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Are you looking for a good surf school in Ecuador? Well, you’ve picked the right country! Although Ecuador is a small country, it has some of the best beaches in all of South America. What was once a best-kept secret has gotten out of the bag, and over the last 10-20 years, surf schools have sprung up all over the Pacific coast, especially in popular surfing spots like Montañita, Olón, and Ayampe.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best surf schools in Ecuador. Many of these schools also incorporate things like Yoga classes, Spanish schools, and other activities, which make them a full package. So, you’re bound to find a spot that matches exactly what you’re looking for.
Does Ecuador Have Good Surfing?
Ecuador has some of the best surfing in all of South America. The coastline is green and pristine, with small towns scattered throughout, and each offering something new. The beaches sprawl endlessly with golden sand and tropical palms, while the waves are big but not extreme.
During my time on the Ecuadorian coast, I met a whole lot of foreigners who were living in surf schools, and it seemed like a great gig. They often stayed in a hostel or resort for anywhere between a week to a month, went surfing every day, and then either partying or relaxing during the night. I quickly made friends with some of the surfers, and they had quite a strong community.
I’ve been to the coast of Ecuador a few times over the years, and have spent about 2 months in total, mostly in Montañita. I’ve never done a surf camp myself, but I’ve met many people who have, and know all the best spots to do them.
Foreigners tend to visit Ecuador, especially for the surf, as it’s known as one of South America’s prime surf destinations. The beaches in Peru mostly line the desert, and are often not accessible due to a lack of transportation, infrastructure, or giant cliff faces cutting off the beach from the land. In Colombia, the Pacific Ocean is mostly inaccessible, and there are not a whole lot of good surf beaches on the Caribbean side.
Argentina has good coasts, but the water is cold. Argentina… I bet you didn’t even realize it has a coast, which says something. Brazil is all the way over there, leaving you with Ecuador. With that said, Ecuador does have nice beaches, so you’ll have a blast at a surf school here.
7-Day Yoga and Surf Holiday in Montañita, Ecuador
Casa del Sol in Montañita is one of the big surf schools that always seems to have a lively buzz. Quite a few of the people I met did their surf camp here, and from what I understand, it’s one of the best.
Casa del Sol Surf Camp offers a laid-back, oceanfront retreat in Montañita where you can spend 7 days and 6 nights immersing yourself in yoga, surf, and beachside living. They offer 8 diverse yoga classes taught by international instructors, 2 beginner-friendly surf lessons with an experienced instructor, a 60-minute Reiki session, and a 90-minute massage.
This retreat offers charming accommodations just steps from the ocean, with nice rooms, private bathrooms, hammocks, a communal kitchen, and fast Wi-Fi. Casa del Sol is a popular hostel, so you’re guaranteed to quickly make friends with other travelers and form a strong community.
- Location: Casa del Sol, Montañita, Ecuador
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Price: From $450
- Reserve your spot: Book here
22-day Immersive Surf Camp and Language Course in Olón
Doing a 3-week-long surf and Spanish intensive is a truly memorable and immersive experience where you have plenty of time to improve both of these skills. The 22-Day Surf Camp and Spanish Language Course is set in the tranquil coastal town of Olón, which is just a 5-minute tuk-tuk (or 45-minute walk along the coast) to Montañita.
This program is designed for travelers seeking both adventure and personal growth, and gives you a good amount of time to build close relationships with the other retreat guests. Last time I was on the coast, I became friends with a group of people who were doing this course, and they really seemed to love it, while acting like one big family.
Participants have daily Spanish classes tailored to individual proficiency levels. These sessions emphasize practical communication skills and help the students talk with locals confidently. On top of the Spanish classes, there are also daily surf lessons on Olón’s consistent waves, which are great for both beginners and intermediate surfers. Then you also have organized activities such as yoga sessions, salsa dancing, and excursions to local attractions organized through the school.
Accommodation options include stays with local host families, offering deeper cultural immersion and the opportunity to practice Spanish in everyday settings. This approach really kicks off your Spanish skills via full immersion and also provides a meaningful connection to the local community. If you’re serious about improving your Spanish and surfing skills, then this is an ideal option for you.
- Location: Outdoor Ecuador Spanish School, Calle Othmar Staheli, Olón, Ecuador
- Duration: 22 days / 21 nights
- Price: From $1800
- Reserve your spot: Book here
Surf, Freediving, and Yoga Retreat in the Galápagos Islands
Looking for a more adventurous, unique experience surrounded by some of the strangest flora and fauna found on Earth? This 6-Day Surf, Freediving, and Yoga Retreat in the Galápagos Islands might be for you. Yoga Revista offers an immersive retreat that is set in the tranquil Punta Estrada area of Santa Cruz. The retreat includes daily yoga and meditation sessions, surf lessons, and freediving activities. Participants also engage in shatkarma (purification techniques), pranayama, and sound baths.
The retreat provides six nights of accommodation, all meals that are vegetarian and vegan versions of traditional Ecuadorian dishes, and includes an airport transfer. Accommodations are rustic but comfortable, offering private rooms with ocean views and direct access to the sea. Additional activities include kayaking, snorkeling, and nature hikes, which allow you to explore the stunning biodiversity of the Galápagos.
- Location: Yoga Revista, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
- Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
- Price: From $1490
- Reserve your spot: Book here
8-Day Yoga and Surf Camp in Ayampe, Ecuador
Ayampe is the holistic, alternative beach town that has incredible waves and is a little off the beaten track (but also just 30 minutes from Olón and Montañita).
The 8-Day Energizing Yoga and Surf Camp at Vistamar Guest House in Ayampe provides a serene setting where the jungle meets the ocean. The retreat includes daily yoga sessions on a 64m² deck with panoramic views, surf lessons tailored to all skill levels, and comfortable accommodations equipped with air conditioning and hot water.
Guests can enjoy fresh, healthy meals prepared from scratch, access to surfboards and bikes, and optional excursions like jungle hikes and cultural experiences. With personalized attention from experienced instructors and a variety of activities to choose from, this retreat is an ideal getaway if you’re seeking balance, community, and a deeper connection to nature.
7-Day Surf & Yoga Camp in Montañita
The 7-Day Tropical Paradise Surf & Yoga Camp at Hotel Sumpa in Montañita includes six surf lessons tailored to your skill level, three yoga sessions, and a massage. Accommodations are comfortable and are equipped with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. The property also has an outdoor swimming pool for unwinding after a day of activities, which is a nice touch. Daily breakfasts and dinners are provided, while optional airport transfers from Guayaquil International Airport (GYE) are available for added convenience.
The combination of structured activities and free time allows for personal exploration. Whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer seeking new challenges, this camp caters to all levels. With its comprehensive program and idyllic location, this retreat offers a holistic approach to personal growth.
Check out the Ecuador Yoga Retreats
If surfing camps aren’t really your thing, or nothing quite stood out for you in this list, maybe yoga is. I have curated a list of the 5 best Ecuador yoga retreats that you can find here.
