Surf in Ayampe, Ecuador

Complete local surf guide

Quick Facts

Key info for Surfing in Ayampe, Ecuador

📍

Location

Manabi, Ecuador

1 hour from Montañita

🌊

Wave type

Beach Break

suitable for all levels

🗓️

Best Season

December to April

warm north swells

A charming Surfing village in Manabi province

Ayampe is a small coastal village in the south of Ecuador’s Manabí Province, just a few minutes from Las Tunas.
Both villages share the same beach — and at low tide, you can even walk from Las Tunas to Ayampe. It’s one of the loveliest sunset walks on the coast (and a great run, too).

What makes Ayampe special is its unique landscape: golden beaches in front, and the Chongón–Colonche mountain range behind. Depending on the season, you’ll get a mix of sunny surf days and a misty, green cloud-forest vibe in the background.

Ayampe is known as: “Lugar de Descanso”, (a place to rest) —
quiet, slow, and naturally beautiful.
Most buildings are made with bamboo and wood, giving the town a cozy, earthy aesthetic. You’ll find hostels for every budget, cafés, restaurants, and a relaxed surf-and-yoga lifestyle.

Ayampe Surf Spot (Wave Conditions)

Ayampe is a beach break. Like nearby Las Tunas, it can offer both soft waves and powerful sections depending on the tide and swell.

Low tide: more powerful waves, sometimes barreling

High tide: mellower and more beginner-friendly sections

Small swell: great for longboards and fun, playful sessions

Bigger swell: shortboard waves can get heavy in certain areas

Even though Ayampe can be surfed by different levels, always pay attention to red flags and local advice — some sections can have strong rip currents.

Surf Crowd in Ayampe

Ayampe has become more popular over the years.

– High season (Dec–Apr): more surfers in the water

– Low season (May–Nov): quieter lineups and more space

If you prefer uncrowded waves, many surfers choose to surf nearby Las Tunas — a calmer and more relaxed alternative, especially for slower-paced sessions.

Ayampe Surf Season (Best Time to Go)

Ayampe is a consistent surf destination, with waves throughout the year.

– December to April: warmer water, tropical energy, and fun consistent surf

– May to November: cooler air, more south/southwest swells, and a moodier coastal atmosphere

For the cleanest conditions, sunrise and sunset sessions are often the best — less wind and a more glassy ocean.

Things to Do in Ayampe (Beyond Surfing)

Ayampe is the kind of town where you surf, eat well, and slow down.

You’ll find yoga classes, wellness experiences, and rituals like cacao ceremonies, Reiki, and temazcals. After surfing, it’s common to relax, get a massage, or simply enjoy the sunsets from the beach.

Ayampe River is another hidden gem. You can walk along the river, swim in fresh water surrounded by smooth stones and quartz, and sometimes (depending on rain and tides) the river meets the ocean.

Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime surf adventure? Here’s my personal story about surfing in the Galapagos Islands.

Iva, Founder of Sirenas del Surf

Surfing Near Ayampe: Las Tunas

Las Tunas is a quieter and more wild spot just next door — with relaxed vibes and uncrowded waves.
It’s one of our favorite places to surf
when Ayampe feels busy.

Hi! I’m Iva, founder of Sirenas del Surf.
If you’re a beginner woman planning your first surf trip,
you’ll love this guide:
Is Ecuador a Good Destination for Beginner Women Surfers? Everything You Need to Know.

Ayampe's Seasons

High Season (December to April)

Ayampe’s high season — often called “winter” in Ecuador — is shaped by north swells and offers fun, consistent surf with both left and right waves along the coast. During these months, the ocean feels warmer, and the beach often builds up more sand.

This season has that classic tropical rhythm: quick rain showers followed by bright sunshine, lush green landscapes, and birds singing everywhere.

Average air temperature: 26°C / 78°F

Low Season (May to November)

From May to November, Ayampe feels a little moodier and cooler — with more clouds, wind, and occasional fog or drizzle. But the good news is: there are still waves year-round.

During this season, the Humboldt Current becomes more present and brings south and southwest swells, which can create stronger surf days and a different ocean energy overall. Thanks to the Colonche mountain range, Ayampe also gets a unique microclimate that makes the whole area feel wild and magical.

You’ll also notice more stones and pebbles on the beach, especially near the river mouth — carried down naturally from the Ayampe River.

Average air temperature: 21°C / 69°F
Water temperature: usually stays above 24°C / 75°F

Best time for clean, glassy waves

Ayampe is a very consistent surf spot, so there’s almost always something to ride.
But if you want the calmest conditions and the cleanest waves, aim for sunrise or sunset sessions (less wind, more glass, better vibes).

Women’s Surf Community in Ecuador (Sirenas del Surf)

If you’re looking to surf with a supportive community of women,
you’re invited to join Sirenas del Surf.

We meet for surf sessions close to Ayampe (mostly in Las Tunas), and we also offer surf lessons and guided surf experiences for women who want to surf in Ecuador feeling safe, supported, and fully taken care of.

🌺 Surf with a women’s community in Ecuador
If you’d love to meet like-minded women who surf (or want to start), you’re welcome to connect with our community and join sessions near Ayampe.

✨ Want a more supported surf trip near Ayampe?
If you’re traveling to Ecuador and want a surf experience
that feels easy, safe, and well-organized…
Hi! I’m Iva, founder of Sirenas del Surf.
I host surf experiences for women and take care of the details
so you can focus on the ocean.

Surf Ayampe