El Murcielago (Manta)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
El Murcielago (Manta) is an urban, sandy beach in Manabí where the main appeal is consistent conditions for both wind sports and surfing. Water is generally reported as clean, with flat-to-choppy surface conditions and small-to-medium waves. For wind sports, the key factor is the seasonal thermal wind that develops mid-day and strengthens into the afternoon. It typically arrives from the SW through WSW to W, with strong reliability in the dry season from June to November. Kiteboarding is the top match, with freeride/wave/foil options in 9–14 m² kite sizes reported for the wind range; intermediate riders are generally catered to. Windsurfing and wingfoiling also align well with the same seasonal pattern. Surfing is described as an exposed beach break with very consistent waves and a workable rhythm for both lefts and rights. Morning sessions tend to be cleaner, while afternoon side-onshore/afternoon winds can make the surface choppier. The surf is typically best when swell is in the northwest range (and sometimes southwest), with workable heights around 1.0–2.5 meters; very large northwest swells can get heavy and prone to closeouts. Safety planning is important here: rocks are reported at the ends of the beach/bay, and rip currents/occasional strong currents can occur. Sharks are also noted as a hazard in some guides. Crowding on weekends and busy holidays can increase risk around swimming zones—follow any local restrictions and keep clear of designated swimming areas. On the water, bring a leash and appropriate protection, and consider that rescue availability is described as limited in the region.
- Thermal wind strengthens from midday into mid-afternoon (approx. 12:00–18:00) with SW–W direction
- Dry season wind sports window: June–November
- Consistent exposed beach break for surfing; mornings are usually cleaner for waves
- Rocks and rip currents are key hazards
- Reliable SW–W thermal wind during the dry season (June–November)
- Wide sandy launch area with easy launch and generally clean, flat water/flat-to-chop conditions for wind sports
- Consistent beach break with workable surf for both lefts and rights
- Rocks at the edges/far ends of the bay and occasional strong currents (including rip currents)
- Reported sharks and occasional offshore/no-self-rescue concerns in offshore wind
- Afternoon wind can increase surface chop for surfing; weekends/holidays can get crowded
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, WSW, W
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Seasonal thermal wind reinforcement (June–December). Typical SW–W direction.
- Reliability
- high during the dry season (June–November)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady conditions reported.
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small waves reported; another guide notes small-to-medium conditions.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Flat-to-choppy/flat with chop described for wind sports.
- Launch
- Medium — Spacious sandy beach with room to rig and launch away from the main promenade.
Through the year
Peak June–December; off-peak January–May. High crowds on weekends and during local holidays.
January to May (wet season)
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-to-choppy conditions with reliable thermal wind from SW–W during the dry season. Suitable for freeride and wave/foil styles; can be crowded when conditions are good.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Freeride and slalom/bump sessions are favored when thermal wind is strongest in the afternoon (June–December).
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Sand bottom and sufficient depth reported as very foil-friendly; minor hurdle from shore break at high tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly reported as yes.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Exposed urban beach break with consistent waves. Workable for both directions; swell typically builds and can close out when swell is very large.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Optimal tide given as all-tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break; limited protection.
- Wind Effect
- Wind can make the surface choppy; afternoon onshore/side-onshore conditions are rougher, while mornings are usually glassier.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and prone to closeouts during very large northwest swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality reported as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling shape reported.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling/medium peel reported.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium ride lengths.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Workable walls for lefts and rights; may close out when swell exceeds about 3 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for El Murcielago (Manta) in the full forecast view.
El Murcielago (Manta) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- WNW289°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 249 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.5 m9s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, El Murcielago (Manta) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.3–0.5 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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 at the edges/far ends of the beach and some rocks near the northern and southern ends of the bay
- Sharks (reported)
- Rip currents / occasional strong currents
- Crowded beach on weekends
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards are reported; follow posted beach guidance.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional rescue availability is described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital in Manta: Hospital Rodríguez Zambrano. Emergency services: 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Community use is active; weekend crowds can be heavy.
Rules of the spot
No self-rescue in offshore wind is noted. Avoid swimming areas directly in front of the promenade zone; restrictions around main swimming zones on high-traffic holidays.
- Kiting is generally restricted in the main swimming zones during high-traffic holidays
- No self-rescue in offshore wind
- Be extra careful around the ends of the bay where rocks are reported
- Best surfing is typically in the early morning before the thermal wind starts
- The water can feel cooler mid-year; a shorty can help from July to October
- Stay clear of designated swimming areas during busy periods
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Manta
- Nearest Town
- Manta
- Nearest Airport
- Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC)
- Parking
- Public parking available directly at the entrance of the Malecón Escénico.
- Public Transport
- Well served by local taxis and buses (plus ride-sharing within city limits).
- Access
- From Manta Airport, enter the beach via the Malecón Escénico area; parking is available at the entrance. Barbasquillo is on the same bay further south.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels and accommodation options are located within walking distance of the beach area.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink options are available along Malecón Escénico with seafood restaurants and bars.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear for surfing and kitesurfing is available through local options near the beach entrance; gear rental is also associated with schools.
- Gear Storage
- Available at some beachfront options/schools.
- Gear Repair
- Basic board and kite repairs can be found at local sport centers in Manta.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Manta combines an active water-sports scene with a beachfront promenade, plus nearby nature and cultural stops.
Main urban beach with a scenic boardwalk and nearby dining and shops.
Historic birthplace of the Panama Hat, located just inland from Manta.
Protected forest area with hiking trails and opportunities to see howler monkeys.
Beachfront cluster of restaurants serving traditional Manabí seafood.
Modern shopping and entertainment complex suitable for families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at El Murcielago (Manta)?
The best overall months at El Murcielago (Manta) are June, July, August, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at El Murcielago (Manta)?
El Murcielago (Manta) works with SW, WSW, W winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at El Murcielago (Manta)?
Recommended equipment sizes at El Murcielago (Manta): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is El Murcielago (Manta) suitable for?
El Murcielago (Manta) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.