A local guide to seasons, surf towns, and trip planning
Ecuador is one of the most underrated surf destinations in South America — warm water, consistent waves, and (still) plenty of uncrowded lineups.
Whether you’re planning a surf trip for the first time or chasing consistent swells year-round, Ecuador has options for every style of surfer.
Quick Facts
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(rarely below 24°C / 75°F on the coast)
🏄🏽♀️
point and beach breaks
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closest to the coast
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most consistent
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S and SW swells
Ecuador has waves all year — but the experience changes depending on the season.
This is the most popular surf season, with north swells, warm water, and many clean, glassy mornings. Expect tropical weather: sunny days, quick rain showers, and that lush green coastline that makes everything feel alive.
Average air temperature: around 26°C / 78°F
💡 Tip: Bring mosquito repellent — the evenings can be humid, especially after rain.
Low season is cooler and moodier, with more wind and occasional coastal drizzle (locals call it garúa). The reward? Much fewer people in the water — and you still get plenty of surf, especially early mornings and around sunset.
This season is also famous for nature magic: humpback whales along the coast, and sometimes bioluminescence influenced by the Humboldt Current.
Average air temperature: around 21°C / 69°F
Water temperature: usually stays above 24°C / 75°F
Ecuador’s coastline stretches from north to south along the Pacific, which means different areas work with different swell directions.
North swells shine in the Dec–Apr season
South / southwest swells become more present May–Nov
That mix is exactly why Ecuador is such a consistent surf destination: there’s almost always a wave somewhere.
Ecuador has two international airports:
Guayaquil’s airport (José Joaquín de Olmedo) is the closest major airport to Ecuador’s surf towns. It’s located inside the city, so it’s easy to reach the bus terminal or pick up a rental car quickly.
From Guayaquil you can reach:
Playas / General Villamil in about 1 hour
Many surf towns in 2–3 hours (including the area near Las Tunas + Ayampe)
Quito’s airport (Mariscal Sucre) is a great option if you want to combine surf with mountains, culture, or northern surf spots.
Just keep in mind:
The airport is about 45 minutes from the city
The closest beaches are about 5 hours away
Northern surf areas can be great for longboarding (like Mompiche)
Ecuador uses the US dollar. It’s been dollarized for over 20 years, which makes travel easy.
A few local tips:
Carry small bills ($5, $10, $20)
Larger bills like $50/$100 can be harder to break in small towns
Most surf towns have ATMs, but always double-check before arriving (some remote spots don’t)
Traveling solo? If you’re a solo female traveler learning to surf, this guide will make Ecuador feel easier and safer: Surf Ecuador for Beginners.
There are many surf spots in Ecuador —
here are a few favorites to help you plan your route:
Montañita is a bohemian-party village, well known for its good waves
in "La Punta": a point break with perfect rights and reef bottom.
Montañita is located 40 minutes from Las Tunas.
Las Tunas is where our Surf Experiences for Women is located.
If you like to stay off the beaten path, and rather a beach break,
Las Tunas is your Spot.
Ayampe is small and quiet town that is called: “a place of rest”.
Despite is growing very fast, there are established rules
to maintain that calm surfing vibe.
A calmer alternative near Montañita, with a quieter town vibe and friendlier conditions when the swell is moderate.
Want to check conditions before your trip?
If you’re craving a surf trip that feels safe, supportive, and easy to plan, you don’t have to do it alone.
Sirenas del Surf is a women-led surf community based near Ayampe, offering:
-Surf lessons for beginners + intermediates
-Hosted surf experiences with local guidance
-A slower, calmer, more connected way to surf Ecuador
🌺 Download the free Women’s Surf Guide to Ecuador.
A curated FREE guide with arrival and transportation tips,
best surf spots for different surf levels,
how to get to these spots,
where to stay and many more…
✨ Explore surf experiences on Sirenas del Surf
so you can focus on the ocean.
If you’re looking for a surf destination that’s warm, affordable, and still uncrowded compared to many mainstream surf countries — Ecuador is an amazing choice.
You’ll find waves all year, welcoming coastal towns, great food, and that rare surf-travel feeling that’s getting harder to find:
space in the lineup.
