineups due to the beach’s length. Chipipe Beach delivers consistent, approachable waves perfect for relaxed progression in a low-pressure setting.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: South
- Crowd Factor: Low
La Lobería is a secluded point break that comes alive at low to mid tide under a south swell & light northeast winds. Waves peel along a rocky headland onto a sandy shelf, offering smooth left-hand walls that range from chest-high to overhead. The take-off is precise, opening into consistent, glassy sections ideal for advanced surfers seeking performance turns & occasional barrel opportunities.
Limited access via a short beach walk keeps crowds minimal, allowing surfers to score open peaks. La Lobería’s unspoiled reef bank delivers high-quality rides in a tranquil setting, perfect for those chasing pristine point-break sessions.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low to moderate
El Barco is a right-hand point break named for the nearby remnants of an old vessel. At mid tide, with a southwest swell & offshore northeast winds, waves peel around the wreck, forming fast, chest-high walls that transition into smooth ridable shoulders. The mixed reef-&-sand bottom creates a punchy take-off followed by more forgiving inside sections.
Occasional barrel pockets appear on larger swells. Limited shoreline access & minimal parking keep crowds sparse. Surfers benefit from open lineups & consistent shape, making El Barco a distinct point-break experience.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Punta Carnero is a heavy beach break that thrives at mid to high tide when a solid southwest swell meets light northeast winds. Peaks break both ways over a steep, shifting sandbank, delivering fast, punchy walls & occasional hollow barrels. The take-off zone can be steep, requiring sharp reflexes, but inside sections provide rippable shoulders for advanced maneuvers.
Lineups stay moderate due to the break’s power limiting intermediate traffic. Punta Carnero’s consistent plunging peaks attract experienced surfers seeking performance beach-break conditions in a raw, coastal environment.
Rating: 4.5/5
Travel Time To Salinas Surf Spots
| Salinas Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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Salinas Beach |
In town centre |
In town centre |
Not required |
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Chipipe Beach |
Approx. 25 min. |
Approx. 10-15 min. |
Not required |
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La Lobería |
Approx. 50 min. |
Approx. 20 min. |
10-15 min. (Local Bus or Taxi) |
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El Barco |
Approx. 45 min. |
Approx. 20 min. |
15 min. (Local Bus or Taxi) |
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Punta Carnero |
Not advised |
Approx. 30 min. |
20 min. (Local Bus or Taxi) |
Accommodation In Salinas
Planning your next surfing trip to Ecuador? Start by checking accommodations at Trip.com near the ocean. Whether you want a luxury hotel or a simple guesthouse, they have a variety of places. By booking early, you spend less time worrying and more time actually surfing!
Tripaneer offers surf camps with expert coaching, comfortable accommodation, and a friendly vibe for surfers who want to take their skills to the next level in Ecuador. These camps help you meet fellow surfers and experience the Ecuador surf lifestyle to the fullest!
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€12 to €22 |
$15 to $25 |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€25 to €65 |
$30 to $70 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€80 to €160+ |
$90 to $170+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Salinas Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Salinas surf schools provide beginner-friendly lessons on one of Ecuador’s most accessible beaches. Escuela Surf Paradise Salinas Ecuador provides professional surf lessons tailored to all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. With skilled instructors and a welcoming environment, it’s a top choice for those eager to catch their first wave or refine their skills.
For those interested in stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), Califas Escuela De SUP offers specialized lessons, focusing on this fun and relaxing water sport. While not a surfboard rental service, they are a great option for trying out SUP on Salinas’ scenic waters.
For those looking to ease into surfing, Salinas surf schools offer the right mix of gentle conditions & supportive coaching.
Salinas Surf Camp
Salinas doesn’t offer dedicated surf camps, but if you’re exploring more of Ecuador, head to Olon and check out Vikara Healing Center for a unique surf and yoga retreat experience. More information can be found in our Olon surf page.
You’ll find plenty of other great surf camps across Ecuador too, especially in Ayampe and Montanita. Check out those pages to explore your options.
Salinas Surfboard Hire
Salinas surfboard hire is convenient & beginner-focused, with a variety of soft-tops & longboards available right along the waterfront. Rentals are typically affordable & easy to arrange on the spot.
Escuela Surf Paradise Salinas Ecuador also offers surfboard rentals, providing well-maintained equipment for surfers looking to hit the waves independently.
With accessible gear & friendly rental services, Salinas surfboard hire makes it simple to get in the water. Ideal for casual sessions & newcomers, it’s a low-pressure way to enjoy surfing in a calm, sheltered bay.
Salinas Surf Report & Surf Cam
To truly enjoy Ecuador surf, you need access to accurate and timely information. Surf-Forecast gives you detailed swell, wind and tide data, while Surfline subscription-based live cams provide a live view of the waves at top Ecuador surf spots. This combination helps you catch the best breaks at the right times.
Staying connected is hassle-free with a Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM, which activate immediately once you arrive. Forget about buying local SIM cards. You can quickly check surf conditions, watch live cams, and upload your Ecuador and Salinas surf videos.
How To Get To Salinas Surf
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) To Salinas
Distance: 145km (90mi)
The most convenient way to reach Salinas surf is by flying into Guayaquil Airport (GYE). Here’s a quick guide with transportation options.
Public Transport
Approx. 2-3 hrs.
Details:
From the Guayaquil bus terminal, catch a direct CLP bus to Salinas. Buses run frequently throughout the day, especially on weekends & holidays. The ride is comfortable & straightforward, although it can get crowded during national holidays.
It’s one of the most affordable & easiest public transport options for reaching a surf destination in Ecuador.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 2-2.5 hrs.
Details:
Private shuttles & shared vans are available to Salinas, often through tour companies or local hotels. Shuttles provide an easy & reliable service, complete with surfboard-friendly vehicles.
Pre-book your shuttle with HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups for a waiting ride on arrival. This service offers a smooth & timely transfer from the airport to the beach.
Ecuador Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Traveling to Ecuador for surf? A few practical tips will help. Ecuador uses the US Dollar, and cash is often necessary in surf towns. Tap water isn’t drinkable, so bottled is your best option. Spanish is spoken everywhere, and knowing some basic phrases helps.
For a full rundown on health advice, visa info, safety, and other essentials, check out our Ecuador surf page covering all 7 things you need to know before you go.
Travel Insurance For Your Salinas Surf Trip
An unexpected visit to a foreign clinic is perhaps the worst blow on a surf trip, and so is losing a board bag. Surfing in Ecuador is beautiful, but never without some disasters. With VisitorsCoverage, you gain access to travel plans where logic prevails.
You have put time and money into this adventure, so make sure it is worth protecting. You will be traveling freely and without stress, knowing that you are backed should anything affect your health, your gear, or your itinerary.
Discover Salinas: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf goes flat, Salinas offers a variety of other activities to keep you entertained. Here are 4 options for making the most of your time in Salinas