The beach at Montañita stretches north from La Punta for about a kilometre, wide and sandy with clean water. The southern section near the point is where the surf happens; the northern part is calmer and better for swimming. At weekends the beach fills with day-trippers from Guayaquil, and the vendors, music, and general noise make it a party beach as much as a surf beach.
On weekday mornings before noon the beach is practically empty. The water is warm from December to May when the northern currents prevail; cooler and more overcast from June to November when the Humboldt Current pushes up from the south. Either way, the beach itself is inviting. The strip of food stalls and beach bars behind the sand serves ceviche, cold beer, and grilled fish at prices that make you glad you're in Ecuador.