KiteGlobeSanta Marianita
Santa Marianita is a kiteboarding spot near Manta in Ecuador, with open ocean conditions and prevailing W, NW wind, best ridden in January, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
| Country | Ecuador |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Manta |
| Water type | Open ocean |
| Launch | Ocean |
| Best wind direction | W, NW |
| Wind type | Thermal |
| Best months | January, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Coordinates | -0.9655, -80.8338 |
About Santa Marianita
The water is choppy, with real, peeling waves close to the point upwind. The shore break can be surfable sometimes and from 1 meter to 1.5-2 meters depending on the season (in the dry season, June to December, the waves are smaller; in the wet season, January to May, larger). The water is nice and clean. In general in the Ecuadorean coast the waves are best in the wet season with anything between 1 and 3 meters being normal. Ecuadorian waves, during the wet season, are as consistent as any other surf destination in the worldâ€. In the dry season waves are smaller, although with 'Aguajes' or seasonal periods of higher tides and stronger seas, you can get good waves. During June and July there are spectacular views of whales passing and playing in the water, local riders tell amazing tales of riding with humpback whales. For the beginners that are more occupied with the turtles hatching on the sand.
When is the best time to kitesurf at Santa Marianita?
The best time to kite Santa Marianita is January, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, when the W, NW wind is most reliable.
What are the wind and water conditions?
Santa Marianita offers open ocean conditions with W, NW wind (Thermal wind), launching from ocean.
How do I get to Santa Marianita?
From the Capital Quito, just grab a plane to Manta (45 dollars). You have 3 flights daily (by plane 20 mins flight). Or from any city in Ecuador, just go to the closest bus terminal and ask for a bus to Manta. Manta is the 3rd biggest City in Ecuador so you have tons of buses going to Manta (by land 8 hour trip). From the airport or bus terminal you can take a taxi to Santa Marianita Beach. Or get a "Camioneta" ($1 USD) to take you to Santa Marianita. You will go by the village of San Mateo, don't get off there, Santa Marianita is about 10km after that.
View Santa Marianita on the interactive map →Where can I take kite lessons near Santa Marianita?
3 kite schools operate in Ecuador. See kite schools in Ecuador →
Other kite spots near Santa Marianita
Spot data last updated 2026-07-20 · part of the KiteGlobe database of 6,633 kiteboarding spots.