Rio Chico
Rio Chico is a left point break at a river mouth south of Manta. The wave lights up with S-SW swells during the dry season, offering quality walls with fewer crowds than the more famous breaks.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Get the full Rio Chico 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
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (202°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 225°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (112°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
24°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Near Puerto Lopez. River mouth location.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Nov
Secondary: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best with S-SW swells April-November.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Puerto Cayo
🎣 Fishing port right • Mellow waves • Quiet village
La Bellaca
🌊 Versatile left • Works both swells • Consistent option
Las Tunas
🏖️ Quiet alternative • Near Ayampe • Year-round waves
Ayampe
🧘 Eco-village waves • Yoga retreat scene • Beginner-friendly
San Mateo
🎣 Fishing village left • Long walls • Near Manta
Olon
👨👩👧 Family-friendly • Montanita escape • Quiet beach