Cabo Pasado (Manabi)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Cabo Pasado is an exposed reef break on the Manabí coast, known for producing consistent lefts and rights on a rocky reef. The spot is described as remote and uncrowded, with access that can require careful timing around tide conditions. Surf conditions are generally characterized as good: multiple sources describe peeling waves with workable surf across all tide stages (one source notes best performance at mid tide). The break is most associated with clean groundswells approaching from the northwest/west-northwest, and it’s also described as capable of handling larger swells—though larger swell can become more sectiony. Wind is reported as best when it comes from the east/east-southeast, which is offshore for this location and tends to support cleaner surf. Thermal effects/sea-breeze enhancement are described as most common in the afternoons during the summer months, though overall wind reliability is also described as low. Safety is the priority at this spot. Hazards include rocks, sharks, rip currents, and an isolated coastline with no lifeguard presence and limited rescue availability. Visitors are advised to bring all necessary supplies, be prepared for restricted access, and approach only when conditions match a safe low-tide window for walking/landing when relevant.

  • Exposed reef break with consistent lefts and rights
  • Offshore-best winds from the east/east-southeast
  • Very low crowding due to remote access
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Exposed reef break with relatively consistent surfing.
  • Very low crowd levels are repeatedly emphasized.
  • Offshore east/east-southeast winds are described as best for surf conditions.
Heads up
  • Exposed reef break with significant hazards (rocks and sharks).
  • Remote access with limited/no on-site rescue and no lifeguards reported.
  • Wind reliability described as low; access timing is tide-dependent.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
ESE
Offshore directions
E
Wind Range
8–15 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade-influenced winds with local sea-breeze/thermal enhancement; tends to be strongest in the afternoon (around 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM).
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Gusty conditions are generally described as light.
Best Months
January, February, March, April
Thermal Window
Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov · Thermal effects/sea-breeze enhancement are described as most common in the afternoons during summer months.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Reef — Reef setting; one source describes mixed shoreline with sandy patches between rocks.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Surf wave size described as medium.
Launch
Medium — Beach launch from sandy patches between rocks.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Launch difficulty described as moderate.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
22–27 °C
Water Temperature
21–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 2mm shorty or lycraJul–Oct: 3/2mm full suit
Crowds by Season

Generally very low crowd levels due to difficult access.

Storm/Rain Season

January to April is the rainy season.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break producing relatively consistent lefts and rights; works at all tide stages (though one source specifies mid tide as optimal).

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
W, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Surfable at all tide stages in one source; another source indicates best performance at mid tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Open/exposed reef setting with little wind/swell shelter.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the east are described as the best; wind tends to be offshore-best when it comes from the east/east-southeast.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger swells but may become sectiony.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality described as good/clean groundswells.
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate wave power.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Peeling wave shape.
Peel Speed
Described as medium peel speed in one source.
Ride Length
Medium — Ride length described as medium.
Ride Length Details
Consistent lefts and rights on reef; ride length described as medium; can get sectiony on larger swells.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cabo Pasado (Manabi) in the full forecast view.

Cabo Pasado (Manabi) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–9 ktsGusts 16 kts
Direction
WNW296°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 249 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–1.0 m11s period
Temperature
25–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Cabo Pasado (Manabi) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.7–1.0 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rocks
  • sharks
  • rip currents
  • isolated location
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBoots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue is described as not available at the spot; the area is remote and formal dedicated rescue services are limited.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Bahia de Caraquez or Canoa. National emergency number: 911.
Localism / Vibe
None — Localism described as none.

Rules of the spot

Restrictions
  • Avoid going without timing access correctly for tide conditions.
Local Tips
  • Beware of sharks and rocks.
  • Access is usually restricted by the tide—time the walk/approach carefully (low tide windows can be required).
  • Bring all necessary supplies; the cape is remote with limited local infrastructure.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Bahia de Caraquez
Nearest Town
Canoa
Parking
No direct parking at the spot; vehicles must be left in Canoa or Bahia de Caraquez.
Public Transport
Access is primarily via inter-provincial buses or private taxis along the coastal highway; local transport within the rural cape area is sparse.
Access
Accessible via a long walk from Canoa during low tide or by boat from nearby towns.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Hostels and eco-lodges are available in Canoa (about 10 kilometers away).
Food & Drink
No services at the cape; visitors must bring their own water and food.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is limited; riders are advised to check in Canoa for rentals. No rental described specifically at the cape.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The area is rugged and largely undeveloped, with a quiet surfing scene and access centered around Canoa/Bahía de Caráquez.

Best time to visit: June through November for a balance of wind and drier weather.
Cabo Pasado Cliffs0 km

Dramatic coastal cliffs with panoramic views over the Pacific.

Bahía de Caráquez25 km

Historic coastal city known for its location at the mouth of the Chone River.

Birdwatching in the Tropical Dry Forest2 km

Biodiversity hotspot for endemic bird species in Manabí’s coastal dry forests.

Canoa Beachfront Eateries10 km

Seafood-focused stalls and local dishes in Canoa.

Canoa Beach8 km

A wide sandy beach suitable for family walks and relaxation.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Cabo Pasado (Manabi)?

The best overall months at Cabo Pasado (Manabi) are May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, March, April.

Which wind directions work at Cabo Pasado (Manabi)?

Cabo Pasado (Manabi) works with ESE winds. Offshore directions are E.

What skill level is Cabo Pasado (Manabi) suitable for?

Cabo Pasado (Manabi) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.