
Playa Santa Marianita
A kitesurfing haven with a laid-back vibe, Playa Santa Marianita offers consistent winds and charming beachfront cafes, despite recent tidal impacts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime kitesurfing winds

Playa Santa Marianita
Best Time
Prime kitesurfing winds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A kitesurfing haven with a laid-back vibe, Playa Santa Marianita offers consistent winds and charming beachfront cafes, despite recent tidal impacts.
"Awesome place, relax and quiet. The best kite-surfing experience."

Book Kitesurfing Lessons Early
Secure your spot with schools like Kite Ecuador; instructors are knowledgeable and patient. :kite:
Pack Beach Essentials
Bring your own towels and chairs as beach amenities can be limited. :beachwithumbrella:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kitesurfing Paradise
Along the main beach
Experience thrilling kitesurfing with consistent winds and dedicated schools. Perfect for all skill levels.

Relaxing Beachfront Cafes
Along the main strip
Enjoy charming, laid-back cafes offering drinks and local bites with ocean views.

Tranquil Morning and Sunset Walks
The entire stretch of beach
Find peace on quiet morning and sunset strolls, away from the midday crowds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind for Kitesurfing
Manage Expectations for Beach Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Kitesurfing Lessons Early
Secure your spot with schools like Kite Ecuador; instructors are knowledgeable and patient. :kite:
Pack Beach Essentials
Bring your own towels and chairs as beach amenities can be limited. :beachwithumbrella:
Be Prepared for Beach Debris
Recent tides can leave debris; embrace the natural state. :wave:
Bring Cash for Small Stalls
Many local eateries and kiosks prefer cash. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Kitesurfing Lessons Early
Secure your spot with schools like Kite Ecuador; instructors are knowledgeable and patient. :kite:
Pack Beach Essentials
Bring your own towels and chairs as beach amenities can be limited. :beachwithumbrella:
Be Prepared for Beach Debris
Recent tides can leave debris; embrace the natural state. :wave:
Bring Cash for Small Stalls
Many local eateries and kiosks prefer cash. :moneybag:
Taxi to Manta for Supplies
For extensive shopping, a taxi to Manta is necessary. :taxi:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Santa Marianita is a mixed bag, praised by kitesurfers for its excellent wind conditions and by those seeking a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. However, recent tidal changes have impacted the beach's appearance, with some visitors noting debris and a less-than-ideal sandy surface. The local dining and limited shopping options also contribute to its unique, laid-back charm.
"Awesome place, relax and quiet.
The best kite-surfing experience, with Kite Ecuador, Xavier its Owner excellent, Pedro my instructor knowledgeable and patient. 100% recommend to visit them"
Jose Porras
"The people that have given this beach good reviews have either never been to good beaches, or they went to a different beach.
The only beach I have been to that is worse than this is Huanchaco near Trujillo in Peru.
We stayed for several weeks and arrived a few days before the recent king tides; so we saw it before the beach was mostly washed away over the Christmas and New Year period.
There were multiple steps and ramps down to the beach that were built by the locals who rent out the beach chairs and shelters, and we enjoyed long walks to the north.
It is very narrow at high tide now, since much of the beach has been washed away, and there are big patches of stones and small rocks, and a large amount of timber and tree roots and branches that have been washed up on the beach.
It is not a proper sandy beach. It is half made up of black dirt from the shoreline; so it Is not clean to sit or lay on. Anyone who sits or lays on the beach gets filthy dirty.
Most people park their cars on the road directly overlooking the beach, where they socialise without even going down to the beach.
Many of the locals play really loud music from their massive sound systems whilst driving up and down or when parked. Too bad if you don’t like the music.
(If you have booked accommodation along the main strip, be prepared for extremely loud music from the Hotel Villa Kite at night. This happened on one Friday till 1am and one Saturday night till 2am while we were here; and it wasn’t on New Year’s Eve either.)
There are many smaller restaurants and a couple of bigger ones. The two we tried only had alcoholic drinks and no juices. We were able to buy these at the small stalls nearby, but I didn’t trust the ice, so they were not cold.
Hardly any shops here. There is a liquor store and a couple of tiny kiosks with bars across the front doors where you can buy basic groceries etc. If you need anything more, you need to take a $10 taxi ride into Manta.
It is not an attractive place to go to."
Portpad Traveller
"Not good for swimming, but it's walkable partly, but there's not much space. The cabañas close by serve good food and the view/sound is nice."
Jérôme Neumanns
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa Santa Marianita is a short taxi ride from Manta, typically costing around $10. It's a convenient option for a quick getaway from the city crowds.
