The Point
A headland and waves.
Arabsalam — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mikaelashamrock — CC BY-SA 4.0 · AnitaAD — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mikaelashamrock — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arabsalam — CC BY-SA 4.0
Montañita Beach fronts a small coastal town in the parish of Manglaralto, Santa Elena province, on Ecuador's Pacific coast, about 105 km west of Guayaquil in a straight line and about 180 km by road. The name means «small mountain». In the mid 20th century it was a surf beach with only a few fishermen's huts, until foreigners linked to the hippie movement settled here in the 1960s. Today it is one of the best known surf beaches on Ecuador's south coast and draws surfers from around the world. A wide sandy beach runs in front of the town, and a green rocky headland called the Point separates it from the beach of neighbouring Olón; the waves that experienced surfers come for break there. Sunsets over the Pacific are a nightly draw. The town is a grid of small streets crowded with shops and restaurants, and most of them lead down to the sand. The average temperature is 28 degrees, and the rainy season runs from December to May, with light rain mostly in the evening. Currents can be strong, so ask about sea conditions before swimming. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Santa Elena province, so check your government's advice before visiting.
A headland and waves.
Over the Pacific.
Shops and restaurants.
Montañita, Manglaralto parish, Santa Elena province, Ecuador
Yes on calm days, with an instructor.
Mostly December to May.