Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (Salinas)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quieter on weekdays with the possibility of more locals on weekends is described, but a specific crowd category for this exact spot is not fully agreed in the provided data.
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
La Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (often referenced as “La FAE”) is a point-break surf spot in the Salinas (Santa Elena Peninsula) area, associated with the Mar Bravo coastline. Surf is described as consistently present, and the spot is especially noted for strong left-hand point waves that peel across the point when the right swells arrive. Clean and consistent conditions are specifically highlighted for March, making it the standout month for quality surfing. Two related km locations are described within the same general area: the 5.5 km spot is generally portrayed as faster and hollower, while the 8.5 km spot is described as offering longer rides. Wave quality is characterized as good when conditions align, and the wave shape is described as peeling with a fast peel speed. On larger swells, waves are said to hold their size, though paddling out can become more difficult due to currents. Conditions here also come with notable safety considerations. Hazard notes include rocks (rocky bottom conditions) and frequent strong currents, alongside heavy shorebreak. Access is regulated by a nearby military base with restricted hours, so surfers are expected to check in at the gate and follow local restrictions. Lifeguards are not indicated, but regional coast guard services are referenced for rescue availability. For wind, conditions are described as variable with a trade-wind influence and a SW/W pattern at times. Offshore conditions are described when winds shift toward the East/Northeast sector; southwest winds are described as onshore and messy. Regional thermal reinforcement supports afternoon conditions, aligning with the general expectation of stronger daily wind effects later in the day.
- Point-break left-hand waves with best clean consistency in March.
- Described as powerful and peeling with fast sections.
- Access may be regulated by the nearby military base (FAE).
- A point-break surfing spot with consistent wave potential and a dedicated left-hand takeoff described for the km-marked locations.
- Best clean period is most often in March with generally warm water.
- Waves described as holding size well, with strong sections on the right swell window.
- Access can be restricted by the nearby military base and may have regulated hours.
- Heavy shorebreak and strong currents are common, and rescue is not described as lifeguard-provided.
- Rocky bottom hazards are present.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–18 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind pattern noted for the spot; also described as SW/W influence with offshore conditions when winds turn NE/E/EN.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, December
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Regional thermal reinforcement supports afternoon conditions on the Santa Elena peninsula.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Providers conflict on composition (sand vs rocks). Rocks and sandy coastline features are both mentioned.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Big
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop
- Launch
- Medium — Long sandy stretch along the Mar Bravo coastline; the relevant km markers are described as 5.5 km and 8.5 km within/adjacent to the FAE base territory.
Through the year
Quieter during weekdays; can get crowded with locals on weekends.
January to April (rainy season with higher humidity and sporadic heavy showers).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Point break surfing along the Mar Bravo coastline, commonly at the marked 5.5 km and 8.5 km km-points within the FAE military base territory. Two wave options are described: the 5.5 location tends to be faster and hollower, while the 8.5 location tends to offer longer rides.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East/Northeast winds are described as providing offshore conditions; southwest winds are described as onshore and messy.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but becomes difficult to paddle out due to currents.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Clean/consistent conditions are described as best in March.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer rides up to about 150-200 meters on good swells; typical sessions described as shorter than that on average days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can reach roughly 150-200 meters on good swells; typical ride length described as about 150 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (Salinas) in the full forecast view.
Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (Salinas) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–9 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- WSW253°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 239 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.4 m11s period
- Temperature
- 25–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (Salinas) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.7–1.4 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- strong currents
- heavy shorebreak
- sharks
- military restricted area
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Yes — Rescue availability is described at the regional level via coast guard services (Armanda del Ecuador / Capitanía del Puerto de Salinas).
- Emergency Info
- National emergency number is 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local surfers can be competitive on good days.
Rules of the spot
Access is regulated by the local military base; check in with personnel at the entrance gate if accessing via the base. Restricted hours may apply.
- Military access only
- Restricted hours
- Watch for rocky bottom and point break conditions.
- If accessing via the base, check in at the gate and respect restrictions/hours.
- On good days the lineup can be competitive; be respectful to local surfers.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Salinas
- Nearest Town
- Salinas
- Parking
- Limited parking near the access points along the coastal road.
- Access
- Located in Salinas, Santa Elena Province. Access is via local roads to the rocky point; the spot is described as being marked by kilometer markers within or adjacent to the FAE military base.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Many hotels and hostels are available in Salinas, roughly 10-15 minutes away.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and bars are located in Salinas; very few facilities at the actual surf breaks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf and SUP rentals are widely available along the Malecon in Salinas; specialized rentals are available through schools.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is described as offered by a few localized schools and private clubs along the Santa Elena coastline (regionally).
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs available in Salinas town.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Salinas is a major coastal resort area with a developed beachfront scene and nearby nature and wildlife activities.
Westernmost point of mainland Ecuador, with dramatic views of crashing waves and local sealife.
Archaeological site and museum showcasing the ancient Las Vegas culture.
Humpback whale watching tours depart from the Salinas pier during the winter months.
A long stretch of restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, ceviches, and local coastal cuisine.
A wide, calm beach area ideal for families and safe swimming.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (Salinas)?
The best overall months at Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (Salinas) are December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, December.
Which wind directions work at Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (Salinas)?
Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (Salinas) works with SW, W winds.
What skill level is Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (Salinas) suitable for?
Fiveandahalfandeightandahalfkm (Salinas) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.