Montanita

Ecuador's lively surf-and-party town with a pumping right point

Montanita is Ecuador's surf and party capital, home to one of the most consistent right point breaks on the coast and a lively beach break that caters to all levels. The main attraction is La Punta — a barreling right-hander at low tide that transforms into a fun, rippable hot-dog wave at high tide, breaking over a rocky bottom that demands respect. The beach break in front of town offers mellow lefts and rights on a sandy bottom, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. Prime surf season runs December through May, when north Pacific swells push consistent rights into the point, with January through March delivering the most glassy conditions. Water temperatures hover around 22-26 degrees C, so boardshorts are standard from December through April, with a light spring suit useful during the cooler garua season (June-November) when water dips to 20 degrees C. The town itself is a vibrant backpacker hub with famous nightlife and a relaxed beach-town vibe.

Type

Beach, Point, Right

Crowd

3 / 5

Safety

6 / 10

Price

$

Best months to surf

Winter, Spring

Other things to do in the area

Party on Cocktail Alley and at beachfront clubs

Take Spanish classes at one of the local language schools

Scuba dive with local dive operators

Stroll the Malecon boardwalk and browse artisan markets

Current forecast

Surfline