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Spot · tier 1 · Ecuador
Santa Marianita
Manabí's most-visited wind-sport beach and Ecuador's flagship kitesurf destination, a former fishing village about 20km south of Manta that has grown into a low-key kite town. It offers stable trade-season wind, sandy beach launches, and several dedicated kite schools, though conditions can turn choppy and occasionally offshore.
freeridebeginnerintermediatefreestyle
Wind
| best months |
|
|---|---|
| season notes | Wind direction varies day to day — check live forecasts, as some days can run offshore rather than onshore/cross-shore. |
| avg knots | 15-22 |
| wind name | stable trade wind |
| direction to shore | variable — check daily forecast for onshore/cross-shore angle |
| quality | mostly steady, but conditions can be choppy/gusty at times |
| typical kite sizes | 10-14m |
Water
| type | chop, described locally as 'a little tricky' at times |
|---|
Levels
| beginner | yes |
|---|---|
| intermediate | yes |
| advanced | yes |
| notes | Local schools run full course ladders from 4-hour beginner courses through 18-hour advanced board-control courses, including specific training for choppy/wavy conditions. |
Launch & crowd
| description | Beach launch in the village, with several beachfront restaurants (e.g. Cabaña Shirley, D'Lucas Pizzas) right by the launch area. |
|---|---|
| rescue | Not specified |
| vibe | Ecuador's main kite hub, mixing local riders with traveling kiters |
Hazards
- some days bring offshore wind — assess wind direction/quality carefully before launching, especially as a beginner
Tips
- Check the daily forecast for onshore/cross-shore wind angle before heading out
- several beachfront restaurants for food after sessions
Travel basics
| airport | MEC - Eloy Alfaro International Airport, Manta |
|---|---|
| getting there | About 20km south of Manta, roughly a 25-30 minute drive |
| accommodation | Village offers hostels through kite-camp style lodges |
| cost level | budget |
| no wind | Visit Crucita Beach (3km), El Murciélago beach in Manta (15km), or Bahía de Caráquez (65km) |
Nearby: Crucita, El Murciélago (Manta), Bahía de Caráquez
Sources: kiteecuador.com · breeza.io