Las Tunas (Puerto López)

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Las Tunas is an exposed beach and reef break near Puerto López, described as having quite consistent surf with both left and right waves. It’s a good fit for intermediate surfers looking for a quieter alternative to more well-known nearby beaches, but conditions require attention due to hazards. The main safety concerns are scattered rocks and rip currents. Multiple sources emphasize checking for submerged rocks (especially at low tide) and being cautious when waves get larger, particularly close to shore. Because formal rescue is described as unavailable at the beach, it’s important to rely on good judgment, partner/safety planning, and to avoid overextending in rougher conditions. Wave quality is generally rated good to average, with surf often described as manageable and peeling when timing aligns. Sources also note that sessions are typically best in the mornings, when winds are lighter and the surface can be glassier; later in the day, sea-breeze effects can bring onshore wind and chop the water. Best surfing conditions are associated with a southwest/west-to-southwest swell direction and a working swell height roughly around 1–3 meters, with optimal tide reported as either mid-tide or across all tides depending on the swell and local section. The spot is generally quiet year-round, with the surf guide indicating March as the best month (and year-round consistency overall).

  • Quiet, uncrowded surf atmosphere
  • Consistent exposed beach/reef waves
  • Morning sessions often cleaner before afternoon chop
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Exposed beach/reef break with consistently usable surf for intermediate surfers.
  • Generally low crowd levels for sessions.
  • Morning conditions are often cleaner before sea-breeze effects build.
Heads up
  • Rocks and rip currents present.
  • Afternoon winds can increase and make the surface choppier.
  • Formal rescue is not available at the beach.
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
ESE, SSE, SW
Offshore directions
ESE, SW
Wind Range
8–15 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Sea-breeze/gradient pattern associated with the south/southwest trade-wind influence on the Puerto López coast.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Generally light gusting reported for this spot.
Best Months
December, January, February, March
Thermal Window
Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep · Dir: S, SW · Afternoon thermal breeze builds reliably on the coast; best sessions are typically in the late morning through afternoon, but wind can increase/chop later in the day depending on conditions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand beach with rocky/reef sections affecting the break.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Sources describe small to medium surf depending on conditions.
Launch
Small — Open beach with easy access for setting up gear; wide sandy area described as providing space for preparation.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
22–27 °C
Water Temperature
21–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 3/2mmJul–Jun: 2mm shorty or top
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet year-round; small increases during Ecuadorian holidays and weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

January to April

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach/reef break with both left and right waves; intermediate surfers typically find it most enjoyable, with rocks and rip currents to manage.

Beach breakReef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SW, W
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — One source specifies mid-tide; another indicates it can work across all tides.
Shelter
Exposed — Open beach exposure; occasional reef sections can add character but do not significantly shield from conditions.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the east-northeast can be favorable; mornings are often glassy/light offshore, while afternoons can turn onshore due to sea-breeze and create chop.
Bigger Swell
Can close out on the sandbars/reef sections during very large swells and may become more shorebreaky at times.
Wave Quality
Good — Reported as good/average depending on swell and wind; morning sessions tend to be cleaner.
Wave Power
Moderate — Consistent, generally manageable surf; can become less user-friendly when swell/tide conditions push it.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Medium-length rides when conditions are favorable; waves can close out when the swell is too large or tide is too low.
Ride Length Details
Waves are often fun and manageable, but can close out on sandbars/sections when conditions get too large or when the tide drops too low.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Las Tunas (Puerto López) in the full forecast view.

Las Tunas (Puerto López) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–7 ktsGusts 17 kts
Direction
W279°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 247 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–1.7 m11s period
Temperature
25–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Las Tunas (Puerto López) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 1.0–1.7 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
  • Rip currents
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Spot-level sources describe no rescue support at the beach.
Emergency Info
Rescue is described as no/formal rescue unavailable at this spot; in a regional emergency, local services are reachable via 911 and medical care is based in Puerto López with further transport required for major emergencies.

Rules of the spot

Avoid going out when you see or expect rip currents near rocks; check conditions at the start of the session and reduce time close to the shore on larger days.

Local Tips
  • Check for submerged rocks at low tide before heading out.
  • Mornings are typically best for cleaner surf conditions before afternoon sea-breeze wind picks up.
  • Watch for rips near rocks; be cautious with larger waves close to shore.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Puerto López
Nearest Town
Puerto López
Nearest Airport
Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC) - Manta
Parking
Street parking available near beach access points.
Public Transport
Public transport is described as limited overall; access is often via taxis/private vehicles, with inter-provincial buses via the Ruta del Spondylus.
Access
Short drive south of Puerto López, approximately 20–30 minutes by road. Also described as easily accessible via the E15 highway (Ruta del Spondylus).
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Several small eco-hostels and guesthouses located directly in Las Tunas; additional surf hostels are also available nearby.
Food & Drink
Local seafood restaurants and restaurants along the main road.
Equipment Rental:
Limited surf rentals available; more options are found in nearby areas.
Gear Storage
Limited to specific surf-focused accommodations and private residences.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard dings can be repaired locally in the area.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Las Tunas (Puerto López)?

The best overall months at Las Tunas (Puerto López) are December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Las Tunas (Puerto López)?

Las Tunas (Puerto López) works with ESE, SSE, SW winds. Offshore directions are ESE, SW.

What skill level is Las Tunas (Puerto López) suitable for?

Las Tunas (Puerto López) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.