An Adventurer's Pacific Paradise

Cruise to Manta, Ecuador

Cruises to Manta, Ecuador will leave visitors remembering how in this city most everything revolves around the warm Pacific waters, whose waves crash on the numerous sandy beaches. Those beaches continue to entice tourists from around the world looking to kitesurf, ride the waves on more traditional surfboards, or simply unwind on its shores. Known as the "Tuna Capital of the World," tuna fishing has, in large part, made this once-sleepy fishing town a wealthy global player and a seafood lover's paradise. Soak up the sun, waves, and local Ecuadorian dishes, or behold humpback Pacific whales, listen to howler monkeys in their natural habitat, learn about ancient cultures or buy a handcrafted Panama hat. Then, don your new hat to explore this vibrant seaport city that welcomes cruises with a warm, coastal embrace.

National Language Spanish

Currency Accepted U.S. Dollar (USD)

Things To Do in Manta

Montanita beach break. Ecuador surfing extreme spot.

Ride the Waves

Whether you dream of riding the waves unassisted or harnessing wind power with a kite to propel you, Manta's beaches offer top-notch surfing (traditional and kiteboarding). Take a lesson at Santa Marianita with a professional kitesurfing instructor and grab a gust of air to bounce around the waves and water. Or head to Playa San Mateo, where beginners can snag a surfing lesson and experienced riders know that the best waves break between December and March.

Humpback Whale breaching at Puerto Lopez, Ecuador.

Whale Watchers' Delight

If you have time, head to the Machalilla National Park, where you can witness thousands of humpback whales swimming in the shallows between Puerto Lopez and Isla de la Plata. It's considered some of the best whale watching in Latin America. If time isn't on your side, walk to the top of the Santa Marianita hills, bring your binoculars and spot whales breaching out of the Pacific waters.

The Capuchin on a tree in Ecuadorian Jungle

Monkey Business

A 20-minute drive from town and you'll be in the Pacoche Lodge and Reserve, one of the last remaining semi-dry forests in Ecuador teeming with natural wildlife. There, you'll see and hear the monkeys — cute, playful capuchins and noisy howlers — along with hundreds of coastal bird species, armadillos and wild cats.

Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche, a traditional appetizer.

LOCAL CUISINE

One of the best things to do in Manta, Ecuador, is to enjoy the next-level fresh, local seafood. If you're going to have a raw or semi-raw seafood dish, it should be here. Try an Ecuadorian ceviche, made with locally caught tuna, cured in fresh citrus juice with cilantro, peppers and topped with crispy plantain chips (chifles) or roasted, salty corn nuts. Or try a local roasted tuna with a peanut sauce, served with plantains for something distinctly coastal.

SHOPPING

Popularized by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt during the construction of the Panama Canal in 1906, the famous Panama hat is actually from Montecristi, Ecuador (20 minutes outside of Manta). Made of native toquilla palms, the handcrafted hats were declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Art Form in 2012 and are as chic today as when Roosevelt wore them to stave off the tropical sun in Panama.

Insider's Tips

1 Manta's warm season, from late January until late May, sees average daily highs of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with the hottest month being March. The cooler season lasts from July to November when temperatures dip to a balmy 70º F.

2 Ecuadorians and visitors alike flock to Manta from January to March, considered to be the "high season," but don't worry, there's enough room for everyone!

3 To get around, Manta's inexpensive bus system and taxis will get you to your destination quickly. Negotiate before you hop into that cab, and don't forget to carry small bills to pay for your fare.