Parking is generally available along the road overlooking the beach, though it can get busy on Sundays.
While taxis are common, local buses might also serve the route from Manta, though schedules can be less frequent. It's best to confirm locally.
Many kitesurfers opt for taxis or private transport to easily bring their gear.
Car rentals are typically found in Manta. Renting a car gives you flexibility to explore the surrounding areas as well.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa Santa Marianita is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access it.
The beach is accessible at all hours, though amenities and restaurants have their own operating times.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book kitesurfing lessons in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but be mindful of local customs and any temporary closures due to tides or events.
Yes, locals often rent out beach chairs and shelters, especially during busier periods.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides kitesurfing, you can enjoy relaxing walks, visit beachfront cafes, and simply soak in the laid-back atmosphere.
Swimming conditions can vary, and it's not always ideal due to currents or debris. Kitesurfing is the primary water activity.
The beach can be a mix of sand, dirt, and rocks, and may have washed-up debris due to tides. It's not always a pristine sandy beach.
While you can bring your own music, be aware that locals sometimes play loud music from car sound systems.
Early mornings and late afternoons/evenings offer the most tranquil experience, away from the midday kitesurfing activity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several smaller and a couple of larger restaurants offering food and drinks. Some only serve alcoholic beverages.
You might need to purchase juices from nearby small stalls, but be cautious about ice quality.
Fresh juices might be available at small kiosks, but options can be limited.
Small stalls and local eateries offer more affordable options compared to larger restaurants.
There are a few tiny kiosks selling basic groceries, but for a wider selection, you'll need to go to Manta.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dynamic kitesurfers in action, the colorful beachfront cafes, and the serene sunrises and sunsets.
Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) provide beautiful lighting for beach scenes and kitesurfing shots.
The main beach strip offers continuous views, and elevated spots along the road can provide a wider perspective.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing kitesurfers from a distance, while a wide-angle lens is great for beach landscapes.
Check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying. Respect privacy and safety guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as food options can be limited to what's available at the cafes, and non-alcoholic choices might require a bit of searching. The laid-back atmosphere means kids can enjoy the open space, and the novelty of seeing kitesurfers might captivate their attention. Just be mindful of the beach's condition and supervise children closely near the water.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider packing your own snacks and drinks. Renting beach chairs might be an option, but bringing your own towel is always a good idea. The main expense for many here is kitesurfing lessons, which can be an investment, but there are multiple schools offering competitive rates. Enjoying the atmosphere and the views without participating in paid activities is entirely possible and still rewarding.
🏄♀️ Adventure Seekers & Kitesurfers
Beyond kitesurfing, the adventurous can explore the coastline on foot during low tide, discovering unique shells and rock formations. The thrill of the wind and waves is palpable here, offering an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves water sports and the great outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kitesurfing Hub of Ecuador
When planning your kitesurfing adventure, it's wise to book lessons or equipment rentals in advance, especially during busier periods. The schools provide a safe and encouraging atmosphere, making it accessible even for those who have never tried the sport before. The vibrant energy of kitesurfers dotting the sky adds to the unique charm of Playa Santa Marianita, making it a must-visit for water sports enthusiasts.
Understanding the Beach's Evolving Landscape
Despite these changes, the beach retains its charm for those seeking a more relaxed and less commercialized experience. The presence of local vendors who have built steps and ramps down to the beach offers some accessibility. While it may not be a picture-perfect sandy expanse, the unique character and the vibrant kitesurfing scene continue to draw visitors who appreciate its laid-back vibe and natural, albeit altered, beauty.
Local Flavors and Dining Experiences
For visitors looking for more extensive shopping or a wider variety of dining choices, a short taxi ride to the nearby city of Manta is recommended. However, for a truly local experience, embracing the offerings at the beachside spots provides a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy meals with ocean views. Many of these places are cash-preferred, so having some local currency on hand is a good idea.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit