Kite Surfing Southwest of Manta

The port city of Manta is the fifth-largest city in Ecuador, and one of the largest cities in the province of Manabi. The city is famous for being an important hub for the country’s fishing and tuna-processing industries. It is also an attractive tourist spot due to its vibrant nightlife and close proximity to the handicraft town of Montecristi.

Additionally, Manta is increasingly becoming a popular jump-off point for outdoor enthusiasts heading to Santa Marianita Beach, a world-class spot for kite surfing/kite boarding.

The perfect kite surfing destination

Because of its fantastic conditions for kite surfing, Santa Marianita Beach is recognized as one of the best beaches in the entire world for the sport.

The beach boasts an extended windy season that stretches from May to December, with wind speeds that average 14 to 25 knots. The 5km sandy beach combined with side-onshore wind direction and one to two-meter waves makes Santa Marianita Beach a safe and enjoyable location for beginners as well as experienced pros.

Kite surfers in Santa Marianita Beach typically use kites that measure 9m to 12m. The perfect time to kite surf is usually around noon, with the wind gradually increasing towards mid-afternoon. Kite surfers can enjoy consistent, calm wind conditions with no gusts that can last until 5pm.

More experienced kite surfing enthusiasts can choose to schedule their trip during November to January, as bigger waves that can reach up to three meters start to come in.

Other activities in Santa Marianita

• Visitors can drop by the nearby town of Montecristi to shop for handmade crafts and other great souvenir items. Montecristi is the town where the famous Panama hats are made.
• Surfing is a popular activity in other beaches south of Santa Marianita. Tourists can also experience whale watching at some of the beaches from June to October.
• The Machalilla National Park in Puerto Lopez is easily accessible from Santa Marianita. Here, many tourists can enjoy activities like snorkeling, whale watching, and hiking.

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If you’d like to find out more about Santa Marianita Beach and other superb kite surfing destinations in Ecuador, get in touch with Torrin Brauch at 239-848-5876 (US) or 097-994-7640(Ecuador). You can also send him an email at torrin@livethelifeinecuador.com

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Things to Do by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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