Montanita Beach
Montanita Beach is the beginner-friendly beach break in front of the famous surf town. At high tide, mellow waves offer perfect learning conditions, while numerous surf schools line the sand.
Montanita Beach surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to GYE, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when South America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in South America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
¿Prefieres español? Recibe el Strike Report en español, gratis →
Get the full Montanita Beach trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 225° - 315°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1.3m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (67°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Main beach in front of town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Montanita Beach?
The Montanita Beach profile favors high tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Montanita Beach?
The Montanita Beach profile uses wind from ENE (67°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 45° to 90°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Montanita Beach?
The Montanita Beach scoring profile favors swell from W (225° to 315°), a swell-height range of 0.9m to 1.8m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Montanita Beach?
The main season at Montanita Beach is Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May. A secondary window runs Jun-Nov. Year-round. Better at high tide.
How do I get to Montanita Beach?
The spot profile lists GYE as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 180 minutes. Main beach in front of town.
What kind of wave is Montanita Beach?
Montanita Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 3/10.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Secondary: Jun-Nov
Year-round. Better at high tide.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Montanita La Punta
🎉 Ecuador surf capital • Right point barrels • Party town
Montañita
🎉 Ecuador's party wave • Famous left point • Backpacker paradise
La Rinconada
🌊 Montanita alternative • Left reef • Fewer crowds
Olon
👨👩👧 Family-friendly • Montanita escape • Quiet beach
Ayampe
🧘 Eco-village waves • Yoga retreat scene • Beginner-friendly
Las Tunas
🏖️ Quiet alternative • Near Ayampe • Year-round waves