Advanced Surf Spots in Ecuador
6 surf breaks we map are rated for advanced surfers in Ecuador: El Barco, La Chocolatera, La FAE, Mar Bravo, Punta Carnero and Salinas Peninsula.
Last updated · Counted from the surf breaks we map — each break's own season, level and wave type
- Reef breaks
- 3
- Beach breaks
- 3
The advanced breaks
Best months are filled in where the break states a season. Open a break for its map, photos and the property nearest the lineup.
- El Barco
Salinas
- Wave
- Reef break · Left / Right
- Level
- Intermediate - Advanced
- Season
- December–April
- Swell
- N - NW
- Tide
- Mid to high; rising tide favored
- Watch out
- Shallow, uneven rocky reef Sharp rocks and possible sea urchins Strong currents during larger swells Crowded lineup, especially on weekends Localism and established local surfers Shallow sections during low tide Risk of reef injuries and board damage Powerful waves during larger northwest swells Limited suitability for beginners
- La Chocolatera
Reserva de Producción de Fauna Marino Costera Puntilla de Santa Elena
- Wave
- Point break / rocky reef · Right / Occasional Left
- Level
- Intermediate to advanced
- Season
- Year-round potential; strongest opportunities during favorable swell events
- Swell
- SW- S - N - NW
- Tide
- Mid to high tide
- Watch out
- Military-controlled access • Protected marine reserve • Intermediate to advanced surfers • Mid to high tide preferred • Shallow rocky reef • Strong currents • Powerful southwest swells • Rocky entry and exit points • Limited facilities • Marine wildlife protection • Local surf etiquette • Changing ocean conditions • Verify access restrictions before surfing
- La FAE
Base de la Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana
- Wave
- Reef break · Left primarily / Right
- Level
- Intermediate to advanced
- Season
- May–October for southern swells; surf possible year-round
- Swell
- S - SW - NW
- Tide
- ow tide for the left point; rising tide can also work
- Watch out
- Military-controlled access, shallow rocky reef, strong currents, intermediate-to-advanced surfing conditions, low-tide preference, protected marine wildlife, and limited facilities.
- Mar Bravo
José Luis Tamayo, Salinas
- Wave
- Beach break · Left / Right
- Level
- Advanced / experienced surfers
- Season
- April–October
- Swell
- S - SW
- Tide
- Mid Tide depending on swell and sandbars
- Watch out
- Advanced surfers only • Powerful shorebreak • Strong rip currents • Heavy closeouts • Mid tide generally preferred • Southern and southwestern swells • Offshore northeast winds • Shifting sandbars • Limited rescue services • Remote beach sections • Generally uncrowded • Dangerous swimming conditions
- Punta Carnero
José Luis Tamayo
- Wave
- Beach break · Left / Right
- Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Season
- April–October
- Swell
- S - SW
- Tide
- Mid to High tide - Mid Tide is best
- Watch out
- Strong currents, powerful shorebreak, shifting sandbars
- Salinas Peninsula
Salinas
- Wave
- Beach break with sand-bottom peaks; nearby rocky points and reefs offer additional surf options. · Left / Right / Both
- Level
- All Levels
- Season
- Some Surf Year Round
- Swell
- S - SW - W - NW - N
- Tide
- Mid to High Tide
- Watch out
- Military-controlled access in some places, shallow rocky reef, strong currents, protected marine wildlife, and limited facilities.
Other levels in Ecuador
Frequently asked questions
Where can advanced surfers surf in Ecuador?
6 surf breaks we map are rated for advanced surfers in Ecuador: El Barco, La Chocolatera, La FAE, Mar Bravo, Punta Carnero and Salinas Peninsula.
When is the best time for advanced surfers to surf Ecuador?
The advanced-rated breaks we map in Ecuador are mostly at their best in April to October.
What kind of waves are the advanced surf spots in Ecuador?
Of the 6 advanced breaks we map in Ecuador, 3 are reef breaks and 3 are beach breaks.